Stimpack If pressed, you will be able to heal your companion if they are injured.

However, most companions ignore this setting.

Passive/Aggressive Switching this will cause the Companion to be either passive or aggressive.Passive companions will only attack enemies that are engaged in combat with you, Aggressive companions will attack any enemy they see.

Using this command will have the companion back a bit away from you.

Close/Distance This Slot will instruct the companion to stay near you at either a long or short distance.

Like you, your companions have a limit on their carryweight.

Inventory Control Opens a inventory slot for the companion, much like putting things in a drawer, allowing you to swap items with your companions.

however not all companions can use this feature.

Melee/Ranged This switches the fighting preference between the companions ranged weapon and their melee.

The Companion wheel function works as follows: However, once you enter 'HARDCORE' mode, when they die, they die. Once their HP is drained, they will simply fall unconscious, and recover a time later. That's right! no matter how many shots you pump into their head from point blank, it wont kill them. While they walk with you, permanent companions are marked in game as 'Essential.' The status causes anyone marked to be unable to die. The companion wheel is an overlay you can interact with once you 'talk' to your current companion.

Backstory Each companion has their own personal quest and backstory that once completed can help you earn experience, loot, and even a new perk with that companion, depending on how the quests are completed.

Their own perk(s) Recruiting a companion will give you access to their respective perk! Each one is unique and can be a real game changer as you walk the wastes.

Your Karma, your actions in the Mojave, and who you side with in the end all effects who may want to stay at your side.

They also can refuse to work with you at any time, and may even turn hostile. with some your factions or karma may prevent them from being recruited. Each companion has their own personality and moral code.

Fallout new vegas multiple companions