Vilkas: A Wise Companion or Just Another Sword in Skyrim?

Is Vilkas a good companion in Skyrim? The answer is a qualified yes. He excels as a frontline fighter, boasting high hit points and decent damage output, making him a reliable tank. His chatty nature can be a plus for players who enjoy hearing their follower’s commentary. However, he can be overshadowed by other companions with more unique abilities or backstories. His melee focus might also limit his usefulness for players who prefer stealth or ranged combat. Ultimately, Vilkas is a solid, dependable choice, especially early on, but not necessarily the best companion Skyrim has to offer.

Diving Deeper: Why Vilkas Might Be Your Guy

Vilkas, one of the twin brothers from the Companions faction in Whiterun, offers a reliable if somewhat straightforward companion experience. Unlike some followers with complex backstories or unique skill sets, Vilkas is a warrior through and through. He’s a Nord, through and through, loyal to his brothers and sisters in arms, and ready to plunge headfirst into battle. Here’s a breakdown of his strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths of Vilkas

• Tanking Prowess: Vilkas boasts a high health pool and proficiency in one-handed weapons and heavy armor. This makes him excellent at drawing enemy fire and surviving prolonged engagements. He can effectively keep enemies occupied while you pick them off from afar or cast spells.
• Decent Damage Dealer: While not the absolute highest damage dealer, Vilkas can certainly hold his own in a fight. His melee skills mean he’ll consistently contribute to battles, ensuring enemies fall faster.
• Accessibility: Joining the Companions is relatively easy and quick, making Vilkas available as a follower early in the game. This is a significant advantage for players needing a reliable companion early.
• Essential Quest Line: Vilkas is involved in the Companions questline, which means he will be around throughout the story, providing assistance and contributing to the main narrative.
• Marriage Candidate: For players looking to tie the knot, Vilkas is an eligible bachelor. Marrying him grants you a home-cooked meal once a day and a share of the profits from his “shop”.
• Cure Quest: Vilkas is involved in a quest to get cured from lycanthropy. If you want to stay with the companions, this is a must to stay with the faction.

Weaknesses of Vilkas

• Lack of Ranged Capabilities: Vilkas relies solely on melee combat. This can be a problem when facing ranged enemies like mages or archers, as he’ll have to close the distance before becoming effective.
• Limited Special Abilities: Unlike some followers like Serana or even Teldryn Sero, Vilkas doesn’t possess unique spells, summons, or abilities. What you see is what you get: a solid warrior.
• Potentially Annoying Dialogue: While some players appreciate his chatty nature, others might find his repetitive dialogue tiresome. This is a subjective point, of course.
• Outshined by Other Companions: Depending on your playstyle and preferences, other Companions like Aela the Huntress (archery) or Farkas (heavy armor) might be a better fit. Furthermore, unique followers found in the world such as Serana or Teldryn Sero have unique skill sets to bring to the table that Vilkas does not.

Comparing Vilkas to His Twin Brother, Farkas

The age-old question: Who is better, Farkas or Vilkas? Both are warriors and members of the Companions. The main difference lies in their skill distribution. Vilkas has a greater focus on combat skills, making him generally more effective in battle. Farkas has wasted points in non-combat skills. Vilkas is simply more optimized for being a frontline fighter.

Maximizing Vilkas’ Potential

If you decide to adventure with Vilkas, here are a few tips to make the most of his abilities:

• Equip Him Properly: Give him the best heavy armor and one-handed weapon you can find. Enchanting these items further increases his combat effectiveness.
• Position Him Strategically: Let Vilkas charge ahead to draw enemy fire while you support him with ranged attacks or spells. This maximizes his tanking ability.
• Consider His Limitations: Be mindful of his lack of ranged attacks when planning your approach to combat situations. Provide support against enemies he struggles to reach.

Final Verdict: A Reliable, But Not Revolutionary, Companion

Vilkas is a solid and dependable companion in Skyrim. He’s readily available, effective in melee combat, and can serve as a reliable tank. However, he lacks the unique abilities and depth of some other followers. If you’re looking for a straightforward warrior who will stand by your side in battle, Vilkas is a good choice. But if you crave a companion with more versatility or a more compelling backstory, you might want to explore other options. In many instances, Vilkas is an outstanding choice for the early part of the game. If you want to gain access to marriage early, want a warrior type character early, Vilkas may be for you. As you progress and build strength in levels, you may desire some different skillsets, and can choose to use other companions.

As we continue to explore the nuances of gaming, remember that there are so many options available for players. To delve further into the educational side of gaming, consider exploring the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vilkas

1. Can Vilkas die in Skyrim?

Normally, yes. If he takes too much damage, Vilkas can die like any other follower. However, if you’re playing on a lower difficulty or utilizing certain mods, his survivability can be increased. Before completing the companions questline, it’s imperative to keep Vilkas alive, as he is an essential character.

2. What level does Vilkas cap out at?

Vilkas, like most companions, is capped at level 50. This means he won’t continue to level up with you beyond that point. It’s important to keep his gear updated to maintain his combat effectiveness.

3. Can I give Vilkas different weapons and armor?

Yes! You can equip Vilkas with any weapons and armor you choose. Giving him high-quality, enchanted gear significantly improves his performance in combat. Make sure to give him armor that is much stronger so he is able to tank the enemies.

4. Is Vilkas a good choice for a stealth playthrough?

No, Vilkas is not ideal for stealth-oriented characters. His aggressive nature and lack of stealth skills make him prone to alerting enemies.

5. Can Vilkas carry my burdens?

Yes, like other followers, Vilkas can carry items for you, increasing your encumbrance limit. This is useful for hoarding loot or carrying crafting materials.

6. Can I marry Vilkas?

Yes, Vilkas is an eligible marriage candidate. To marry him, you must complete certain quests for the Companions and wear the Amulet of Mara while speaking to him.

7. What are Vilkas’ skills?

Vilkas specializes in one-handed weapons, heavy armor, block, and archery, although his archery is secondary to his melee skills. His expertise is in the one-handed weapons.

8. Can Vilkas use magic?

No, Vilkas does not have any magical abilities. He is purely a melee-focused warrior.

9. Where can I find Vilkas?

Vilkas is typically found at Jorrvaskr, the Companions’ headquarters in Whiterun.

10. What happens if I dismiss Vilkas?

If you dismiss Vilkas, he will return to Jorrvaskr in Whiterun. You can re-recruit him at any time, provided you are still a member of the Companions.

11. Does Vilkas have any unique dialogue?

Yes, Vilkas has unique dialogue related to the Companions questline and his relationship with his brother Farkas.

12. Can Vilkas be affected by diseases or poisons?

Yes, Vilkas can be affected by diseases and poisons, just like the player character. Be prepared to use potions or spells to cure him if necessary.

13. Can I cure Vilkas of lycanthropy?

Yes, after completing the Companions questline, you can cure Vilkas of his lycanthropy. This is a necessary step to get him to be a more powerful follower.

14. Is Vilkas essential during the Companions questline?

Yes, Vilkas is essential during certain parts of the Companions questline. This means he cannot die during those specific missions.

15. Who is stronger, Vilkas or Farkas?

Vilkas generally is considered stronger than Farkas due to a better distribution of skills focused on combat. He is more optimized for tanking and dealing damage.