The Ultimate Guide to Fallout's Mr Handy Robot Line

Highlights

The Fallout series features Mister Handy robots that play different roles in each game, such as assisting the player or being hostile.

The Mister Handy robots were introduced in 2037 to serve as versatile robots for maintenance and construction work. They come in various variations, each tailored for specific tasks such as farming, childcare, medical duties, and combat.

In Fallout 4 and the previous games of the series, players embark on a treacherous journey as survivors of a nuclear war, experiencing different perspectives. The first two games feature a protagonist known as the "chosen one," tasked with a vital mission to save their vault or village from destruction. In Fallout 3, the protagonist searches for their missing father, aiding them in completing a project that would enhance the lives of wasteland inhabitants. In Fallout 4, players find themselves in the role of a parent on a quest to locate their lost child. Throughout the sequels, one consistent presence is the Mister Handy robots.

The original Fallout game introduces a sole Mister Handy bot known as Unit 462. Unit 462 assists players in cleaning up FEV vats and disabling a force field emitter at the Mariposa Military Base. In Fallout 2, there exists a deactivated Mister Handy bot without a given name, yet it poses a hostile threat to the player and frequently references science fiction. The Mister Handy robots in the more recent sequels exhibit a friendlier nature. In Fallout 3, Andy fulfills the role of caretaker, looking after the player as they mature. Codsworth, the loyal butler in Fallout 4, serves the player character both before and after the Great War.

The Origin of Fallout’s Mr. Handy Robot Line

Introduced to the mainstream market in 2037, the Mr. Handy Robots were specifically designed by General Atomics International for general-purpose maintenance and construction work. These robots were highly efficient, reliable, and durable, receiving only one major hardware update two years after their release. Through a collaboration with RobCo Industries, the robot's design kept improving, resulting in a model capable of initiative and self-programming. This made the Mr. Handy the perfect companion, whether in the workplace or at home. As a result, it became a popular domestic servant robot in families across the United States by the 2070s.

The General Atomics International + RobCo model is predominantly featured in the first two Fallout games. With a barrel-shaped trunk and six arms, these robots possess a wide range of abilities, from dog-walking to operating plasma casters. Initially programmed for military purposes, these early models displayed hostility towards players until they were repaired. In newer games, the latest RobCo models made their appearance, exemplified by characters like Victor in Fallout: New Vegas. These models were primarily designed for assisting with domestic tasks, which often led to a non-hostile relationship with the protagonist as their robot servant. However, these newer models are equally proficient in combat if the situation calls for it.

The Different Variations of Mr. Handy Robot

General Robotics International and RobCo also created specialized versions of their Mr. Handy Robots:

Mister Farmhand: This robot is equipped with agricultural tools for farming tasks

Mister Frothy: The purpose of this bot is to store and distribute Nuka-Cola products.

Miss Nanny: Designed specifically for nurturing, raising newborns, and providing assistance to medical professionals in their daily tasks and research.

Mister Gutsy: Players may come across Mister Gutsy in Fallout 4. Although its specialty is not clearly defined, it excels as a bodyguard and combatant due to its heavy armor and plasma weapon.

Mister Orderly: Similar to Miss Nanny, this robot is specifically designed for medical work and research, with customized modifications.

The intended purpose of Mister Torturer, as the name suggests, was for the government to use it as a horrifying tool for interrogating enemies of the state.

While some players may view Mister Handy Robots as insignificant and leave them behind in their homes or settlements, they can actually be great companions. For instance, Fallout 4's Codsworth is a skilled fighter and even provides purified water on a daily basis. These robots are also intriguing due to their fascinating history and advanced design. They have evolved into highly intelligent and self-aware beings capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from cooking breakfast to defending against groups of raiders in the Fallout universe.

Fallout 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.