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Do Followers Have a Carry Limit in Skyrim? Exploring Companion Inventory Management

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Yes, followers in Skyrim do have a carry limit, but it’s a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no answer. While they possess a base carry weight similar to the player, the game mechanics allow you to circumvent this limit through specific strategies. This means you can essentially turn your loyal companion into a walking, talking, pack mule, hauling all those precious dragon bones and dwarven ingots you can’t bear to leave behind. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of follower inventory management in the world of Skyrim.

Understanding Follower Carry Weight

The Base Limit

By default, most followers in Skyrim have a carry weight limit of around 300. This is the same as the starting carry weight for your character. This limit determines how much your follower can comfortably carry without becoming encumbered. Once they reach this limit, they will move much slower, becoming a significant hindrance during your adventures.

Exceeding the Limit: The Command Exploit

Here’s where things get interesting. Skyrim offers a well-known “exploit” that allows you to bypass the standard carry weight limit. You can instruct your follower to pick up items directly from the ground or transfer items from containers even if doing so would exceed their carry weight.

Here’s how it works:

Drop Items: Drop the items you want your follower to carry onto the ground. It’s best to drop them in a relatively safe location.
Command Your Follower: Use the command prompt (“I need you to do something”) and instruct your follower to pick up the dropped items.
Bypass the Limit: Your follower will pick up the items regardless of their current carry weight. They won’t be able to add the items to the inventory directly.
Infinite Carrying Capacity: By having your follower picking up items on the ground, he can be carry all items.

Consequences of Overburdening

While followers can carry an effectively infinite amount of weight this way, there are some caveats to keep in mind:

No Inventory Access: Once a follower is overburdened, you can’t directly access those items from their inventory through the trade menu. If you need those items, you’ll have to drop them again and pick them up yourself.
Speed Impact: While they still travel at a normal pace, it is impossible for your follower to run.

Maximizing Follower Utility

Choosing the Right Follower

Certain followers have higher base carry weights than others. For example, in the Fallout universe, Strong, from Fallout 4, can carry more than a normal companion due to his size. The same is applied to Skyrim with Serana, that have an unique ability, that helps you on battles.

Utilizing Perks and Abilities

The player has several perks and abilities that will benefit you in the journey and carrying weight limit.

Extra Pockets: As the Dragonborn, there are a lot of ways for you to carry more items. The Extra Pockets perk in the Pickpocket skill tree grants an additional 100 carry weight.
Steed Stone: The Steed Stone is a standing stone that grants you an extra 100 carry weight and negates the weight of equipped armor.

FAQs: All About Follower Carry Weight in Skyrim

Here are some frequently asked questions related to follower carry weight in Skyrim:

What is the default carry weight limit for most followers in Skyrim?
- Most followers have a default carry weight limit of around 300.
Can I exceed a follower’s carry weight limit?
- Yes, you can bypass their carry weight limit by instructing them to pick up items from the ground or transferring items from containers.
How do I instruct a follower to pick up items from the ground?
- Use the command prompt (“I need you to do something”) and select the items you want them to pick up.
What happens if a follower is overburdened?
- While you can’t directly access those overburdened items from their inventory, they still travel at a normal pace and can engage in combat.
Are there any followers with higher base carry weights?
- Yes, depending on the mods installed. There is no followers with increased carry weight.
Does increasing my own carry weight affect my follower’s carry weight?
- No, your carry weight and your follower’s carry weight are independent of each other.
Can I use enchantments or potions to increase my follower’s carry weight?
- No, enchantments and potions that affect carry weight only apply to the player character, not followers.
Is there a mod to increase follower carry weight permanently?
- Yes, many mods available on sites like Nexus Mods can permanently increase follower carry weight or even remove the limit altogether.
Can followers use items they are carrying, such as potions or weapons?
- Yes, followers will automatically equip and use weapons and armor you give them. They will also use potions in combat if they have them in their inventory.
Do followers drop items if they are attacked?
- No, followers do not drop items when attacked, even if they are overburdened.
Can I retrieve items from a follower if they are overburdened?
- Yes, you can retrieve items from an overburdened follower, but you will have to instruct them to drop the items first and then pick them up yourself.
Do followers have any penalties for being overburdened, besides not being able to run?
- No, followers do not suffer any other penalties for being overburdened.
Can I give followers items that are too heavy for them to carry initially?
- Yes, you can give them items that exceed their initial carry weight through the command exploit.
What happens if a follower dies while carrying items?
- If a follower dies, their inventory will be dropped on the ground, allowing you to retrieve their items. Keep in mind that essential followers cannot die, so this is not a concern with them.
Is there a way to reset a follower’s inventory or carry weight?
- The easiest way to reset a follower’s inventory and carry weight is to dismiss them and then re-recruit them later. This will often reset their inventory to their default state. Alternatively, console commands (on PC) can be used for more precise control.

The Importance of Understanding Game Mechanics

Understanding the mechanics of follower carry weight allows you to optimize your gameplay experience, especially when exploring vast dungeons and accumulating valuable loot. Whether you choose to exploit the command mechanic or rely on mods to enhance follower capabilities, knowing these details can significantly improve your adventures in Skyrim. As discussed in the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, understanding game mechanics fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Conclusion

While followers in Skyrim do indeed have a base carry limit, the game provides ways to work around this limitation. By using the command exploit, choosing the right follower, and perhaps employing mods, you can ensure that your companions are valuable assets, capable of carrying all the loot you need to become the ultimate Dragonborn. Happy adventuring!