The Ultimate Huntress: Unveiling the Best Female Archer Follower in Skyrim
The windswept peaks of Skyrim echo with the thrum of bowstrings and the silent whisper of arrows finding their mark. Among the many companions you can enlist on your adventures, several female archers stand out. But who reigns supreme as the best female archer follower in Skyrim? The answer, while nuanced, leans heavily towards one of the most iconic and versatile companions in the game: Aela the Huntress.
Aela isn’t just a skilled archer; she’s a force of nature. Her proficiency with the bow, coupled with her lycanthropic abilities, makes her a formidable ally in any situation. While other female followers might excel in magic or melee combat, Aela’s focus on archery, combined with her inherent aggression and willingness to engage in close combat when necessary, makes her a consistently reliable damage dealer.
Aela the Huntress: More Than Just a Pretty Aim
Aela’s appeal extends beyond her archery skills. As a member of The Companions, she brings a strong moral compass (at least, as far as werewolves go) and a no-nonsense attitude to your party. She’s readily available early in the game, and her training services as an Expert-level Archery trainer are invaluable for leveling your own archery skill.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the competition. While Aela shines in pure archery prowess and utility, other female followers offer unique strengths that might make them a better fit for specific playstyles:
- Serana: Although primarily a mage with skills in Destruction, Conjuration, One-Handed, and Light Armor, she possesses an incredible range of abilities making her a powerful overall companion. She is not an archer, but her versatility is unmatched.
- Jenassa: A mercenary for hire in Whiterun, Jenassa is a skilled archer and warrior. She is a dark elf, and her race bonuses give her a slight edge in archery. She is a great choice for players looking for a reliable archer, but she lacks Aela’s other unique skills and training.
- Brelyna Maryon: From the College of Winterhold, Brelyna has powerful magical abilities. If you want a companion that can use bows, but you prefer magic users, Brelyna is a good choice.
Ultimately, the “best” follower is subjective and depends on your character build and playstyle. However, for a dedicated archer follower who excels in damage output, early availability, and training capabilities, Aela the Huntress remains the top contender.
Maximizing Aela’s Potential
To truly unlock Aela’s potential as your archer companion, consider the following:
- Equip her with a powerful bow and arrows: This seems obvious, but it’s crucial. Dragonbone bows, Daedric bows, and even enchanted bows found throughout Skyrim will significantly enhance her damage output. Provide her with a plentiful supply of high-quality arrows like Daedric or Dragonbone arrows.
- Upgrade her armor: While she favors light armor, ensuring she has a high armor rating will help her survive in tougher encounters. Smithing skill is key to upgrading armor.
- Give her enchanted items: Enchantments that improve archery, stamina, or health will further boost her combat effectiveness.
- Take advantage of her lycanthropy: While in werewolf form, Aela gains increased attack power and resilience, making her an even more formidable force in close combat.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Skyrim’s Female Archer Followers
Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the world of Skyrim’s female archer followers and related topics:
Who is the strongest overall female follower in Skyrim?
While Aela excels in archery, Serana is widely considered the strongest overall female follower. Her high levels in Destruction, Conjuration, One-Handed, and Light Armor skills, coupled with her unique abilities as a vampire, make her an extremely versatile and powerful companion.
What race is best for an archer character in Skyrim?
The Bosmer (Wood Elf) are arguably the best race for an archer character due to their starting bonus in Archery, Sneak, and Light Armor. However, Redguards, Khajiit, and Dunmer (Dark Elf) are all solid choices, as they receive bonuses to stamina, stealth, or combat skills that complement archery builds.
Who is the master archery trainer in Skyrim?
Niruin, a member of the Thieves Guild in Riften, is the Master-level archery trainer in Skyrim.
Are there other expert archery trainers besides Aela?
Yes, Faendal from Riverwood, is an expert archery trainer and can become a follower if you complete his quest.
What makes stealth archer builds so effective in Skyrim?
Stealth archer builds capitalize on the sneak attack mechanic, which significantly multiplies damage dealt with bows while undetected. Skills in the Sneak tree, combined with perks that further enhance archery damage, can result in massive burst damage, allowing you to eliminate enemies before they even know you’re there.
What is the most overpowered bow in Skyrim?
The Dwarven Black Bow of Fate, added with the Dragonborn DLC, is considered one of the most overpowered bows. It has a 50% chance to drain 25 points of HP, Stamina, and Magicka from a damaged enemy.
What kind of archery does the most damage in Skyrim?
Technically, the Dragonbone Bow is the best bow in the game, as it has the highest base damage. Karliah’s bow has the highest damage for non-cheating.
Is there a follower in Skyrim without a level cap?
Yes, Frea from the Dragonborn DLC does not have a level cap and is also essential, meaning she cannot be killed.
Can I marry Aela the Huntress in Skyrim?
Yes, Aela the Huntress is a popular marriage option in Skyrim. To marry her, you must complete The Companions questline.
Are there any same-sex marriage options in Skyrim?
Yes, Skyrim allows for same-sex marriage. You can marry any marriageable NPC regardless of your character’s gender.
Who is the god of archery in Elder Scrolls Lore?
The Daedric Prince Mephala, the Webspinner, can be considered a deity of archery, as she is associated with secrets, murder, and clandestine affairs. She is also an assassin and hunter.
Who is the best archer in real life?
This is subjective and depends on the archery discipline. However, historically, figures like Howard Hill are often cited as exceptionally skilled archers. In contemporary competitive archery, athletes like Katharina Bauer (recurve) achieve top rankings.
How can I improve my archery skill quickly in Skyrim?
- Train with archery trainers like Aela or Niruin.
- Use a bow frequently in combat.
- Craft arrows to gain experience.
- Read archery skill books.
- Obtain blessings or enchantments that boost archery skill.
What are some essential perks for an archer build in Skyrim?
- Overdraw: Increases bow damage.
- Critical Shot: Gives a chance to deal critical damage.
- Steady Hand: Slows down time while aiming.
- Eagle Eye: Zooms in while aiming.
- Power Shot: Staggers enemies.
- Sneak: If you plan to play as a stealth archer.
How does the Games Learning Society relate to games like Skyrim?
The Games Learning Society fosters research and collaboration on how games can be used for education and learning. GamesLearningSociety.org helps educators and game designers understand how to leverage gameplay mechanics to promote skill development and knowledge acquisition. Games like Skyrim, with their immersive environments and complex systems, offer rich opportunities for learning problem-solving, strategic thinking, and social interaction.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Archer Ally
While the perfect follower depends on your individual preferences, Aela the Huntress offers a potent combination of archery skill, combat prowess, training capabilities, and availability, making her a strong contender for the best female archer follower in Skyrim. Embrace the hunt, equip her well, and conquer the wilds of Skyrim together!