Does Codsworth call you your name? An in-depth guide to Fallout 4‘s personalized robot companion
In Fallout 4, your trusty robot butler Codsworth can greet your character by name right from the start – but only if he knows it. With an impressive built-in vocabulary of over 900 names, chances are high that Codsworth will cheerfully call you by name as you explore the post-apocalyptic ruins of Boston. Read on and I‘ll tell you everything you need to know about Codsworth‘s personalized greetings and how to get him to say your name too!
Just how many names can our metal friend say?
Codsworth can actually call you by over 900 unique names predetermined in Fallout 4‘s data files. According to dedicated players who data-mined the game code, Codsworth has a total database of 925 names at his robotic disposal – 512 female names and 413 male names to be precise.
That‘s a whole lot of monikers! Here are some statistics on Codsworth‘s name options:
| Total names: | 925 |
| Female names: | 512 |
| Male names: | 413 |
| Most common female name: | Elizabeth |
| Most common male name: | Michael |
The list covers all the classics like James, Mary, Daniel, Sarah, and William alongside more uncommon picks like Neo and Dovahkiin. So chances are high your name makes Codsworth‘s cut!
Breaking down how Codsworth recognizes player names
So just how does our charming robot associate the player‘s name choice during character creation with his prerecorded name database? The secret lies in Fallout 4‘s dialogue system.
When you pick a name, the game automatically scans Codsworth‘s list to see if there‘s a match. If there is, it will swap his generic "Sir" and "Ma‘am" lines for your customized name when talking to the player. This allows for a personalized experience using assets already baked into the game prior to release!
Behind the scenes, Codsworth‘s naming ability comes down to some clever scripting tricks tying character creation to NPC dialogue trees. Game data files like DialogueCodsworth.txt even separate out lines by player first name, last name, and fullname to support custom combinations. It‘s an impressive attention to detail from Bethesda!
Tricks for getting our robotic butler to say your name
If you want Codsworth to call you by name, the number one thing is getting the spelling precisely right during character creation. Even small errors like "Jhon" instead of "John" will make Codsworth default to a generic greeting.
I recommend cross-referencing your name against Codsworth‘s full list posted online to triple check you‘ve spelled it correctly before confirming. You want to tap directly into his 925 name vocabulary for that personalized experience! Some common names like Cameron don‘t make the cut, so double check just to be safe.
If he still won‘t say your correctly spelled name, try fully exiting Fallout 4 and restarting. This forces the game to reload assets and usually fixes any lingering glitches!
As a last resort, use console commands on PC to max out your relationship with Codsworth. This bonds him to you so tightly he may say your name anyway! Open the console and enter "SetRelationshipRank player 4" to make him love you.
Trying out rare names that should get a reaction from Codsworth
Intriguingly, some Fallout 4 players have reported Codsworth saying their names even when they don‘t technically match his list. For example, Reddit user Pae_PC shared the bizarre story of Codsworth calling them by the very uncommon name "Woop Dap".
This "Codsworth name glitch" has led to speculation that he pulls from some secondary database used elsewhere in Fallout 4‘s conversations. Maybe you‘ll luck out and get a reaction even with a rare name!
I suggest trying out the following ten obscure names next playthrough and seeing if Codsworth reacts:
- Mittens
- Aloysius
- Pumpernickel
- Kaleesi
- Picard
- Papadopoulos
- Moonbeam
- Tempest
- Wombat
- Woopdap
If Codsworth responds, his name database may be even more mysterious than players realized!
Other fun interactions to try with your robot companion
Even if Codsworth doesn‘t say your name exactly, he has a variety of other fun nicknames and greetings to make the experience feel personalized. Female characters will hear him call them "mum" in his charming British accent. He‘ll also comment on your adventures, express concern for your health, and react when you return to visit him.
Installing the Automatron DLC opens up even more reactive dialogue options with Codsworth. He‘ll have opinions on you bringing other robots along as companions and even develop likes/dislikes!
Here are some of my favorite Codsworth nicknames compiled by ladyashi on Steam:
- Love
- Dearie
- My Boy/Girl
- Sir/Ma‘am
- Mum
- Miss/Missus
So try out different companion combinations and listen close for all the different ways Codsworth addresses you!
Hearing your own name said out loud makes Fallout 4 more immersive
On a deeper level, Codsworth using your actual customized name adds so much to the roleplaying experience and sense of immersion in Fallout 4. Hearing your name said aloud forges a stronger connection to your character and their backstory growing up in pre-war Sanctuary Hills with the robot butler.
When you finally reunite with Codsworth 200 years later, his cheerful familiarity with your name implies a shared history. It‘s much more emotionally resonant than just reading generic on-screen text!
This personalization extends to other characters like Nick Valentine who also actively use your chosen name. It makes the relationships between your character and companions feel more authentic. Kudos to Bethesda for going the extra mile with elements like this!
Some ideas for roleplaying when NPCs know you by name
So what are some fun ways to roleplay and react in-character when NPCs like Codsworth address you directly? Here are five ideas to try on your next playthrough:
- Act surprised when old friends like Codsworth recognize your name after 200 years.
- Form closer bonds with companions who know you personally like Nick Valentine.
- Get paranoid when enemies also seem to know you by name – who tipped them off?
- Feel uneasy when strangers somehow know your name without introduction.
- Light up with a smile whenever you hear your name said aloud.
Use your imagination and let your character‘s personality shine through! Being known by name opens up so many storytelling possibilities.
In summary: Yes, Codsworth can indeed call you by name!
So in conclusion, the answer is yes – our friendly neighborhood Mr. Handy absolutely can greet you personally by name in Fallout 4! With the right tricks, you can get him to cheerfully say your customized name out loud thanks to his massive built-in vocabulary.
Hearing your name from Codsworth‘s robotic voicebox makes the experience so much more immersive and emotionally resonant. It‘s a small touch that adds so much to the roleplaying potential. Hopefully this guide gave you some helpful tips to get Codsworth saying your name next playthrough!