For those who enjoy some company and assistance in combat, Skyrim offers a range of excellent followers. These companions are invaluable in providing support and preventing players from being overwhelmed by enemies or dragons while exploring Tamriel.
Among the 66 available characters who can serve as companions, there are various personalities and abilities, making some followers more useful than others in Skyrim. Similar to regular non-player characters (NPCs), each follower in Skyrim has their own unique strengths and weaknesses that differentiate them from one another.
Some followers have a higher maximum level than others, while some may excel in using specific weapons or schools of magic compared to their counterparts. In Skyrim, there are essential followers who cannot be killed in battle due to their importance to the story, and they are generally considered to be some of the strongest companions.
However, it is important to note that not all of Skyrim’s best followers require immortality to be considered powerful. This article provides a ranking of the Top 25 Skyrim followers based on their characteristics and where they can be found.
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1. Serana
The top follower in Skyrim is Serana, a rare pure-blood vampire in the Elder Scrolls world. Serana has a significant role in the main quest of the Dawnguard DLC and is considered one of the most advanced followers in the game.
Unlike other companions, Serana’s interactions with the environment are intricate, as she often provides unique comments about the Dragonborn’s situation, rather than relying on generic and repetitive dialogue like other followers.
Serana, in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, stands out as an exceptional follower due to her dual abilities as a vampire and a skilled necromancer. She possesses the power to raise fallen enemies as her allies to aid her in battles.
Additionally, Serana is proficient in melee combat, further enhancing her effectiveness as a follower. Her engaging conversations, peculiar vampire traits, and remarkable talent for resurrecting the deceased make her undoubtedly the top choice for players seeking the best follower in Skyrim.
2. Frea
If you have the Dragonborn DLC pack, you can find Frea at the Skaal Village in Skyrim. Frea is the daughter of the village shaman and is known for her exceptional fighting skills and strong determination.
This makes her one of the most reliable followers in the game. Additionally, Frea is one of the rare characters who can wield two weapons simultaneously, adding a unique twist to combat. She also has the ability to continuously level up, which is convenient for players who prefer to stick with one follower throughout their gameplay.
3. Lydia
Lydia is easily one of the most well-known housecarls in Skyrim. She is a formidable companion, standing her ground alongside the Dragonborn. With her well-rounded personality and abilities, Lydia is not only a great ally but also an exceptional choice for marriage in the game.
As the first companion players come across, they have the opportunity to journey with Lydia throughout the entirety of their Skyrim adventure.
4. Argis
When it comes to strength and power, Argis The Bulwark is unbeatable. He excels in using weapons and is experienced with heavy armor, making him a formidable fighter.
Besides his loyalty, Argis also adds entertainment with his dialogue, which reflects his Nordic background and can sometimes come off as overconfident.
With Argis by their side, players can be confident in having one of the finest followers in Skyrim as a dependable backup.
5. Cicero
Cicero, the eccentric and passionate caretaker of the Dark Brotherhood’s Night Mother in Skyrim, is a character that can divide players’ opinions. Despite his unusual behavior and strange ramblings, Cicero proves to be a highly skilled and fearsome assassin.
He effortlessly eliminates enemies by slitting their throats, but also has a tendency to break out into spontaneous dance at inappropriate times. Moreover, Cicero’s dialogue is surprisingly intricate, adding depth to the game’s storyline.
With his impressive combat abilities and knack for delivering quirky one-liners and stories, Cicero stands out as a memorable alternative to the traditional warrior archetype.
6. Flame Thrall
In Skyrim, you can encounter flame atronachs at different locations in the northern region. These formidable enemies are known for their relentless flame attacks, making them challenging to defeat.
Additionally, players can summon these creatures temporarily using Conjuration spells, with one specific summon being the most powerful among them.
The Flame Thrall spell in the Conjuration skill tree is an incredibly powerful spell that allows you to summon a more formidable flame atronach. Unlike regular summons, this flame ally will remain by your side until you dismiss it or it is defeated in battle.
With the ability to be resummoned, the Flame Thrall becomes an excellent choice for players seeking a follower in Skyrim who can deal substantial fire damage and is virtually invincible.
7. J’zargo
The mage from the College of Winterhold who belongs to the Khajiit race is known as one of the most vibrant and interesting characters in the world of Skyrim. With his amusing questline and engaging conversations with the Dragonborn, he leaves a lasting impression as one of the best followers in Skyrim.
J’zargo possesses great expertise in various spells, especially those related to Destruction. This enables him to inflict significant magical damage and even provide healing support to the player when required, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness as a follower.
8. Mjoll The Lioness
In the city of Riften, players have the opportunity to meet the incredibly powerful character known as Mjoll. By engaging in conversation with her, players will discover that she is searching for her lost sword.
To gain Mjoll as a follower, the player must embark on a quest to retrieve her blade from the ancient Dwemer ruins of Mzinchaleft. Once the sword is returned to her, Mjoll will be grateful enough to join the player on their adventures if they so desire.
Mjoll is an exceptional follower in Skyrim and is considered essential, meaning she cannot be killed through regular means. This makes her an excellent choice for a tank role in battles. With her high proficiency in Heavy Armor and Two-Handed Weapon skills, she can be a valuable asset in combat when properly equipped.
9. Barbas
When you first see Barbas, he appears to be an adorable dog, which he certainly is. However, he is also an extension of the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile.
You can come across him near Falkreath while traveling on the road, offering the player an opportunity to engage with him and initiate a questline involving the Daedric. Experience the best followers in Skyrim with Barbas by your side.
Once the player completes a specific stage in Barbas’ Daedric questline, he will start following them on all their adventures. However, if the Dragonborn decides to delay progressing in this questline, they can still take Barbas along on their adventures.
This unique Daedric dog is exceptional as it is invincible and capable of inflicting a considerable amount of damage.
10. Aela
In the Companions guild, players have the opportunity to meet Aela. Once the player has proven themselves in the Companions questline, Aela can be recruited as a follower. Aela’s exceptional archery skills make her a valuable ally for those in need of ranged damage.
Additionally, she can provide guidance to the Dragonborn in improving their archery skills up to level 75. Aela also possesses considerable proficiency in Light Armor, allowing her to effectively utilize any armor given to her by the player.
11. Dark Brotherhood Initiate
When looking at the Dark Brotherhood Initiate in Skyrim, they may not initially appear to be the most exciting companion compared to others. However, for players who prioritize combat effectiveness and exploration skills, this follower is one of the top choices to accompany them throughout the expansive world of Skyrim.
The Dark Brotherhood Initiate is an unnamed character in Skyrim who can level up indefinitely with the player. This makes them extremely powerful and capable of defeating even the toughest enemies in the game. As a result, they are considered one of the best followers in Skyrim, especially in the late game.
12. Marcurio
Marcurio, a mage mercenary, can be recruited by players at The Winking Skeever bar in Riften for a fee. Unlike traditional sword and shield fighters, Marcurio specializes in lightning-based spells and possesses a wide range of magical abilities.
His expertise in offensive magic makes him an invaluable companion for battling enemy mages, as his lightning spells drain their magicka bars effectively.
Moreover, Marcurio possesses various Restoration spells such as Close Wounds and Fast Healing to enhance his durability.
Additionally, he is skilled in casting Turn Undead, a spell he will use primarily against Draugr and other undead enemies to effectively manage large groups of adversaries.
13. Brelyna Maryon
Located within the College of Winterhold, players have the opportunity to recruit this exceptional mage as a valuable ally.
By assisting her with a magical experiment, the Dragonborn can unlock the option to have Brelyna join their side.
What sets Brelyna apart from other spellcasters is her ability to do more than simply cast destructive spells.
In Skyrim, there is a follower who excels in combat and is highly recommended for players looking for the best followers.
This follower has a strategic approach to battles, starting off by using the powerful Oakflesh Alteration spell to enhance her defense. This not only protects her but also makes her more resilient against incoming attacks.
14. Eola
It’s unfortunate that in order to utilize Eola’s skills as a follower, players must engage in morally questionable actions. Eola serves as the head of a group of cannibals, and players must align themselves with the cult to earn her favor.
Eola’s proficiency in both physical combat and magic makes her a formidable opponent against enemies. For players who prefer to roleplay as a villainous character, Eola can be an excellent companion.
15. Teldryn Sero
Solstheim, a picturesque land in Skyrim, offers players numerous challenging adventures. For high-level players looking for assistance in combat, Teldryn Sero is the ideal companion.
Located in Raven Rock, specifically at the Retching Netch Inn, players can hire Teldryn Sero for a fee of 500 gold.
This investment is well worth it as Teldryn Sero proves to be an incredibly effective Spellsword during combat scenarios.
16. Vilkas
When players arrive in Whiterun, they have the opportunity to meet and engage with the intriguing characters known as the Companions. These individuals possess impressive combat skills and later disclose their true nature as werewolves once the Dragonborn earns their confidence.
By completing their questline, players can request the assistance of a member of the Companions, such as Vilkas, to accompany them on their journey. Vilkas is a highly skilled fighter who excels in melee combat and also displays proficiency in Archery.
17. Farkas
Farkas, the brother of Vilkas, is regarded as one of the most formidable members of the Companions. While his expertise lies in blacksmithing, Farkas is not afraid to wield the weapons he has crafted to defeat his foes.
He is a skilled warrior who can skillfully dispatch enemies alongside the Dragonborn. Unlike others in the faction who boast about their transformative abilities, Farkas is hesitant to embrace his Beast state, adding complexity to his character.
Overall, Farkas is an excellent companion for players seeking the best followers in Skyrim.
18. Jenassa
Jenassa, a Dunmer ranger, can be found at the Drunken Huntsman shop in Whiterun. By paying 500 gold, players can enlist her as a follower. Jenassa’s exceptional skills as an archer and her ability to dual wield weapons make her one of the top choices for followers in Skyrim.
19. Illia
In Skyrim, it can be difficult to find mage followers. However, Illia stands out as both an exceptional companion and a unique choice for the Dragonborn. Illia excels in casting frost-based spells, especially Ice Spike, which can cause significant damage.
While she may be more vulnerable to close-range attacks due to her mage status, her long-range abilities compensate for this weakness. Overall, Illia is one of the best followers in Skyrim for those seeking a powerful mage companion.
20. Erandur
While Dawnstar may not be the top choice among cities in Skyrim, it is home to an intriguing and multi-faceted companion named Erandur. Found at the Windpeak Inn, Erandur stands out as one of the game’s most captivating characters.
Despite his stoic demeanor and resemblance to a Disney villain, Erandur’s combat skills make him a formidable follower in Skyrim. With his proficiency in magic and ability to wield a mace up close, Erandur proves to be one of the best companions in the game.
21. Ingjard
In the icy world of Skyrim, Ingjard stands out as one of the best followers due to her natural resistance to frost. This makes her a valuable asset when facing enemies who rely on ice powers.
To unlock Ingjard as a companion, players must complete the “Prophet” quest in the Dawnguard DLC. An interesting aspect of Ingjard is that she remains unfazed if the Dragonborn decides to become a vampire, which sets her apart from other followers.
Ingjard is a follower in Skyrim who does not have a maximum level, so she will continue to gain power as the player progresses in the game.
However, her main weakness is that she favors using two-handed weapons, making her vulnerable to enemies who attack with speed and agility.
22. Onmund
The College of Winterhold offers an immersive and enjoyable experience, even for players who may not have strong magic abilities. Despite this, players can still form connections with fellow students and embark on exciting adventures as they uncover a hidden corruption.
Within the college, there are numerous students available to join the player, allowing them to explore the vast world with these companions by their side. One notable character is Onmund, who becomes indebted to the player after they retrieve his amulet.
23. Armored Troll
Players who own the Dawnguard DLC in Skyrim have the option to hire a powerful follower known as an armored troll or an armored frost troll. This opportunity becomes available after completing a specific part of the DLC questline at Fort Dawnguard.
While these followers may lack the ability to engage in conversation, sneak, or interact with humanoid NPCs, they more than make up for it with their exceptional combat skills. Trolls are notorious for their health regeneration, making them a formidable opponent.
However, by having a troll as a companion, players can benefit from this regenerative ability, as these bestial creatures are further protected by additional armor on top of their already resilient hide.
24. Durak
When players are approached by Durak for recruitment into the Dawnguard, he not only offers them a crossbow and steel bolts, but also showcases his proactive and generous nature. These qualities are just a glimpse into Durak’s many positive attributes, which include an absence of level cap, perks that enhance his primary skills, and exceptional archery and sniping abilities.
With all these qualities, it’s evident that Durak is one of the top followers in Skyrim. After completing the Prophet quest, players have the opportunity to recruit Durak as a follower, who comes equipped with his own Dawnguard armor and war axe, and is driven by an unending quest for vengeance.
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This article provides valuable information about some of the best followers in Skyrim. I especially like the details about their skills and abilities. It’s helpful to know which followers are invincible and can deal significant damage.
This article provides a helpful ranking of the top Skyrim followers. I agree that Serana is a fantastic follower with unique abilities and engaging dialogue. However, I would have liked to see more information about the other followers on the list.
I agree with the ranking of Serana as the top follower in Skyrim. Her unique abilities and engaging dialogue make her a standout companion. Frea and Lydia are also great choices for reliable and well-rounded followers.