Can Farkas Be Killed in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Farkas can be killed in Skyrim, but the circumstances surrounding his mortality are a bit nuanced. Initially, during the early stages of the Companions questline, Farkas, like many other essential NPCs, is protected from permanent death. He can be knocked down during combat but will recover afterward. However, once you complete the Companions questline, Farkas loses his essential status and becomes vulnerable to permanent death. This means that after this point, both enemies and the player can deal the final blow that ends his life. So, if you’re adventuring with Farkas after becoming a full member of the Companions, tread carefully!
Understanding Companion Mortality in Skyrim
The system of companion mortality in Skyrim can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of the key mechanics:
- Essential NPCs: These characters, crucial to the main questline or significant side quests, cannot die. They’ll simply fall to their knees when their health is depleted.
- Protected NPCs: Most followers fall into this category. They can take damage and be knocked down, but enemies will generally stop attacking them once they’re incapacitated. However, they can die from environmental hazards, traps, or, most importantly, the player’s attacks.
- Vulnerable NPCs: Once an NPC loses their protected status, they become fully vulnerable. Anyone, including the player, can kill them permanently.
Farkas transitions from a protected to a vulnerable NPC after the Companions questline. This is crucial to remember, especially if you rely on him as a tank or enjoy using area-of-effect spells. One stray swing or misdirected fireball could spell his doom.
The Consequences of Losing Farkas
Losing Farkas can have several consequences:
- Loss of a Follower: Obviously, you’ll no longer have him as a companion to carry your burdens (literally and figuratively) and fight alongside you.
- Loss of a Trainer: Farkas is a Master Heavy Armor trainer. If you haven’t maxed out your Heavy Armor skill, you’ll need to find another trainer.
- Emotional Impact: For some players, especially those who become attached to their companions, the death of Farkas can be surprisingly upsetting!
- Missed Opportunities: While Farkas doesn’t have any unique quests beyond the Companions questline, his presence often adds flavor to the game world.
How to Keep Farkas Alive (If You Want To)
If you’re determined to keep Farkas alive and kicking, here are some tips:
- Avoid Area-of-Effect Spells: Be extremely careful when using spells like Fireball or Blizzard near him.
- Watch Your Swings: Be mindful of your attacks, especially in close quarters. Power attacks are particularly risky.
- Use Healing Spells: Keep an eye on his health and use healing spells like Grand Healing when necessary.
- Equip Him Properly: Give him the best armor and weapons you can find to increase his survivability.
- Command Him Strategically: Position him carefully during combat to minimize his exposure to danger. Tell him to “wait” in safer areas.
- Consider Mods: There are mods available that can make followers essential or significantly increase their survivability.
- Complete the Companions questline and then leave him at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Farkas
1. Can Farkas be resurrected?
Unfortunately, Farkas cannot be resurrected in the base game without using console commands (on PC) or mods. Once he’s dead, he’s gone for good.
2. What happens if I accidentally kill Farkas?
If you accidentally kill Farkas after he becomes non-essential, he dies permanently. There’s no way to bring him back unless you reload a previous save.
3. Is Farkas a good follower?
Farkas is a decent follower, especially for players who prefer melee combat. He’s a strong warrior with high health and stamina.
4. Can Farkas become a vampire?
No, Farkas cannot become a vampire. Because he is already a werewolf he has immunity.
5. Can I marry Farkas?
No, you cannot marry Farkas. He is not an available candidate for marriage within the game.
6. What are Farkas’ skills and abilities?
Farkas is skilled in Heavy Armor, Two-Handed weapons, and Archery. He’s a strong melee fighter.
7. Does Farkas have any unique dialogue or quests?
Farkas doesn’t have any unique dialogue or quests outside of the main Companions questline.
8. Can Farkas be cured of his werewolf curse?
Yes, Farkas can be cured of his werewolf curse after completing the Companions questline. You’ll need to throw a Glenmoril Witch Head into the fire in the Underforge.
9. Is Farkas essential during the entire Companions questline?
Yes, Farkas is essential during the main Companions questline. He cannot die until the questline is completed.
10. How can I tell if a follower is essential or not?
There’s no in-game indicator. The easiest way to tell is to see if they get back up after being knocked down in combat. You can also consult online resources like the UESP wiki.
11. Can Farkas use ranged weapons effectively?
While Farkas has some skill in Archery, he’s primarily a melee fighter. He’ll be more effective with a two-handed weapon and heavy armor.
12. What’s the best armor to give Farkas?
The best armor to give Farkas is any high-quality heavy armor like Daedric, Dragonplate, or Ebony armor. Make sure to upgrade it at a blacksmith’s forge for maximum protection.
13. Can Farkas carry my items?
Yes, Farkas can carry items for you. Like all followers, he has a carry weight limit.
14. How does Farkas’ werewolf form affect his survivability?
When Farkas transforms into a werewolf, he becomes much stronger and more resistant to damage. This is a temporary boost to his survivability.
15. Where does Farkas go if I dismiss him as a follower?
If you dismiss Farkas as a follower, he will return to Jorrvaskr in Whiterun, which is the headquarters of the Companions.
Final Thoughts
Farkas, like many companions in Skyrim, offers both assistance and vulnerability. While his skills in combat and heavy armor training are valuable, players must remain cautious after completing the Companions questline, as he becomes susceptible to permanent death. Strategic gameplay and a little awareness can ensure that Farkas continues to be a loyal ally on your Dragonborn’s journey. Remember that games, like Skyrim, offer rich environments for learning and exploration. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org research and promote the educational potential of games.