Unveiling the Mystery: Do Followers Wear Rings in Skyrim?
Ah, Skyrim, the land of dragons, draugr, and endless possibilities! As seasoned adventurers, we’ve all pondered the intricacies of our companions’ gear. One question that frequently surfaces in taverns and on message boards alike: Do followers wear rings in Skyrim? The answer is a resounding yes! Followers in Skyrim can wear rings, as well as necklaces, and benefit from their enchantments, provided certain conditions are met. Let’s delve into the details and uncover the nuances of follower equipment in the snowy peaks and ancient ruins of Skyrim.
Understanding Follower Equipment and Behavior
Follower Equipment Slots and Prioritization
Followers in Skyrim have a variety of equipment slots similar to the player character: head, body, hands, feet, and accessories (rings and necklaces). While followers are happy to equip the best armor that you give them, understanding how they prioritize gear is crucial. Followers will only equip items that are considered ‘better’ than their default equipment or current loadout.
The “Better” Equipment Conundrum
What constitutes “better”? This is where things get interesting. The game uses a somewhat simplistic algorithm to determine what a follower will equip. It primarily looks at the base armor rating of the item. Enchantments and smithing upgrades are, unfortunately, not considered when the follower is deciding what to equip. So, a base iron armor piece will be automatically selected. Therefore, if you give your follower a finely crafted, exquisitely enchanted piece of equipment, but the base armor rating is lower than what they currently have, they might simply ignore it.
Fortify Health: The Follower’s Best Friend
One important factor in keeping followers alive is that the Fortify Health enchant is key. If your followers do not die, your gaming experience will improve and be less tedious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Follower Equipment
Here are 15 frequently asked questions, designed to address every corner of follower equipment management in Skyrim:
1. What armor types can followers wear?
Followers can wear any type of armor available in the game, be it heavy, light, or even robes. The caveat, as mentioned earlier, is that they’ll only equip armor with a higher base armor rating than their current gear. If they specialize in heavy armor, prioritize giving them the best heavy armor available.
2. Do follower equipment matter in Skyrim?
Absolutely! Upgraded armor works the same for followers. Followers benefit from armor and weapon upgrades, just like the player. Stronger armor means they can take more damage, and more powerful weapons translate to higher damage output.
3. How do I force a follower to wear specific items?
Unfortunately, you can’t force a follower to wear something. The best approach is to remove all other items of that type from their inventory. For example, if you want a follower to wear a specific ring, take away any other rings they might be carrying. This is why it’s important to only equip followers with their essential equipment.
4. Can followers use staves in Skyrim?
Yes, many followers can use staves effectively. This is a great way to give them ranged attack options or supplement their spellcasting abilities. Keep an eye out for staves that align with their skill sets for maximum effectiveness.
5. What followers are essential and can’t be killed?
Several followers are designated as “essential” and cannot die, providing invaluable support during challenging encounters. Examples include Aela the Huntress, Barbas, Cicero, and Serana. These companions are incredibly useful for tough battles.
6. Who is the most badass follower in Skyrim?
This is subjective, of course, but many players consider Serana to be one of the most powerful followers, thanks to her high levels in Destruction, Conjuration, One-Handed, and Light Armor. Other popular choices include Aela the Huntress, Cicero, and Mjoll the Lioness.
7. How does follower leveling work?
Followers level up along with the player, up to a certain level cap which varies from follower to follower. Check out the Skyrim Wiki. Lydia, for example, has a level cap of 50.
8. Can I improve my follower’s carry weight?
While you can’t directly increase their base carry weight, you can use the “I need you to do something” command to have them carry items beyond their limit. Instructing them to “take all” from a container is a useful way to have them haul a larger load.
9. Do companions care if I steal in Skyrim?
It depends on the companion. Some followers, like Mjoll the Lioness, disapprove of criminal activities, including stealing. Others are more tolerant or even encourage it! Some will even steal on your command.
10. What happens if I lose my follower?
Followers can get lost due to glitches, or if you tell them to wait somewhere and forget about them. If a follower disappears, try retracing your steps or fast-traveling to a different location. Most times, they will appear with you. If all else fails, reloading a previous save may be necessary.
11. What is Serana’s level cap?
Serana’s level cap is 50. She is a powerful necromancer who can raise corpses to help in battle. Give her a strong sword and dagger and she will use Destruction spells too.
12. What kills followers in Skyrim?
Followers can die from any type of damage unless they are marked as “essential.” This includes friendly fire, so be careful with area-of-effect spells!
13. Can my followers go to jail in Skyrim?
Yes, followers can sometimes end up in jail if they commit crimes while following you, particularly if they trespass in certain areas.
14. Can I get Lydia back if she dies?
If Lydia dies, the easiest solution (especially for console players) is to load a previous save. PC players can use console commands to resurrect her if necessary.
15. Can I give my wife clothes to wear in Skyrim?
Yes, but only if your wife is also a follower. Take her current clothing, leaving at least one piece of her original gear on, and then give her the clothes you want her to wear.
Maximizing Your Follower’s Potential
Equipping your followers effectively can significantly enhance your Skyrim experience. By understanding the game’s mechanics and the quirks of follower AI, you can turn your companions into formidable allies, ready to face any danger that lurks in the shadows of Tamriel. Remember to prioritize armor with a high base armor rating, take advantage of useful enchantments like Fortify Health, and tailor their gear to match their skills and combat style. Now, go forth and equip your followers for success! And if you’re interested in learning more about the intersection of games and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.