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Can Followers Wear Jewelry in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, followers in Skyrim can wear jewelry! This includes necklaces and rings. However, not all enchantments on jewelry will benefit them. Think of it like giving your dog a fancy sweater – it might look great, but it probably doesn’t appreciate the cashmere blend. Understanding the nuances of follower equipment can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, so let’s dive into the details.

Understanding Follower Equipment and Mechanics

Skyrim’s follower system is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, having a loyal companion by your side, lugging around your extra dragon bones and distracting enemies, is incredibly helpful. On the other hand, their AI regarding equipment choices can be…questionable. Followers will automatically equip armor and weapons that are better than their default gear, but jewelry is a slightly different story. They’ll equip the jewelry you give them, but the benefits you receive might be limited. This is where knowing the ins and outs becomes important.

The Basics of Follower Gear

Your follower’s gear is determined by a few factors. First, their base gear: this is the equipment they start with and will always revert to if you strip them bare (leaving at least ONE piece on them). Second, the items you give them. Followers will prioritize equipment with higher armor ratings or damage values for weapons. When it comes to jewelry, they will equip it, but the efficacy of the enchantments is dependent on the enchantment itself.

Jewelry and Enchantments: What Works, What Doesn’t

The crucial point to remember is that some enchantments on jewelry will function on your followers, while others won’t. For instance, enchantments that directly buff the follower’s stats, such as increasing health, stamina, or magicka, generally work. Fortify Carry Weight enchantments also have a noticeable effect, allowing your follower to carry even more loot. However, enchantments that are specific to the player, like those related to skills (archery, one-handed, etc.), might not translate directly. It’s generally believed that enchantments affecting combat skills are less effective, or have no effect at all.

Making Followers Wear What You Want

Getting your follower to wear a specific piece of jewelry (or any equipment, for that matter) requires a little finesse. The easiest method is to trade with them, give them the desired item, and remove any competing items of the same type. For example, if you want Lydia to wear a specific ring, give her the ring and take any other rings she might be carrying. She will then equip the new ring, as long as there aren’t any glitches happening.

Exploiting the System (Slightly)

There are a few “exploits” (using the term loosely) that players have discovered. One involves the Perfect Touch perk in the Pickpocket skill tree. With this perk, you can steal equipped items. Stealing their current jewelry and then immediately gifting them the desired piece is a surefire way to get them to equip it. Be careful, though; if caught pickpocketing, your relationship with the follower might suffer, especially if they are a potential spouse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that provide more in-depth information about follower equipment and jewelry in Skyrim:

Can followers wear multiple rings?

No, followers can only wear one ring at a time, just like the Dragonborn. Choosing the right ring with the most beneficial enchantment is crucial.
Do necklaces work the same way as rings for followers?

Yes, necklaces function identically to rings. Followers can equip one necklace, and the same principles apply regarding which enchantments work.
Will a follower equip jewelry that I improve at a workbench?

Yes, if the improved jewelry is better than what they currently have, they will equip it. Improving jewelry with smithing perks can be a great way to boost its effectiveness, especially if enchantments won’t function.
Does the Fortify Carry Weight enchantment work on followers?

Yes, this is one of the most popular and reliable enchantments to use on follower jewelry. Increasing their carry capacity allows them to haul more loot for you!
What happens if I give a follower jewelry with an enchantment that doesn’t work for them?

They will still equip the jewelry, but the enchantment will essentially be wasted. The item will still provide some value in terms of appearance and maybe even a minor stat buff if it’s a high-quality piece, but the enchantment itself won’t function.
Can I see the effects of jewelry enchantments on my follower’s stats?

Sometimes. The best way to verify is to check their stats before and after equipping the jewelry. Effects like increased health or stamina will be visible in their character menu.
Do unique jewelry pieces (like quest rewards) work on followers?

Yes, unique pieces can be equipped, but their special effects might not always translate. Testing is the best way to determine their functionality.
Can followers benefit from Resist Magic or Resist Disease enchantments on jewelry?

It’s difficult to definitively prove this without mods or console commands, but anecdotal evidence suggests these resistances do function on followers, increasing their survivability against magic attacks and diseases.
Are there any mods that improve follower equipment management?

Absolutely! Many mods exist to overhaul the follower system, allowing for more granular control over their equipment, including jewelry. Popular mods include Amazing Follower Tweaks (AFT) and Extensible Follower Framework (EFF).
Does the level of the enchantment matter?

Yes, the magnitude of the enchantment is still relevant. A Fortify Carry Weight enchantment of 25 points will be less effective than one of 50 points, regardless of whether it’s equipped by the player or a follower.
How can I test if a specific enchantment works on a follower?

The easiest method is to use console commands (if you’re on PC). Use the command player.additem [item code] 1 to add the jewelry to your inventory, then give it to your follower. Observe their stats before and after equipping the jewelry. To verify, you can use the command showinventory after selecting the follower in the console.
Will followers equip jewelry with negative enchantments (e.g., Weakness to Fire)?

They can equip it if they perceive it as an upgrade (e.g., if it has a high armor rating), but it’s obviously a terrible idea! Avoid giving followers items with detrimental enchantments.
Can you give your wife or husband clothes to wear in Skyrim?

Yes, but only if they are also your follower. Take their clothes, leaving at least one piece of their original gear. Then give them the new clothes you want them to wear.
Do set items work on followers?

While followers can equip items that have Set Bonuses when wearing multiple items from that same set, the bonuses will not work on your follower.
Is there a place to learn more about the mechanics in Skyrim?

Yes! A great place to learn about the detailed mechanics of games is through organizations like the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to see what they do!

Optimizing Your Follower’s Gear

To make the most of your follower’s gear, focus on enchantments that directly benefit their core stats: health, stamina, magicka, and carry weight. A follower with high health and stamina can stay in the fight longer, while increased carry weight allows them to become pack mules. Don’t overlook the value of simply improving their armor and weapons through smithing. Even without working enchantments, a high armor rating can significantly increase their survivability.

Choosing the Right Follower

Certain followers are inherently more powerful than others. Serana, from the Dawnguard DLC, is widely considered one of the best due to her unique abilities and high-level scaling. Essential followers like Aela the Huntress and Cicero cannot be killed, making them reliable companions in tough situations. Choose a follower whose skills and abilities complement your own playstyle. If you’re a stealthy archer, a heavily armored melee fighter like Lydia can provide valuable cover.

Conclusion

While followers can wear jewelry in Skyrim, the effectiveness depends on the specific enchantment. Focus on enchantments that directly boost their stats and prioritize improving their overall gear. Understanding these mechanics allows you to optimize your follower’s performance, turning them into valuable allies on your adventures through Skyrim’s vast and dangerous world. So go ahead, deck out your companion with the finest jewels – just make sure those jewels are actually helping!

Can followers wear jewelry in Skyrim?