Fallout 4: Hancock Companion Guide – Affinity, Romance & Isodoped Perk
This article is based on information as of May 30, 2026. Fallout 4 is a single-player game and does not adopt a "seasonal system" like typical online games. However, a "Next-Gen Update" was released on April 25, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, bringing improvements such as the addition of Performance and Quality modes, enhanced stability, and 60FPS support. Since then, multiple patches have been distributed to further improve stability and fix bugs. Please verify this as current information.
Goodneighbor, a haven for outlaws in The Commonwealth, is led by its charismatic mayor, the companion we're introducing today: John Hancock. Despite being a Ghoul, he possesses a strong sense of justice, a love for chems (drugs), and a profound respect for freedom, making him a complex and fascinating character. This article provides a comprehensive guide to maximizing your journey with Hancock, from how to recruit him to efficiently raising his affinity for a romantic relationship, and obtaining his unique companion Perk, "Isodoped."
Who is Hancock, the Maverick Mayor?
John Hancock is a Ghoul who serves as the mayor of Goodneighbor, a town in The Commonwealth where outlaws gather. He champions the philosophy of "government for the people, by the people," earning him immense support from Goodneighbor's residents. Contrary to his appearance, he is deeply compassionate and has a loyal nature, unable to ignore those in distress. However, his brand of justice is extremely direct and violent, showing no mercy to evildoers. He also openly enjoys using chems, holding values that diverge significantly from conventional morality.
His greatest characteristic as a companion is that, being a Ghoul, he takes no radiation damage. This allows him to provide powerful support to the player even in dangerous, highly irradiated areas like "The Glowing Sea." In combat, he skillfully wields a shotgun, making him a reliable presence in close quarters.
How to Recruit Hancock as a Companion
Complete the Side Quest "The Big Dig"
To recruit Hancock, you must first visit Goodneighbor and complete the side quest "The Big Dig." This quest is a grand heist plan, commissioned by a Ghoul woman named Bobbi No-Nose in Goodneighbor, to dig a tunnel to the Diamond City vault.
As you progress through the quest, you will eventually confront Hancock. Regardless of the choices you make during this encounter, you can talk to Hancock after completing the quest to have him accompany you as a companion. If you sympathize with his sense of justice and offer your cooperation, he will gladly join you on your journey.
Complete Guide to Raising Affinity
To raise Hancock's affinity, understanding his dual nature as an "outlaw with a heart of gold" is key. He favors acts of justice that help the weak, but also accepts the harsh realities of The Commonwealth, sometimes condoning violent solutions and chem use.
Hancock's Preferred and Disliked Actions List
The main actions that will raise or lower his affinity during your journey with him are as follows. Please refer to this when acting in his presence.
| Preferred Actions (Affinity Up) | Disliked Actions (Affinity Down) |
|---|---|
| Generous, righteous actions | Selfish, greedy actions |
| Helping the Minutemen | Helping the B.O.S. or the Institute |
| Using chems (drugs) in front of him | Stealing (especially from innocent citizens) |
| Violent solutions (excluding innocent people) | Killing innocent people |
| Helping, defending Ghouls | Mean choices, setting others up |
| Fast traveling with no equipment worn | Haggling for more rewards in dialogue |
How to Efficiently Raise Affinity
Here are some specific methods to efficiently maximize Hancock's affinity.
- Regular Chem Use
This is the easiest and most effective method. Using chems like Jet or Psycho while Hancock is with you will increase his affinity. However, continuous use has no effect, and a certain cooldown period is required. It's a good idea to make a habit of using chems periodically while progressing through other quests. - Minutemen Settlement Liberation Quests
Hancock strongly sympathizes with the Minutemen's ideals. Quests from Preston Garvey to help settlements under attack by Raiders or Super Mutants are excellent opportunities to raise his affinity. These quests are full of elements he likes: violently eliminating enemies and helping people in need. - Be Mindful of Dialogue Choices
In conversations during various quests and events, choose "generous" and "righteous" options. It's important to side with the weak and show a stance of not yielding to abusive authority. In situations where rewards are requested, try to help for free without showing greed, or only accept fair compensation.
Romance and the Powerful Perk "Isodoped"
Romancing Hancock
Hancock is a companion available for romance once his affinity reaches its maximum. By sincerely listening to his past and his thoughts on Goodneighbor, special dialogue will occur. If you succeed in the dialogue challenge (persuasion), a romantic relationship can develop regardless of the protagonist's gender.
Once in a relationship, sleeping in a bed with Hancock will temporarily grant you the "Lover's Embrace" Perk, which provides a bonus to experience points gained.
Companion Perk "Isodoped"
When your bond with Hancock is maximized, you will permanently acquire a special companion Perk from him. This is a very powerful ability that remains effective even when he is not accompanying you.
- Perk Name: Isodoped
- Acquisition Condition: Maximize Hancock's affinity and complete the special dialogue.
- Effect: When the player's RAD (radiation) value is 250 or higher, the critical meter fills 20% faster.
This Perk is highly compatible with builds that frequently use critical attacks in V.A.T.S. By intentionally maintaining a high RAD level, you can gain an advantage in combat. Combined with "Unyielding" legendary equipment, which becomes more effective at higher RAD values, this Perk will create immense synergy.
Summary
Goodneighbor's Mayor Hancock, though appearing as a radical outlaw at first glance, is one of Fallout 4's most unique companions, harboring an unwavering sense of justice and love for people within. While his preferred actions, such as "using chems" and "violent solutions," may seem unusual, they are rooted in a simple sense of justice: "aid the weak and crush the strong."
Traveling The Commonwealth with him and raising his affinity will grant you the "Isodoped" Perk, which has the potential to dramatically enhance specific builds. Use this article as a guide to deepen your bond with this maverick charismatic leader and further enjoy your adventures in The Commonwealth.
