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Is Lydia the Best Follower in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into the Dragonborn’s Companion

Lydia. The name is practically synonymous with Skyrim. She’s the first housecarl many players receive, the stalwart companion who’s sworn to carry your burdens (literally and figuratively). But is she the best? The honest answer is… it depends. Lydia is a solid, reliable, and easily accessible follower, especially early in the game. However, “best” is subjective and depends on your playstyle, preferred combat role, and even personal preference. While she excels in certain areas, other followers outshine her in stealth, magical prowess, or unique abilities. This article will explore Lydia’s strengths and weaknesses, compare her to other popular followers, and ultimately help you decide if she’s the right companion for your Dragonborn.

Lydia: Strengths and Weaknesses

Lydia’s appeal stems from her accessibility and dependability. You receive her early in the main questline in Whiterun, making her a readily available companion for burgeoning adventurers.

Strengths

Accessibility: Gained early in the game, making her readily available.
Durability: High health pool and proficiency in heavy armor make her a resilient tank.
Melee Combat: Excels in one-handed weapons and blocking, making her effective in close-quarters combat.
Marriage Option: A viable romance option with unique dialogue.
Simple and Dependable: She does her job without fuss, following orders and engaging enemies effectively.

Weaknesses

Stealth: Terribly clumsy and noisy, making stealthy playthroughs challenging.
Level Cap: Only scales up to level 50, potentially becoming less effective at higher levels.
Limited Customization: Her skills are fixed, lacking the specialization some other followers offer.
Repetitive Dialogue: Her lines can become gratingly repetitive, especially after extended use.
Vanilla AI: Her AI can be basic, leading to frustrating moments like blocking doorways or triggering traps.

Lydia vs. The Competition: Other Notable Skyrim Followers

While Lydia is a solid choice, Skyrim boasts a diverse cast of potential companions, each with their own strengths. Let’s compare Lydia to some of the most popular alternatives.

Serana (Dawnguard DLC): A powerful vampire with unique abilities, essential status (meaning she can’t die), and compelling backstory. She’s a formidable mage and warrior, and her questline is engaging. However, her vampire nature can conflict with certain moral choices.
Cicero: A quirky jester with high sneak and one-handed skills. He’s hilarious and deadly, but his personality can be divisive. Some players find him annoying, while others appreciate his dark humor.
J’zargo: A capable mage from the College of Winterhold. He’s proficient in Destruction magic and can handle himself in a fight. However, he can be a bit reckless and prone to friendly fire.
Mjoll the Lioness: A fearless warrior with a strong moral compass. She’s a capable tank and a good alternative to Lydia for players who prefer a more honorable companion.
Aela the Huntress: A skilled archer and werewolf from the Companions. She excels in ranged combat and provides the option to become a werewolf yourself.
Marcurio: A mercenary mage for hire in Riften. He’s a versatile spellcaster who can adapt to different combat situations.
Teldryn Sero (Dragonborn DLC): A powerful Dunmer spellsword who can be found on Solstheim. He’s a highly skilled and versatile companion with excellent perks.

The Verdict: Is Lydia Really the Best?

Ultimately, there’s no definitive “best” follower in Skyrim. Lydia is a reliable, accessible, and durable choice, especially early on. She’s perfect for players who want a straightforward tank to draw aggro and dish out melee damage. However, she falls short in stealth and lacks the unique abilities and depth of some other followers.

If you prioritize stealth, Cicero or a custom-built follower from the Dragonborn DLC are better options. If you want a powerful mage, Serana or J’zargo are excellent choices. If you prefer a more morally aligned companion, Mjoll the Lioness is a solid alternative.

Lydia is a fantastic starting point and a solid choice for many players, but exploring other followers can significantly enhance your Skyrim experience. Experiment with different companions and find the one that best complements your playstyle and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lydia

1. What are Lydia’s stats and skills in Skyrim?

Lydia specializes in heavy armor, one-handed weapons, and blocking. At her highest level (50), she has 671 points of health. She also has a proficiency with bows, though not as high as her melee skills.

2. Where can I find Lydia in Skyrim?

You can find Lydia in Dragonsreach in Whiterun. She’s assigned as your housecarl after you become Thane of Whiterun, which occurs after completing a quest given by the Jarl.

3. Is Lydia immortal in Skyrim? Can she die?

No, Lydia is not immortal by default. She can die in combat if she takes enough damage. However, you can use console commands (on PC) to make her essential and prevent her death.

4. How do I marry Lydia in Skyrim?

To marry Lydia, you must first complete the quest to become Thane of Whiterun. Then, wear an Amulet of Mara (purchased from Maramal in Riften) and speak to Lydia. If she’s interested, she’ll ask if you are.

5. Can I turn Lydia into a vampire in Skyrim?

Yes, with the Dawnguard DLC, you can turn Lydia into a vampire by having Serana transform her.

6. What happens if Lydia dies in Skyrim?

If Lydia dies, she is permanently dead unless you use console commands (on PC) to resurrect her. You can, however, recruit another housecarl in a different city to replace her as you progress.

7. Does Lydia level up with me in Skyrim?

Yes, Lydia levels up with you up to level 50. After that, she will no longer increase her stats.

8. What is the best armor and weapon to give Lydia in Skyrim?

The best armor for Lydia is high-quality heavy armor like Daedric, Dragonplate, or Ebony. For weapons, a powerful one-handed sword or axe paired with a shield is ideal.

9. Why is Lydia always getting in my way in Skyrim?

Lydia’s AI can be problematic, causing her to block doorways or trigger traps. This is a common issue with many followers in Skyrim. Using the “wait” command strategically can help mitigate this problem.

10. Can I have Lydia join the Blades in Skyrim?

Yes, after completing the main questline to a certain point, you can recruit Lydia (or any eligible follower) to join the Blades.

11. Is Lydia better with light or heavy armor in Skyrim?

Lydia is better with heavy armor. Her skill in heavy armor is higher than her skill in light armor, making her more effective when wearing heavy armor.

12. How do I make Lydia immortal in Skyrim using console commands?

Open the console (using the ~ key on PC), click on Lydia, and type setessential a2c8e 1 and press enter. This will make her essential and prevent her from dying. Note that the base ID “a2c8e” may differ based on mods or versions.

13. What are the benefits of marrying Lydia in Skyrim?

Marrying Lydia grants you the “Lover’s Comfort” bonus when sleeping with her nearby, which increases experience gain by 15%. You also gain access to a shop that she runs and can request meals from her once a day.

14. Can I sacrifice Lydia at the Sacellum of Boethiah in Skyrim?

Yes, you can sacrifice Lydia at the Sacellum of Boethiah, provided you are at least level 30 and have initiated the quest “Boethiah’s Calling.”

15. Where is a good place to learn more about the intersection of gaming and education?

A great resource is the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational potential of video games and interactive media. Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, Lydia’s position as the “best” follower in Skyrim is a matter of perspective. Analyze your playstyle, consider the other options, and choose the companion that best suits your Dragonborn’s journey. Happy adventuring!

Is Lydia the best follower in Skyrim?