Strong’s Strength: A Deep Dive into Fallout 4’s Most Unique Companion

Brute Force and Unadulterated Power

Have you ever found yourself wandering the desolate wasteland of Fallout Four, wishing for a companion who appreciates a good pile of skulls as much as a well-placed nuka-grenade? Maybe you long for someone who actively disapproves of your attempts to help those pesky settlers. If so, then Strong, the Super Mutant with a philosophical bent, might just be the perfect travel buddy for your post-apocalyptic adventures.

Strong is one of the most distinctive companions in Fallout Four. Found locked away in Trinity Tower, a grim testament to the brutality of the Commonwealth, this Super Mutant is on a quest for something… unusual. He believes the key to understanding humanity lies in finding the “Milk of Human Kindness,” a phrase he gleaned from Shakespeare. His earnest, albeit misguided, search and his disdain for many traditionally “good” actions make him a complex and often hilarious addition to the Sole Survivor’s entourage. This article will explore the many facets of Strong, looking at his unique combat abilities, his surprising lore, and the reasons he might be the strongest, in more ways than one, companion available.

When it comes to raw, unbridled power, Strong is a force to be reckoned with. His high starting strength stat makes him an absolute beast in melee combat. Forget fancy energy weapons or meticulously crafted rifles; Strong prefers to get up close and personal, smashing enemies into oblivion with a super sledge or a well-aimed strike from his massive fists. This makes him an ideal companion for players who enjoy a more direct, hands-on approach to combat.

Strong’s Berserk perk further enhances his combat prowess. This perk grants increased melee damage when Strong’s health is low, rewarding aggressive play and making him even more dangerous when he’s near death. He’s essentially a Super Mutant glass cannon, dishing out incredible damage at the expense of his own well-being.

To effectively utilize this perk, you’ll want to build a character that can quickly reduce enemies’ health while also keeping Strong alive. Perks that increase melee damage, such as Iron Fist, Big Leagues, and Rooted, are essential. Armor that increases health or provides damage resistance is also highly recommended. Remember, keeping Strong alive long enough to trigger his Berserk perk is key to unleashing his full potential.

His preference for melee combat isn’t just about damage; it’s also about crowd control. Strong can easily wade into a group of enemies, knocking them down and disrupting their attacks, giving you valuable breathing room to plan your next move. Couple his combat strength with the fact that as a Fallout Four companion, his carrying capacity is much higher than a typical companion. This means he can haul a significant amount of loot, a godsend for any wasteland scavenger. Strong is a reliable pack mule and brutal force rolled into one green package.

More Than Meets the Eye: Lore and Motivation

Beyond his combat abilities, Strong is a surprisingly compelling character with a fascinating backstory. His quest for the “Milk of Human Kindness” is both humorous and poignant. He believes this metaphorical substance holds the key to understanding humanity and becoming a better Super Mutant. He gleaned the idea from a snippet of Shakespeare, but his interpretation is, to put it mildly, unconventional. He interprets it literally, seeking it in anything and everything.

His perspective on humans is equally unique. He often expresses disdain for their weakness and perceived irrationality. He disapproves of activities like lockpicking, settlement building, and even using power armor, seeing them as signs of human frailty. This can lead to some amusing, albeit frustrating, interactions, especially if you’re trying to play a morally upright character.

His motivations for traveling with the Sole Survivor are not entirely clear. He seems drawn to the player’s actions, observing and learning, hoping to find clues to the “Milk of Human Kindness.” He is a constant, and vocal, critic. Is he genuinely interested in understanding humans, or is he simply using the player as a means to an end? The answer, perhaps, lies somewhere in between.

Strong’s past, including his association with Rex Goodman and the other Super Mutants at Trinity Tower, adds depth to his character. His time spent locked in the tower, witnessing human depravity, likely shaped his cynical view of humanity. It makes him complex, because it is easy to dismiss the big green guy. Strong serves as a reminder that even the most monstrous-looking creatures can possess surprising layers of complexity.

Navigating the Wasteland with a Super Mutant

To truly get the most out of Strong as a companion, you need to understand his likes and dislikes. He approves of actions that demonstrate strength, aggression, and a willingness to do what it takes to survive. He disapproves of actions that he perceives as weak, cowardly, or overly altruistic.

Raising his affinity can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort to unlock his Berserk perk. Focusing on completing quests that involve combat, choosing aggressive dialogue options, and occasionally indulging in some cannibalism (yes, he approves of that) are all effective ways to boost his affinity.

As a melee-focused companion, Strong benefits from gear that enhances his strength, endurance, and damage resistance. A super sledge, a good set of armor, and a few stimpaks are all he needs to be a formidable force on the battlefield.

Tactically, Strong is best used as a front-line brawler. Send him charging into the fray to draw enemy fire and disrupt their formations, while you provide support from a distance. Just be sure to keep an eye on his health and provide healing when necessary.

Alternatives and Considerations

While Strong is a powerful and unique companion, he’s not for everyone. If you prefer a stealthy approach or a companion who shares your moral values, other companions might be a better fit.

Paladin Danse, for example, is another strong melee fighter, but he’s far more aligned with traditional notions of good and evil. Cait is a skilled brawler with a troubled past, offering a different perspective on the wasteland. However, neither has the raw combat strength and carrying capacity that Strong brings to the table.

The choice of companion ultimately depends on your playstyle and personal preferences. If you value raw power, a unique perspective, and don’t mind a bit of moral ambiguity, Strong is an excellent choice.

A Green Companion for the Ages

Strong is far from the perfect companion. His AI can be wonky, his moral compass is skewed, and his dialogue can become repetitive. However, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. His incredible combat abilities, unique personality, and fascinating lore make him one of the most memorable companions in Fallout Four.

So, is Strong a worthwhile companion? Absolutely. He offers a refreshing contrast to the more traditional companions, forcing you to confront your own moral choices and question your assumptions about the wasteland. He is a green behemoth with a heart of gold, sort of.

Whether you love him or hate him, Strong is a companion that stays with you long after you’ve left the Commonwealth behind. He will make you laugh, make you question your sanity, and occasionally make you want to throw your controller across the room. But he will also make your Fallout Four experience unforgettable.

Perhaps, after all, the real Milk of Human Kindness was the friends we made along the way. Or, in Strong’s case, the pile of raider skulls we left in our wake.