Question about Pets

[Ragethorn]

So, I returned recently to find quite a few changes to the game. I've noticed that gear no longer plays a role with pets but wasn't sure about they're influence levels. (does weapon damage help or is their weapon just for looks?)
Does a higher influence level give more damage/healing/tanking? Or does it still only effect crew missions and crafting?

Thanks!

[Edge-]

Yes, influence level gives you more presence while that companion is out, which improves the companions combat stats.

[Ragethorn]

Great, thank you so much!

[Davemetalhead]

I'm not sure my Kham Val would appreciate being called a pet ...

[ItachiZaku]

Yes, influence level gives you more presence while that companion is out, which improves the companions combat stats.

Each influence level gives +50 presence, but I'm not sure what that means - as in damage increase etc.

I finally logged in and... it was a bit alarming, but I got Nadia sorted out and boosted her a couple quick influence levels. Your companions will start off up to a max of rank 10 influence, if you maxed their affection.

[Triptych]

Influence gains seem to be very fast and easy.

I returned to the game at the weekend, and started a new Sith Warrior. I'm now level 19, at Lord Granthan's compound on DK, and Vette has already reached Influence 12. She's super powerful.

I didn't do any deliberate or special grinding of Influence -- just bought the cheap perks that boost Conversations and Gifts by +30% each. When I got to the fleet, I gave her a couple dozen random Underworld gifts that were gathering dust in the cargo holds of old alts; and I got fairly lucky with some conversation choices that she approved of in the Black Talon solo FP.

I don't know whether influence levels slow down as you get higher, i.e. each subsequent level costs more than the last .. but at this rate, I'll be maxed out before the end of chapter two!!

[Darth Belichick]

It definitely slows down, but not a ton. My Khem Val was about 23 before I put him on the shelf for Ashara at around 35? No companion gifts either. Purely just picking convo options he agreed with (which as a dark side Inquisitor isn't too hard).

[Goshko]

I don't know whether influence levels slow down as you get higher, i.e. each subsequent level costs more than the last .. but at this rate, I'll be maxed out before the end of chapter two!!

No you won't. You really really won't. Unless you have a few thousand gifts laying around.

To be more specific - you have influence 12 - that's about 15000 influence. Out of a total of 250000. You're at 6%

[xuros]

No you won't. You really really won't. Unless you have a few thousand gifts laying around.

To be more specific - you have influence 12 - that's about 15000 influence. Out of a total of 250000. You're at 6%

I'm rank 50 on 7 companions. Its possible.

[Goshko]

but at this rate, I'll be maxed out before the end of chapter two!!

I'm rank 50 on 7 companions. Its possible.

In chapter 2? Without gifts? I find that hard to believe. Did you spend the last 2 weeks in BT?

Waaait a minute, you don't have 7 companions in chapter 2 .... ooooh you mean at 65 after spending millions on gifts. Yeah me too. What's your point?

[Alvito]

While weapons don't increase their damage you do want to make sure they have one so they can and will fight the correct way. Some of them will not use all of their abilities if you don't give them and weapon and they are just punching in melee range.