Can Miraak Become a Follower in Skyrim? The Definitive Guide
The answer, in the unmodified base game of Skyrim, is a resounding no. Miraak, the First Dragonborn and antagonist of the Dragonborn DLC, meets his demise at the end of the questline. Therefore, the vanilla game prevents him from becoming a follower. However, the world of Skyrim modding opens up possibilities that the base game doesn’t allow, providing potential avenues for him to join you on your adventures.
The Vanilla Game: Miraak’s Fate and Follower Status
In the core game experience, you confront and ultimately defeat Miraak within Apocrypha, Hermaeus Mora’s realm. This battle concludes the Dragonborn DLC storyline. Upon his defeat, you absorb his dragon souls, ending his existence in the game. The narrative structure dictates his role as the final boss, precluding any possibility of recruitment.
Understanding Miraak’s Character
Miraak is a complex figure, driven by ambition and a thirst for power. His betrayal of the dragons and subsequent pact with Hermaeus Mora define his character. As the main antagonist, he actively seeks to undermine your progress, making any alliance within the confines of the original storyline impossible.
The Modding Community: A Glimmer of Hope
While the official game doesn’t allow for Miraak as a follower, the active modding community has stepped in to fulfill this desire. Several mods exist that alter the game’s mechanics, allowing players to recruit Miraak after his “defeat.” These mods can vary significantly in their implementation, quality, and required dependencies. Always read the mod description and compatibility notes carefully before installing anything.
Considerations When Using Mods
Modding can enhance your Skyrim experience significantly but comes with potential risks. Incompatible mods can cause crashes, bugs, or unexpected behavior. Before installing a mod that allows you to recruit Miraak, consider the following:
- Mod Author Reputation: Choose mods from reputable authors with a history of creating stable and well-supported content.
- Compatibility: Ensure the mod is compatible with your current Skyrim version and any other mods you have installed.
- Load Order: Use a mod manager like Mod Organizer 2 to manage your load order and avoid conflicts.
- Backup: Before installing any mods, back up your save files to prevent data loss.
Potential Mod Mechanics
Mods that allow Miraak to become a follower often involve altering the final quest of the Dragonborn DLC. Some might:
- Add an option to spare Miraak during the final confrontation.
- Introduce a new questline focused on redeeming Miraak.
- Modify Miraak’s AI and dialogue to allow for follower commands.
- Create a workaround where a copy or clone of Miraak becomes available as a follower.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about Miraak and his potential follower status:
1. Is it possible to ally with Miraak in the vanilla game?
No. The narrative pushes you towards a final confrontation, without offering options to reconcile or team up with him permanently. The altered version of the final quest from the base game lets you team up with him, but only for a brief moment during the fight against Hermaeus Mora.
2. Can you spare Miraak in the Dragonborn DLC?
No, the ending is fixed. You must defeat him to complete the main questline of the Dragonborn DLC in the vanilla game.
3. What happens after Miraak dies?
You absorb his soul, and you can then use the Black Book: Waking Dreams to return to Hermaeus Mora and respec your skill trees by spending Dragon Souls. You can loot his gear as well.
4. At what level should I fight Miraak?
Most players recommend being at least level 40-50, equipped with high-level combat skills, armor, and weapons. Stock up on potions!
5. Is Miraak the hardest boss in Skyrim?
In the base game, he is arguably one of the hardest bosses, especially if you are unprepared. He’s a Dragonborn himself and utilizes shouts frequently, making him a formidable opponent.
6. Why did Miraak betray the dragons?
Under the influence and guidance of Hermaeus Mora, Miraak learned a powerful dragon shout that enabled him to bend dragons to his will. He used this power to rebel against his dragon masters and grow more powerful by devouring their souls.
7. Is Miraak a true Dragonborn?
Yes, Miraak was the original Dragonborn, living during the Merethic Era.
8. How many times does Miraak heal himself during the fight?
He heals himself three times during the fight by absorbing the souls of dragons.
9. Will Miraak keep stealing my dragon souls?
Until you defeat him in the Dragonborn DLC, there’s a chance he will steal dragon souls from dragons you slay. However, you get those souls back after defeating him.
10. What happens if you use Bend Will on Miraak?
During the final fight, using the Bend Will shout on Miraak is part of the mechanics. Successfully hitting him with it at key moments recharges your shout and allows the fight to progress.
11. Is the Last Dragonborn more powerful than Miraak?
Canonically, yes. Despite Miraak’s power, the Last Dragonborn possesses the potential to surpass him.
12. What race is Miraak?
Miraak is a Nord.
13. Is Miraak the final boss of Skyrim?
No, Miraak is the final boss of the Dragonborn DLC, not the main Skyrim game. Alduin remains the final boss of the main questline.
14. Who to ask about Miraak?
Upon arriving at Raven Rock, you can speak to Adril Arano and other townspeople to learn more about Miraak.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore and design of games like Skyrim?
The Games Learning Society is a great resource for understanding the broader context of game design, lore, and how games influence learning. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.