Dogmeat, the loyal German Shepherd companion in Fallout 4, is arguably the most beloved character in the Commonwealth. His unwavering loyalty and surprisingly effective combat abilities make him an invaluable asset to any Sole Survivor. However, even the best dog can occasionally get lost or stuck, leaving you wondering, “Where did Dogmeat go?” Thankfully, there are several methods you can employ to teleport Dogmeat to your location, ensuring your furry friend is always by your side. This guide delves into the different ways to achieve this, catering to both console and PC players.
Understanding Dogmeat’s Behavior and Why He Gets Lost
Before we dive into the teleportation methods, it’s essential to understand why Dogmeat tends to wander off in the first place. Several factors contribute to this behavior:
Dogmeat’s AI is designed to be somewhat independent. He’ll often sniff around, investigate points of interest, and even engage enemies on his own. This inherent curiosity, while endearing, can lead him astray.
The Fallout 4 game world is vast and complex, filled with intricate environments and cluttered spaces. Dogmeat can easily get stuck behind objects, trapped in buildings, or simply lost in the chaotic shuffle of combat.
Sometimes, Dogmeat might simply be lagging behind. The game’s engine may struggle to keep him synchronized with your movements, especially in areas with heavy loading or intense action.
Finally, occasional glitches and bugs can affect Dogmeat’s behavior, causing him to disappear or teleport to random locations. While rare, these instances can be frustrating.
Understanding these reasons can help you anticipate and prevent Dogmeat from getting lost in the first place. Keeping him in close proximity during exploration and frequently checking his location can minimize the need for teleportation.
Console Commands: The PC Player’s Teleportation Toolkit
For PC players, the console commands provide the most direct and efficient method for teleporting Dogmeat. The console is a powerful tool that allows you to manipulate various aspects of the game, including character locations.
Accessing the Console
To access the console, simply press the tilde key (~) on your keyboard. This key is typically located to the left of the number 1 key and above the Tab key. The console window will appear at the bottom of your screen, allowing you to enter commands.
Finding Dogmeat’s Reference ID
Before you can teleport Dogmeat, you need his unique reference ID. This ID is a hexadecimal number that identifies Dogmeat within the game’s code. There are several ways to find this ID:
The most reliable method is to use the command “prid 0001d162”. This command targets Dogmeat directly, allowing you to manipulate him using subsequent commands.
Alternatively, you can use the command “help Dogmeat 4”. This command will search the game’s database for entries related to “Dogmeat” and display their corresponding IDs. Look for the entry with the FormID “0001d162”.
Once you have Dogmeat’s reference ID, you can proceed with the teleportation process.
Teleporting Dogmeat to Your Location
With Dogmeat’s reference ID in hand, you can now teleport him to your exact location. The following command will accomplish this:
“prid 0001d162” (targets Dogmeat)
“moveto player” (moves Dogmeat to your location)
First, enter “prid 0001d162” into the console and press Enter. This selects Dogmeat as the target for the next command.
Next, enter “moveto player” and press Enter. This command instructs the game to move Dogmeat to your current location.
Dogmeat should now appear right next to you. This method is quick, easy, and highly reliable.
Teleporting Yourself to Dogmeat’s Location
In some cases, it might be easier to teleport yourself to Dogmeat’s location instead. This is particularly useful if you have a general idea of where he might be, such as a previous settlement.
To teleport yourself to Dogmeat, use the following commands:
“prid 0001d162” (targets Dogmeat)
“player.moveto 0001d162” (moves the player to Dogmeat’s location)
The first command targets Dogmeat, as before. The second command, “player.moveto 0001d162”, moves your character to Dogmeat’s current position.
Keep in mind that this method will teleport you regardless of obstacles, so you might end up inside a building or underground if Dogmeat is in such a location.
Using the “Call Dogmeat” Mod
For PC players who prefer a more user-friendly approach, several mods offer a convenient way to teleport Dogmeat. One popular option is the “Call Dogmeat” mod, which adds a holotape to your inventory that allows you to summon Dogmeat to your location with a single click.
This mod eliminates the need to use console commands and provides a seamless teleportation experience. Simply activate the holotape from your Pip-Boy, and Dogmeat will instantly appear by your side.
Alternative Strategies for Console Players (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Unfortunately, console players don’t have access to console commands. However, there are still several strategies you can use to locate and retrieve Dogmeat.
Checking Known Locations and Settlements
Dogmeat often returns to locations he frequents, particularly settlements. Check settlements where you’ve previously assigned him, such as Sanctuary Hills or Red Rocket Truck Stop.
He might be wandering around the settlement, sleeping in his doghouse, or interacting with other settlers. Thoroughly search these locations before resorting to other methods.
Using the Vault-Tec Population Management System (If Available)
If you have the Vault-Tec Workshop DLC, you can use the Vault-Tec Population Management System to track Dogmeat’s location. This system allows you to assign tasks to settlers and companions, and it displays their current whereabouts on a map.
Simply access the terminal and select Dogmeat’s name to see his last known location. This can provide a valuable clue as to where he might have wandered off to.
Fast Traveling to Different Locations
Sometimes, simply fast traveling to a different location can trigger Dogmeat to reappear. The game might reset his position, placing him back with you when you arrive at the new location.
Try fast traveling to a nearby settlement or a landmark you recently visited. This method is not always reliable, but it’s a quick and easy way to potentially retrieve Dogmeat.
Waiting or Sleeping
Similar to fast traveling, waiting or sleeping can sometimes cause Dogmeat to reappear. The game’s internal processes might update his location during this time, bringing him back to your side.
Find a safe location and wait for several hours, or sleep in a bed. This method is also not guaranteed, but it’s worth trying if other options have failed.
Retracing Your Steps
The most time-consuming but potentially effective method is to retrace your steps, carefully examining the areas you’ve recently explored. Dogmeat might be stuck behind an obstacle, trapped in a building, or simply lagging behind.
Pay close attention to areas where you encountered enemies or where the terrain is uneven. Dogmeat might have gotten injured or lost during combat.
Using the Bell to Gather Settlers (Settlement Focus)
If Dogmeat is in a settlement, ringing the settlement bell can sometimes draw him to your location. This is because Dogmeat is often considered a “settler” in terms of AI, even though he doesn’t perform tasks. Build a bell and ring it multiple times, moving to different areas of the settlement.
Preventative Measures: Keeping Dogmeat Safe and Sound
While teleportation methods are useful, it’s always best to prevent Dogmeat from getting lost in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your furry friend safe and sound:
Avoid leaving Dogmeat in dangerous areas, especially during combat. If you know a fight is about to break out, instruct him to stay back or dismiss him to a nearby settlement.
Equip Dogmeat with armor and weapons to increase his survivability. This will make him more resilient in combat and less likely to get injured or killed.
Frequently check Dogmeat’s location and health status. If he’s lagging behind or taking damage, take a moment to address the situation.
Use the “Stay” command to keep Dogmeat close to you when exploring unfamiliar areas. This will prevent him from wandering off on his own.
Assign Dogmeat to a specific settlement and provide him with a doghouse. This will give him a safe and comfortable place to return to when he’s not adventuring with you.
By following these preventative measures, you can minimize the chances of Dogmeat getting lost and ensure he’s always there to provide companionship and support.
Losing Dogmeat in the Commonwealth can be frustrating, but with these teleportation methods and preventative strategies, you can ensure that your loyal companion is always by your side, ready to face the dangers of the wasteland together. Whether you’re a PC player with access to console commands or a console player relying on alternative strategies, there’s always a way to reunite with your furry friend. Remember to prioritize Dogmeat’s safety and well-being, and he’ll continue to be a valuable and beloved member of your Fallout 4 adventure.
What are the prerequisites for teleporting to Dogmeat in Fallout 4?
To teleport to Dogmeat, you’ll primarily need access to the game’s console commands. This feature is exclusively available on the PC version of Fallout 4. Ensure you have a working keyboard connected to your PC and that you are playing the PC version of the game. Without these, you won’t be able to utilize the commands necessary for teleporting to Dogmeat.
Furthermore, it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of how console commands work. Before teleporting, save your game. While console commands generally work reliably, unforeseen circumstances or errors could disrupt your gameplay. Saving allows you to easily revert to a previous state should anything go wrong during the teleportation process.
How do I find Dogmeat’s RefID for teleportation?
Dogmeat’s RefID is a crucial piece of information needed for teleportation. The most reliable way to obtain this is by using the console command “help Dogmeat 4 NPC”. This will search for entries related to Dogmeat, including his RefID. Look for the entry labeled ‘NPC_: Dogmeat (0001d162)’. The hexadecimal number, in this case 0001d162, is Dogmeat’s RefID.
Once you’ve located the RefID, write it down or copy it. Double-checking the RefID is important, as even a slight typo can cause the teleportation command to fail. Using the incorrect RefID may transport you to the wrong location or cause unexpected game behavior. Make sure the RefID starts with “000” followed by five hexadecimal characters.
What is the specific console command to teleport to Dogmeat?
The primary console command used to teleport to Dogmeat is “player.moveto 0001d162”, replacing “0001d162” with Dogmeat’s actual RefID, if it’s different in your game. Open the console by pressing the tilde key (~) on your keyboard. Type the command exactly as it appears, paying close attention to spaces and capitalization, although capitalization usually doesn’t matter for these commands.
After entering the command, press Enter. If successful, your character should instantly be transported to Dogmeat’s current location. If nothing happens, double-check that you entered the RefID correctly and that you are using the “player.moveto” command. It’s important to stay stationary after entering the command, allowing the game to load the new location.
What if Dogmeat is in a location I cannot normally access?
The “player.moveto” command will teleport you to Dogmeat regardless of the location’s accessibility under normal gameplay conditions. This means if Dogmeat is stuck in a building you can’t enter, or an area that is out of bounds, you’ll still be able to teleport to him. Be aware that this may result in being placed inside objects or in unintended areas.
While teleporting to inaccessible areas will usually work, it could potentially lead to problems such as getting stuck or encountering visual glitches. If this happens, you might need to use the console command again to move to a different location or reload a previous save. Always save before teleporting, especially to locations you suspect might be problematic.
What are the potential issues after teleporting to Dogmeat?
One potential issue is getting stuck inside objects, especially if Dogmeat is in a cluttered or confined space. If this occurs, try using the “tcl” console command to toggle collision off, allowing you to move through objects. Then, find a suitable location and use “tcl” again to re-enable collision. This will prevent you from accidentally falling through the world.
Another potential issue is the game’s AI pathfinding. Sometimes, after teleporting, Dogmeat might act strangely or fail to follow you properly. This can often be resolved by simply moving a short distance away from him, prompting the AI to re-engage. If problems persist, try fast traveling to a different location or restarting the game.
Can I teleport Dogmeat to me instead of teleporting to him?
Yes, you can teleport Dogmeat to your location using a different console command. Instead of teleporting yourself to Dogmeat, you can teleport Dogmeat to your character’s location using the command “prid 0001d162” (or Dogmeat’s RefID) followed by “moveto player”. This command first selects Dogmeat as the target and then moves him to you.
Teleporting Dogmeat to your location can be a useful alternative if you’re in a safe spot and want to avoid potentially glitchy areas where Dogmeat might be stuck. It can also be helpful if you prefer to control your own positioning after the teleportation process. Ensure Dogmeat’s RefID is correct, just as when teleporting yourself to him.
Does teleporting Dogmeat affect quests or game progress?
Generally, teleporting Dogmeat doesn’t directly affect quests or game progress in a negative way. However, it’s important to be aware of the context in which you’re using the teleportation. For example, teleporting Dogmeat away from a quest location where he’s needed might temporarily disrupt the quest’s progress.
While teleportation is usually safe, it’s advisable to avoid using it excessively during critical quest sequences. If you encounter any unusual behavior related to quests after teleporting Dogmeat, consider reloading a previous save to revert to a state before the teleportation. This will help ensure the quest triggers and progresses correctly.