Top 10 Followers in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is known for its engaging quests and memorable characters, one of the most enjoyable aspects is the ability to recruit followers to aid the Dragonborn on their journey. Whether you’re exploring the rugged landscapes, fighting off dangerous foes, or delving into ancient dungeons, the right follower can make all the difference.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best followers in Skyrim, highlighting those who stand out not just for their combat prowess, but for the depth they add to your adventure. These companions become much more than just allies—they become an integral part of the world, offering support, conversation, and unforgettable moments.
Table Of Contents
10-Vilkas
Vilkas is a Nord warrior and a prominent member of the Companions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. He and his twin brother, Farkas, were raised among the Companions and trained by Kodlak Whitemane, eventually becoming respected Shield Brothers.
Unlike his brother, Vilkas is more intelligent and disciplined, often acting as the voice of reason within the group. As a follower, he is a powerful two-handed fighter with high health, making him a formidable ally in battle. He is also skilled in heavy armor, making him a great tank who can withstand significant damage. Additionally, Vilkas is one of the few followers who can train the Dragonborn in Two-Handed combat. His loyalty, strength, and honorable nature make him one of the best warrior companions in Skyrim.
9-J’zargo
J’zargo is a Khajiit mage and an ambitious student at the College of Winterhold in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Unlike many of his peers, he seeks power and recognition, believing himself to be one of the most skilled mages in the College. His overconfidence sometimes leads to reckless experiments, such as his faulty flame cloak scrolls, which he asks the Dragonborn to test.
Despite his overconfidence, J’zargo is an excellent follower due to his unique ability to level indefinitely, making him one of the most powerful mage companions in the game. He specializes in Destruction magic, effectively dealing damage while also sustaining himself in battle. His high Magicka pool and resistance to magic make him a strong spellcaster, capable of handling tough enemies. With his unwavering ambition and impressive magical prowess, J’zargo is a valuable and entertaining companion.
8-Brelyna Maryon
Brelyna Maryon is a Dunmer mage and a dedicated student at the College of Winterhold in Skyrim. She comes from a noble Telvanni family in Morrowind but chose to pursue her magical studies at the College rather than following her family’s expectations.
Brelyna is a powerful mage specializing in Destruction, and Conjuration magic, making her effective at both offense and crowd control. Unlike some other followers, she is calm, intelligent, and very kind, making her a reliable companion for magic-focused players. With her growing confidence and strong magical abilities, Brelyna is a great choice for those seeking a skilled spellcaster.
7-Mjoll the Lioness
Mjoll the Lioness is a fearless Nord warrior in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, known for her strong sense of justice and hatred for corruption. She once lived as an adventurer, traveling across Tamriel, but after nearly dying in a Dwemer ruin and losing her beloved sword, Grimsever, she settled in Riften. Disgusted by the city’s crime-ridden state under the Black-Briar family, she openly opposes the Thieves Guild.
After the Dragonborn retrieves her lost sword, she becomes available as a follower, Mjoll is an excellent companion due to her essential status, meaning she cannot be killed in combat. She is skilled in heavy armor and two-handed weapons, making her a formidable front-line fighter. Additionally, she is kind-hearted and deeply loyal, providing moral support to the Dragonborn. With her strong combat abilities and unshakable ideals, Mjoll is a valuable and trustworthy follower.
6-Cicero
Cicero is an assassin and the Keeper of the Night Mother in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Once a loyal member of the Dark Brotherhood in Cyrodiil, he fled to Skyrim after the Brotherhood’s decline, taking on the sacred duty of protecting the Night Mother’s remains. However, years of isolation and devotion to the corpse have driven him to madness, resulting in his erratic, maniacal behavior and high-pitched, theatrical speech.
If spared during the Dark Brotherhood questline, Cicero becomes a follower, offering his unique combat abilities and chaotic personality. He specializes in stealth, one-handed combat, and sneaky backstabs with his Jester outfit. His insane ramblings provide dark humor, making him both an entertaining and unpredictable companion. As an essential character, he cannot be killed in combat, making him a resilient and deadly ally. With his quirky personality and deadly assassin skills, Cicero is a fascinating and effective follower.
5-Uthgerd the Unbroken
Uthgerd the Unbroken is a fierce Nord warrior living in Whiterun, known for her strength and relentless fighting spirit. She earned her nickname after winning countless brawls, earning the respect of locals. Uthgerd sought to join the Companions but was rejected, due to accidentally killing her partner in a sparring match, which left her with a sense of pride and a desire to prove herself even further.
She becomes a follower after the Dragonborn defeats her in a brawl follower, Uthgerd is a reliable companion, specializing in two-handed weapons and heavy armor, making her a strong frontline fighter. One of her notable offerings to the Dragonborn is her house in Whiterun, which she allows the Dragonborn to use early in the game. This is especially helpful as it provides a place to store items and rest without needing to buy a home. With her unwavering loyalty, combat prowess, and early gift, Uthgerd is an excellent and valuable ally, particularly for players in the early stages of their adventure.
4-Aela the Huntress
Aela the Huntress is a skilled and deadly archer, as well as a key member of the Companions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Aela became a werewolf after joining the Circle, a group of elite Companions who share this curse. Her loyalty to the Companions and her prowess in combat is unmatched, and she is often seen as one of the most formidable members of the group.
As a follower, Aela is an excellent archer and melee combatant, specializing in archery, and light armor. One of her unique abilities is the power to transform into a werewolf, which can be triggered during certain quests or at will, giving her increased strength and speed, she’s also an essential character, Her dedication to the Companions, combined with her combat skill and werewolf abilities, make Aela a powerful and versatile follower in any battle.
3-Teldryn Sero
Teldryn Sero is a Dunmer mercenary found in the town of Raven Rock on the island of Solstheim in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Originally hailing from Morrowind, Teldryn became a freelance mercenary after leaving his homeland, seeking adventure and coin. He’s a member of the Raven Rock militia and is known for his sharp wit, sarcastic humor, and confident attitude.
As a follower, Teldryn excels in combat, wielding a one-handed sword and wearing chitin armor, making him a quick and nimble fighter. He also uses magic, particularly conjuration as he can summon a flame atronach. Teldryn’s personality is one of the highlights of having him as a companion, as he frequently offers humorous, and sometimes biting, comments about the Dragonborn’s actions and surroundings, adding a sense of levity to the adventure. His combat skills, paired with his amusing and confident demeanor, make Teldryn Sero a strong and entertaining companion.
2-Frea
Frea is a Nord shaman and the daughter of the Skaal leader, Storn, in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. She hails from the isolated Skaal Village on Solstheim, where her people have a deep connection to the land and its ancient spirits. Frea’s strong sense of duty and determination to protect her people from dark forces is evident in her actions, especially when she joins the Dragonborn to confront the threat of Miraak.
As a follower, Frea excels in one-handed combat and heavy armor, and she’s an essential character meaning that she cannot be killed in combat, moreover, she can level indefinitely making her an exceptional support character.
What sets her apart is her unique personality—she is driven, compassionate, and unafraid to speak her mind. She expresses genuine concern for the Dragonborn and the Skaal people, and her straightforward nature makes her a refreshing and dependable companion. Frea’s combination of one-handed combat, her essential status, her unwavering loyalty, and her unique background, make her a skilled and valuable follower.
1-Serana
Serana is a captivating and complex character in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, known for being the best follower in the game. She is a pure-blooded Vampire, born to the ancient Volkihar Clan, and is the daughter of Lord Harkon and Valerica.
Serana was trapped in a tomb for centuries by her father, who sought to darken the world by blocking out the sun. After being freed by the Dragonborn during the Dawnguard DLC, Serana becomes a valuable companion in the fight against her own family and the threat they pose to Tamriel. Her unique personality sets her apart, as she is sarcastic, witty, and deeply conflicted about her vampiric nature. While she can be standoffish at times, she also reveals a vulnerable side, making her incredibly relatable and human despite her undead nature.
Serana’s voice acting, provided by Laura Bailey, brings her character to life with a perfect blend of humor, vulnerability, and strength. As a follower, Serana is exceptional in combat, wielding powerful conjuration and destruction magic, and she is a skilled battlemage, capable of holding her own in tough fights. Her vampiric abilities make her even more resilient, and she frequently offers commentary while roaming and in combat, adding depth to her character.
Her unique banter with the Dragonborn makes the journey feel more personal and dynamic. With her compelling backstory, personality, and strong combat abilities, Serana stands out as the best and most memorable follower in Skyrim.
Check this vid on how to find Serana.
With so many followers to choose from in Skyrim, each playthrough can feel unique depending on who you bring along for the journey. Whether you prefer a powerful warrior, a cunning rogue, or a skilled mage, the right companion can enhance your adventure, making battles more exciting and exploration more immersive.
The best followers aren’t just strong in combat—they also bring personality, backstory, and memorable interactions that make them feel like true companions rather than just hired help. But with so many choices, opinions on the best followers can vary widely.
Who is your favorite companion in Skyrim? Which follower do you bring the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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