Dogmeat, the loyal and lovable German Shepherd, is often considered the best companion in Fallout 4. His unwavering loyalty, combat prowess, and knack for finding hidden items make him an invaluable asset in the harsh wasteland. But what happens when your furry friend suddenly vanishes? The panic sets in, and you’re left wondering, “Where’s Dogmeat?!” This guide will provide you with a comprehensive strategy to locate your missing canine companion, ensuring you’re reunited and back to exploring the Commonwealth together.
Understanding Dogmeat’s Behavior and Disappearance
Dogmeat, despite his loyalty, operates under specific AI parameters that can lead to his perceived disappearance. Understanding these behaviors is the first step in successfully locating him. He’s not just wandering off for a potty break; there’s typically a reason behind his absence.
Why Does Dogmeat Go Missing?
Several factors can contribute to Dogmeat’s temporary vanishing act. Accidental dismissal is the most common culprit. In the heat of battle or during settlement management, it’s easy to inadvertently tell him to “go away.” Another reason is his combat AI. If he’s severely injured in a fight, he might automatically retreat and try to find cover, potentially getting lost in the process. Finally, game glitches can sometimes cause companions to teleport or disappear entirely.
Dogmeat’s Default Locations
Dogmeat, like other companions, has specific fallback locations he’ll return to if dismissed or lost. Knowing these locations is crucial for a quick reunion.
The two primary locations are the Red Rocket Truck Stop, your initial base of operations, and Sanctuary Hills, the pre-war neighborhood you reclaim. He will typically choose the location nearest to where he was dismissed. Always check these locations first.
The Step-by-Step Search Strategy
Once you understand the common reasons for Dogmeat’s disappearance and his potential locations, you can begin a systematic search. This structured approach will significantly increase your chances of finding him quickly.
Step 1: Retrace Your Steps
Think back to the last time you saw Dogmeat. What were you doing? Where were you located? Revisiting the area where you last saw him is a critical first step. He might be stuck behind an object, glitched in the environment, or simply waiting patiently where you left him. Check every corner and crevice in the area, paying close attention to areas that might be difficult for him to navigate.
Step 2: Check Your Settlements
Dogmeat, like any companion, can be sent to any of your settlements. Use the Workshop mode to see where he is assigned. If you have a large number of settlements, this step can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s a necessary part of the search.
Specifically, access Workshop mode in each settlement, and look for Dogmeat’s name assigned to an object. If he is not assigned to an object, go to a companion tracker like the one in the Vault-tec management terminal. That can give you the location of Dogmeat.
Step 3: Use the Companion Command Feature
Fallout 4 has a built-in companion management feature. Open your Pip-Boy and navigate to the “Map” tab. Select a settlement and send Dogmeat to that location. Even if he isn’t currently following you, the game should register his location and transport him to the selected settlement. This is often the quickest and easiest way to relocate a lost companion.
Step 4: Listen for Barking
Dogmeat barks, even when he’s not directly interacting with you. While exploring, especially near settlements, listen carefully for his distinctive bark. Use your headphones to pinpoint the direction of the sound and follow it to potentially locate him.
Step 5: The Bell Method (Settlement Specific)
If you suspect Dogmeat is in one of your settlements, but you can’t find him, use the settlement bell. Ringing the bell will summon all settlers and companions to your location. This is a simple and effective way to gather everyone and see if Dogmeat appears. Build the bell near the center of the settlement for maximum effectiveness.
Step 6: Check Obstructed Areas and Interiors
Sometimes Dogmeat can get stuck in unusual places. Thoroughly inspect any buildings you recently entered or areas with dense foliage or rubble. He may have gotten trapped behind furniture, inside a building you forgot to unlock, or in a hard-to-reach location. Don’t overlook seemingly impossible spots – Dogmeat can sometimes defy logic.
Step 7: Check Nearby Fights and Locations with Enemies
Dogmeat is known to engage in combat. It is possible that he followed you to the next fight you engaged in while you thought he was dismissed. Return to locations where you fought enemies. Check the environment, as well as look for him engaging any straggling enemies.
Step 8: Consider the “Lone Wanderer” Perk
If you have the “Lone Wanderer” perk, which provides bonuses when traveling without a companion, double-check that you haven’t accidentally activated it. While the perk is beneficial for solo play, it can sometimes interfere with companion behavior and cause them to disappear or behave erratically.
Step 9: Restart the Game and Reload Saves
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor glitches. If you’ve exhausted all other options, try closing Fallout 4 completely and restarting it. Additionally, try loading an earlier save file from before Dogmeat disappeared. This might revert the game to a state where he’s still with you, but you’ll lose some progress.
Step 10: Utilize Third-Party Tools (PC Only)
This is for PC gamers only. If you are still unable to locate Dogmeat, use console commands. To do this, press the tilde key (~) to bring up the console. Then, enter the following command: “player.moveto 0001d162”. This command will teleport your character directly to Dogmeat’s location.
If you are unable to use console commands, then try the command “prid 0001d162”. This will highlight Dogmeat in the game.
Preventative Measures: Keeping Dogmeat Safe and Sound
While knowing how to find Dogmeat is essential, preventing his disappearance in the first place is even better. These preventative measures will help ensure your furry friend stays by your side throughout your Commonwealth adventures.
Be Mindful of Dismissal
Pay close attention to your dialogue options when interacting with companions. Accidentally dismissing Dogmeat is a common mistake. Always double-check your selection to avoid unintentionally sending him away. If you need him to stay put temporarily, use the “stay” command instead of “go away.”
Assign Dogmeat to a Specific Settlement
If you’re going on a long solo mission, assign Dogmeat to a specific settlement. This ensures he has a safe place to stay and prevents him from wandering off or getting into trouble while you’re away. Choose a settlement with plenty of resources and defenses to keep him safe.
Equip Dogmeat with Armor
Protecting Dogmeat with armor will increase his survivability in combat and reduce the likelihood of him retreating and getting lost. Dog armor can be found throughout the Commonwealth or crafted at a workbench. Investing in a good set of armor will significantly improve his chances of staying alive and by your side during dangerous encounters.
Use a Companion Tracking Mod (PC Only)
If you’re playing on PC, consider installing a companion tracking mod. These mods add features that allow you to monitor your companions’ locations in real-time and even teleport them to your side if they get lost. These can be a lifesaver when dealing with the occasional companion glitch.
Manage Combat Situations Carefully
Be mindful of Dogmeat’s health during combat. If he’s taking heavy damage, consider using a stimpak or strategically retreating to allow him to recover. Prioritizing his safety will prevent him from running off and getting lost in the chaos of battle.
Regularly Check Dogmeat’s Status
Periodically check Dogmeat’s status to ensure he’s still with you and not experiencing any unusual behavior. If you notice anything strange, such as him lagging behind or acting unresponsive, try dismissing and re-recruiting him to reset his AI.
Finding a lost Dogmeat in Fallout 4 can be a frustrating experience, but with patience and the right strategy, you’ll be reunited in no time. Remember to retrace your steps, check his default locations, utilize the companion command feature, and consider preventative measures to keep him safe. With these tips, you can ensure Dogmeat remains your loyal companion throughout your Commonwealth journey.
Where is Dogmeat supposed to go when dismissed in Fallout 4?
Dogmeat, when dismissed as your companion, is programmed to return to one of his designated dog houses. The primary location he’ll head back to is the Red Rocket Truck Stop, which is near Sanctuary. This is his default location and where you’ll likely find him most of the time. However, if you’ve built a dog house in another settlement that has enough resources and a good happiness level, he might choose to go there instead.
Alternatively, you can send him to any settlement you’ve unlocked and activated in the workshop. To do this, when dismissing him, you’ll be given the option to specify which settlement he should travel to. This gives you control over his location, allowing you to keep him close by or assign him to a settlement that needs extra defense. Just make sure the settlement has a dog house for him to use.
What if Dogmeat isn’t at the Red Rocket Truck Stop?
If Dogmeat isn’t at Red Rocket, the first step is to check any other settlements where you might have dismissed him previously. He may have been accidentally sent to a different location, especially if you were rapidly switching settlements. Thoroughly search each settlement, paying close attention to dog houses and areas where he might be likely to wander, such as near settlers or crafting stations.
If you’ve checked all potential settlement locations and he’s still missing, try building a new dog house in the settlement you suspect he might be at, or Red Rocket as a default. Sometimes, the game has a hard time properly registering his return. Building a new house can “reset” his location trigger, coaxing him to reappear. You can also try sleeping for a day or two in each settlement.
Can Dogmeat die in Fallout 4?
Dogmeat, unlike other companions in Fallout 4, cannot permanently die. He can be injured and knocked down during combat, similar to other companions, but he will eventually recover and get back up to fight. This makes him a relatively safe companion to bring along on dangerous missions.
However, it is still important to protect him during combat. While he won’t die, he can be rendered temporarily useless if he’s constantly being knocked down. Equip him with armor, keep him healed, and make sure he’s not the primary target of enemy fire. This will ensure he remains a valuable asset in your team.
Could a glitch be the reason Dogmeat is missing?
Yes, glitches are a common occurrence in Fallout 4, and they can sometimes cause companions like Dogmeat to disappear or become stuck in unexpected locations. This can be frustrating, as it makes it difficult to locate him and continue playing with your preferred companion.
If you suspect a glitch is the cause, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. The simplest is to reload a previous save, ideally one from before you noticed he went missing. Additionally, dismissing and re-recruiting another companion sometimes forces the game to recognize Dogmeat’s absence and reset his location.
Will Dogmeat reappear if I complete more quests?
Sometimes, completing quests and moving forward in the game can indirectly resolve the issue of a missing Dogmeat. Certain quests can trigger events that refresh the game world, potentially forcing Dogmeat to respawn in his designated location, such as Red Rocket. Furthermore, progressing through the main storyline might resolve underlying script issues that are causing him to be missing.
Focusing on completing quests can also distract you from actively searching for Dogmeat. While you’re engaged in other activities, the game might silently resolve the issue, and you might stumble upon him unexpectedly in a settlement. Think of it as a “soft reset” of the companion system by moving the game along.
Can I use console commands to find Dogmeat?
Yes, if you’re playing on PC, you can use console commands to locate and teleport Dogmeat to your location. This is a very effective method for resolving situations where he’s glitched out of the map or is otherwise impossible to find through normal means. However, using console commands can disable achievements, so proceed with caution.
The first step is to open the console by pressing the tilde key (~). Then, you can use the command “prid 0001d162” to select Dogmeat’s reference ID. After that, use the command “moveto player” to teleport him directly to your character’s location. This will instantly resolve the issue of his disappearance, but remember the achievement warning.
Does Dogmeat’s affinity affect his likelihood of disappearing?
Dogmeat doesn’t have an affinity system like other companions. His “happiness” or relationship level with the player doesn’t fluctuate based on your actions or decisions. This means that his likelihood of disappearing isn’t tied to how well he likes you or whether you’ve engaged in activities he approves of.
Since affinity isn’t a factor, his disappearing is almost always due to a glitch, an accidental dismissal to a forgotten settlement, or the game simply failing to properly track his location. Focus on troubleshooting methods such as checking settlements, reloading saves, or using console commands (on PC) to resolve the issue, rather than worrying about affecting his mood or relationship with you.