Top Companion Builds and Mod Kit Strategies in The Outer Worlds 2

In The Outer Worlds 2, your companions are more than AI sidekicks—they’re living extensions of your combat style. The right build can turn a vulnerable medic into a clutch savior or a reckless brawler into an unstoppable machine. Understanding how mod kits and perks complement one another is what separates a decent adventurer from a true corporate nightmare.

This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of companion upgrades, how to unlock their potential, and which builds make them essential members of your crew.

Understanding Companion Perks

Each companion evolves alongside you, gaining new perks every few levels. These aren’t just stat bumps—they redefine how your allies behave in battle. Some perks boost armor and elemental resistance, others amplify ability recharge or grant passive benefits to your whole team.

There’s no way to respec a perk once it’s chosen, so think ahead. Does your team need another tank, a healer, or an extra source of elemental damage? Decide early, because every companion’s progression path is unique.

Companion-specific perks also influence your synergy during combat. For instance, a support perk that boosts healing may pair perfectly with a tank’s damage resistance, while two offensive perks could leave your squad dangerously fragile in longer fights.

Unlocking Mod Kits and Upgrading Companions

Mod kits serve as the customization backbone of The Outer Worlds 2. These upgrades—earned through side missions, exploration, or personal quests—can transform how your companions perform.

Once unlocked, mod kits can be applied through the workbench under “Companion Upgrades.” Some enhance elemental output, while others alter ability behavior or boost defensive thresholds. The beauty of mod kits lies in their flexibility: you can swap them in and out as your campaign progresses.

Keep an eye out for high-tier workbenches scattered around industrial hubs and outposts—they often unlock additional upgrade slots and allow more intricate combinations.

Best Companion Roles and Builds

The Outer Worlds 2 offers a colorful cast of misfits, mercs, and idealists, each capable of dominating a particular niche. Let’s break down a few standout builds that complement most player styles.

Niles – The Distraction Expert

Niles thrives in chaos. His role is to pull enemy fire and keep your ranged units safe. Focus on perks that improve taunt radius and armor repair. His best mod kit combinations are Rail Revolver Barrel and Reflex Amplifier Module, providing shock-based crowd control and evasive bonuses for nearby allies.

Best Perks:

• I Got ‘Em – Forces enemies to target Niles.
• Spotter – Highlights hostiles and lowers their awareness.
• Ghost Array – Grants brief invisibility at low health.

Perfect for: players who like leading from the front while their squad unloads from behind cover.

Valerie – The Lifeline Medic

Valerie’s toolkit is all about healing and sustainability. Her perks turn minor recovery abilities into major life-saving moments. Pair her with strong frontline allies and she’ll keep your entire team on its feet.

Recommended Perks:

• Restoration Operation – Triggers instant team heal.
• Fortitude Supplement Module – Cleanses debuffs and restores HP.
• Prolonged Defenses – Adds long-term armor buffs after healing.

Best Mod Kits:

• Supercooling Coils – Converts her weapon to frost damage.
• Self-Repairing Module – Provides passive regeneration.

Perfect for: players who prefer safe, methodical combat with constant regeneration.

Tristan – The Heavy Defender

Tristan’s strength lies in raw endurance. He’s a walking shield designed to take the punishment others can’t. His perks focus on damage mitigation and crowd control, making him the ideal backbone for your team.

Recommended Perks:

• Juggernaut – Reduces debuff durations.
• Zyranium Energy – Speeds up ability cooldown in hazardous areas.
• Demoralizing Entry – Frightens enemies after a kill.

Mod Picks:

• Plasma Grenades – Adds explosive crowd control.
• Powered Armor – Boosts defense relative to armor value.

Perfect for: tank builds and players who like steady, high-risk battles.

Aza – The Melee Storm

Aza plays best in the chaos of close-range combat. She’s fast, lethal, and unpredictable, excelling when supported by a healer or a tank. Her perks increase melee output and improve survivability when surrounded.

Recommended Perks:

• Relentless – Adds stagger to combo strikes.
• Strike from Smoke – Boosts damage after using her ability.
• Mine Layer – Enhances explosive traps for extra control.

Best Mods:

• Serrated Edge – Applies bleed damage.
• Shadow Melding Fabric – Grants camouflage when idle.

Perfect for: players who thrive on hit-and-run tactics and high mobility.

Marisol – The Tech Operative

Marisol combines engineering precision with tactical prowess. She uses gadgets to debilitate enemies and empower allies, making her the most versatile member of the squad.

Recommended Perks:

• Combat Analyzer – Highlights weak points for bonus crits.
• Recharge Paralysis – Restores gadget energy through attacks.
• Chain Paralysis – Chains her stun effect to nearby enemies.

Mod Suggestions:

• Homotopic Extension Module – Extends debuff duration.
• Shield Battery – Adds a regenerating shield on ability use.

Perfect for: hybrid builds that mix damage, control, and support.

Building the Perfect Party

Balancing your team is about chemistry. A solid setup includes at least one tank, one support, and a flexible damage dealer. Try pairing Tristan with Valerie for unbreakable defense, or Aza with Marisol for aggressive, fast-paced skirmishes.

Don’t forget your crafting options: the workbench allows you to tweak each companion’s weapons and armor to better fit your evolving strategy. Experiment often—what feels balanced early in the game may need reworking as enemies grow stronger.

Conclusion

The best teams in The Outer Worlds 2 aren’t built overnight. They’re forged through experimentation, strategy, and an understanding of each companion’s unique strengths. When perks, mods, and roles align, every fight becomes smoother, faster, and infinitely more satisfying.

Whether you’re aiming for full firepower or a balanced survival crew, mastering the companion system is your ticket to thriving in the galaxy’s corporate battlegrounds.