Summary
TheFalloutseries is renowned for its post-apocalyptic storytelling, immersive world-building, and unforgettable cast of characters. From loyal four-legged (or three-limbed) companions to complex figures with deep philosophical insights, players have formed deep attachments toFallout’smost iconic NPCs.
Whether inFallout 4,New Vegas, or the classic isometric entries, these post-apocalyptic characters have stood the test of time (even if a nuke-obsessed United States didn’t) and are ranked here not by power or infamy, but by how deeply they have connected with players across the Wasteland.
8Curie - Fallout 4
The Medic With a Heart of Gold (And Other Circuitry Materials)
Originally a robot conducting research in Vault 81, Curie (or The Contagion Vulnerability Robotic Infirmary Engineer, CVRIE) eventually uploads her consciousness into a synth body to obtain the creativity necessary for scientific breakthroughs. Once transferred into a humanoid shape, thanks in part to the Sole Survivor, she undergoes a dramatic evolution physically, emotionally, and philosophically.
Her fascination with life, love, and the nuances of emotion is one ofFallout 4’s most side quest stories. As well as providing arefreshingly altruistic and selfless(if a little naive) outlook, Curie grants the Sole Survivor the Combat Medic perk, which restores health on the cusp of death, making Curie not only a lifesaver professionally but mechanically.
7Veronica Santangelo - Fallout: New Vegas
The Hard-Hitting, Snark-Touting Scribe
First appearing before the player at the 188 Trading Post, Veronica makes her status as a walking contradiction fairly obvious, as well as her affiliations. She is a devout Brotherhood of Steel member who questions everything the order stands for. Donning a hooded robe and wielding a power fist, she smashes enemies while pondering the fate of technology and humanity. Her adorable, snarky banter masks deep conflict over her loyalty to the Brotherhood that contradicts her personal ideals.
She embodies the tension between tradition and change, family and morality, greasy engines and feminine elegance. Veronica never asks the player to give her the answers, but builds up to them during the adventure. Her enthusiasm in battle, charming personality, andFelicia Day-voiced deliverymake her beloved in-game and by fans.
6Moira Brown - Fallout 3
Everyone’s Favorite Survival Enthusiast
As the brain behind the Wasteland Survival Guide, Moira Brown recruits the Lone Wanderer for insane research assignments involving mole rats, self-irradiation, and landmines throughout the Capital Wasteland. Her survival guide requests could have easily felt like a routine string of fetch quests.
However, her borderline psychotic (and entirely sincere) cheerfulness makes filling each page a joy, even at the risk of severe harm. If the player nukes Megaton, herenthusiasm for SCIENCE!allows her to live on, albeit as a ghoul, but with exactly the same amount of rabid curiosity post-ghoulification.
5Marcus - Fallout 2
The Mutant Peacemaker With Eyes On The Future
Marcus is fondly remembered by long-time fans thanks to thefamiliarity and narrative continuityhe brings that helps bridge the stories of each game. Marcus began as a soldier under the Master (during the events of the originalFallout) but saw firsthand the failure of conquest through force. ByFallout 2, he becomes the popular mayor of Broken Hills, advocating for unity among mutants, humans, and ghouls.
In New Vegas, he reappears in Jacobstown, trying once more to build a peaceful haven, this time while dealing with the Nightkin’s mental deterioration. His calm demeanor, moral clarity, and gravelly wisdom (voiced byStar Trek’s Michael Dorn) make him a fan favorite among those who value nuance and perspective in a world gone to waste.
4Nick Valentine - Fallout 4
The Fact-Finding, Crime-Solving Machine
As a synth imbued with the memories of a 1940s-style detective, Nick Valentine slueths the Commonwealth with a sense of justice that feels entirely human. His loyalty, personal quest line examining identity and legacy, and noir, gravely speech (delivered impeccably by long-time simulation and RPG veteran, Stephen Russell), have earned him widespread acclaim among residents of Diamond City and players alike.
Fallout fans appreciate Nick for more than his hacking, detecting, dediction skills skills, and strangely glowing pupils. He’s a rare voice of reason, a solid moral compass, and a comforting presence in a world filled with broken people and murderous machines.
3Joshua Graham - Fallout: New Vegas
The Burned Man Still Illuminates Brightly
Joshua Graham, also known as “The Burned Man” is one of the most haunting characters in theFalloutuniverse. Once Caesar’s ruthless Legate, Graham was set ablaze and thrown into the Grand Canyon after a defeat, but miraculously, he survived. As he puts it, he “survived because the fire inside burned brighter than the fire around.”
Covered in bandages and scripture, he reemerges inNew Vegas' “Honest Hearts” as a missionary among the tribes, trying to reconcile faith with fury. His calm voice belies the violence he still carries somewhere within. Players are drawn to his gravitas, his quotable dialogue that ventures beyond amatuer philosiphizing to dig deep intoprofound religious meditation, and the moral ambiguity that defines him and his past.
2Raul Tejada - Fallout: New Vegas
The Walking Corpse With An Eternal Cowboy Spirit
Players ofNew Vegaswho do not love Raul Tejada probably just didn’t meet him up on Black Mountain while out on their travels. This ghoulified handyman comes with a tragic past and a voice full of reluctant wisdom borne out of years of enduringthe darkest elements of the Wasteland. Once a gunslinger in pre-war Mexico, he now repairs weapons and laments the senselessness of violence (while also being incredibly good at it).
His companion quest, “Old School Ghoul,” explores aging, regret, and whether warriors ever truly retire. It’s a story of passion and tragedy that leaves even the most hardened with oily eyes, thanks in part because of a voice performance by none other than Danny Trejo.
1Dogmeat - Various
A Faithful Post-Apocalyptic Pupper Companion
It’s hard to imagine theFalloutseries without Dogmeat, a companion who never questions the player’s actions, sets them on a wayward quest, or abandons the player. All he wants isa good pettingand a nice bone to chew on once in a while (whether it’s connected or not to the rest of the enemy’s arm).
First introduced in the original game and lovingly reimagined (or perhaps reincarnated?) in later titles likeFallout 4, offers both practical support in combat and emotional grounding, reminding players that even in the Wasteland, there’s always a friend ready to watch their back. And besides, who couldn’t love a face like his?
