Strong Fallout 4: A Comprehensive Guide to the Super Mutant Companion

Introduction

The post-apocalyptic landscape of Fallout 4 is a dangerous place, a shattered world filled with ghouls, raiders, and mutated creatures. To survive, you’ll need allies, and the Commonwealth offers a diverse cast of companions ready to join your quest. Among these, one stands out not just for his imposing stature but also for his unique worldview: Strong, the Super Mutant. With a thirst for knowledge and a peculiar fascination with the “milk of human kindness,” Strong is unlike any other companion you’ll encounter. This article dives deep into the world of Strong Fallout 4, exploring his strengths, weaknesses, his unique perk, the quest that binds you together, and offering strategies for maximizing his effectiveness as a companion. Whether you’re a seasoned Fallout player or new to the Commonwealth, this guide will provide everything you need to know about Strong and how to make the most of his powerful presence.

Who is Strong?

Before he became the powerhouse companion we know in Fallout 4, Strong was trapped alongside another Super Mutant named Rex, deep within the confines of Trinity Tower, held captive by a human called Rex Goodman. These captives were constantly forced to perform in a theatrical production for the twisted enjoyment of Goodman and his raider cohorts. This cruel environment served as the catalyst for Strong’s fervent quest to discover the “milk of human kindness,” a mythical attribute he believes is the key to true strength and power, a concept derived from a Shakespearean play. He mistakenly assumes that by finding this elusive quality, he can evolve into an even stronger and more formidable Super Mutant.

Strong’s personality is, well, strong. He’s blunt, direct, and driven by a simple but unwavering goal. He struggles to understand human customs and often expresses his opinions in a straightforward, sometimes shocking, manner. What motivates Strong is the constant pursuit of this legendary “milk,” which leads him to both respect and disapprove of the player’s actions based on his interpretation of whether they contribute to finding it. This makes his alignment somewhat unpredictable, tied not to traditional morality but to his own idiosyncratic logic. You’ll find Strong liking it when you’re violent and merciless, and disliking it when you are too kind and peaceful. This creates a fascinating dynamic as you try to navigate his approval and disapproval.

Strong’s Unique Companion Perk: Berserk

Each companion in Fallout 4 offers a unique perk, a passive ability that enhances the player character’s capabilities once a strong enough bond is established. Strong is no exception, bestowing upon the player the “Berserk” perk. This perk grants a significant boost to melee weapon damage, increasing it by twenty percent, when the player’s health falls below twenty-five percent. While seemingly risky, Berserk can be incredibly effective for players who embrace a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. This allows for turning the tables in difficult situations.

The effectiveness of Berserk hinges on your build and combat style. It’s most beneficial for players who specialize in melee combat and are comfortable engaging enemies at close range. It encourages an aggressive approach, rewarding you for pushing your character to the brink. The “Berserk” perk synergizes exceptionally well with perks like “Iron Fist,” “Big Leagues,” and “Blitz,” which further enhance melee damage and combat efficiency. Moreover, it can be used with certain legendary weapon effects that trigger at low health, creating a powerful and potentially devastating combination. While Berserk might not be suitable for all builds, it offers a distinct advantage for those who are bold enough to embrace its risky nature.

Improving Your Relationship with Strong

Building a strong relationship with Strong Fallout 4, as with any companion, requires understanding his likes and dislikes. Earning his approval is not about being a paragon of virtue; instead, it involves embracing certain behaviors that align with his primitive understanding of strength. For instance, Strong approves when the player engages in acts of violence, such as killing enemies or intimidating others. He also likes it when you consume corpses, a practice he sees as both practical and demonstrative of dominance. Using melee weapons in combat is another way to gain his approval, reinforcing his perception of raw strength as a superior method of engagement.

Conversely, Strong disapproves of actions that he perceives as weak or cowardly. He dislikes the use of power armor, seeing it as a reliance on technology rather than innate strength. Lockpicking, a skill requiring finesse rather than brute force, also draws his ire. Peaceful solutions, like diplomacy or negotiation, are generally frowned upon, as he believes that true strength lies in direct confrontation. To quickly maximize Strong’s affinity, focus on completing quests that involve combat, prioritize melee attacks, and don’t shy away from aggressive dialogue options. Be mindful of his reactions in conversations and strive to align your choices with his values, however unconventional they may be.

Strong in Combat

Strong is a powerhouse in combat. His greatest assets are his high damage output and his considerable tankiness. He excels in close-quarters engagements, wielding heavy weapons and melee tools with brutal effectiveness. He can soak up significant damage, making him a reliable front-line fighter. His strength allows him to carry a considerable amount of equipment, making him a valuable asset for hoarding loot and supplies. He truly shines in situations where raw power and resilience are paramount.

However, Strong has weaknesses. He is not accurate with ranged weapons, making him less effective in long-distance engagements. His size and lack of subtlety also make him ill-suited for stealth missions. He can be a liability in situations requiring finesse or tactical maneuvering. To optimize Strong’s effectiveness, consider pairing him with a stealthy player who can scout ahead and pick off enemies from a distance. Use him as a decoy to draw enemy fire, allowing you to flank opponents or set up ambushes. Equipping him with a powerful melee weapon or a heavy machine gun will maximize his damage output and allow him to excel in his role as a brutal front-line fighter.

Strong’s Quest: Curtain Call

Curtain Call is Strong’s companion quest, that involves freeing him from Trinity Tower. Once freed, this quest allows the player to forge a deeper connection with the Super Mutant and unlock his companion perk. The quest begins with tracking down radio tower that broadcasts Goodman’s theatrical production. Reaching the top of the building and dealing with all the threats along the way, the player and Strong will have to decide to free Rex as well or leave him behind. This is a good way to affect Strong’s Affinity, for better or for worse.

Strong as a Character

Strong is more than just a muscle-bound Super Mutant; he represents a unique perspective on strength, morality, and the nature of humanity. His quest for the “milk of human kindness” is a metaphor for the search for meaning and purpose in a broken world. He challenges the player to question their own values and consider alternative interpretations of strength. While his methods may be unconventional, his earnest pursuit of knowledge and understanding makes him a surprisingly sympathetic character. He adds depth and complexity to the game’s narrative, forcing players to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them.

Equipment and Customization

Equipping Strong with the right gear is crucial to maximizing his combat effectiveness. Focus on armor that provides high damage resistance and protection from energy weapons. Metal armor and heavy combat armor are excellent choices. For weapons, prioritize melee weapons with high base damage, such as the Super Sledge or Grognak’s Axe. Heavy machine guns are also effective, allowing him to unleash a torrent of bullets on unsuspecting enemies. Don’t forget to provide him with plenty of ammunition and healing items. He’s not picky, so go wild.

Conclusion

Strong is a powerful and compelling companion in Fallout 4. His raw strength, unique perk, and quirky personality make him a valuable asset in the Commonwealth. While his unconventional views and limitations in certain situations may present challenges, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. By understanding his likes and dislikes, optimizing his equipment, and utilizing his combat skills effectively, you can forge a strong bond with this Super Mutant and unlock his full potential. Strong Fallout 4 adds a unique element to the game, making the wasteland a slightly more interesting place.