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Is Barbas a Good Companion? A Comprehensive Guide

Is Barbas a good companion? It’s a complex question with no simple yes or no answer. Barbas, the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile’s canine companion, is a unique follower in Skyrim. While he offers several advantages in combat and exploration, his presence also comes with some drawbacks that might make him undesirable for certain players. This article dives deep into the pros and cons of having Barbas as a companion, helping you decide if this talkative hound is the right fit for your Dragonborn.

Barbas: Friend or Foe? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Barbas is encountered during the Daedric quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend,” and he can temporarily accompany you throughout Skyrim. His impact on your game experience is significant, so let’s break down what makes him a potentially good or bad companion.

The Advantages of Having Barbas Around

Essential Status: Barbas is an essential character, meaning he cannot die. This is a huge advantage in tough fights. He can serve as a damage sponge, drawing enemy attention away from the Dragonborn.
Distraction Tactics: Even though his damage output isn’t stellar, his presence distracts enemies, giving you breathing room to cast spells, land accurate shots, or simply reposition yourself during combat.
Unique Dialogue: Barbas is a talking dog with a sarcastic and witty personality. His comments throughout your adventures can add a layer of amusement to your gameplay experience. Some players find his constant chatter charming and entertaining.
Early-Game Power Boost: Acquiring Barbas early in the game provides a significant power boost. His distraction abilities are especially useful when facing tougher enemies at low levels.
Doesn’t Trigger Sneak Detection: Surprisingly, Barbas doesn’t seem to trigger enemy sneak detection as readily as other followers. This can be useful for sneak-based characters who want a little extra help without completely blowing their cover.

The Disadvantages of Having Barbas by Your Side

Extremely Annoying Dialogue: While some find his banter amusing, others find Barbas’s constant talking incredibly irritating. He rarely stops commenting on your actions or the environment, which can quickly wear thin.
Combat Interference: Barbas tends to charge into combat without much strategy. He often blocks doorways, gets in the way of your attacks, and generally makes maneuvering around the battlefield more difficult.
Quest Locking: Progressing past a certain point in “A Daedra’s Best Friend” locks you out of having other followers until you complete the quest. This can be a major inconvenience if you prefer adventuring with a different companion.
No Sneak Prowess: While he doesn’t readily trigger detection, Barbas doesn’t actively contribute to stealth gameplay. He doesn’t sneak with you, so you need to be extra careful to avoid detection yourself.
Can’t Carry Items: Barbas cannot carry any items for you, unlike most other followers. This limits his usefulness as a pack mule.

Deciding if Barbas is Right for You

Ultimately, whether Barbas is a good companion depends on your individual play style and preferences. If you value an indestructible tank that can distract enemies and don’t mind constant chatter, Barbas might be a welcome addition to your party. However, if you prefer a quieter, more strategically capable companion who can carry your burdens, Barbas is probably best left behind.

Consider the following before deciding to adventure with Barbas:

Your tolerance for talkative characters: Can you handle his constant banter, or will it drive you crazy?
Your play style: Do you prefer stealth, magic, or melee combat? How much do you value strategic positioning?
Your need for a pack mule: Do you rely on followers to carry extra gear?
Your stage in the game: Is it early game and need the extra help? Or is he not needed?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Barbas

Here are some frequently asked questions about Barbas to further clarify his role as a companion in Skyrim:

1. Can Barbas die in Skyrim?

No, Barbas is an essential character and cannot die. He will simply kneel down when his health is depleted and recover shortly after.

2. How do I start the quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend” to get Barbas?

You can start the quest by speaking to Lod in Falkreath or by encountering Barbas outside the city.

3. What are the rewards for completing “A Daedra’s Best Friend”?

You will get the Rueful Axe or the Masque of Clavicus Vile, depending on your choice at the end of the quest. You can also keep Barbas with you indefinitely if you choose not to reunite him with Clavicus Vile at the Shrine.

4. Can I dismiss Barbas as a follower?

No, you cannot dismiss Barbas in the traditional sense like you would with other followers. The only way to get rid of him is to progress and complete the “A Daedra’s Best Friend” quest.

5. Does Barbas level up with the Dragonborn?

Yes, Barbas’s stats will level up to match the Dragonborn within a given range, making him more effective in combat as you progress.

6. Can Barbas carry items for me?

No, Barbas cannot carry any items. This is a significant limitation compared to other followers.

7. Does Barbas affect my sneak skill?

Barbas doesn’t seem to readily trigger enemy sneak detection in the same way that other followers do. However, he does not actively contribute to stealth gameplay, either.

8. Is Barbas a good companion for a mage character?

Potentially, yes. Barbas can distract enemies, giving you time to cast spells without interruption. However, his tendency to block doorways can be problematic in close-quarters combat.

9. Is Barbas a good companion for a stealth character?

Not really. While he doesn’t trigger sneak detection easily, he also doesn’t sneak with you and offers no stealth-related benefits. Other followers are better suited for stealth gameplay.

10. Does Barbas’s presence affect my ability to recruit other followers?

Yes. Progressing to a certain point in “A Daedra’s Best Friend” locks you out of recruiting other followers until you complete the quest and either reunite Barbas with Clavicus Vile or decide not to continue with the quest.

11. Can I command Barbas to attack specific targets?

No, you cannot directly command Barbas like you can with some other followers. He will generally attack the nearest enemy.

12. Does Barbas’s dialogue change depending on the Dragonborn’s race or gender?

No, Barbas’s dialogue remains the same regardless of the Dragonborn’s race or gender.

13. Can I get rid of Barbas without completing “A Daedra’s Best Friend”?

No. The quest must be completed to remove him permanently.

14. Is there a mod to make Barbas quieter or more manageable?

Yes, numerous mods are available that address common complaints about Barbas. These mods can reduce his dialogue frequency, improve his combat AI, or even allow you to dismiss him at will. Search for “Barbas” on the Nexus Mods website.

15. Should I keep the Rueful Axe or the Masque of Clavicus Vile?

This choice depends on your character build and playstyle. The Rueful Axe is a two-handed weapon with decent damage, but it isn’t enchantable. The Masque of Clavicus Vile improves your speechcraft and barter skills, making it useful for a character who relies on persuasion and trading. Consider which reward best complements your Dragonborn’s abilities.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Barbas is a good companion is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and consider trying him out for yourself to see if you can tolerate his quirks.