Strong in Fallout 4: More Than Just a Musclebound Mutant

Character Overview: The Super Mutant with a Taste for Human Kindness

The Commonwealth wasteland is a harsh and unforgiving place, teeming with raiders, feral ghouls, and mutated creatures. Amidst this chaos, players of Fallout 4 encounter a diverse cast of characters, many of whom offer companionship and assistance in their perilous journey. Among these companions stands Strong, a hulking Super Mutant with an unlikely obsession: finding the elusive “milk of human kindness.” He is more than just a brute; he is a complex and compelling character who challenges the player’s moral compass and offers a unique perspective on the wasteland. This article explores the depths of Strong’s character, his gameplay mechanics, his impact on the narrative, and the reasons behind his surprising popularity.

Strong’s story begins within the confines of Trinity Tower, a towering skyscraper overrun by Super Mutants. Players first encounter him trapped alongside Rex Goodman, a captive human. He isn’t a product of Vault experimentation like some, but a result of Forced Evolutionary Virus exposure. Rescuing Strong and Rex is just the beginning of understanding his eccentric worldview.

What immediately sets Strong apart from other Super Mutants, known for their aggression and limited intellect, is his fervent quest for “the milk of human kindness.” This enigmatic phrase, gleaned from Shakespearean texts, represents to him the key to unlocking true strength and power. His understanding of this concept, however, is often literal and hilariously misguided. He believes that witnessing acts of brutality will unlock this secret power, a dangerous and contradictory belief.

This quest is central to his personality and motivations. He’s brutally honest, often blunt to the point of being offensive, and takes concepts at face value. Nuance and subtlety are lost on him, leading to humorous and sometimes unsettling interactions. He sees the wasteland through a unique lens, viewing humans as both potential sources of kindness and objects of experimentation in his search. His views on other mutants are equally complex, recognizing both the potential for strength and the inherent dangers they pose. This makes his presence a constant source of moral questioning for the player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Companion Perks

Recruiting Strong into your Fallout 4 adventure requires venturing into Trinity Tower, a perilous location filled with Super Mutants and deadly traps. After clearing the tower and freeing him and Rex, he will offer his services as a companion.

Maintaining a positive relationship with Strong involves understanding his likes and dislikes, which can be both frustrating and rewarding. He approves of actions that he perceives as strong and decisive, such as using brute force to solve problems or engaging in cannibalism (a trait he finds particularly appealing, much to the player’s potential disgust). Conversely, he strongly disapproves of actions that he perceives as weak or compassionate, such as using persuasion to resolve conflicts or helping settlers in need. Navigating these preferences is a key element of his companionship, forcing the player to consider their own moral choices.

Loyalty to Strong brings the unique “Berserk” perk, a valuable asset for certain playstyles. Berserk grants a significant increase in melee weapon damage when the player’s health is low. This synergizes well with melee-focused builds, incentivizing players to embrace a high-risk, high-reward combat strategy. It also reflects Strong’s own fighting style, which relies on brute force and overwhelming aggression. The perk reinforces the idea that embracing a certain level of ruthlessness can unlock immense power in the wasteland.

Strong’s Impact on the Narrative and Player Experience

Strong’s dialogue and interactions are a constant source of amusement and moral questioning. His literal interpretations of human customs and his blunt pronouncements on morality often lead to hilarious situations. Lines like, “Human making bad decision. Must crush!” are both funny and indicative of his limited understanding. These exchanges provide welcome moments of levity in the often grim atmosphere of the Commonwealth.

He significantly impacts quest outcomes and conversations. His presence can alter the tone of negotiations, sometimes leading to more violent resolutions. He might voice his disapproval of peaceful solutions, urging the player to take a more forceful approach. This forces players to weigh the consequences of their actions and consider the impact their companion has on the overall narrative.

His search for the “milk of human kindness” leads to deep philosophical questions about the nature of good and evil, strength and weakness. What does it truly mean to be strong? Is kindness a weakness or a source of power? Strong’s perspective challenges the player to examine their own beliefs and values in the context of the wasteland. He embodies the idea that morality is not always black and white, but a complex shade of grey.

He contrasts other companions. Piper, the inquisitive reporter, represents journalistic integrity and a desire to uncover the truth. Nick Valentine, the synth detective, grapples with his identity and the nature of humanity. Strong, with his simplistic goals and brutal honesty, serves as a foil to these more nuanced characters. He highlights the spectrum of personalities and perspectives that exist within the Commonwealth, enriching the player’s experience.

Analyzing Strong’s Popularity and Reception

Despite his seemingly simple nature, Strong has garnered a significant following among Fallout 4 players. Online forums and social media platforms are filled with discussions, fan art, and theories surrounding his character. Some players appreciate his comedic relief, while others are drawn to his unwavering loyalty and combat prowess. The sheer volume of fan-generated content dedicated to Strong is a testament to his enduring appeal.

Critics have offered varied opinions on his character. Some praise his unique perspective and comedic timing, while others criticize his perceived lack of depth and his reliance on stereotypes. His simple-minded nature can be seen as either endearing or limiting, depending on the individual’s interpretation. Addressing these criticisms is essential to understanding the multifaceted nature of his reception.

His popularity can be attributed to several factors. First, his uniqueness as a Super Mutant companion breaks the mold of traditional Fallout followers. His quest for “the milk of human kindness” is an intriguing and unconventional motivation. Second, his dialogue and interactions are consistently entertaining, providing moments of levity in a bleak setting. Finally, his combat abilities make him a valuable asset in the wasteland, capable of taking down even the toughest enemies. These factors combine to make Strong a memorable and beloved companion in Fallout 4.

Conclusion

Strong is more than just a musclebound Super Mutant with a penchant for cannibalism. He is a complex and compelling character who challenges the player’s moral compass, offers a unique perspective on the wasteland, and provides moments of levity in a dark and unforgiving world. He disrupts the familiar, questioning common assumptions about strength and weakness in a post-apocalyptic setting. His search for the “milk of human kindness” is a poignant reminder that even in the most brutal of environments, the potential for good still exists, however distorted it may become. He embodies the chaotic, unpredictable nature of Fallout 4, making him a valuable and memorable addition to the game’s cast of characters. Ultimately, Strong’s presence underscores the idea that true strength comes in many forms, and that even a hulking Super Mutant can possess a surprising degree of depth and complexity. His journey into the wasteland in search of an elusive ideal leaves players pondering the true meaning of strength and the nature of humanity, making him a character that resonates long after the game is completed. His legacy remains intertwined with the heart of Fallout 4.