How to Remove Lydia’s Armor in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers How do you remove Lydia’s armor? quickly.

AnswerTipsNext

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

• Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
• Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
• Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

• Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
• Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
• Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

Lydia, the housecarl sworn to carry your burdens, is often the first follower most players encounter in Skyrim. Her loyalty is unwavering, but her default steel armor can become tiresome for players who want a more personalized experience or a different aesthetic. Removing her armor isn’t immediately obvious, and it can be confusing for newcomers and even veteran Dragonborn. This article provides a detailed guide on how to remove Lydia’s armor, alongside essential tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

The Direct Answer: Removing Lydia’s Armor

The most straightforward way to completely remove Lydia’s armor involves using the game’s console commands (PC only). Here’s how:

1. Open the Console: Press the tilde key (~) located above the Tab key on your keyboard.
2. Select Lydia: Click on Lydia while the console is open. Her NPC ID should appear at the top of the console.
3. Remove All Items: Type the command removeallitems and press Enter.

This command strips Lydia of all her gear, including her default armor and any items you may have given her. Be aware that this is the only true way to remove her default items permanently. She will now be equipped with nothing. You can then equip whatever you would like her to wear.

Additional Methods for Changing Lydia’s Appearance

While the removeallitems command provides a complete removal, there are other, less drastic methods you can use to change her appearance, particularly if you want her to wear something specific.

Equipping Better Armor

Lydia, like all followers, will automatically equip armor that has a higher base armor rating than her current equipment. This means that you can encourage her to swap out her steel armor simply by providing her with better alternatives. However, since she has a higher skill with heavy armor, a light armor will need to be significantly better for her to equip it over heavy armor. Here is how you do this:
* Give her a better piece of armor. Make sure its rating is higher than her equipped item of that slot.
* She should now automatically change into this armor.
* If you do not have a higher rating item you may want to try the console commands to remove all of her items.

Utilizing Follower Framework Mods

Several mods available in the Skyrim modding community offer greater control over your followers’ equipment and behavior. These follower framework mods often allow you to:

• Directly swap out her armor pieces with ones you choose.
• Force her to wear specific outfits, regardless of armor rating.
• Create custom outfits for her with no restrictions.

These mods significantly enhance follower customization options beyond what the base game offers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lydia and Armor

1. How Do I Give Lydia New Armor?

Simply trade with her and transfer the new armor pieces into her inventory. As mentioned earlier, she will automatically equip armor with a higher base armor rating.

2. Why Won’t Lydia Change Armor?

Lydia may refuse to change armor for a few reasons:

• The new armor’s base armor rating is not higher than her currently equipped armor.
• She is better at heavy armor than light armor, thus will likely prioritize heavy armor.
• Her default armor will not be unequipped unless using console commands or other similar means.

3. Can I Remove Lydia’s Default Armor Without Console Commands?

No, not permanently. You cannot remove her default steel armor through normal gameplay. The removeallitems command, or using a follower mod, are the only ways.

4. What If Lydia Dies? How Do I Get Her Back?

If Lydia dies, you must load a previous save (on consoles). On PC, you can use the console command:

• First, make sure you are looking at the body, and open the console.
• Type resurrect and press Enter.

Lydia will be brought back to life. Her ID is 000A2C94.

5. Can I Make Lydia Immortal?

Yes, you can make Lydia essential (immortal) via console commands. Open the console, click on her, then type:

• setessential a2c8e 1 (to make her essential/immortal)
• setessential a2c8e 0 (to make her mortal)

6. Can Lydia Wear Light Armor?

Yes, but she prefers heavy armor due to her higher skill level in heavy armor. For her to wear light armor, it generally needs to be significantly superior in terms of armor rating.

7. What Armor is Best for Lydia?

Armor with a high armor rating is what matters most to Lydia. For default armors:

• Daedric Armor offers the highest base armor rating
• Ebony Armor is also a strong choice.
• Any heavy armor with upgraded rating will be best.

8. Is There a Way to Get Lydia Out of Power Armor (If using Mods)?

If using a mod that enables power armor, the method may vary. Generally, you will initiate conversation with her and a prompt to have her exit will appear.

9. Can I Change My Wife’s (If Lydia) Clothes?

If Lydia is both your follower and wife, you can take her clothes, leaving at least one of her initial pieces on. Then give her the clothes you want her to wear. This will work, but she will revert to her default outfit when you dismiss her. For permanent changes use the console command removeallitems.

10. What is Lydia’s Level Cap?

Lydia has a level cap of 50. This means that in the late game she will stop leveling with the player.

11. Does Armor Enchantments Matter to Lydia?

No, Lydia and most followers prioritize base armor rating only, and do not care about enchantments.

12. Can I Lose Lydia?

Yes, it is possible to lose track of Lydia. If she dies, you’ll need to reload an earlier save or use the resurrect command if on PC.

13. Why Can’t I Marry Lydia Without Console Commands?

Lydia is bugged. She is intended to be a marriage candidate but does not appear in the list without the use of console commands.

14. Can I Turn Lydia Into a Vampire?

Yes, with Dawnguard DLC. However, there are benefits and drawbacks to this, including a weakness to the sun.

15. Why does Lydia sometimes disappear from my house?

This is a known glitch where Lydia may not return to your house after you dismiss her. Simply using another follower and then going back to your home will usually solve this.

Conclusion

Removing Lydia’s armor isn’t as simple as stripping it from her inventory in the game. Understanding how to use console commands or mod capabilities is crucial for making these changes. Whether you want her in different armor or no armor at all, the information in this guide will help you achieve your desired look for your loyal housecarl. Always remember to save before making big changes, and enjoy your customized Skyrim experience!