There are a plethora of things to discover and battle while adventuring in the frozen lands of Skyrim. Though it feels great to chug across the massive map fighting through sprawling dungeons and completing memorable questlines, it can become challenging and somewhat lonely. Luckily, you can find dozens of NPCs scattered across Skyrim that are willing to join and assist in your efforts.
The best Followers in Skyrim vary according to your playstyle. Still, there are some in the game with higher level caps (your Follower will initially scale to the Dragonborn’s current level, but some will stop leveling quite early) and useful skills that can give you an edge in your encounters.
Lydia
Found as the Housecarl of Whiterun, many will likely pick up Lydia as their first follower in the game, and she’s a worthy choice. She is one of a few Followers thatcap at level 50and will be a useful ally, especially while trudging through one of the many sprawling dungeons in the game.
Officially known as a One-Handed Warrior, she is equipped withone of the highest HP statsfor a Follower and is proficient withheavy weapons and armor—play to these strengths when doling out equipment for her to get the most of her tank-like stats. If you’re not a fan of Lydia, many of the Female Nord Followers in the game have nearly exact stats, but Lydia is available and ready very early on in the game.
Aela the Huntress
Available as a Followerafter completing the Companions questlineat Jorrvaskr in Whiterun, Aela (with alevel cap of 50) is useful in and out of combat as she also harbors the ability to develop your Archery skill, but only up to skill-level 75.
In combat, her skills as anarchercan help you gain the upper hand, especially if you are building a warrior that thrives on hacking and slashing. She’ll compliment that well and spend most of her time hanging back, delivering chunks of ranged damage on your enemy. Don’t discard high-level bows and light armor if Aela is your Follower. Instead, give her the best of that gear for some great support from long range.
Argis the Bulwark
If you’re looking for a Follower comprised of equal parts brutish warrior and hilarious comic relief, look no further than Argis the Bulwark. He is found in Markarth and will be appointed Argis as your follower uponbecoming Thane of Markarth.You also have the option to marry him if you so choose (but be sure to wear the Amulet of Mara; if so, only then will you have the option to marry him).
With alevel cap of 50, proficiency in one-handed weapons, heavy armor, and archery, Argis is a versatile weapon to deploy in combat at any stage of the game, especially if you bolster him with the best heavy armor and one-handed weaponry you can spare. Out of combat, he’ll keep your spirits up with continuously great banter during your travels.
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Serana
As part of the Dawnguard DLC, Serana is a powerful Vampire you will find as part of theBloodline quest, a segment of the main questline in Dawnguard. Players will gain Serana as a follower with alevel cap of 50and should give her gear that will highlight herconjuring and magic abilities. Doing so will make her an extremely powerful and useful asset, capable of taking on enemies of any level on your journies across Skyrim.
An important noteif you want Serana as your game-long companion: She will follow you until you complete the main questline in the Dawnguard DLC. Upon completing Bloodline and gaining her as a follower, return to Skyrim together until you see fit to finish her story.
J’zargo
A Khajiit found at theCollege of Winterhold—you’ll gain J’zargo’s trust and companionship if you simply complete the questline that begins when you speak to him. It may take a little bit of your time, but it’s well worth it, as J’zargo is one of the best followers you can find in Skyrim.
He is highly skilled in both destruction and restoration magic, but he has the highest HP of any Follower in the game, and hislevel cap of 81is the best among all followers. J’zargo is versatile and will heal you during combat while delivering chunks of magical damage on your enemies from a distance—a tremendous ally for whatever enemy or situation is lurking in Skyrim.
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