Why Steeve Disappears: DRG Companion Guide

Combat Summary

• Steeve is a temporary ally obtained via the Beastmaster Perk and will eventually despawn.
• His lifespan is tied to a hidden timer that refreshes when he takes damage, but it’s not infinite.
• Maximize your Glyphid Grunt Steeve’s duration by keeping him alive and actively engaged in combat to refresh his timer.

Your “little buddy” Steeve is a loyal Glyphid companion, but not a permanent fixture on Hoxxes IV. Many Miners feel the sting when their tamed ally suddenly vanishes. This isn’t a bug; it’s a core game mechanic. Steeve’s disappearance is usually due to his internal timer expiring, not an oversight. Understanding this is key to getting the most out of the Beastmaster Perk.

Steeve’s Despawn Mechanics

Steeve’s primary despawn trigger is an internal timer. While the exact duration is hidden, it’s roughly 10 minutes from when he was tamed or last refreshed. The critical detail is that taking damage refreshes this timer. This means a Steeve that isn’t actively fighting or getting hit will despawn faster than one constantly brawling with other Glyphids. His health bar is not directly linked to his despawn, only his ability to survive long enough to have his timer refreshed.

Maximizing Steeve’s Lifespan

To keep your companion around longer, ensure he’s in the thick of combat.

• Keep Him Engaged: The more Steeve fights and takes damage (without dying, obviously), the more his despawn timer resets. Don’t let him idle for too long.
• Prioritize Healing: While Steeve doesn’t have a direct health bar you can see, preventing him from dying means he can continue to refresh his timer. Use Engineer platforms under him, provide cover with Gunner shields, or clear threats that could overwhelm him.
• Re-tame if Possible: If your current Steeve is near death or has been out of combat for a while, consider taming a new Glyphid Grunt (or Praetorian) if you have an available charge on your Beastmaster Perk. This ensures you always have an active companion.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming Permanence: Steeve is not a permanent fixture. Expecting him to last the entire mission without active management is a setup for disappointment.
• Leaving Him Behind: A Steeve left alone will not refresh his timer and will despawn quickly. Keep him close, especially during long travel sections or when regrouping.
• Ignoring His Health: While his despawn isn’t health-based, his ability to refresh his despawn is tied to his survival. A dead Steeve means no more timer refreshes.

When To Re-Tame

The Beastmaster Perk allows multiple charges. Don’t hesitate to re-tame a new Glyphid Grunt if:

• Your current Steeve is critically low on health and unlikely to survive the next encounter.
• You’ve just completed a long objective or travel section, and your Steeve hasn’t taken damage in a while. A fresh tame resets everything.
• You encounter a Praetorian and want a stronger companion, assuming you have a charge.

By understanding these DRG Mechanics, you can keep your loyal ally by your side for the vast majority of your expedition. Rock and Stone!