So, you’re wandering the Fallout 4 wasteland, and bam—you meet this dude in power armor, stiff as a board but somehow kinda charming. That’s Paladin Danse for ya. The Brotherhood of Steel’s poster boy soldier.
He’s not your average laser-shootin’, armor-clad goon. No, sir. Danse is the kind of guy who makes you question what loyalty really means. I swear, the first time I met him, I thought, “Okay, here’s a dude who takes his job waaay too seriously.” But as you get to know him, you realize he’s wrestling with some heavy stuff. Like, existential level heavy.
Anyway, here’s the kicker: if you’re not rolling with Paladin Danse, you’re missing out on some of Fallout 4’s juiciest storylines. Plus, he’s got that cool military vibe that’s perfect for players who like a sidekick who won’t sass you… much.
Meet Paladin Danse: The Soldier With a Hidden Heart
I remember the exact moment I met Danse. Cambridge Police Station. Rain. Mud. Ghouls popping outta nowhere like it’s Halloween every day. Danse was standing there, all “I’m the Brotherhood, and I mean business,” and I was like, “Cool, cool, I got this.” Spoiler: I didn’t.
He’s the kinda guy who’s by-the-book to a fault. You want a loyal, no-nonsense partner? Danse is your man. But beneath that helmet (and man, that power armor looks heavy as heck), there’s a dude grappling with some seriously complicated truths about who he really is.
And believe me, that truth bomb? It hits harder than a super mutant on a caffeine binge.
How to Find and Recruit Paladin Danse Without Screwing Up
You wanna recruit him, huh? Easy-ish. Head over to Cambridge Police Station and help him clear out some ghouls. It’s like a Brotherhood open house, except with way more death.
Quick heads up: if you stumble and get yourself killed, don’t blame me. I learned the hard way (and yes, I’m still salty about that).
Here’s a rough playbook:
- Show up at Cambridge Police Station.
- Help Danse fight off ghouls.
- Go on a mission with him to recover a deep-range transmitter from ArcJet Systems.
- Impress him by not acting like a total wasteland idiot.
- Get invited to join the Brotherhood.
Fast forward past three failed attempts (and a near death experience involving a minefield I totally didn’t see), and you’ve got yourself a new companion.
What Makes Paladin Danse a Beast in Combat?
Danse isn’t just eye candy in power armor. He’s a walking tank. I’m talking:
- Power armor that soaks up damage like my Aunt Linda’s casserole soaks up gravy.
- Laser weapons that make raiders wish they’d stayed in bed.
- Tactical smarts that actually surprise me. I mean, the guy comments on your moral choices like some kind of wasteland therapist.
And yes, he’ll call you out if you do dumb stuff. Which, trust me, happens a lot in my playthroughs.
Can You Romance Paladin Danse? (Spoiler: Yep)
Turns out, even the toughest soldier can have a soft spot. I mean, I never expected to find myself flirting with a guy who talks about Brotherhood protocols like it’s the gospel, but here we are.
To get Danse to warm up to you:
- Do things that align with Brotherhood values. Help innocents, fight the bad guys.
- Don’t steal from everyone you see (I say this like I’ve never stolen anything, lol).
- Talk to him often—even if it’s just to say “Hey, Danse, still hate synths?”
- Get that affinity meter maxed out.
Once you’re there, you unlock the romance perk called “Know Your Enemy.” It’s a badass bonus that boosts damage against synths, ghouls, and super mutants. Not bad for a guy who thinks you’re his recruit and maybe something more.
Danse’s Major Quests: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF
I gotta tell you, his story is wild. There’s “Call to Arms,” where you first get to know the guy.
Then “Shadow of Steel” where you join the Brotherhood proper.
But the real heartbreaker? “Blind Betrayal.”
Yep, the name says it all. Danse’s world gets flipped upside down when you find out he’s a synth—the enemy, according to the Brotherhood.
It’s like finding out your dog is actually a robot. Mind = blown.
You get put in a tough spot: kill your buddy or help him hide. I swear, I stared at that dialogue wheel for like ten minutes. The guilt. The moral wrestling. It’s like the game read my soul.
What Happens When You Have to Decide Danse’s Fate?
You get a choice, y’all. And no one said it was gonna be easy.
Options:
- Kill him (which feels like stabbing your best wasteland pal in the back).
- Spare him and convince Elder Maxson to keep him alive (spoiler: this ain’t a walk in the park).
- Or stall the decision until you can’t anymore.
I chose to spare him because I’m a softie, okay? But it’s wild how this choice changes the Brotherhood’s vibe. Also, heads up, if you pick wrong, he might just vanish forever.
What Danse’s Story Really Means
Here’s the thing. Danse isn’t just a soldier. He’s a walking metaphor for the Brotherhood’s hypocrisy.
They preach anti-synth, yet here’s a synth believing in their cause harder than anyone.
Makes you wonder: what really makes us human? Is it our memories? Our beliefs? Or just the squishy stuff inside our skulls?
I once read somewhere—can’t remember where—that Victorians thought talking to ferns kept you sane. I talk to my power armor sometimes. Don’t judge.
Why You Need Danse’s Perk “Know Your Enemy”
Besides being a moral compass, Danse gives you a killer perk once you max out affinity.
“Know Your Enemy” gives +20% damage against synths, ghouls, and super mutants.
This perk sticks even if Danse’s not tagging along, so get on it. Your wasteland survival odds just went up.
Making Danse Even Cooler (Mods & Gear)
If you’re into tinkering (I am—my workshop looks like a science experiment exploded), you can mod Danse’s gear to make him even more badass.
- Upgrade his power armor for better defense.
- Switch out his weapons for plasma rifles or shotguns.
- Some mods even let you tweak his look (because who doesn’t want Danse in a leather jacket?).
Pro tip: Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave has the best fusion cores, and I swear my stash of ’em saved Danse’s life more than once.
Tips for Getting the Most From Paladin Danse
- Bring him to tough fights. He’s the shield.
- Keep his armor repaired and fusion cores charged.
- Play nice with him—he’s not into chaos.
- Pair him with stealthy companions for max effectiveness.
He’s like the solid rock in a sea of wasteland madness.
The Voice Behind Danse
Peter Jessop’s voice acting gives Danse that no-nonsense yet somehow warm vibe. His performance is what makes Danse more than a walking tank. It’s what makes you care when the chips are down.
Fans Can’t Get Enough of Danse
The fanbase loves Danse so much there are fanfics, memes, and fan art galore.
I mean, I’ve seen “Danse Dance Revolution” memes. I’m not even kidding.
What’s Next for Paladin Danse?
No word yet if Danse will show up in future Fallout games. But with all the fan love and mods keeping him alive, I think he’s here to stay.
Final Words on Paladin Danse
At the end of the day, Danse is a reminder that in a messed-up world, sometimes the toughest armor hides the most fragile souls.
And if you’re like me, someone who’s crashed more times than their Pip-Boy, having a loyal, morally tangled companion like Danse? Priceless.
