Sergeant RL-3

Sergeant RL-3 is a Mister Gutsy and a possible companion

Background
Sergeant RL-3 is a customized Mister Gutsy model, created by General Atomics for mobile attacks prior to the Great War, and scavenged from parts by a wandering trader named Tinker Joe. It possesses a simulated personality unit, but due to issues with its programming, it is picky about the company it keeps. Because of this, the robot refuses to travel with anyone it considers "too extreme," making it difficult for Tinker Joe to sell it.

Recruiting
Sergeant RL-3 may be purchased from Tinker Joe between the RobCo facility and Tenpenny Tower for 1,000 caps, provided that the Lone Wanderer has neutral Karma. If their Barter skill is high enough (70), RL-3 may be purchased for the reduced price of only 500 caps.

Appearances
Sergeant RL-3 appears

Behind the scenes

 * RL-3 makes several references in its dialogue lines:
 * "You're making me angry, you won't like me when I'm angry!" is originally spoken in the TV show The Incredible Hulk.
 * "Old war-bots never die; we just rust away" is a reference to the catchphrase "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."
 * "There's nothing I like better than making some other poor bastard die for his country" references General Patton's address to the U.S. 6th Armored Division during his speech to the Third Army: "No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."
 * "Kill them all, let God sort them out!" is a reference to the Latin phrase "Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius."

Bugs

 * One may not be able to talk to RL-3 when trying to rehire him at Canterbury Commons. If this happens simply reload the most recent save and go back. He should now talk to the player character, allowing one to rehire him as normal.
 * If Broken Steel is installed prior to recruting RL-3, it gains a massive increase of 350 HP per level, instead of having a fixed 350 HP regardless of its level. Dogmeat and Fawkes are similarly affected.
 * While in sneak mode and having the Robotics Expert perk produces the usual dialogue box with RL-3. However, selecting "Talk" does nothing.
 * RL-3's plasma projector uses the laser rifle's firing sound, not the usual Mister Gutsy sound effect.
 * When traversing over mountains, RL-3 may get stuck on or inside a rock.
 * Some events can cause RL-3 to become hostile towards everyone indefinitely, including the player. These include the destruction of its combat inhibitor, RL-3 witnessing Tinker Joe die, Crow's death in general (because RL-3 has some sort of scripted-in co-affiliation to Crow like he has with Tinker Joe) and investing any money in Crow's business during the Merchant Empire quest (because the game treats merchants one has invested in like they were dead in some regards).
 * RL-3 may remain frenzied even if his combat inhibitor appears repaired. To check, open the console, click on RL-3 (or enter ), and issue the command. If it returns 3.00, RL-3 is frenzied, which can be repaired with.
 * RL-3 can be waiting in the Commons even if one did not purchase him and he can be hired for free.
 * RL-3 will sometimes attack friendly or neutral non-player characters, such as everyone inside the Republic of Dave capitol building, and Scribe Yearling and the Brotherhood of Steel knights inside of the Arlington Library. This appears only in certain spots in these areas, and can be avoided by having RL-3 wait somewhere else while conducting business there.
 * It is possible to recruit Sergeant RL-3 at the same time as another companion by dismissing your current companion, then speaking to Tinker Joe and purchasing RL-3, followed by quickly re-hiring your old companion before RL-3 speaks to you. This glitch works with Butch, Charon and Dogmeat.