“Milk is secret to humans. Mack Beth say milk make humans strong. Stronger than super mutants. Strong find milk, drink milk. Make super mutants stronger than humans.”
What is the origin of Strong's creation in Fallout 4?
In Fallout 4, Strong is a super mutant, a result of the Institute's experiments with a modified Forced Evolutionary Virus. He is on a quest to find the 'milk of human kindness', convinced it will enhance the strength of super mutants beyond that of humans.
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What is the significance of the 'milk of human kindness' in relation to Strong?
Strong is driven by the pursuit of the 'milk of human kindness', a phrase he misinterprets from Macbeth. He is convinced that this 'milk' is the secret to human strength, and that consuming it will make him more powerful than super mutants. This belief shapes his behavior and his relationship with the player, whom he frequently urges to aid him in his quest for the 'milk of human kindness'.
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What are some of the things that Strong likes and dislikes in Fallout 4?
In Fallout 4, Strong, a super mutant, enjoys combat, exploring new areas, and assisting settlers. He appreciates the Brotherhood of Steel and favors confident dialogue choices. However, Strong disapproves of picking up junk items, crafting, and the use of power armor, including the T-45 set at the Museum of Freedom.
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How can you increase your affinity with Strong in Fallout 4?
Boosting your affinity with Strong in Fallout 4 requires a strategic approach. Strong values combat, making him an ideal companion for exploration and enemy encounters. However, avoid actions he dislikes, often unavoidable during ruin exploration or NPC negotiations. Assure him that his super mutant status will not be forcibly cured. Increasing your time spent with Strong and engaging in preferred activities can enhance your affinity.
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Background
Like every other super mutant found in the Commonwealth, Strong was created by the Institute through their experiments with a modified strain of the Forced Evolutionary Virus, though any specifics related to Strong's past humanity are unknown. By 2287, he is a member of a warband led by the mutant named Fist inhabiting Trinity Tower in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. At least one of his exploits during this time involved entering the sewers under the Fens near Diamond City with his brothers, where they encountered, attacked, and ate a group of humans.[1]
Sometime before the Sole Survivor woke up in Vault 111 on October 23, 2287, Trinity Tower was visited by radio host and aspiring poet Rex Goodman from the WRVR broadcast station, who was attempting to reintroduce the super mutants to human culture by reading them the works of Shakespeare, specifically Macbeth. This inadvertently led to Strong becoming fascinated with the "milk of human kindness" from a line in Act 1, Scene 5 of the play. However, rather than its intended metaphorical reference, the super mutant took it quite literally and thought that it was referring to "milk" as a physical liquid that he could find and drink which would give super mutants the "secret power" of humans.[2]
When Strong began voicing his intentions to find the "milk of human kindness," his super mutant brothers grew annoyed with his appeals to the words of a human, and imprisoned him along with Rex in a cell at the top of the Tower. When asked about him, Rex states that the other mutants were planning to toss Strong off the tower, even taking bets on "how many times he would bounce."[3]
Personality
At a glance, Strong seems to fit the archetype of a typical Commonwealth super mutant: unintelligent, naturally violent, and carrying a lust for battle at all times. The major trait that sets him apart from most of his brethren is an ability to think critically: whereas most of his brethren dismiss humans as being physically weaker and thus inferior, Strong has come to notice that despite their physical weakness, humans have consistently managed to pose a serious challenge to super mutants and other respective dangers of the wasteland. Instead of acknowledging the two races have different strengths, however, he initially determined that if super mutants could discover the secret to humankind's ability to survive, then they could truly dominate the wasteland. This, combined with the above-mentioned misinterpretation of Rex Goodman's delivery of William Shakespeare, is the origin of Strong's drive to find the "milk of human kindness."
Through extended travels with the Sole Survivor, Strong may slowly realize that humanity's strength comes from its ability to come together to face threats, while super mutants tend to be divided and operate only on local levels. As a result, he will hope to find a way to instill this quality into super mutants, most likely through force. Despite his assurance of humans having a "secret power" his kind does not, Strong believes that there is much about super mutant society that makes them more worthy to inhabit the world, such as that every super mutant is a "brother" to the rest,[4][5] resources are shared equally between brothers,[6][7] and when conflicts occur between brothers, they are dealt with straightforwardly through violence instead of what he sees as humanity's constant, boring need to talk about their problems.[8][9]
In terms of the major powers in the Commonwealth, Strong applies the usual super mutant view: respect determined through strength, both of the individual and the group.[10][11] He respects the Brotherhood of Steel only as far as they have proven to be a serious threat to super mutants that he would like to fight and possibly destroy.[12][13] Conversely, he does not hold much favor for either the Railroad or the Institute due to their more subversive methods of "sneaky-killing"[14] and association with the "fake men" of synthkind.[15][16] The only faction that receives even a moderate amount of genuine respect from Strong are the Minutemen, as their goals of a unified Commonwealth working and fighting together mirrors the collectivist nature of super mutant society.[17][18][19]
Interactions with the player character
Strong is first encountered when the Sole Survivor tries to rescue Rex Goodman from Trinity Tower during Curtain Call. There, Strong has been caged alongside Rex, and aids them in defeating Fist and escaping from the tower in order to find the "milk of human kindness." Afterwards, Strong will wait at the bottom of Trinity Tower until hired as a companion.
Interactions overview
Interactions
This character is essential. Essential characters cannot be killed.
This character is a permanent companion. They grant the Berserk perk.
Strong will never crouch down even when the player character enters Sneak mode themselves, meaning he is a poor choice of a companion when trying to be stealthy.
Strong is limited to wearing super mutant armor, found in various super mutant strongholds throughout the Commonwealth (including several pieces found spread around Trinity Tower during Curtain Call).
Effects of player's actions
Strong becomes available as a companion after completing Curtain Call by returning to the lobby of Trinity Tower along with Rex Goodman.
As his affinity increases, Strong will admit that he has learned to respect the Sole Survivor.
Upon reaching maximum affinity with Strong, he will say that he has made the decision to make the Sole Survivor his leader, granting the Berserk perk which offers a temporary 20% increase to Melee Damage when the player character's HP drops below 25% of their current total.
Strong cannot be romanced.
Other interactions
Strong will not comment if brought to Nate/Nora's corpse in Vault 111.
Range of interests
Range of interests
Approvals
Disapprovals
Likes
Helping others. (Radiant quests mainly like Preston's repeating radiant settlement quests he will like upon choosing the bottom dialog when accepting/helping and is a quick way to get his idolization; other "helpful" quests will be disliked.)
Responding with "you're in luck" then "teach a lesson" when accepting "Kidnapping" radiant quests from settlers.
Responding with the violent dialogue option when accepting "Defend" radiant quests from settlers.
He likes when the Sole Survivor refuses to help Billy and dislikes when he offers to take him home. This behavior is probably set incorrectly. He even says: "Small human should be with his kind, this is good." while the message "Strong dislikes this." is displayed. He will also appreciate the attempt to convince Billy [his] parents are dead. Only trying to convince him once without pushing it can grant a like from Strong and keep the opportunity to complete the Kid in a Fridge quest.
Responding with 'Delays are bad' when first meeting Old Man Stockton.
Telling Roger Warwick that "this place reeks" when he talks about his farm.
Being sarcastic or successfully convince Darla that she is a more dominant alpha figure than Skinny Malone during Unlikely Valentine, thus inciting violence.
Choosing to attack Skinny Malone after asking him about his relationship with Nick.
Killing settlers while another companion who hates the action witnesses it.
Killing Miranda, Neil, Officer Edwards and the few other guards upon completing and exiting Vault 81. - If Vault 81 quest complete, does not effect standing or cause hostility with Vault 81.
Murdering the Child of Atom encountered during the Walk in the Park quest.
"Strong find Kellogg human. Make him help or Strong smash."
Stopping at various spots during the search for Kellogg
"Dog good hunter." "Dog almost as good as our hounds." "Dog has scent. Good dog." "Kellogg human good warrior. Strong better warrior." "So much walking. Now time to fight."
Tell Supervisor White the use of robots as gardeners is ingenious
"In genes? Clok? Strong confused."
Tell Supervisor White that robots still follow a human's orders
"Robots? Strong not like metal men. Can't eat them."
Ask Supervisor White if there is even one person around
"Can't eat metal men. Just smash them."
Tell Supervisor White you remember Graygarden from before the bombs
"Strong bored. Let's go fight something."
Listen to Supervisor White remarking about the robots' unique personalities
Neutral/Positive affinity:"Robot talk almost as much as humans. Shut up metal man!"Negative affinity:"Robot talk almost as much as human. Just smash it."
Tell Newton Oberly you won't punish the revolting scientists
Newton Oberly: "Your compassion and understanding speak well of you." Strong: "Bah! Human weak. Kill them all."[Note 1]
Tell Newton that the scientists will be executed for their betrayal
"Yes! Human good leader. Kill all enemies."[Note 1]
Tell Newton the scientists will be placed on probation
Newton Oberly: "That's more than fair. I'll see to it that everyone's notified." Strong: "Prob... what? Just kill them. Kill all enemies."[Note 1]
Tell Newton the scientists will be supplied and then exiled
Newton Oberly: "I wish I could say that would be unfair, but there's no denying those men put all our lives at risk. I'll see to those supplies. At least they'll have a fighting chance, which is perhaps more than they deserve." Strong: "Bah! Never let enemies like. Kill or eat prisoners."[Note 1]
Listen to Brother Thomas's speech about giving up your possessions
Cult leader: "Just go ahead and give me everything you own, and I'll initiate you as a first level Pillar of the Community." Strong: "Strong not pillar. Strong keep hammer."
Gave up all your items to the Pillars of the Community
Strong: "Wait. This make you human?" Virgil: "That is the idea, yes." Strong: "But you super mutant. Why you want to be human?" Virgil: "You can't be serious.Just look at me! I'm a monster! I don't want to spend another day in this wretched body."
Observed Brian Virgil's post-cure transformation into a human
Virgil: "It will take years, perhaps decades, to generalize my formula.Still, you have my gratitude." Strong: "Wait. You want make more? Turn more Super Mutants human?" Virgil: "Ultimately, yes." Strong: "No. No more. Super mutants not want to be human. You not change me! You not change anyone!"
Strong's health is about 50-60 hit points higher than most other companions. Only Curie as a Ms. Nanny has higher health, at least until around level 50. Like most companions, he levels up with the Sole Survivor. His higher than normal health is balanced out by being limited to only equipping super mutant armor, which offers only moderate protection compared to higher-tier human armors, let alone power armor. The best available combination of super mutant armor for Strong provides slightly less protection than a full suit of unmodified basic metal armor.
Strong has the second best default carrying capacity at 200 pounds. This cannot be increased with armor mods since he is unable to wear normal armor.
If Strong is dismissed without designating a settlement, he will return to the lobby level of Trinity Tower.
This is also where Strong will wait if not immediately recruited as a companion after Curtain Call. Upon returning to him, he may be found engaged in combat with nearby enemies - including super mutants on upper floors of the tower. He cannot be spoken to until combat dies down.
When left in a settlement, Strong will gravitate towards chemistry stations if any are present.
On first encountering Strong, it's possible to get off on "the wrong foot" with him by accidentally shooting him or hitting him with explosive splash damage during the boss fight with Fist and other super mutants. If this happens, Strong will become hostile and attack the Sole Survivor when released. A reported workaround without reloading a save is to leave him and Rex in their cell, exit the tower, and return after a few in-game days, by which time he should "cool off."
Unlike super mutant companions from previous games like Marcus, Fawkes or God, Strong is far from civilized. He often criticizes humans, speaks of his desire for super mutant superiority, general carnage and will even mention that he wants "someone to eat" when hungry. He takes pride in his condition and how his super mutant brothers are seen by the people of the Commonwealth as powerful and tough fighters. This is best illustrated when the Sole Survivor chooses to help Virgil find a cure during Virgil's Cure, to which Strong reacts with great disappointment. The only thing that separates him from his mutant brethren is the realization that, if he wants super mutants to achieve the same success as humans, he may have to work with them to learn their secrets. Even so, Strong believes that, when the time comes, super mutants will kill everything on Earth.
Strong will occasionally give the player character various meats, similar to Piper Wright giving sweets and MacCready giving ammo.
During Curtain Call, upon trying to interact with Strong before completing the objective he has set, he replies "Go away, bleeder!", a phrase that is also said by Fawkes in Fallout 3 upon reaching him before starting Finding the Garden of Eden in Vault 87.
If Strong follows the Sole Survivor to give Brian Virgil the antidote, he will join in on the conversation by expressing panic at the thought of being "cured" and no longer being a super mutant. The Sole Survivor must assure him that he will not be forcibly cured.
Due to the encompassing range of his dislikes, Strong can be a difficult companion to garner admiration from as most of the dislike-triggering actions are sometimes hard to avoid when exploring ruins or negotiating with NPCs. On the other hand, since he likes killing things (and as all companions, time spent with the Sole Survivor), he is a good companion for exploring unmapped areas as long as one stays on the outside of places and/or avoids picking too many locks.
A good way to boost Strong's affinity is to purchase guard dogs from the friendly Super Mutant Erickson on the Island. While Strong will dislike the meeting, if present, the dog or wolf the Sole Survivor purchases from Erickson for 250 caps will garner a Like trigger from Strong; purchasing the Mutant Hound will garner a Love trigger from Strong. However, he does not seem to Like or Love buying subsequent dogs, wolves or mutant hounds from Erickson, though.
Another easy way to gain Strong's admiration is to pick the Cannibal perk. When performing quests that involve clearing out large numbers of raiders from a location, one must attempt to eat the various corpses. Saving and loading between feedings will allow one to bypass the waiting period between Like triggers.
Defeating powerful enemies seems to gain a lot of respect from Strong.
Progressing Duty or Dishonor has an opportunity to gain four likes in a row for Strong during the final encounter with Clarke.
Despite saying that someday all humans will be destroyed, Strong likes it when the Sole Survivor helps settlers, either independently or for the Minutemen. This is one of the most effective ways to get his approval as it is the only act of charity that he tolerates. He also likes choosing the "cocky" dialogue choice.
Strong will often voice disapproval of the player using crafting stations or picking up junk items, saying that they are wasting time tinkering and the items they take are useless, but these actions do not have any actual effect on his affinity.
Strong will occasionally voice his approval of the Brotherhood of Steel after joining, saying that the "metal men" are "worthy" even though he dislikes the Sole Survivor entering power armor and will cause a Hate trigger if he witnesses the Sole Survivor joining them.
During Arthur Maxson's speech on the Prydwen, Strong will refuse to enter the room and remain outside, not entering until it is over.
Strong will voice approval if the Sole Survivor sides with the Institute and destroys the Brotherhood, stating that the super mutants can easily beat the Institute.
Strong can sometimes be seen interacting with the large cooking pots present in some super mutant camps (unusable to the player character), stirring the pot and tasting its contents.
Although Strong refuses to actually enter a pillory if assigned to one, the player character will still get the trophy/achievement Time Out for the act of assigning him to it.
Compared to all other companions, with a value of 24, Strong has the highest Strength attribute level.
Strong often pronounces names that start with "Mac" as "Mack." For example, he calls Robert MacCready "Mack Ree Dea" and refers to the titular character of Macbeth as "Mack Beth."
In Fallout: Wasteland Warfare, Strong is part of the Super Mutants faction despite being released in a Survivors faction set.
Notable quotes
"Milk is secret to humans. Mack Beth say milk make humans strong. Stronger than super mutants! Strong find milk. Drink milk. Make super mutants stronger than humans."
"Strong not care about stupid human stuff. Just want milk of human kindness!" – At The Castle
" Little girl pretty. Just like on glass box." – When either near or talking to Nat.
"Strange human hole. All metal." – Upon entering a Vault
"Strong learn new word. Strong learn 'respect."
"Human fight good. Human help Strong. Super mutants are brothers. Brothers share all. Not own things like humans. Humans share like brothers. Super mutants fight. Kill not talk. Human kill not talk. Human would be good super mutant." – Upon earning Strong's respect
"Old human junk. Worst kind of human junk." – Picking up pre-War money
"Goodbye Mack Ree Dee." – When dismissing MacCready to travel with Strong
"Stop fiddling. Smash!" – When crafting items or lock picking.
Strong is voiced by Sean Schemmel, best known as the English teen and adult voice of Goku in the Dragon Ball franchise. Schemmel also voiced male ghouls and Marc Wilson in Fallout 4.
In localized versions of the game, Strong's voice is dubbed by Juan Carlos Lozano (Spanish), Kazumasa Katsura (Japanese) and Pietro Ubaldi (Italian).
Bugs
PCPlaystation 4Xbox One When asked about the relationship between Strong and the player, he will interrupt the player. [verified]
PCPlaystation 4 Upon sending Strong to a settlement with 0 population, water, and food he will vanish from the game after a couple of days. The only way to fix is to summon him via console command. [verified]
A possible fix is to build food and water and then wait several days.
Another possible fix if a bed is not present is to build a bed then save and reload while away from the settlement (this was tested at the Red Rocket truck stop.)
PCXbox One On some occasions, the message showing that Strong likes/dislikes this does not appear even when a certain amount of time for that action has passed, thereby making it even more difficult to gain his Berserk perk. [verified]
This occurs at random times with other companions as well, however the approval is still given just does not show. Using a save or 3 hour wait time glitch will still give affinity as normal. Also applies to negative choices like lockpicking with Strong or hacking.
PCPlaystation 4 May become unable to move, and just kneel at the door where one enters a building spewing comments about the smell. Fast travel can fix this.[verified]
PCPlaystation 4 Strong may be unable to move correctly when wielding a minigun. He will often stand in place when being attacked, uselessly pointing his minigun at the ground. One thing to note is the Gatling laser has the same effect but will happen less often.[verified]
Short-term solution: Select Strong and "command" him to attack "X." Basically pointing him into the direction of the attackers while he has a minigun equipped will make him attack everything in that direction without aiming at the ground.[verified]
Strong's maxed hero card in Fallout Shelter Online
Shop card in Fallout Shelter Online
Fallout Shelter Online wallpaper
Magic: The Gathering
Extended Art
Card art
References
↑Strong: "Strong come here with brothers once. Ate a group of humans. Long time ago. No one human knows." (Strong's dialogue) Note: This dialogue only occurs if Strong is brought as an active companion when entering the Fens street sewer.
↑Rex Goodman: "I came here to teach these poor, ignorant creatures culture. I started with Macbeth. I guess they found it funny. All of them except Strong here." Strong: "Strong learn secret to human power from Mack Beth. Milk of human kindness. Strong will find milk. Strong will drink milk. Strong will have secret power of humans." (Rex Goodman's dialogue)
↑The Sole Survivor: "What are the super mutants going to do with Strong?" Rex Goodman: "Throw him off the building. They're taking bets on how many times he'll bounce." (Rex Goodman's dialogue)
↑Strong: "Human help brother. Super mutants help brothers." (Strong's dialogue)
↑Strong: "Strong will bring brothers here one day. Make good home." (Strong's dialogue)
↑Strong: "Give what is needed. That Super mutant way. Human to human. Super mutant to super mutant." (Strong's dialogue)
↑Strong: "Why keep and not share? Strong share with brothers. Make all super mutants stronger." (Strong's dialogue)
↑Strong: "Walk and talk boring. Human should fight more." (Strong's dialogue)
↑Strong: "This human good fighter. Kill many brothers. Someday Strong smash." (Strong's dialogue) Note: This dialogue only occurs when swapping out Strong for Paladin Danse as the new active companion.
↑Strong: "Ghoul good fighter. Strong approve." (Strong's dialogue) Note: This dialogue only occurs when swapping out Strong for Hancock as the new active companion.
↑Preston Garvey: "We need someone who can bring the whole Commonwealth together in a common cause. And I think you've got it in you to be that leader." Strong: "Human good leader." The Sole Survivor: "Okay. I'll do it." Strong: "Good." (Preston Garvey and Strong's dialogue)
↑Strong: "Like should help like. Human should help human. It is good." (Strong's dialogue)
↑Accepting settlement quests, either independently or as part of a Minutemen radiant quest, is one of a few repeatable triggers for approval from Strong.
we go. No more talk."
Miss Nanny: "Keep robot away from Strong. Strong no like."[Note 2]
When asked about the relationship between Strong and the player, he will interrupt the player. [verified]
