Outbound Guide: How to Get a Dog Companion
Unlock Mobile Storage and a Loyal Companion at the Paws & Whiskers Lodge
Quick Answer: You can adopt a dog as soon as you enter the second biome. Look for the Paws & Whiskers Lodge behind the first signal tower you see, grab a dog treat inside, and head out back to choose your permanent furry sidekick.
Cruising around in your customized camper van is a blast, but the open road gets pretty lonely after a while. Sure, you can pet the wild rabbits you find in the woods, but they eventually hop away. If you want a loyal companion who sticks by your side through thick and thin, you need to adopt a dog.
Not only does getting a puppy cure the solo-traveler blues, but your new pet actually provides some massive gameplay benefits that make resource gathering vastly easier.
Tracking Down the Paws & Whiskers Lodge
You cannot get a pet right out of the gate. You have to push your way into the second biome first. If you are currently stuck behind the rubble blocking the northeast tunnel, check out our guide on how to leave the first area and reach the second map to clear the way.
Once you emerge from that rock tunnel and hit the coastal roads, keep driving until you spot the very first signal tower. Park your van and look for a dirt path stretching out directly behind the tower. Follow that trail, and it will lead you straight to a building called the Paws & Whiskers Lodge.
Inside the Lodge
Before you rush outside to see the dogs, take a minute to scavenge the interior of the building. You want to loot everything in sight, but make absolutely sure you pick up the dog treat. Once your pockets are full, head through the back door and step into the enclosed yard.
Choosing Your New Best Friend
The backyard is where the magic happens. You will find four different dogs running around the pen, each rocking a unique coat color.
Walk up to your favorite pup and press your interact button to start the adoption process. The game will prompt you to enter a name for your new companion.
Take your time with this decision! The adoption process has two very strict rules:
- You can only adopt a single dog from the lodge.
- Once you confirm a name, you cannot change it later.
Why You Need a Dog in Outbound
Your new pet is not just a cosmetic follower. The second you finalize the adoption, your dog is instantly equipped with a slick little backpack, turning them into a walking storage chest.
Here is a breakdown of what your furry friend brings to the table:
| Feature | Details |
| Mobile Storage | The base backpack holds 10 items. You can transfer heavy materials directly into their pouch to save your own inventory space. |
| Upgrades | You can expand your dog’s carrying capacity at the Sewing Table once you track down the right blueprints. |
| Commands | Use your command wheel to tell your dog to Follow, Stay, or Show Pouch. |
Free Achievements
If you are hunting for completionist trophies, getting a dog knocks out two achievements almost instantly. Finalizing the adoption grants you the “Fur-Ever Friend” achievement. Immediately open your command wheel, select the pet option to show your dog some love, and the “Can you Pet the Dog?” achievement will unlock right after.
If you want to master every aspect of your campervan adventure, be sure to check out all of our other guides at Novus Vektra.
