The game ignores karma when recruiting followers, although it can test against the player's faction reputations. Few of the companions are available from the get go and most will require some legwork to recruit.Every companion can be upgraded by completing their corresponding personal quest.The player can also place stimpaks in their inventory to prolong their longevity. Companions will take and use consumables if left to their own devices, especially at the Lucky 38.Unlike Fallout 3, companions are moved to their target locations instantly. Then they will either return to their original location (except for Raul) or can be told to go to the Lucky 38.

If the player already has a companion of a specific type, they need to be dismissed through dialogue. The player can have one humanoid and one non-humanoid companion (Rex or ED-E) in their party at a time, with both providing their unique companion perks (unless using exploits).Companions are controlled via the Companion wheel. Companions are special non-player characters who follow the player, aid them in combat, and provide a unique perk as long as they're in the player's party (whether following them or waiting the perk stops applying when they're dismissed).From left to right: Rex, Rose of Sharon Cassidy, Raul (Vaquero outfit), Lily, Boone (assault armor), ED-E, Veronica, and Arcade. All eight permanent companions in Fallout: New Vegas.

Fallout new vegas freezes