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Do Companions Level Up With You in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, companions in Skyrim do level up with you, but with a crucial caveat: they level up to their maximum level, not necessarily with you indefinitely. Understanding how this system works is vital for maximizing your companion’s effectiveness and choosing the right follower for your playstyle. Each companion has a level cap and a set of primary skills dictated by their class. This means that while they will grow stronger alongside you as you progress, they will eventually plateau, potentially becoming less effective in the late game. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the follower leveling system in Skyrim and answer some frequently asked questions.

Understanding the Follower Leveling System

The game mechanics governing follower progression in Skyrim aren’t always straightforward, leading to some confusion among players. Here’s a more in-depth explanation:

Level Scaling: Followers scale with your character’s level, improving their stats and skills as you gain experience. This ensures they remain a valuable asset in combat and exploration, at least initially.
Maximum Level Cap: This is the most significant factor. Each follower has a predefined maximum level they can reach. Once they hit this cap, they will no longer level up, regardless of your character’s progression. For instance, Lydia has a level cap of 50, making her useful in the early and mid-game but less so in the late game.
Skill Specialization: Followers have specific skills they excel in, determined by their class. For example, Lydia specializes in heavy armor and one-handed combat, while others might be better with archery or magic. Their skill levels increase as they level up, making them more proficient in their chosen areas.
Essential vs. Non-Essential Followers: Some followers are designated as “essential” characters, meaning they cannot be killed. This immortality can be a significant advantage in tough battles. Examples include Aela the Huntress and Cicero. Non-essential followers, on the other hand, are vulnerable to death.
Mods: It’s important to note that mods can significantly alter the follower system. Some mods remove level caps, allowing followers to level up indefinitely, while others introduce new followers with unique abilities and scaling. Always check the mod description to understand how it affects follower leveling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Skyrim Companions

1. What determines a follower’s maximum level?

A follower’s maximum level is pre-set by the game developers based on their character and role within the game world. This information can be found on the UESP Wiki (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages) by searching for the specific follower.

2. How can I check my companion’s current level?

The easiest way to check a companion’s current level is typically through mods that display this information. On PC, console commands can reveal this, but they can be complex. Otherwise, comparing their stats (health, stamina, magicka, skills) to their base stats listed on UESP will give you a rough idea.

3. Who are some of the strongest followers in Skyrim?

Serana, a vampire lord from the Dawnguard DLC, is widely considered one of the strongest followers due to her powerful magic abilities, especially in Destruction and Conjuration. Other strong choices include followers with no level cap, such as Celann, Durak, Ingjard, and J’zargo. Note that J’zargo, while powerful, has been cited as having poor DPS.

4. Are there any followers with no level cap in Skyrim?

Yes, a few followers have no level cap in the base game and DLCs. Some notable examples include Celann, Durak, Ingjard, and J’zargo. These followers can theoretically continue to level up indefinitely alongside your character.

5. What is Lydia’s maximum level and skillset?

Lydia has a maximum level of 50. She specializes in heavy armor and one-handed combat and is also proficient with a bow. This makes her a solid, reliable companion for the early to mid-game, but she will eventually be outclassed by other followers in the late game.

6. Can I equip my follower with better gear?

Absolutely! Equipping your follower with better gear is crucial for maximizing their combat effectiveness. You can give them weapons, armor, and even accessories to improve their stats. Just remember that they have skill limitations; a follower with low archery skill won’t be as effective with a high-end bow as one specializing in archery.

7. Do followers benefit from my character’s perks?

Generally, no. Followers do not directly benefit from your character’s perks. However, certain perks can indirectly affect them. For example, perks that improve your enchanting skill will allow you to create more powerful enchantments on gear you give to your follower.

8. What happens if my follower dies?

If a non-essential follower dies, they are permanently gone. Essential followers, on the other hand, will only be incapacitated and will recover after a battle.

9. Can followers use soul gems?

Yes, if you give your follower a weapon with the Soul Trap enchantment and empty soul gems, they will automatically fill them when they kill enemies. This is a great way to replenish your soul gems without actively having to do it yourself.

10. How many followers can I have at once?

In the base game, you can have one humanoid follower and one animal follower at the same time. However, certain quests and glitches can allow you to have more than one humanoid follower.

11. Can I marry my follower?

Yes, many followers are eligible for marriage. Lydia is a popular choice due to her accessibility early in the game. After marrying a follower, they will move into your house and provide you with certain benefits, such as cooking meals or running a store.

12. What are the benefits of marrying a follower?

Marrying a follower provides several benefits:

Homecooked Meal: Your spouse can cook you a daily meal that provides temporary buffs to your skills and stats.
Shared Income: Your spouse will run a store and generate a small amount of daily income.
Companionship: You have someone to share your home with and can engage in conversations.

13. Can I make a follower essential (immortal)?

Yes, on the PC version of the game, you can use console commands to make any follower essential. To do this, open the console, click on the follower, and enter the command setessential [base ID] 1. Replacing [base ID] with the follower’s base ID (found on UESP).

14. What are some strategies for maximizing follower effectiveness?

Gear Them Up: Equip your follower with the best gear you can find or craft, focusing on their skill specializations.
Choose the Right Follower: Select a follower whose skills complement your character’s playstyle.
Manage Their Inventory: Be mindful of your follower’s inventory weight limit and avoid giving them unnecessary items.
Use Follower Commands: Utilize the follower command system to position them strategically in combat and exploration.

15. Where can I find more information about Skyrim’s game mechanics and design?

Exploring the depth of game mechanics and design, such as those found in Skyrim, can provide valuable insights for educators and designers alike. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for exploring this topic. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information. The Games Learning Society studies how games can impact the way we learn and can bring a new understanding to the world of game design.

Conclusion

While companions in Skyrim do level up with you to a certain extent, understanding the nuances of the leveling system is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness. By knowing their level caps, skill specializations, and essential status, you can choose the right followers and equip them appropriately to create a formidable adventuring party. So go forth, explore the vast world of Skyrim, and find the perfect companions to join you on your journey!

Do companions level up with you in Skyrim?