Are you on the hunt for the strongest followers in Skyrim to accompany you on your epic adventures? The vast world of Skyrim offers a plethora of potential companions, each with their unique strengths and abilities. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one to fight by your side? Well, you're in the right place! This article dives deep into the world of Skyrim's strongest followers, providing a detailed overview of their capabilities to help you make the best decision for your journey.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an expansive game filled with quests, exploration, and battles that often require more than just your character's prowess. Having a strong follower can make all the difference in the heat of battle. Followers in Skyrim can enhance your combat strategies, provide companionship, and even carry your burdens. This article explores the top contenders for the title of Skyrim's strongest followers, examining their skills, quests, and how they can best support your gameplay.
In this article, we'll dissect the characteristics of these powerful allies, offering insights into their backgrounds, combat skills, and special abilities. Whether you're looking for a follower with brute strength, magical prowess, or strategic skills, understanding their strengths will help you choose wisely. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind Skyrim's most formidable companions and how they can aid you in becoming the legendary Dragonborn.
Table of Contents
- The Loyal Housecarl: Lydia
- The Vampiric Mage: Serana
- The Skaal Warrior: Frea
- The Stormcloak Soldier: J'zargo
- The Huntress: Aela the Huntress
- The Companion's Shield Brother: Vilkas
- The Unyielding Berserker: Uthgerd the Unbroken
- The Jester Assassin: Cicero
- The Apprentice Mage: Brelyna Maryon
- The Loyal Wood Elf: Faendal
- The Giant Ally: Farkas
- The Mysterious Sorceress: Illia
- The Mercenary: Erik the Slayer
- FAQs About Skyrim's Strongest Followers
- Conclusion
The Loyal Housecarl: Lydia
Lydia is one of the most well-known followers in the realm of Skyrim. As a housecarl assigned to the player upon becoming Thane of Whiterun, she is one of the first companions players encounter. Lydia's loyalty and combat abilities make her a quintessential warrior companion, capable of handling a variety of combat situations. Her steadfast nature and willingness to protect the Dragonborn make her a formidable ally in battle.
Lydia boasts proficiency in heavy armor and one-handed weapons, making her a tank-like figure in combat. Her ability to use a shield effectively enhances her defensive capabilities, allowing her to absorb significant damage while protecting her Thane. As a Nord, Lydia also possesses innate resistance to frost, which can be advantageous in certain encounters. Her combat style is straightforward, focusing on melee attacks and shield defense.
While Lydia's strengths lie in her defensive prowess, she can also be equipped with a bow for ranged attacks, providing flexibility in combat scenarios. Players can customize her equipment to improve her effectiveness, making her a versatile choice regardless of the player's combat style. Lydia's dedication to serving the Dragonborn is unwavering, and she will follow you into the most dangerous situations without hesitation.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Lydia's strengths include her high health pool and ability to tank damage, making her an excellent choice for players who need a frontline fighter. Her proficiency with a shield allows her to block incoming attacks, reducing the amount of damage she takes. However, Lydia's lack of magical abilities and reliance on melee combat can be a disadvantage against enemies with strong magical attacks or those who require a more strategic approach.
How to Recruit Lydia
Recruiting Lydia is straightforward. Upon completing the Dragon Rising quest in Whiterun, Jarl Balgruuf will appoint you as Thane, granting you Lydia as your housecarl. From that point, she will be available to follow you and assist in your quests. Lydia's unwavering loyalty and combat capabilities make her a valuable asset for any player, especially in the early stages of the game.
The Vampiric Mage: Serana
Serana, a character introduced in the Dawnguard DLC, is one of the most intriguing followers in Skyrim. As a vampire, she brings a unique set of skills and abilities to the table, making her an excellent choice for players who favor magic and stealth. Her backstory and questline add depth to her character, providing players with an engaging narrative to explore.
Serana's expertise in Destruction and Conjuration magic allows her to deal significant damage to enemies while summoning creatures to aid in battle. Her vampiric abilities grant her access to life-draining spells and increased stealth, making her a versatile companion in various combat scenarios. Additionally, Serana's immunity to poison and disease, along with her resistance to frost, enhances her survivability.
Beyond her combat capabilities, Serana's personality and dialogue set her apart from other followers. Her interactions with the player and unique comments on the world around her make her an engaging companion. Her questline, which involves the Dawnguard's battle against vampires, provides players with opportunities to delve deeper into her story and the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Serana's strengths lie in her magical prowess and versatility in combat. Her ability to cast powerful spells and summon creatures provides players with a strategic advantage in battles. However, as a vampire, she is vulnerable to fire and sunlight, which can pose challenges in certain environments. Players must consider these vulnerabilities when choosing Serana as a follower.
How to Recruit Serana
To recruit Serana, players must first begin the Dawnguard questline, which is accessible after reaching level 10. Following the quest "Awakening," Serana will be freed from Dimhollow Crypt, and players can choose to have her accompany them. Her unique abilities and engaging storyline make her a popular choice among players seeking a powerful and dynamic follower.
The Skaal Warrior: Frea
Frea is a formidable warrior from the island of Solstheim, introduced in the Dragonborn DLC. As a member of the Skaal tribe, she possesses a strong connection to her culture and the natural world, bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the player's party. Frea's dedication to her people and her prowess in combat make her a valuable ally for those venturing into the harsh environments of Solstheim.
Frea excels in two-handed combat, utilizing her strength and skill with heavy weapons to deal devastating blows to her enemies. Her proficiency in light armor allows her to maintain mobility while delivering powerful attacks. Additionally, Frea possesses unique abilities that enhance her combat effectiveness, such as the ability to regenerate health quickly during battles.
Her backstory, centered around the struggle against the influence of Miraak, adds depth to her character and provides players with an engaging narrative to explore. As a follower, Frea offers insights into the culture and traditions of the Skaal, enhancing the player's understanding of Solstheim and its people. Her unwavering commitment to her tribe and her determination to protect her homeland make her a strong and reliable companion.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Frea's strengths include her high damage output and ability to withstand attacks, making her an excellent choice for players who need a powerful melee fighter. Her health regeneration ability provides an added layer of survivability in challenging battles. However, her reliance on melee combat can be a disadvantage against enemies that require ranged or magical attacks.
How to Recruit Frea
To recruit Frea, players must progress through the Dragonborn DLC questline. After completing the quest "The Fate of the Skaal," Frea becomes available as a follower. Her unique abilities and connection to the Dragonborn storyline make her a compelling choice for players seeking a strong and culturally rich companion.
The Stormcloak Soldier: J'zargo
J'zargo, a Khajiit mage, is one of the most intriguing followers available in Skyrim. As a student at the College of Winterhold, J'zargo is eager to prove himself as a powerful wizard. His ambition and determination make him a promising candidate for players seeking a magic-focused companion. J'zargo's unique abilities and personality set him apart from other mage followers in the game.
J'zargo excels in Destruction magic, utilizing fire, frost, and shock spells to deal damage to his enemies. His proficiency in Alteration magic enhances his defensive capabilities, allowing him to cast protective spells that reduce incoming damage. Additionally, J'zargo's natural Khajiit agility grants him increased stealth, making him a versatile companion in various combat scenarios.
Aside from his combat skills, J'zargo's ambition and confidence provide players with an engaging narrative to explore. His questline at the College of Winterhold involves assisting him in testing his experimental scrolls, which can lead to humorous and unexpected outcomes. J'zargo's determination to become the most powerful mage in Skyrim adds depth to his character, making him a compelling choice for players interested in magic and lore.
Strengths and Weaknesses
J'zargo's strengths lie in his mastery of Destruction magic and ability to cast powerful spells. His proficiency in Alteration magic enhances his defensive capabilities, providing players with a strategic advantage in battles. However, J'zargo's reliance on magic can be a disadvantage against enemies that require physical combat or those with strong magical resistances.
How to Recruit J'zargo
To recruit J'zargo, players must first enroll in the College of Winterhold and progress through the questline. After completing the quest "Under Saarthal," J'zargo becomes available as a follower. His unique abilities and engaging personality make him a popular choice for players seeking a powerful and ambitious mage companion.
The Huntress: Aela the Huntress
Aela the Huntress is a renowned archer and member of the Companions in Whiterun. Her skills with a bow and her affinity for the wild make her a formidable ally for players seeking a ranged combat specialist. Aela's dedication to the Companions and her unique abilities make her a popular choice among players looking for a powerful and independent follower.
Aela excels in Archery and Light Armor, allowing her to deal significant damage from a distance while maintaining mobility in combat. Her proficiency in Sneak enhances her ability to launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting enemies, making her a valuable asset for players who favor stealth tactics. Additionally, Aela's connection to the Companions and her status as a werewolf add depth to her character and provide players with a unique narrative to explore.
Aela's questline involves the Companions' battle against the Silver Hand, a group of werewolf hunters. Her involvement in this storyline provides players with opportunities to delve deeper into the lore of the Companions and the history of the werewolves in Skyrim. Aela's determination to protect her fellow Companions and her unwavering loyalty make her a strong and reliable follower.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Aela's strengths include her proficiency in Archery and Sneak, making her an excellent choice for players who favor ranged combat and stealth tactics. Her ability to transform into a werewolf provides an added layer of combat versatility. However, Aela's reliance on ranged attacks can be a disadvantage in close-quarters combat or against enemies with strong defenses.
How to Recruit Aela
To recruit Aela, players must first join the Companions and progress through the questline. After completing the quest "The Silver Hand," Aela becomes available as a follower. Her unique abilities and dedication to the Companions make her a compelling choice for players seeking a powerful and independent archer companion.
The Companion's Shield Brother: Vilkas
Vilkas, a member of the Companions, is a skilled warrior with a strong sense of honor and duty. His combat prowess and dedication to the Companions make him a valuable ally for players seeking a powerful melee fighter. Vilkas's expertise in two-handed weapons and his connection to the Companions add depth to his character and provide players with a unique narrative to explore.
Vilkas excels in Two-Handed combat, utilizing his strength and skill with heavy weapons to deal devastating blows to his enemies. His proficiency in Heavy Armor enhances his defensive capabilities, allowing him to withstand significant damage in battle. Additionally, Vilkas's connection to the Companions and his status as a werewolf add depth to his character and provide players with opportunities to delve deeper into the lore of the Companions.
Vilkas's questline involves the Companions' battle against the Silver Hand, a group of werewolf hunters. His involvement in this storyline provides players with opportunities to explore the history of the Companions and the werewolves in Skyrim. Vilkas's unwavering loyalty to his fellow Companions and his dedication to protecting them make him a strong and reliable follower.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Vilkas's strengths include his high damage output and ability to withstand attacks, making him an excellent choice for players who need a powerful melee fighter. His proficiency in Heavy Armor provides an added layer of defense in challenging battles. However, Vilkas's reliance on melee combat can be a disadvantage against enemies that require ranged or magical attacks.
How to Recruit Vilkas
To recruit Vilkas, players must first join the Companions and progress through the questline. After completing the quest "The Silver Hand," Vilkas becomes available as a follower. His unique abilities and dedication to the Companions make him a compelling choice for players seeking a powerful and honorable warrior companion.
The Unyielding Berserker: Uthgerd the Unbroken
Uthgerd the Unbroken is a fierce and unyielding warrior who can be found in Whiterun. Her combat prowess and determination make her a valuable ally for players seeking a powerful melee fighter. Uthgerd's skills with heavy armor and two-handed weapons make her a formidable opponent in battle, capable of dealing significant damage to her enemies.
Uthgerd excels in Two-Handed combat, utilizing her strength and skill with heavy weapons to deliver devastating blows to her enemies. Her proficiency in Heavy Armor enhances her defensive capabilities, allowing her to withstand significant damage in battle. Additionally, Uthgerd's unyielding nature and determination to prove herself make her a compelling companion for players seeking a strong and independent follower.
Uthgerd's backstory involves her quest for redemption and her desire to regain her honor. Her involvement in this narrative provides players with opportunities to explore her character and motivations, adding depth to her role as a follower. Uthgerd's determination to prove herself and her unwavering loyalty make her a strong and reliable ally.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Uthgerd's strengths include her high damage output and ability to withstand attacks, making her an excellent choice for players who need a powerful melee fighter. Her proficiency in Heavy Armor provides an added layer of defense in challenging battles. However, Uthgerd's reliance on melee combat can be a disadvantage against enemies that require ranged or magical attacks.
How to Recruit Uthgerd
To recruit Uthgerd, players must first engage in a brawl with her at the Bannered Mare in Whiterun. After defeating her, Uthgerd becomes available as a follower. Her unique abilities and determination to prove herself make her a compelling choice for players seeking a powerful and independent warrior companion.
The Jester Assassin: Cicero
Cicero, the eccentric and enigmatic jester, is one of the most intriguing followers available in Skyrim. As a member of the Dark Brotherhood, Cicero brings a unique set of skills and abilities to the table, making him an excellent choice for players who favor stealth and assassination. Cicero's quirky personality and unique questline add depth to his character, providing players with an engaging narrative to explore.
Cicero excels in Sneak and One-Handed combat, allowing him to deliver powerful surprise attacks on unsuspecting enemies. His proficiency in Light Armor enhances his mobility and stealth capabilities, making him a valuable asset for players who favor stealth tactics. Additionally, Cicero's connection to the Dark Brotherhood and his unique dialogue add depth to his character and provide players with opportunities to explore the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe.
Cicero's questline involves the Dark Brotherhood's assassination missions, providing players with opportunities to delve deeper into the world of Tamriel's most notorious assassins. His unique abilities and eccentric personality make him a popular choice among players seeking a stealthy and unpredictable companion.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Cicero's strengths lie in his proficiency in Sneak and One-Handed combat, making him an excellent choice for players who favor stealth and assassination tactics. His unique dialogue and personality provide an engaging narrative to explore. However, Cicero's reliance on stealth can be a disadvantage in situations that require direct combat or against enemies with strong defenses.
How to Recruit Cicero
To recruit Cicero, players must first join the Dark Brotherhood and progress through the questline. After completing the quest "The Cure for Madness," Cicero becomes available as a follower. His unique abilities and engaging personality make him a compelling choice for players seeking a stealthy and unpredictable companion.
The Apprentice Mage: Brelyna Maryon
Brelyna Maryon, a Dunmer mage, is one of the most promising students at the College of Winterhold. Her magical prowess and determination to master her craft make her an excellent choice for players seeking a magic-focused companion. Brelyna's unique abilities and engaging questline add depth to her character, providing players with an intriguing narrative to explore.
Brelyna excels in Destruction and Conjuration magic, allowing her to cast powerful spells and summon creatures to aid in battle. Her proficiency in Alteration magic enhances her defensive capabilities, allowing her to cast protective spells that reduce incoming damage. Additionally, Brelyna's natural Dunmer resistance to fire provides an added layer of survivability in combat.
Brelyna's questline involves assisting her in mastering her magical abilities, leading to humorous and unexpected outcomes. Her determination to become a powerful mage and her unique dialogue add depth to her character, making her a compelling choice for players interested in magic and lore.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Brelyna's strengths lie in her mastery of Destruction and Conjuration magic, providing players with a strategic advantage in battles. Her proficiency in Alteration magic enhances her defensive capabilities. However, Brelyna's reliance on magic can be a disadvantage against enemies that require physical combat or those with strong magical resistances.
How to Recruit Brelyna
To recruit Brelyna, players must first enroll in the College of Winterhold and progress through the questline. After completing the quest "Under Saarthal," Brelyna becomes available as a follower. Her unique abilities and engaging questline make her a popular choice for players seeking a powerful and determined mage companion.
The Loyal Wood Elf: Faendal
Faendal, a skilled archer from Riverwood, is a loyal and trustworthy companion for players seeking a ranged combat specialist. His proficiency with a bow and his dedication to his friends make him a valuable ally for players who favor archery and stealth tactics. Faendal's unique abilities and engaging backstory add depth to his character, providing players with an intriguing narrative to explore.
Faendal excels in Archery and Light Armor, allowing him to deal significant damage from a distance while maintaining mobility in combat. His proficiency in Sneak enhances his ability to launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting enemies, making him a valuable asset for players who favor stealth tactics. Additionally, Faendal's loyalty and dedication to his friends make him a reliable companion for players seeking a trustworthy ally.
Faendal's backstory involves a love triangle with Camilla Valerius and Sven, providing players with opportunities to explore his character and motivations. His determination to win Camilla's heart and his unwavering loyalty make him a compelling choice for players seeking a strong and independent follower.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Faendal's strengths include his proficiency in Archery and Sneak, making him an excellent choice for players who favor ranged combat and stealth tactics. His loyalty and dedication to his friends provide an engaging narrative to explore. However, Faendal's reliance on ranged attacks can be a disadvantage in close-quarters combat or against enemies with strong defenses.
How to Recruit Faendal
To recruit Faendal, players must complete the quest "A Lovely Letter" in Riverwood. After resolving the love triangle with Camilla Valerius and Sven, Faendal becomes available as a follower. His unique abilities and loyalty make him a compelling choice for players seeking a trustworthy and skilled archer companion.
The Giant Ally: Farkas
Farkas, a member of the Companions, is a skilled warrior with a strong sense of honor and duty. His combat prowess and dedication to the Companions make him a valuable ally for players seeking a powerful melee fighter. Farkas's expertise in two-handed weapons and his connection to the Companions add depth to his character and provide players with a unique narrative to explore.
Farkas excels in Two-Handed combat, utilizing his strength and skill with heavy weapons to deal devastating blows to his enemies. His proficiency in Heavy Armor enhances his defensive capabilities, allowing him to withstand significant damage in battle. Additionally, Farkas's connection to the Companions and his status as a werewolf add depth to his character and provide players with opportunities to delve deeper into the lore of the Companions.
Farkas's questline involves the Companions' battle against the Silver Hand, a group of werewolf hunters. His involvement in this storyline provides players with opportunities to explore the history of the Companions and the werewolves in Skyrim. Farkas's unwavering loyalty to his fellow Companions and his dedication to protecting them make him a strong and reliable follower.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Farkas's strengths include his high damage output and ability to withstand attacks, making him an excellent choice for players who need a powerful melee fighter. His proficiency in Heavy Armor provides an added layer of defense in challenging battles. However, Farkas's reliance on melee combat can be a disadvantage against enemies that require ranged or magical attacks.
How to Recruit Farkas
To recruit Farkas, players must first join the Companions and progress through the questline. After completing the quest "The Silver Hand," Farkas becomes available as a follower. His unique abilities and dedication to the Companions make him a compelling choice for players seeking a powerful and honorable warrior companion.
The Mysterious Sorceress: Illia
Illia, a powerful sorceress, is one of the most intriguing followers available in Skyrim. Her mastery of magic and her mysterious past make her an excellent choice for players seeking a magic-focused companion. Illia's unique abilities and engaging questline add depth to her character, providing players with an intriguing narrative to explore.
Illia excels in Destruction and Conjuration magic, allowing her to cast powerful spells and summon creatures to aid in battle. Her proficiency in Alteration magic enhances her defensive capabilities, allowing her to cast protective spells that reduce incoming damage. Additionally, Illia's mysterious past and unique dialogue add depth to her character and provide players with opportunities to explore the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe.
Illia's questline involves a personal vendetta against the Hag Ravens of Darklight Tower, providing players with opportunities to delve deeper into her character and motivations. Her unique abilities and mysterious past make her a compelling choice for players seeking a powerful and enigmatic mage companion.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Illia's strengths lie in her mastery of Destruction and Conjuration magic, providing players with a strategic advantage in battles. Her proficiency in Alteration magic enhances her defensive capabilities. However, Illia's reliance on magic can be a disadvantage against enemies that require physical combat or those with strong magical resistances.
How to Recruit Illia
To recruit Illia, players must complete the quest "Repentance" in Darklight Tower. After assisting her in her quest, Illia becomes available as a follower. Her unique abilities and mysterious past make her a compelling choice for players seeking a powerful and enigmatic mage companion.
The Mercenary: Erik the Slayer
Erik the Slayer, a determined and ambitious warrior, is one of the most intriguing followers available in Skyrim. As a mercenary, Erik brings a unique set of skills and abilities to the table, making him an excellent choice for players who favor melee combat. Erik's determination and quest for adventure make him a compelling companion for players seeking a strong and independent follower.
Erik excels in One-Handed combat, utilizing his strength and skill with swords and shields to deal damage and protect himself in battle. His proficiency in Heavy Armor enhances his defensive capabilities, allowing him to withstand significant damage in combat. Additionally, Erik's determination and quest for adventure provide players with opportunities to explore his character and motivations, adding depth to his role as a follower.
Erik's backstory involves his desire to become a renowned adventurer, providing players with opportunities to explore his character and motivations. His determination to prove himself and his unwavering loyalty make him a compelling choice for players seeking a strong and independent warrior companion.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Erik's strengths include his proficiency in One-Handed combat and Heavy Armor, making him an excellent choice for players who need a powerful melee fighter. His determination and quest for adventure provide an engaging narrative to explore. However, Erik's reliance on melee combat can be a disadvantage against enemies that require ranged or magical attacks.
How to Recruit Erik
To recruit Erik, players must complete the quest "Erik the Slayer" in Rorikstead. After assisting him in his quest, Erik becomes available as a follower. His unique abilities and determination to prove himself make him a compelling choice for players seeking a strong and independent warrior companion.
FAQs About Skyrim's Strongest Followers
What makes a follower strong in Skyrim?
A strong follower in Skyrim is defined by their combat abilities, versatility, and overall usefulness in various situations. This includes proficiency in weapons, armor, magic, and unique abilities that complement the player's playstyle. A strong follower also has a compelling backstory, engaging dialogue, and a personal questline that enriches the game's narrative.
Can followers level up in Skyrim?
Yes, followers in Skyrim can level up with the player. Most followers have a level cap, but they will scale with the player up to that cap. This ensures that they remain effective in combat as the player progresses through the game. Some followers, like J'zargo, have no level cap, making them particularly powerful choices for long-term gameplay.
How do I choose the right follower for my playstyle?
Choosing the right follower depends on your preferred playstyle and the challenges you anticipate facing. If you favor melee combat, look for followers like Lydia or Vilkas, who excel in close-quarters fighting. For players who prefer magic, followers like J'zargo or Brelyna Maryon offer powerful spellcasting abilities. Consider the follower's strengths, weaknesses, and personal questlines to find a companion that complements your gameplay.
Can followers carry items for me?
Yes, followers can carry items for the player, making them useful for managing inventory during long quests. They have a limited carrying capacity, but this can be a lifesaver when you're out of space. Simply speak to your follower and select the option to trade items to manage their inventory.
Are there any unique followers in Skyrim?
Skyrim features several unique followers with special abilities and questlines. For instance, Serana from the Dawnguard DLC has unique vampiric abilities, while Cicero from the Dark Brotherhood offers a unique blend of stealth and combat skills. These followers often have engaging stories that add depth to the game's narrative.
Can followers die in Skyrim?
Yes, followers can die in Skyrim, especially if they sustain too much damage in battle. However, they are generally protected from dying during combat unless they take significant damage from the player or powerful enemies. It's important to monitor their health and provide healing or protective spells when necessary.
Conclusion
In the vast and treacherous world of Skyrim, having a strong and reliable follower can make all the difference in your adventures. Whether you prefer the brute strength of a warrior like Lydia, the magical prowess of a mage like J'zargo, or the stealthy skills of an assassin like Cicero, the choices are plentiful. Each follower brings unique abilities, personalities, and storylines that enrich the game's experience and provide valuable support as you navigate the lands of Tamriel.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each follower will help you make an informed decision about who to bring along on your journey. From the loyal housecarl to the enigmatic sorceress, Skyrim's strongest followers offer a diverse array of companions to suit any playstyle. Choose wisely, and forge a bond with your chosen ally as you embark on epic quests and face formidable foes together.
Remember, the key to success in Skyrim lies not only in your own abilities but also in the strength and loyalty of your companions. With the right follower by your side, you'll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges that lie ahead and carve your legend in the annals of Skyrim's history.
