Can You Have Two Human Followers in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer, in short, is yes, but it’s complicated. In the vanilla (unmodded) version of Skyrim, you’re typically limited to one human follower at a time. However, the game presents a few exceptions and quirks that allow you to temporarily, or even semi-permanently, circumvent this limitation. The methods to achieve this involve exploiting quest mechanics, utilizing specific non-humanoid followers, or employing glitches. For players seeking a less convoluted approach, mods offer the most straightforward solution, unlocking the possibility of commanding a small army of companions.
Understanding the Follower System
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand how the Skyrim follower system operates. Each potential follower is assigned a specific role, and the game monitors the number of followers you have based on these roles. Generally, you can have one “humanoid” follower, who provides combat assistance and carries your burdens, and one “animal” follower, such as a dog or summoned creature. The system recognizes followers through flags assigned to them.
Exploiting Quest Mechanics
Several quests allow you to temporarily acquire additional followers. These followers are often essential to the questline and do not count towards your regular follower limit.
The Serana Loophole
Perhaps the most well-known exploit involves Serana, the vampire from the Dawnguard DLC. By delaying the completion of the Dawnguard questline, specifically the stage where you deliver her to her father, you can keep Serana as a permanent follower alongside your regular companion. This is because the game still considers her “in-quest,” bypassing the usual follower limit. Be aware that her dialogue and interactions might change slightly.
Other Quest-Related Followers
Certain quests, like those involving the Companions, may grant you temporary additional followers for specific tasks. However, these followers are usually dismissed automatically upon completion of the quest. Look for quests involving tasks like clearing out a dungeon or retrieving an artifact, as they may offer temporary follower additions.
Animal Companions and Summons
While you can only have one humanoid follower at a time, you can also have an animal companion or a summoned creature. This allows you to expand your party by adding a loyal pet or a powerful magical ally.
The Meeko Factor
Meeko, a loyal dog found near Meeko’s Shack, is a readily available animal companion. He will follow you even if you already have a humanoid follower. This is an easy way to increase your party size early in the game. Other dogs are also available for purchase or adoption.
Conjuration Spells
Spells like Conjure Flame Atronach or Conjure Dremora Lord allow you to summon powerful creatures to fight alongside you. These summoned creatures do not count towards your follower limit, providing additional combat support.
The Power of Mods
For players who crave a more flexible follower system, mods are the answer. Numerous mods are available on platforms like Nexus Mods that allow you to have multiple followers simultaneously.
Multiple Followers Frameworks
Mods like “Multiple Followers Framework” fundamentally alter the game’s follower system, enabling you to recruit dozens of companions. These mods often include features like follower management, combat tactics, and shared inventories. They give you complete control over your party composition.
Custom Follower Mods
Many mods introduce unique, custom-designed followers with their own backstories, abilities, and questlines. These followers can add depth and complexity to your gameplay experience. Some mods allow you to create your own followers as well.
The Limitations and Considerations
While having multiple followers can be advantageous, it also comes with potential downsides.
Combat Balance
The game’s combat is balanced around the assumption of a single follower. Having multiple followers can make battles trivial, reducing the challenge and excitement of the game. Consider adjusting the difficulty level if you choose to use multiple followers.
Script Conflicts
Using multiple follower mods can sometimes lead to script conflicts and game instability. It’s essential to carefully research and choose compatible mods. Always read the mod descriptions and user comments before installing anything. Be especially wary of mods that haven’t been updated in years.
Roleplaying Implications
Having a large group of followers can detract from the roleplaying experience. It can feel less immersive to be the all-powerful Dragonborn leading a small army than a lone adventurer with a loyal companion. Consider the roleplaying implications when deciding how many followers to have.
Conclusion
While the vanilla version of Skyrim limits you to one primary human follower, there are ways to circumvent this limitation through quest exploits, animal companions, and summons. However, for players seeking a more robust and flexible follower system, mods provide the best solution. They allow you to recruit multiple followers, customize their behavior, and create a truly unique adventuring experience. Just be aware of the potential downsides, such as combat imbalance and script conflicts. Ultimately, the choice is yours, Dragonborn!
To further explore the intersection of gaming and learning, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization is dedicated to advancing the field of game-based learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I have Lydia and Serana at the same time?
Yes, you can have Lydia and Serana at the same time by picking up Lydia at the beginning and then taking Serana along with you, but not completing her quest series completely. Don’t deliver her to her father, just take her with you as long as you want.
2. How many human followers can I have in Skyrim without mods?
Without mods, you are generally limited to one human follower at any given time. Exceptions include temporary quest-related followers or exploiting the Serana glitch.
3. What Skyrim mod allows multiple followers?
Many mods allow multiple followers, but one popular option is the “Multiple Followers Framework” mod, which supports up to 512 active followers.
4. Who is the most overpowered follower in Skyrim?
Serana is often considered one of the most overpowered followers due to her high levels in Destruction, Conjuration, One-Handed, and Light Armor skills.
5. How many NPCs can Skyrim handle?
In the base game, the default limit is 10 actors, but the game can handle up to 64 actors.
6. Is Serana the strongest follower?
While subjective, Serana is often considered one of the best due to her versatile skillset, backstory, and unique abilities as a vampire.
7. Can you marry Serana?
Without mods, you cannot marry Serana. She has dialogue about marriage but it’s impossible to marry her without mods.
8. Can you turn Lydia into a vampire?
Yes, you can turn Lydia into a vampire by siding with Serana and Harkon in the Dawnguard DLC and becoming a Volkihar vampire.
9. Is Lydia a good wife in Skyrim?
Lydia is a popular and caring spouse in Skyrim, with unique dialogue options and deep conversations to explore.
10. What followers cannot be killed in Skyrim?
Essential followers like Aela the Huntress, Barbas, and Cicero cannot be killed, making them valuable companions.
11. Who is the best follower in Skyrim without a level cap?
J’zargo is considered one of the best followers without a level cap, meaning he continues to level up with the Dragonborn indefinitely.
12. Is Serana a love interest?
In the vanilla game, Serana is not a romanceable character, despite the close bond she and the player share during the storyline.
13. Does Serana like you more as a vampire?
Serana becomes friends with the Dragonborn regardless of their vampiric status and is supportive of their choices.
14. What followers cannot be sacrificed in Skyrim?
Essential followers cannot be sacrificed. If you are looking for who is the “best” follower to sacrifice, Ralis Sedarys is commonly suggested as the most justifiable choice.
15. How do I force my NPC to wear clothes in Skyrim?
Open the console, click on the NPC, and type equipitem (item id) 1. Ensure you include the “1” at the end to prevent the NPC from removing the item later.