Skyrim's Strongest Followers, Ranked (2024)

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim achieved its massive popularity for many reasons — the engaging gameplay, exciting locations to explore, and a world that felt more alive than most contemporary games can achieve. Despite having been around for over a decade, Bethesda Softworks' crown jewel still feels as refreshing as ever. This is in large part aided by the unique non-playable characters (NPCs) that populate the game, some of whom are available to join the Dragonborn on their journey.

The lands of Skyrim are full of life, incorporating birds, beasts, and all sorts of arcane creatures into its terrain. More importantly, there are numerous NPCs littered throughout the continent, many of whom can accompany the Dragonborn on their journey. These characters have well-thought-out backstories and questlines, making them excellent choices for player companions. While there are dozens of potential followers in the game, there are a few that stand out from the rest in terms of the benefits they can provide the player in combat.

Updated on June 4, 2024, by Natasha Elder: Skyrim is a fantastic game, as evidenced by its enduring presence in the market, and one of the best aspects is the ability to choose a companion. Many companions have distinct characteristics that distinguish them from their peers, with some even being able to become spouses in addition to followers. Despite the lack of news about Elder Scrolls VI, it is worth taking another look at the followers available in Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as well as discussing some new additions.

15 Mjoll The Lioness Is An Honorable Warrior

Her Strict Morals Limit Her Usefulness Despite Her Strength

Inside the Bee and Barb Inn in Riften is a powerful warrior known as Mjoll the Lioness. After being saved by a local man named Aerin, she took up the cause of ridding the Hold of ne'er-do-wells and criminals, taking specific aim at the Thieves Guild and Black Briars. That said, she doesn't make much progress until the protagonist comes along.

• Training: None
• Skills: Two-Handed Weapons, Heavy Armor, Block
• Marital status: Can be married

When recruited to join the Dragonborn, Mjoll performs very well as a tank character. Her decent skills and hit points put her among the best melee-oriented companions in the game. However, she has no tolerance for criminal activity and therefore may not perform as well when accompanying Skyrim's shadier player characters. It is due to these limitations that Mjoll the Lioness is the lowest on this list despite her clear strength.

14 Farkas Defies Expectations

Despite His Appearance, He is Best Suited to Stealth Players

Farkas is a member of The Circle, the group that leads Skyrim's Companions, themselves experienced warriors. Farkas, along with his twin brother Vilkas, were raised by Jergen in Jorravaskr, the mead hall that acts as the base for the Companions. As Farkas was rescued from necromancers by Jergen, he considers Jergen his father and the rest of the Companions his family.

• Training: Heavy Armor
• Skills: Smithing, Speech, One-Handed, Pickpocket
• Marital status: Can be married

While not strictly the best fighter, Farkas’ skills in Smithing and Speech are advantageous for the Dragonborn. Additionally, he is quite adept at sneaking despite his heavy armor. His skill only becomes greater if the player gifts him Light Armor. Similarly, despite beginning with a Two-Handed weapon, he is excellent at fighting with One-Handed weapons. As such, with a little work to overcome initial expectations, Farkas is a worthy follower for the Dragonborn.

13 Vilkas Outperforms His Brother In Battle

More Focused Skills Give Him an Edge

See Also

The 5 Best Mage Armors/Gear in Skyrim (And How to Get Them)Best Mage Armor and Gear in SkyrimSkyrim: Best Potions To Level Alchemy Fast‘Skyrim Special Edition’ Starter Guide – 8 Things to Do First (UPDATED)

The two brothers Vilkas and Farkas are part of the Companions, a guild of warriors and werewolves that make their home in Whiterun Hold. Both can be recruited as followers once the player has completed Skyrim's main questline for the Companions faction. Not only will Vilkas be willing to follow the Dragonborn, but he will also assign high-level quests to the player, which results in high-level rewards.

• Training: Two-Handed
• Skills: Lycanthropy, Heavy Armor, Block, One-Handed, Two-Handed
• Marital Status: Can be married

Vilkas has a big edge over his twin brother when it comes to supporting the Dragonborn on the battlefield. Farkas has some wasted points in non-combat skills, whereas Vilkas is a strong frontline companion with a high hit-point total. These attributes make him both a pretty decent tank and damage dealer. Additionally, his ability to train the Dragonborn’s Two-Handed skill up to level 90 is a significant asset.

12 Stenvar's Aggression Is Both Help and Hindrance

His Overzealous Aggression Varies in Its Usefulness

Residing in Candlehearth Hall in Windhelm, Stenvar is a mercenary who is worth the money. It is also worth mentioning that if the Dragonborn is wearing the Amulet of Mara after hiring him as a follower, Stenvar becomes a marriage option. This grants the Dragonborn a minimum of 100 Septims daily. This will also change Stenvar’s dialogue and tone when speaking with the Dragonborn.

• Training: None
• Skills: Heavy Armor, Two-Handed, Archery, Block
• Marital Status: Can be married

Stenvar’s aggressive attacks are a double-edged sword in themselves. While it is beneficial to travel with a companion who will enter into the fray immediately, he will sometimes become overeager and inadvertently get hit by the Dragonborn’s attacks. This results in Stenvar taking more damage than he otherwise would. As long as the Dragonborn accounts for this and evades Stenvar accordingly, however, he remains a strong ally that effectively attacks his enemies.

11 Aela The Huntress Remains The Best Follower From The Companions

Her Acceptance of the Dragonborn's Darker Choices Makes Her a Valuable Asset

Aela the Huntress is a fan-favorite follower thanks to her skills, her striking appearance, and her unique backstory. She is another member of the Companions and is a part of its leadership group, The Circle. Like many Companions members, she is also a werewolf, but this side of her character rarely manifests during gameplay. Although she is not the best at using a shield, her overall stealth abilities more than make up for her limited ability with the tool.

• Training: Archery, Lycanthropy
• Skills: Archery, Sneak, One-Handed, Light Armor
• Marital status: Can be married

Aela is a thief-type character with skills to match, able to sneak effectively and provide excellent cover with her impressive archery abilities. She also tolerates the actions of the Dragonborn should they choose to take up less savory activities such as thievery and murder. This willingness to overlook the Dragonborn’s actions makes her more desirable than other followers with stricter morals.

10 Illia's Ice Magic Is Impressive

Her Destructive Spells Thin Out Large Groups

Upon first encountering Illia, she requests the Dragonborn’s help in killing her mother Silvia, who has been corrupted by hags. In agreeing to do so, the Dragonborn has to make their way through Darklight Tower, eliminating enemies. They eventually come across Silvia and kill her. Upon completion of this quest, Illia will become available as a follower.

• Training: None
• Skills: Destruction, Restoration, Alteration, Conjuration
• Marital status: Cannot be married

Illia knows the spells Ironflesh, Ice Storm, Icy Spear, Fast Healing, and Frost Cloak. In addition to these spells, Illia also has a long bow, a dagger, and three minor healing potions. Her skill with ice spells is very effective at clearing out large groups of enemies. Moreover, her healing potions are unusual for Skyrim companions. This is a substantial part of why Illia is ranked in the tenth spot on this list, as the ability to heal makes her more valuable than other Skyrim followers.

9 J'zargo Has The Magic Skills To Match His Attitude

His Arrogance is Not Amiss

A surprising example of a Khajiit who has fully embraced the study of magic, J'zargo is confident to the point of arrogance and is determined to become the best mage among the students at the College of Winterhold. However, despite his overwhelming pride, he genuinely doesn't try to steal the Dragonborn's thunder. In fact, J’zargo even gives scrolls to the Dragonborn, although they don't quite work properly.

• Training: None
• Skills: Illusion, Heavy Armor, Destruction, One-Handed
• Marital status: Cannot be married

Of the few magic-focused companions, J'zargo is arguably the best. He comes with a decent list of spells to cast and doesn't have a level cap, so his power will scale up alongside the Dragonborn. Given the significant damage that higher-leveled spells deal, this becomes increasingly helpful as the game progresses. The only problem is his occasional muttering, but players can simply choose to ignore his endearing rants.

8 Argis The Bulwark Will Take The Hits Meant For The Dragonborn

A Bulky Build Provides Protection for the Dragonborn

See Also

Skyrim: 9 Features That Need To Be in The Elder Scrolls 6

Once The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's playable character becomes the Thane of Markarth, they will be granted the services of Argis the Bulwark. This one-eyed Nord warrior has clearly seen his fair share of battles in defense of his homeland, as evidenced by the treasure trove of skill points at his disposal. His above-average skill level is also indicated by his ability to join the Blades, a company that fights dragons.

• Training: None
• Skills: One-Handed, Block, Archery
• Marital status: Can be married

Argis maxes out at level 50, at which point he becomes quite a heavy-hitter in combat. With a heavy pool of hit points to soak up damage and some pretty decent one-handed and shield skills, he is one of the best tanks in the game. A bulwark refers to a defensive fortification, and Argis consistently remains true to his name.

7 Belrand's Familiar Makes Him a Considerable Asset

Adding Another Attacker is Very Beneficial

Belrand, as with other Nords in the game, is highly vocal about his heritage. As a result, he has a few unique dialogue statements surrounding Nordic Tombs and even insists that the tombs are not fully looted in order to show respect. He is also interesting due to the fact that he has some knowledge of Dwemer culture and architecture, though he insists on the superiority of the Nords.

• Training: None
• Skills: Destruction Magic, Light Armor, One-Handed, Restoration
• Marital status: Can be married

In addition to his intriguing insights into architecture, Belrand is also one of the most resilient characters in the game. He has quick health regeneration as well as healing spells. Belrand will also cast Oakflesh or Stoneflesh on himself, which enhances his durability. In combination with his ability to summon a familiar, which increases his attack power, Belrand is both a defensive and offensive powerhouse.

6 Teldryn Sero May Be The Best Deal Available For a Follower

With Strong Magic, 500 Septims is a Small Price to Pay

Among the more interesting and unique followers available, Teldryn Sero is a Dunmer spellsword who hails from Morrowind. He can be recruited as a companion near the settlement of Raven Rock on Solstheim, albeit after making a payment of 500 Septims. Although this is technically a good deal for one of the most versatile followers in the game, early players may not have saved enough money for this transaction.

• Training: None
• Skills: One-Handed, Light Armor, Conjuration, Destruction
• Marital status: Cannot be married

Featuring a strong mixture of magic and melee, Teldryn Sero can conjure a Flame Atronach to fight alongside the player. Not only does the conjuration of a Flame Atronach add another ally to the fight, but fire attacks also allow other attacks to deal more damage. Thus, his ability to conjure a Flame Atronach has multiple benefits. This feature, combined with his level cap of 60, makes him an incredibly high-value companion in Skyrim.

5 Lydia Is One of The First Followers, But Also One of The Best

A Rising Level Keeps Lydia Relevant

Lydia, the Housecarl of Whiterun, has often been the subject of disparaging memes, many of which refer to her annoying ability to get in the Dragonborn's way at the most inopportune moments. However, Lydia remains one of the best followers in Skyrim for a player who is looking for a strong combat-focused ally. She is also a marriage candidate for those who can get past her gruff exterior.

• Training: None
• Skills: One-Handed, Heavy Armor, Archery, Block
• Marital status: Can be married

Boasting some pretty impressive melee skills and a lot of hit points to back them up, Lydia can take a beating for the Dragonborn in addition to carrying their burdens. She also features more extensive dialogue than some other companions, making travel just a little less boring. Between the more interesting interactions and her stalwart defense of the Dragonborn, Lydia has earned her place near the top of this list.

4 Despite His Bizarre Personality, Cicero Perfectly Accents Stealth Builds

Overlooking Cicero's Unusual Remarks is Fruitful

Cicero is an interesting companion, to say the least. A member of the Dark Brotherhood and the Keeper of the Night Mother's coffin, Cicero's behavior can only be described as deeply bizarre. He is first encountered along the road with a broken-down cart and will trigger a small quest when spoken to. It is not until later that his true identity is revealed. As long as the player overlooks his odd mannerisms and occasionally annoying antics, he can be a valuable follower for a more nefarious Dragonborn.

• Training: None
• Skills: One-Handed, Light Armor, Archery, Sneak
• Marital status: Cannot be married

One of the best stealth-focused followers in the game, Cicero will be an asset to any player who relies on a cloak-and-dagger playstyle. While he will refuse to wear any armor, his remarkable stealth ability compensates for his lack of defense. Then again, he habitually begins dancing at random moments — some players may find this funny, while others simply can't stand to be around someone as unstable as Cicero.

3 Erandur is Skilled in Both Magic and Melee Combat

His Versatility Sets Him Apart

Erandur, who used to be known as Brother Casimir, was part of a cult dedicated to the Daedric Prince Vaermina before leaving and dedicating himself to Mara. He is first a temporary ally during Daedric Quest: Waking Nightmare and becomes available as a follower after being spared by the player. During this quest, he addresses Vaermina’s influence on the people of Dawnstar, which was only present in the first place due to his participation in the Daedric Prince Vaermina cult.

• Training: None
• Skills: Restoration, Speech, Alchemy, Conjuration, Smithing
• Marital status: Cannot be married

As a follower, Erandur mainly duel-wields the spells Flames and Firebolt. Moreover, he is skilled with a leveled mace, which increases in strength as he does. He is also able to create a Ward in close combat and uses a bow to cover long distances. When given a one-handed weapon by the Dragonborn, Erandur will duel-wield it along with his mace, which is a unique skill among companions. This versatility makes him one of the best followers in Skyrim.

2 Frea Is A Fighter With Few Equals

A Strong Personality is Matched by Strong Skills

Possibly the best warrior-type follower available in Skyrim, Frea is a Skaal shaman who lives in Solstheim. She is fighting to free her people from Miraak's influence over the land and will join the player in their quest to vanquish the first Dragonborn. She wears the Skaal Amulet in order to protect herself from Miraak’s influence, which is affecting the rest of the Skaal.

• Training: None
• Skills: Alteration, Restoration, Light Armor, One-Handed
• Marital status: Cannot be married

Frea is no slouch in combat; in fact, she's quite the opposite. Boasting some significant melee skills, the Nord is a rare companion capable of dual-wielding weapons, giving her some hefty damage potential. While she wears heavy armor, she is also skilled at fighting in light armor, which indicates her heightened defensive abilities. In addition, she has no level cap, meaning her abilities will grow to match the player.

1 Serana Earns Her Popularity Through Wit, Charm, And Necromancy

A Balanced Skillset Boosts Serana Above Her Peers

Serana is one of the most popular followers in Skyrim and for good reason. This pure-blooded vampire is both charming and full of depth, with one of the most interesting backstories in the entire series. Serana is also a powerful companion for the player, with the ability to use necromancy to summon undead to fight alongside the Dragonborn.

• Training: None
• Skills: Conjuration, One-Handed, Sneak, Light Armor
• Marital status: Cannot be married

Serana also boasts a decent combination of magical and non-magical skills to aid the Dragonborn in combat. For these reasons, among many others, Serana is quite possibly the strongest companion available in Skyrim. Serana is unique in that she doesn't act like the other companions in the game, but more like an autonomous entity. This freedom to act in combination with her comprehensive background is what makes Serana the best Skyrim follower.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V:Skyrimis a single-player role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.

Released

November 11, 2011

Publisher(s)

Bethesda Softworks

Genre(s)

RPG , Action , Adventure

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol