Companion Death Chance and Needs

⭐ — (70 endorsements) 📥 11,636 downloads 📌 v2.0.0 📅 11/29/2023
🟡 Updated this year

By dhert · Gameplay Effects and Changes

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 12/24/2025 📅 Created: 11/29/2023
⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
1🛠️ NVSE — New Vegas Script Extender Download ↗
2🛠️ 4GB Patcher — FNV 4GB Patcher Download ↗
3🔧 NVAC — New Vegas Anti Crash Download ↗
4🧩 JIP LN — JIP LN NVSE Plugin Download ↗
5🔧 YUP — Yukichigai Unofficial Patch Download ↗

Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.

🔍 Analysis

  • 👍 0.6% endorsement rate
  • 🏆 #42 of 435 Gameplay Effects and Changes mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

Companion Vitality

An ESPless script that makes companions a bit less overpowered!

I love having companions, but having immortal companions, or companions that will die from basically any encounter, is a bit boring.  Also, it's not immersive that I am impacted by the elements, but my companions are not.  This mod attempts to fix this.

Death Chance and Injury

When a companion goes down and is following you, they will now have a 5% (configurable) chance to die instead of being knocked down. 

Alternatively (if they don't die), they have a 20% (configurable) chance to have a random limb crippled when they are knocked down.

Notes:
  • []Death Chance requires that Hardcore mode be enabled.

[]Can exclude a companion by adding the "NoDeath" KEYWORD.

[]The Injury could be put on a limb that is already broken, in which case, nothing happens.

[]Both Injury and Death Chance can be disabled by setting to 0 via the INI or MCM

[]Robots can have this feature disabled via the INI

[]Companions that respawn after death (like Dogmeat with the Perk) are handled correctly.

(VERY) Simple Companion Needs

Companions are now impacted by the Hardcore needs of the player.  When you are dehydrated, hungry, or sleepy, and suffering from a negative effect, so are your companions!  When you manage these needs and the effect is removed, it is also removed from every companion.  Tracks the Hunger, Thirst, and Sleep stats individually.

This is intended to simulate your companions eating, drinking, and sleeping as a group.  All of the needs are based on the player's for simplicity of managing this system. No changes to

Companions will also suffer from the player's Radiation debuffs.  Robots and Ghouls are automatically excluded. Automatically disabled if "bCharacterRadiation" is enabled in Stewie's Tweaks.

I will NOT be creating a system to track companion needs individually.  Not only would this be a very complex script, it ultimately wouldn't be FUN to have to manage your companion's needs too.  So, the needs are entirely based on the player's, and they just get the associated debuff.

Simple Companion Needs and Companion Radiation Debuffs can be disabled via the INI or the MCM.

Companion Leveling Control

Make companions level when you want them to, so that they stay relevant, or not. By default, all companions now level with you.

This setting can respect the game's "iCharacterMaxLevel" GameSetting, so any changes you make to that are reflected on your Companion's Max Level. Can also adjust the Level Scaling of your companions, now set to 1. 0 to always level with you.

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

ESPless mod for Fallout 4 that adds a configurable chance for companions to die, levels all companions with the player, and makes them affected by Hardcore stats. With 70 endorsements and 11,636 downloads, it's a niche gameplay overhaul for players seeking more consequence and realism.

✨ Key Features

Adds a configurable chance for companions to die
Levels all companions with the player
Makes companions affected by Hardcore stats

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Solid download-to-endorsement ratio (11,636 downloads, 70 endorsements) shows real interest
  • ESPless design means no plugin slot usage and easier compatibility
  • Configurable death chance lets you tailor the risk to your playstyle

⚠️ Cons

  • Only 70 endorsements suggests a smaller user base—might not be battle-tested
  • Last updated December 2025—could be outdated if the game patches soon
🎯 Is This For You?
For Fallout 4 players who want more stakes in survival—if you're tired of immortal companions and want real consequences, this is for you. Also great for those who want companions to scale with you so they stay relevant. Skip if you prefer companions as invincible pack mules or if you don't play on Survival/Hardcore.
📦 Install:Medium· 5-10 minutes

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Since it's ESPless, make sure you have a mod manager that supports them (like MO2) and load it after other companion mods.
  • Check if your game version is compatible—ESPless mods can break with updates, so verify before installing.
  • If you're on Survival, test the death chance on a throwaway save to see how it feels before committing.

📊 Mod Details

Game
New Vegas Mods
Author
dhert
Version
2.0.0
Downloads
11,636
Endorsements
70
Category
Gameplay Effects and Changes
Created
11/29/2023
Updated
12/24/2025

🔧 How to Install New Vegas Mods

Download from Nexus.

📖 Full step-by-step install guide for New Vegas →

Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.

🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for New Vegas commands, item IDs, and more.

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