Skyrim All Followers: Your Ultimate Guide to Companions

Hey there, Dragonborn! If you’re diving into the vast world of Skyrim, you know that having a loyal follower by your side can make all the difference. Whether you’re battling dragons or sneaking through dungeons, the right companion can save your hide. In this guide, I’m breaking down Skyrim all followers—their locations, stats, and why they’re worth recruiting. Honestly, I’ve spent countless hours testing these companions myself, and I’m thrilled to share unique insights and tips you won’t find just anywhere. Let’s get started on building your perfect team!

Finding Followers in Skyrim: Where to Start

Skyrim is packed with potential companions, but finding them can feel like a quest of its own. From taverns to remote camps, followers are scattered across the map. Some join after a simple chat, while others demand you prove your worth. In my opinion, the variety keeps things exciting—you never know who you’ll meet next! Start by checking major cities like Whiterun or Riften for early recruits.

Key Locations for Early Followers

If you’re just starting, head to Whiterun. Lydia, your first potential follower, is granted after becoming Thane. She’s a solid tank with decent combat skills. Another easy pick is Faendal in Riverwood—complete a quick favor, and he’s yours. These early companions are lifesavers for new players, trust me. Check smaller settlements too; hidden gems often lurk in unexpected places.

Best Followers in Skyrim: My Top Picks

With over 50 followers in Skyrim, picking the best can be daunting. Honestly, it depends on your playstyle—do you need a mage, a warrior, or a sneaky archer? I’ve narrowed it down to a few standouts based on stats, perks, and personal experience. These companions have carried me through tough fights, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for you.

Lydia: The Loyal Housecarl

Lydia is often the first follower for many players, and for good reason. She’s a heavy armor warrior with solid health and damage stats. I love her no-nonsense attitude—she’ll carry your burdens (literally) without complaint. Find her in Whiterun after completing the Dragon Rising quest. Pro tip: Equip her with better gear early on; her default setup isn’t the best.

Serana: The Vampire Powerhouse

Serana, from the Dawnguard DLC, is hands-down one of the strongest followers. Her necromancy skills and high magicka make her a beast in combat. I’ve watched her single-handedly raise undead armies mid-fight—it’s incredible! You’ll meet her during the Dawnguard questline. Just a heads-up, she can’t be married, which bums me out, but her power more than makes up for it.

Follower Stats and Specializations: What to Know

Not all followers are created equal. Some excel in melee, others in magic or stealth. Understanding their stats—health, stamina, magicka, and skills—is key to pairing them with your build. For instance, a mage player might want a tanky follower to absorb damage. I’ve learned the hard way that mismatched companions can lead to disaster, so let’s break this down.

Comparing Follower Classes

• Warriors: High health and stamina, like Lydia or Farkas. Great for frontline combat.
• Mages: High magicka, like Marcurio. They support with spells but are squishy.
• Archers/Thieves: High stealth, like Aela or Faendal. Perfect for ranged or sneaky builds.

Check their level caps too—some stop scaling at level 30, while others, like Serana, go up to 50. This data shapes who’s viable late-game.

How to Recruit Followers: Step-by-Step Guide

Recruiting followers isn’t always straightforward. Some need quests, others just a conversation. I’ve put together a clear guide to help you snag your ideal companion without frustration. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a loyal ally in no time.

1. Locate the Follower: Use online maps or in-game rumors to find their location. Taverns and quest hubs are hotspots.
2. Meet Requirements: Some followers need quests completed or a small fee (e.g., hiring mercenaries for 500 gold).
3. Initiate Dialogue: Talk to them and select the “Follow me” option if available.
4. Equip and Manage: Once recruited, give them gear and set combat behavior via dialogue options.
5. Test in Battle: Take them on a small quest to see if their style fits yours.

Unique Tips for Managing Skyrim Followers

Managing followers can be a pain if you don’t know the tricks. I’ve lost companions to glitches or bad AI more times than I’d like to admit. Here are some lesser-known tips to keep them alive and useful. Trust me, these have saved me countless reloads!

Follower Data: Who Scales Best?

Curious about which followers grow with you? I’ve compiled a quick table based on community data and personal testing (sourced from the Elder Scrolls Wiki). Level caps matter—higher caps mean they stay relevant longer.

Focus on high-level followers like Lydia or Serana for long-term adventures. Low-cap ones like Faendal are better early-game.

FAQ: Common Questions About Skyrim All Followers

Can I have multiple followers in Skyrim?

Normally, you’re limited to one follower at a time. However, certain quests or glitches allow temporary extras. Mods like “Amazing Follower Tweaks” can also let you recruit multiple companions. Without mods, though, stick to one—Skyrim’s AI struggles with more.

Who is the strongest follower in Skyrim?

In my opinion, Serana takes the crown. Her magic and undead summons are unmatched. Stats-wise, she scales to level 50 with high magicka, making her a late-game beast. Try her out in the Dawnguard DLC!

Can followers die in Skyrim?

Yes, most followers can die if their health drops to zero, unless they’re marked “essential” (like Serana). Keep them geared up and use healing potions on them mid-fight. I’ve lost Lydia too many times to count—save often!

How do I dismiss a follower?

Simply talk to them and choose the “I need to part ways” dialogue option. They’ll return to their default location. Be careful—dismissing them in a dungeon might leave them stranded. I always dismiss in safe zones like towns.

Can I marry followers in Skyrim?

Yes, many followers are marriage candidates if you wear the Amulet of Mara and complete their related quests. Lydia and Aela are popular choices. Sadly, powerhouses like Serana aren’t marriageable, which is a bummer for me.

That’s my deep dive into Skyrim all followers! From recruitment to management, I hope this guide helps you find the perfect companion. Check out more gaming tips on our Skyrim Hub. Who’s your favorite follower? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your stories!