The Outer Worlds: Complete Companions Guide

Playing an RPG can be a lonely experience. Thankfully, The Outer Worlds has six companions, two of whom can join you on your adventures at any one time. Each has their useful traits, but a few are just nice to have around, providing infrequent commentary about where you’ve visited and what you’ve done. All companions have one or several quests that will evolve the relationship you form with them throughout the game.

This guide features light spoilers for the early hours of The Outer Worlds; read at your own discretion. 

Parvati 

Parvati is the first and arguably the most likeable Outer Worlds companion you’ll meet in the entire game

You meet Parvati soon after starting the game’s main story, during the Stranger In A Strange Land quest. Upon entering the town of Edgewater, follow the green icon to the towns centre building.  Once you’ve gone through a short conversation, she will join your party on a temporarily. If you deem her worthy, she can join your crew after completing all early main quests on Terra-2.

Parvati is genuinely likeable and useful to have around. Having her in your party will give your team bonuses in engineering and persuasion. As with the majority of companions, Parvati can be upgraded in her skill tree, as well as kitted out with different weapons and armour.  I think she is the best overall companion in The Outer Worlds. 

Nyoka

Nyoka’s use of heavy weapons, plus her multiple skill boosts, make her a great addition to your crew

Found drinking her wages away on the planet Monarch, You’ll meet Nyoka while on the main quest, Radio Free Monarch. Speaking to her will give you the passion pills quest, a short mission involving the acquirement of some drugs. This quest is mandatory, so it’s impossible to miss this companion. If your playstyle is more aggressive, Nyoka’s use of heavy weapons can help level an unequal fight. 

Apart from carrying a large laser machine gun, Nyoka will give you a bonus in your lie, sneak and medical skills.

Vicor Max

Hacking is an indispensable skill in The Outer Worlds, so Max’s skill boost comes in handy

After meeting Parvati, she’ll point you in the direction of Edgewater church. Inside you’ll encounter Vicar Max, a mysterious man who seems to have more on his mind than pondering the divine. Naturally, he has a side quest for you to complete, giving you access to the Illustrated Manual quest. Your goal is to find an ancient, forbidden book and is simple enough to attain;  follow the quest marker, and deal with any marauders along the way.

Once you’ve found the book, return to Max, who, upon looking at it, becomes incensed by the unreadability of the manual. Left with little choice, Max will offer to join your crew. Max is handy for boosting hacking and intimidation skills.

SAM

Sam can’t be customised with armour or weapons but does have his an upgradeable skill tree

If a mechanical alias is more your bag, SAM may be the perfect companion for you. When you’ve completed the first few story quests on Terra-2, head to your ship, the unreliable. Go to the top floor, and you’ll find SAM. The would-be companion is missing a component; talk to the ship’s AI and complete the Cleaning Machine side quest.

Unlike other companions, you can’t give the robot any weapons or equipment. Instead, he’s equipped with an acid spray gun. If part of the crew, SAM will boost your intimidation and hacking skills.

Felix

Felix’s boost in sneaking and lockpicking make him a worthwhile compatriot if playing a less violent playstyle

Felix is a young lad with a disliking for authority. You’ll meet him as soon as you land on the Groundbreaker. He’ll be arguing with a security officer, so join the conversation and defend him. Once you’ve completed the quest Passage To Anywhere, Felix will be hanging around the outside of your ship, eager to join the crew.

While in your crew, Felix will boast your Persuade, lock picking and sneak.

Ellie 

Ellie’s specialist training provides a  boost to your medical and engineering skills

You’ll meet Ellie on the Groundbreaker, in the medical bay. To get Ellie on your team, you’ll have to complete the side quest, Worst Contract. The quest involves you paying off or persuading a Halcyon official, freeing Ellie of a debt. Feeling like she owes you, Ellie can now join your team.

A pirate/medic, Ellie adds a bonus to your engineering, medical and lie skills.

Conclusion

Obsidian’s latest game is fantastic and provides precisely what the western RPG genre needs to get out of its recent stagnation. The secret to a great RPG is excellent writing and interesting characters, both of which The Outer Worlds has in spades. I hope this companions guide helps you make the best choices for your playstyle.

The Outer Worlds is a game not to be missed. You can pick it up on PS4, Xbox One and PC.