Kotor 2 Atton Influence Guide
Hey there, fellow Jedi (or aspiring Sith, no judgment here!),
So, you’ve found yourself in the surprisingly charming, and sometimes downright chaotic, world of Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. And you’ve probably met Atton Rand, right? That wisecracking pilot with the questionable fashion sense and a past as murky as a swamp on Dagobah. He’s a bit of a puzzle, this guy. One minute he’s cracking jokes, the next he’s… well, let’s just say he’s got some baggage.
But here's the cool thing: Atton’s influence is a big deal in KOTOR 2. Think of it like a friendship meter, but with way more Force-y consequences. Your choices, the things you say, how you handle situations – they all nudge his opinion of you. And when you get that influence just right, oh boy, does it pay off. We’re talking buffs, cool dialogue, and a much more interesting story arc for our favorite blaster-slinging rogue. So, grab your lightsaber, maybe a snack (all this saving the galaxy is hungry work), and let’s dive into how to make Atton your ultimate wingman.
Why Bother with Atton’s Influence, Anyway?
Seriously, why should you spend precious minutes of your galaxy-saving time figuring out what makes a guy who looks like he slept in his clothes tick? Well, let me tell you, it’s not just about making a grumpy pilot happy. High influence with Atton unlocks some pretty sweet stuff.
First off, he becomes a much better combat companion. Think more critical hits, better targeting, and he might even start pulling off some neat Jedi-like Force abilities. It’s like he’s leveling up alongside you, but powered by your awesomeness. And let's not forget the dialogue. Atton’s a chatterbox, and when his influence is high, he opens up. You get to hear some genuinely fascinating (and sometimes heartbreaking) stuff about his past. It adds so much depth to the game, and frankly, makes him a lot more likable. Who knew a little bit of effort could turn a cynical mercenary into… well, a less cynical mercenary who’s also really good at shooting things?
Plus, let's be honest, there's a certain satisfaction in figuring out the "puzzle" of a companion. It’s like unlocking a secret level, but instead of treasure, you get a more well-rounded game experience. So, yeah, it's totally worth it.
The Golden Rule: Be (Mostly) Good
Okay, so Atton’s deal is a little complicated. He’s got a dark past, a big chip on his shoulder, and a healthy dose of cynicism. Because of this, he tends to react positively to a more compassionate, diplomatic, and generally good approach to things. Think Jedi Master, not Sith Lord.
This doesn’t mean you have to be a goody-two-shoes all the time. KOTOR 2 is all about shades of grey, after all. But generally speaking, when faced with a choice, if you can choose the option that’s less violent, more understanding, or helps others, Atton will likely approve. He's seen enough bad stuff; he's probably looking for a glimmer of hope, even if he won’t admit it.
So, when you're talking to people, try to find the peaceful resolution. When you're making decisions, think about who gets hurt and who gets helped. It’s not always obvious, but keep that in mind. It's a good guiding principle.
Early Game Influence: Setting the Tone
Your first few interactions with Atton, especially on Telos and Peragus, are crucial. These are the formative moments, the ones that really set his initial impression of you.
On Peragus, when you’re dealing with the mining operation and the whole… situation… try to show empathy. Listen to the survivors, try to help them out. Atton’s watching, you know? He’s assessing your character.
When you first meet him, he’s all rough edges and sarcasm. Don't mirror that too much. Instead, try to be polite, even when he’s being a pain. Ask him about his ship, listen to his stories (even the embellished ones). Show him you’re not just another tough guy looking for a payday.
A particularly important point early on is when you're discussing the nature of the Force and the Jedi. If you can express a nuanced or even slightly positive view on the Jedi, Atton might perk up. He's got a complex relationship with them, so just bashing them relentlessly might not be the best strategy if you’re aiming for his good graces.
And remember, don't steal from him. It sounds obvious, but in the heat of the moment, sometimes you might be tempted. Atton is a thief himself, but he doesn't appreciate being on the receiving end of it. Go figure!
Dialogue is Your Best Friend (and Atton’s)
This is where the real magic happens. KOTOR 2’s dialogue system is incredibly rich, and Atton is a prime example of its potential. Every conversation is an opportunity.
Pay attention to his dialogue options. When you're presented with choices, read them carefully. Some will clearly align with helping others, some will be aggressive, and some will be just plain silly. Generally, the options that show compassion, understanding, and a willingness to help will earn you influence points.
For example, if someone is being accused of something, and you have the option to offer a more lenient or understanding perspective, go for it. If you can talk down a hostile group instead of immediately resorting to blaster fire, that’s a win for Atton. He’s seen enough violence; he might appreciate a different approach.
Don't be afraid to ask him questions. About his past, about his opinions, about anything really. Even if he deflects at first, your persistent (but polite!) curiosity can sometimes lead to him opening up. When he does, listen intently. Your responses to his confessions are critical. Showing empathy and understanding, rather than judgment, is key here.
Tell him you trust him. This sounds simple, but it's surprisingly effective. When you have opportunities to express confidence in his abilities or judgment, take them. It’s a confidence booster, and for Atton, who’s clearly got some trust issues, it means a lot.
Avoid overly aggressive or cruel responses. While the Dark Side might be tempting, for Atton’s influence, it’s generally a no-go. If you consistently choose the most brutal or selfish options, he'll probably end up resenting you. And who wants a resentful pilot? That’s just asking for trouble.
Key Moments and Specific Choices
While general principles are great, there are a few specific moments where your choices with Atton are particularly impactful.
The Dantooine Encounter: This is a big one. Without giving away too many spoilers (because the story is too good to ruin!), there’s a situation on Dantooine involving a character from Atton’s past. How you handle this encounter, and more importantly, how you react to Atton’s emotional response, is huge for his influence. If you can be understanding and supportive, even when he’s being difficult, you’ll gain a significant amount of influence.
The Mandalorian Conflict: On Dxun, when you’re dealing with the Mandalorians, your approach to their customs and their leader can also affect Atton. Showing respect for their traditions, even if you don’t agree with them, can earn his approval. He’s a pragmatic guy; he understands the importance of navigating different cultures.
Your Own Dark Side/Light Side Path: This one’s a bit of a dance. Atton is inherently a bit cynical and has a dark past himself. So, while you want to lean towards the Light Side for his influence, you don’t have to be perfectly saintly. In fact, sometimes, a little bit of morally grey action that leads to a good outcome might actually resonate with him more than an overly saccharine choice. It’s about showing that you understand the complexities of morality, not just blindly following rules.
Remember the "Jedi Hunter" aspect: This is a big one. Atton has a particular history related to the Jedi Purge. If you can show him that you’re not like the ones who hurt him, that you’re willing to be merciful and understanding towards those who might have been involved in the past conflicts, it can drastically improve his opinion of you. This is especially true if you can bring up his past in a way that’s sympathetic and allows him to process it, rather than just judging him for it.
When Things Go Wrong: Reclaiming Lost Ground
Don’t panic if you accidentally say the wrong thing and Atton’s influence dips. It happens to the best of us. The Force works in mysterious ways, and sometimes, so do companion influences.
The good news is that KOTOR 2 gives you plenty of opportunities to course-correct. Just keep making good choices. Consistently choosing diplomatic, compassionate, or helpful options in dialogue will slowly but surely nudge his influence back up. It might take a little longer, but it’s definitely achievable.
Talk to him again. Sometimes, revisiting conversations and choosing different dialogue options can help. Also, keep an eye out for specific companion quests or conversations that pop up as your influence changes. These are often designed to allow for further development of your relationship and can be a great way to earn back lost ground.
Don’t give up on him! He’s a tough nut to crack, but that’s what makes it so rewarding when you finally get through to him. Think of it as a challenging boss fight for your social skills.
The Rewards of a High-Influence Atton
So, you’ve navigated the treacherous waters of Atton’s psyche. You’ve been understanding, you’ve been diplomatic, and you haven’t stolen his favorite blaster. What do you get for all your trouble?
Well, as mentioned before, he becomes a much more potent combatant. He’ll have better stats, more accurate shots, and might even start using some Force powers himself! Imagine your scruffy pilot friend suddenly throwing Force Blasts around – it’s pretty awesome.
But the real prize? The story. Atton’s personal story is one of the most compelling in KOTOR 2. With high influence, he’ll reveal his true past, his regrets, and his hopes. You’ll get to see him evolve from a cynical outsider into someone who genuinely cares. This adds so much emotional weight to the game and makes his eventual fate (whatever you choose it to be!) all the more impactful.
Plus, you get a companion who’s not just good at fighting, but also provides some excellent banter and surprisingly insightful commentary. He’s the kind of friend you’d want to have when the galaxy is falling apart.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Look, building companion influence in KOTOR 2 can feel like a bit of a mini-game, and sometimes it’s easy to get frustrated. You might mess up, you might make a choice you regret, and you might wonder if it’s even worth it.
But trust me, it is. Every decision you make, every word you choose, shapes your relationships and the world around you. And with Atton, investing in that influence is like planting a seed that grows into something truly special. You’re not just playing a game; you’re building a connection, understanding a character, and ultimately, making your journey through the galaxy so much richer.
So go forth, be kind (mostly!), be understanding, and watch as your scruffy pilot friend transforms into one of the most loyal and capable allies you could ask for. The galaxy is a better place with friends like that. And who knows, maybe you'll even learn a thing or two about yourself along the way. Now go make Atton proud!
