Player Groups
In Fallout Online, you can have a group of people following you in your adventures. Moreover, NPCs aren't the only option you have to form a party. Being a multiplayer game, you have the option to let Players join your group as well. A skilled player can outdo many types of mercenaries and provide ample protection in PvP-heavy areas like unguarded mines. Of course, if you are uncomfortable of being a leader, you can simply join someone else's group. (Don't forget to ask though!)
Following/Tagging
If you want to follow a player (after getting permission of course), then hover the cursor over said player. Press and hold the M1 button (left-click by default). Move the cursor down down to the icon that has three silhouettes with a big arrow pointing towards them and let go of the button. You should see an arrow over the player's head. This means you are now a part of the player's group. When the leader of the party attempts to leave into the Wasteland while you are close to said leader, then you'll get a message asking if you want to follow along. When you decide yes by clicking on the button next to "FOLLOW," you'll end up in the map screen. Checking the list of names to the left, you should now see the entire party. This should include the leader who is at the top of the list. The leader will be in control to where the party goes and decide to enter any encounters if he's given the choice.
You can leave the group the same way you entered it. Simply open the menu once more and release the mouse button when the cursor is over the three silhouettes. You can also do this in the World Map screen by holding the mouse button over the leader's name to the left of the map. However, be aware that you're on your own if you choose to do it in the World Map screen. You won't be able to rejoin the party until you all meet up in another public area.
Mechanics of Player Groups
While Players do not affect your Party Points, they will take up a slot in your party size. The Magnetic Personality support perk can increase your maximum party size by one.
The member with the highest Outdoorsman skill will be able to warn the entire group about an encounter if one is discovered. The one who discovers the encounter will be notified that they warned the party leader and gain XP.
You are able to trade among people in your party in the map screen by using the drop-down menu and selecting the two arrows with the dollar sign between them. Your group can use this to make sure people are stocked and prepared.
You can use a vehicle while leading a party, but the amount of people you can bring with you will be determined by the amount of vehicle's slots first before your max party size. For example, even if you have the max party size of 8, you cannot bring more than two people with you if you are driving a Buggy.
If you are not the leader, be careful not to go into the Exit Grid before the party leader does. Otherwise, you'll end up on your own. This is especially important in the maps of random encounters as you can't return to the encounter by your own will.
If you are the leader, then be sure everyone is near you before you step on the Exit Grid, or you'll leave party members behind.
When you die, you will revive without your party. The same goes to your party members. You will have to find a place to meet up if you get seperated, so be sure to keep an eye on each others' health.