The Simplest Sidekick: Who is the Easiest Follower to Get in Skyrim?
The frosty peaks and dragon-infested lands of Skyrim are a dangerous place to wander alone. Thankfully, the game offers a plethora of companions ready to brave the wilds alongside the Dragonborn. So, who’s the easiest buddy to recruit for your adventures? The answer is undoubtedly Lydia, your Housecarl from Whiterun. Obtaining Lydia is straightforward: simply complete the quest “Dragon Rising” by helping the Jarl of Whiterun, Balgruuf the Greater, defeat the dragon Mirmulnir at the Western Watchtower. Once you’ve proven yourself, Balgruuf will name you Thane of Whiterun and appoint Lydia as your personal Housecarl, sworn to carry your burdens (literally) and defend you to the death. It’s a quick, early-game quest that nearly every player will complete, making Lydia the most accessible and readily available follower in Skyrim.
Understanding Early-Game Companionship in Skyrim
Having a follower early on can significantly ease your initial struggles against Skyrim’s dangers. Lydia’s presence provides an extra sword (or shield) in combat and an extra pair of hands for carrying loot. While she might not be the most powerful or versatile follower in the long run, her immediate availability and decent combat skills make her an invaluable asset in the early game. Furthermore, recruiting her requires no specific skill levels, moral choices, or complex questlines – just dragon slaying!
Why Lydia Earns the Title of Easiest Follower
Several factors contribute to Lydia’s title as the easiest follower to acquire:
- Early Availability: “Dragon Rising” is a main quest encountered very early in the game, making Lydia accessible within the first few hours of gameplay.
- Straightforward Requirements: The quest itself is relatively simple, involving combat and exploration that most players would naturally pursue anyway.
- No Special Skills Required: Unlike some followers who demand high skill levels in speech or specific quest completions, Lydia requires nothing but the completion of a main quest objective.
- Central Location: Whiterun is a central hub in Skyrim, making it easily accessible from most starting points.
- Essential Questline Tie-in: Because “Dragon Rising” is part of the main questline, you are essentially guaranteed to complete it, ensuring Lydia becomes available.
Beyond Lydia: Other Easily Obtainable Followers
While Lydia is arguably the easiest, several other followers are relatively simple to acquire early on:
- Faendal (Riverwood): Helping Faendal resolve his romantic troubles with Camilla Valerius in Riverwood will make him a willing follower. This is a quick and easy quest.
- Sven (Riverwood): As an alternative to Faendal, you can help Sven with the Camilla situation, making him available as a follower. The quest choice determines who you can recruit.
- Jenassa (Whiterun): Found in the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun, Jenassa is a mercenary available for hire. She requires a small fee, but is readily available.
- Belrand (Solitude): Like Jenassa, Belrand is a mercenary found in the Winking Skeever in Solitude. Pay his fee, and he’s ready to join your party.
Long-Term Follower Considerations
While Lydia offers early convenience, it’s essential to consider your long-term needs. As you level up, Lydia’s level cap (which is 50) may make her less effective compared to followers without level caps or those with specialized skills. Choosing a follower that complements your play style is crucial for tackling Skyrim’s more challenging content. Think about what skills your follower has and how those skills will help you in the long run. It is also important to remember that most followers will have set skills and skill caps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skyrim Followers
Here are some common questions about Skyrim followers:
How do I get a follower in Skyrim?
Usually, you gain a follower by completing a quest for them, hiring them for a fee, or reaching a certain point in a questline where a character becomes obligated to follow you. Speech checks can also influence whether or not someone joins you.
What is the maximum number of followers I can have in Skyrim?
Without mods, you can have one human or humanoid follower and one animal companion at a time. Certain quests might allow temporary exceptions, like during specific quest stages.
How do I dismiss a follower in Skyrim?
Simply talk to your follower and select the dialogue option to part ways. They will then return to their usual location.
What happens to my follower’s items if I dismiss them?
Their inventory remains the same. When you dismiss them, they retain all items you gave them. You can retrieve these items by re-recruiting them later.
Can my follower die in Skyrim?
Yes, most followers can die in combat. However, some essential followers (usually related to quests) are protected and cannot be killed. There are also ways to make certain followers unkillable using console commands (PC only).
Who is the best follower in Skyrim?
This is subjective and depends on your play style. Serana is often considered the best due to her unique abilities and interesting backstory. J’zargo is excellent for his lack of level cap. Vilkas is a great tank.
What is a Housecarl in Skyrim?
A Housecarl is a personal guard assigned to you when you become Thane of a hold (like Whiterun, Riften, or Windhelm). They are sworn to protect you and reside in your house within that hold.
Can I marry my follower in Skyrim?
Yes, you can marry certain followers after completing their associated quests and equipping an Amulet of Mara.
Where can I find good armor for my follower?
Armor can be found in chests, purchased from merchants, or crafted. High-quality armor like Daedric or Dragonplate can be found in higher-level areas.
Can followers use magic in Skyrim?
Yes, some followers are skilled in magic. Choosing a follower with complementary magical abilities can enhance your combat effectiveness.
How do I give my follower equipment in Skyrim?
Simply trade items with them through the follower’s inventory menu. Select the item from your inventory, then choose the “Give” option.
What is the level cap for followers in Skyrim?
Many followers have level caps, meaning they stop leveling up with you at a certain point. However, some followers, like J’zargo, do not have a level cap.
What are the best follower mods for Skyrim?
Many mods enhance the follower experience, adding new followers, improving follower AI, or removing level caps. Popular mods include Inigo, Lucien, and Amazing Follower Tweaks.
How do I make Lydia immortal?
On PC, open the console (usually with the ~ key), click on Lydia, and type setessential a2c8e 1. This makes her an essential character, preventing her from dying.
Where can I find information about game-based learning?
You can find valuable information about game-based learning on the Games Learning Society website. The organization explores the intersection of education and games, offering resources and research on how games can enhance learning experiences. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to explore the world of game-based learning and find resources that can enhance the educational experience.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Skyrim Companion
While numerous companions populate the world of Skyrim, Lydia stands out as the easiest follower to acquire. Her immediate availability and simple recruitment process make her an ideal choice for new players and those seeking an early advantage. However, remember that Skyrim offers a diverse cast of followers with varying skills and abilities. Considering your long-term play style and needs will help you choose the perfect companion to conquer the wilds of Skyrim. Happy adventuring!