Skyrim is a lonely game. As the Dragonborn, it is the player’s job to proceed through hundreds of dungeons, traverse the sprawling landscapes, and save the world from certain doom all on their own! Respite can be found only among the scattered settlements and their inhabitants.
This is why Bethesda included companions. These NPCs will follow their master to the ends of the Earth, even dying in combat if necessary! But not all companions were created equal, and some will definitely provide more valueto you. Here are the best followers in Skyrim.
10 Lydia
Can Be Found: Dragonsreach, Whiterun
Easily the most common companion picked up by players, Lydia is given to the Dragonborn by the Jarl of Whiterun after earning his favor. While she is a bit weaker than some other options, you have to give her credit for diligently assisting you for a large chunk of the early game, at least.
For a cheeky way to make Lydia a bit more powerful, give her a couple of extremely powerful arrows of the same type. Lydia will produce a limitless amount, and her stash will never have to be refilled! The same applies to enchanted weapons, which willnever lose their effectwhen used by her.
9 Mjoll The Lioness
Can Be Found: The Bee and Barb Inn, Wandering Riften, Aerin’s Home
Mjoll The Lioness is one of the more popular companions in the game, as she is much more interesting than another stern-eyed brute. Earn her favor by completing the quest she relays, and you will find that her fellowship is highly valuable!
Mjoll caps out at a fairly high level 40, which is much better than many other companions. On top of that, because she is defined in the game’s code as a necessary NPC, she is completely invincible! This makes her priceless in combat situations, especially in chaotic battles where you may accidentally take a swing or two at her.
8 Aela The Huntress
Can Be Found: Whiterun, In Jorrvaskr
Aela will pair wonderfully with melee-only players. However, if you are a ranged warrior, she is probably the last companion you should choose! This is because Aela exclusively fights with her bow from a distance.
That being said, she deals massive damage with her constant barrage of arrows! Let her pick off enemies from a distance while you get close and personal for the greatest efficiency. Consider providing her with a better bow and some arrows to truly make her powerful.
7 Barbas
Can Be Found: Outside Falkreath, along the main road
This little pooch can be found along the road leading to Falkreath, and will gladly become your loyal companion with practically nothing in return! However, he comes with a catch. Barbas will only follow you as long as you have not completed his questline, so be sure not to do so until you are finished with him!
There are two quirks that make Barbas a great pet to have around. Firstly, Barbas cannot be killed, making him indispensable in combat scenarios! Second, because he is not technically defined as a follower, players can have another companion join them as well! Without exploits, this is one of the few ways in the game to have multiple followers at once!
6 J’zargo
Can Be Found: College of Winterhold
J’zargo is a fan favorite, as he is easilyone of the most likable companions available in the game. His witty third-person dialogue makes for some great moments during travel, but that is far from the only reason players have to pick him as their companion!
J’zargo can be found at the college of Winterhold, and players who bring him along on their quests will quickly discover that he is immensely powerful when it comes to spell-casting. His primary attribute, destruction, is devastating to opponents of all types! That being said, he maintains a surprisingly high level when it comes to one-handed weapons and heavy armor, so don’t be afraid to provide him with such.
5 Serana
Can Be Found: Dimhollow Crypt
Although only available in the Dawnguard DLC, Serana is hands down one of the best followers in all of Skyrim! Her backstory is horrifically dark, but that doesn’t affect her overall pleasant nature and incredibly powerfulskillset.
Serana is an extremely talented necromancer, frequently utilizing spells that re-animate corpses for her own gain. This takes a lot of agro off of the player, making many otherwise difficult battles a relative cakewalk!
4 Cicero
Can Be Found: Outside Loreis Farm, beside the broken carriage
Cicero is as powerful as he is obnoxious. Well, almost. He is without a doubt the most unlikable companion in the game! So much so, in fact, that there is an incredibly popularmod that is dedicated entirely to making him a bit more tolerable.
Regardless, he excels in combat scenarios, meaning those with an iron stomach should certainly consider bringing him along on their adventures! Not only is he a great damage dealer, but he also has fantastic sneaking capabilities, which are rare among followers.
3 Frea
Can Be Found: Skaal Village
Players who run with Frea will have the best of both worlds: a companion who is both invincible and has no level cap! Players who want Frea’s assistance will have a lot of work ahead of them – completing her arduous quest and thereafter successfully passing her persuasion check.
The reward for obtaining her fellowship is well worth it though, as Frea is immensely powerful. Upon taking damage, she will immediately heal herself to ensure that she has no downtime, and her dual-wielding is unrivaled! As an added bonus, she won’t go running into deadly traps as most followers will.
2 Teldryn Sero
Can Be Found: Retching Netch, Raven Rock
Unfortunately, Teldryn Sero will set you back a pretty penny, as he requires 500 coins to be given to him before he will offer his services. Nonetheless, he is a very solid choice, and any subsequent hires will be entirely free!
His primary attributes are One-handed, Light Armor, Destruction, and Conjuration – four of the most powerful skills in the game! This makes him absolutely phenomenal in combat situations, especially in areas that are typically a bit overwhelming for the player.
1 Vilkas
Can Be Found: Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Vilkas is likely the “tankiest” of all followers available in Skyrim, as almost every single one of his skill points is dumped into combat or defense stats. He is truly a beast in hand-to-hand combat, particularly with those massive two-handed weapons!
Vilkas is a great trainer for two-handed abilities, so players should be sure to take full advantageof that. And sure, while he isn’t exactly the most interesting NPC in the game, he certainly gets his job done.
