Can You Change Lydia’s Armor in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can change Lydia’s armor in Skyrim! While she begins with a set of default steel armor that isn’t immediately visible in her inventory, she will readily equip any armor you give her, provided it has a higher armor rating. Think of it as a fashion-conscious warrior princess – only the best protection will do! This guide will delve into the nuances of equipping Lydia, managing her inventory, and maximizing her potential as your steadfast companion.

Equipping Lydia: The Basics

Armor Rating is Key

The golden rule is that Lydia will only equip items that are statistically superior to her current gear. Her default steel armor provides a decent baseline, but as you progress through the game, you’ll find much better options. Keep an eye out for heavy armor with a high armor rating.

The “I am Sworn to Carry Your Burdens” Method

The most straightforward approach is simply to give Lydia the armor. Initiate a conversation with her, select the option to trade items, and then transfer the desired armor pieces to her inventory. If the armor rating is higher than her existing equipped pieces, she’ll automatically equip them. This is often the most reliable method for ensuring she wears what you want.

Considerations for Light Armor

While Lydia can wear light armor, her heavy armor skill is significantly higher. This means that to convince her to switch to light armor, it needs to be drastically better than her heavy armor. In the early game, sticking to heavy armor is generally the most efficient route.

The Console Command Method (PC Only)

For PC players, the console command offers more granular control. You can force Lydia to remove her default armor and equip specific items. Here’s how:

1. Open the console by pressing the ~ (tilde) key.
2. Click on Lydia to select her. Her RefID will appear on screen.
3. Type removeallitems and press enter. This will remove everything, including her default armor (though sometimes it reappears if you don’t provide replacement pieces).
4. To equip specific items, use the command equipitem <item ID>. You’ll need to find the Item ID of the armor pieces you want her to wear. For example, to equip Daedric Armor you might use “player.equipitem 0001396B” (this is an example).
5. Type inv to see her inventory and confirm the item is in her inventory.

Important Note: Using console commands can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior. Save your game before using them.

Optimizing Lydia’s Gear

Heavy Armor Recommendations

• Daedric Armor: The ultimate choice for protection, boasting the highest armor rating in the game.
• Ebony Armor: An excellent alternative to Daedric, with a slightly lower armor rating but still providing exceptional defense. It’s also easier to obtain.
• Dragonplate Armor: Another top-tier option, often preferred for its aesthetic appeal.

The Armor Cap

Remember that there’s an armor cap of 567. Once you reach this point, additional armor rating provides diminishing returns. Focus on enchantments and other defensive bonuses.

Enchantments

Enchanting Lydia’s armor can significantly boost her effectiveness. Look for enchantments that improve her health, stamina, carry weight, or resistance to magic.

Weapons

Lydia is skilled with one-handed weapons and a bow. Equip her with a high-damage weapon and plenty of arrows. Consider giving her a weapon with enchantments like fire damage, frost damage, or soul trap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lydia and Armor

1. Can I steal Lydia’s armor?

Technically, yes, you can pickpocket her. However, the game often glitches if you remove all her armor this way, causing her default armor to reappear. It’s best to leave at least one piece of her original equipment on her.

2. Why won’t Lydia change armor?

She likely already has something better equipped. Make sure the armor you’re giving her has a demonstrably higher armor rating than her current gear.

3. What happens if Lydia dies? Can I revive her?

Unfortunately, Lydia can die in Skyrim. On PC, you can use the console command resurrect after clicking on her body and noting her reference ID. For console players, if she dies, she is gone for good, unless you reload a previous save.

4. What is Lydia’s max level?

Lydia’s level caps at 50. This makes her a strong early- to mid-game companion, but less effective in the late game compared to followers with higher level caps.

5. Can I marry Lydia? Does it affect her follower status?

Yes, you can marry Lydia! Marrying her does not affect her ability to be a follower. She’ll still accompany you on adventures, and you can have her as a follower, even after you get married.

6. Can I make Lydia immortal?

Yes, you can, but only on PC using console commands. Use the command setessential <Lydia's RefID> 1 to make her essential (immortal). You would obtain her RefID by selecting her in the console.

7. What are Lydia’s skills and preferences?

Lydia excels in heavy armor, one-handed combat, and block. She is also proficient with a bow. She prefers heavy armor due to her higher skill level in it.

8. Can I turn Lydia into a vampire?

Yes, it is possible to turn Lydia into a vampire, but it has consequences. Be aware of the pros and cons before doing so. Consider the impact on her skills and your gameplay.

9. Where does Lydia go when she’s not following me?

She will either return to Breezehome (if you’ve purchased it) or Dragonsreach in Whiterun.

10. Is Lydia a good follower for stealth characters?

No. Lydia is not a good choice for stealth characters. She is notorious for being noisy and clumsy, which will likely compromise your stealth attempts.

11. What is Lydia’s default armor rating?

Lydia’s default steel armor provides a total armor rating of 169.

12. What is the best armor in Skyrim?

Daedric Armor has the highest base armor rating. Other strong contenders include Dragonplate and Ebony Armor.

13. Can I change my wife’s clothes in Skyrim?

If your wife is also a follower, you can change her clothes by giving her better armor. She will equip it automatically. You need to leave one piece of her original gear with her.

14. How do I find the item ID for armor?

You can find item IDs on websites like UESP (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages) or by using the console command help "<armor name>" to search for it in-game. Be as specific as possible to narrow down the results.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics?

Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offer valuable resources and insights into game design, mechanics, and the educational aspects of gaming. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in understanding the science and art behind video games.

Final Thoughts

Changing Lydia’s armor in Skyrim is a great way to customize her appearance and enhance her combat effectiveness. By understanding the game’s mechanics and utilizing the tips outlined above, you can transform Lydia into a formidable warrior who can stand by your side throughout your adventures. Now go forth and outfit your loyal Housecarl! Remember, a well-armored Lydia is a happy Lydia, and a happy Lydia is a powerful asset on your journey through Skyrim.