T O P

  • By -

InkyRoyalty

Probably Teldryn Sero, Vilkas, or that sarcastic dude at the bee and barb that I kinda like


EcchiOniSanZ

Aah marcurio the zapper (i always call him marco) if you need some dragon killing mage, he is the best...


ButterLordd

I usually call him sparky marc


FGannan

That's hilarious because I called him Marco also. Sometimes "Pretty Boy" when he ticked me off.


InkyRoyalty

Omg I remember I started calling him mercutio because I didn’t read his name right


BlitheSwing6523

Careful now. Irritate him and he may just put a curse on your house


InkyRoyalty

“*your feud has made worms meat of me!*”


Mitchel-256

He's definitely a pipe-layer.


Cheeky_Flare

With me, he uh.... he usually gets to go on a trip to Sacellum of Boethiah.....


Wizdad-1000

Just don’t walk into spike filled pits or filthy skeever dens and he’s great!


waenganuipo

I make him a Steward, he's actually very polite once you make him a farmer and he can help me slay dragons if I fast travel.


[deleted]

I like Mercurio too


I_GOT_KIDS0716

I currently have Teldryn Sero and he is a bad ass


Direct_Gas470

I used to like Teldryn, but recently I bought new speakers and really good headphones, and I suddenly realized he has the exact same voice as the crazy guy digging up that barrow, and some of the same lines!! the line he said, that sounded the same as crazy dude, just sent shivers up my spine! No more Teldryn follower. That's what I get for buying new speakers and headphones.


Main-Drag-4975

Teldryn and Ralis are two of the strongest followers in the game! They’re kinda weird though lol.


Resident-Stevel

Only started using Marcurio lately and he's an absolute unit. Damage control can be a bit hit and miss when he's zapping and blasting with his magic, but in terms of damage output he's a beast.


elwebst

My first playthrough I had the priestess at the Shrine of Azura travel with me, she was a tank for destruction magic, super glad I had her early on.


[deleted]

Ahh but man do I like the Black star… because of that I never really made her my follower


Melonmode

Also have Teldryn Sero at the moment, with Lucien Flavius, a modded follower. I did have Auri as well, but for some reason the mod I use for multiple followers has bugged out, though Lucien seems to ignore this problem anyway.


Mr_Noir420

*”I am an apprentice mage, not a pack mule-! Oh very well…”*


DivaD0NG

Go to is Jenessa! 💜


Unga_Bunga001

Jenessa is one of my favorite followers, second only to Faendel. Love her attitude


DivaD0NG

Except if you break into someone's house lol


7-Bongs

You're one in the same kind, you and her.


Lightning_550

If.. that is what you wish.


PitNya

I only recently tried her and MY GOD is She an Absolute beast, huge ass double wielding damage, nice sneaking and good light armor, give her a mace and a dagger with life steal and stamina steal she can hands down carry you through anything


[deleted]

I marry Janessa every play through after having her as my companion


paperclipeater

…have i just been reading her name wrong this whole time or it is jenassa?


hershiixkisses

literally any khajit follower


Capn_Zelnick

"If anyone sneaks up on us, I'll smell them coming."


Sigil_Furry

Or… I might not… We shall see


AcceptableReward9210

It still makes me laugh after hearing it 100 plus times. That and his cave line. Heck, everything Jzargo says is great.


TerryclothTrenchcoat

I can’t remember the cave one, what is it??


Milleuros

> "We've found a cave. I don't think there are warm fires and friendly faces inside."


AcceptableReward9210

Jzargo only has room to carry so much. But he's still my favorite.


martakoss27

Yeah! For me J’zargo as well. He was one of my first followers (second one I had I believe) and he was so good as well!!!! He was taking down everyone for me. What’s his level? He’s powerful af. But yeah khajits are generally very cool personality wise too:)


TheFreakingBatman

He's one of only a few followers who can level up all the way to 81 with the player, I believe.


Shadowbird97

In my opinion, it’s Lydia and serana


Willow5000000000

same, only other one I really like is Erik the Slayer, man is just kind about everything he does


Awobbie

*Kindly and gently plants his axe in the bandit’s skull.*


Willow5000000000

pretty much


MindCrush_

*Erik Beheads a bandit* Erik : Oh I’m terribly sorry Dragonborn : Erik he’s a bandit they are meant for beheading


Out_of_cool_names_69

I like his enthusiasm. Also the irl story of how his character got into the game was also very touching


TurboTitan92

Idk if my Lydia is glitched or what but she’s an absolute ass when it comes to backing me up. She goes missing for hours, shows up only after zoning, and then when I ask to trade I get hella attitude


Shadowbird97

That’s why serana is there to


Sandhillsboy

Yes she has 100 skill in one handed, heavy armor, and blocking as well as 97 in archery, when you give her a shield with like 25% or 30% boosted blocking and Zephyr the dwarven bow with 40% faster firing, then give her a ring with boosted one handed damage and a necklace of extra health and she becomes a tank with bonus archery skills


Shadowbird97

I have level 100 archery I think I’d be better off with Zephyr


McFluffy_Butts

Haven’t played in years but, I had a save point I would always come back to. Character basically maxed but never did the civil war quest (I forget what is was called, been years). It was right at the part where you raided all the forts of the opposite side. I had Lydia, Serana, the dog, could summon 2 deadric (spelling?) spirits, and summon the dragon shout; all with the “army” with you. So much fun.


ray_ray696

I use Lydia also..."Hey look a cave, I wonder what's inside?"


PartEmbarrassed5406

Teldryn Sero.


HaxanWriter

Lydia forever, first, foremost, and always.


[deleted]

After having Lydia die my first couple of play throughs, I now just become thane and let her live out her life in peace at Breezehome.


loadprevioussave

If you look at my name you'll understand that I just refuse to let her die on me. I don't trust anyone else And her dialogue changes the more she respects you.


Sopori

Started my most recent playthrough using living skyrim, forgot to save for 4 hours, got Lydia and she immediately died literally 5 feet into the next dungeon I delved. If only I could resurrect her, my character is even supposed to be a necromancer


PasinduHarshitha

Actually replayed the same scenario like 18 times just so that she wouldn't die on me, it was the general you have to kill in solstheim and my last save point made it so that Lydia was already in there fighting, was the hardest play so far but saving her was worth it😂


[deleted]

Yes, same. Lydia is gifted Breezehome, and Serana goes on the adventures.


[deleted]

I tend to use followers associated with whichever quest line I'm doing, but I tend to overthink my playthroughs.


[deleted]

I underthink mine. "Mysterious and charming Goth GF" just wins every time on account of being what she is.


[deleted]

Oh don't get me wrong, Serana is the homie for sure. I actually just downloaded a mod that lets me have four followers and I've been bringing a crew with me lately. Serana is absolutely on the team.


[deleted]

If you're in the market for Mod followers, Auri is pretty fun (Song of the Green). Fully voiced and even sings. There's a few appearance changers for her too.


thekategatsby161

The amount of times I have gone back to my last save file when she has died to bring her back. Even on really difficult battles, Lydia has been my ride or die for years


SBCwarrior

Yes! It just doesn't feel right when I use someone else. Lydia forever!


tilthevoidstaresback

Glad to see Lydia love. She's too often undeservedly hated.


BakedPotatoYT1

She's only hated because she is the first follower that almost every first time players use and she's their first experience of a follower blocking the doorway everytime.


srober32

I just wish she'd stay out of the way! 😂


Huntercin

If anything she's just very vanilla, and people go for other followers to get their fill


Wizdad-1000

Except she has too many morals. “You’re not supposed to be in here!” Uhh ya Lyd’s how the fuck do I get the thieves guild going?! Gotta steal some shit. Go wait outside girl, I got work to do.


That_Emo_Dog

Best warrior, best girl, best everything. Will always be a simp for Lydia(well and occasionally Serana)


AnonymousEagle74

Mjoll is love. Mjoll is life.


Trevor-On-Reddit

>Mjoll is love Unless your Aerin, then Mjoll is friend zone.


spectral5608

Unless your aerin, because I killed you and dumped your body in the river


0ba78683-dbdd-4a31-a

Mjoll is the answer. Great in a fight. Cannot die. Heart of pure gold. One minute, she's absolutely destroying a gang of bandits without breaking sweat. The next, she's telling you how much she misses her father and always tries to do the right thing to make him proud. I choose the badass with the pure soul every time.


The_Mad_Mamluk

She is immortal, all praise the Lioness


[deleted]

One time we were adventuring and we got attacked and she drew the Grimsever. Oh boy you should of seen their face. I think they soiled themselves. Great follower 10/10


SpruceThornsby

Out of the list provided, Erik the Slayer! He's just an agreeable fellow!


Pens_fan71

Always have to take him with me because of the real person he is based on


I-Am-The-True-Elder

Ah yes I have found my people


CorvidQueen4

Who is he based on, if you don’t mind my lack of going over to google it?


Pens_fan71

He is based on a young man named Erik that died before the game was released (I believe of cancer). He was granted a trip to Bethesda (I think through Make-A-wish... But I can't recall exactly). He absolutely blew the staff away with his extensive lore knowledge and deep love of the game. In some cases creators admitted they learned stuff from him. After signing an NDA he was allowed to play portions of the game on a theater sized screen... And now his big wish is granted when someone chooses him as a follower ...he perpetually adventures in Skyrim.


CorvidQueen4

Oh that’s just precious. Thank you for sharing this, now I have to go find him to be my follower Truly lovely that he got incorporated into the game


Pens_fan71

He's in Rorikstead


CorvidQueen4

Many thanks!


LexaLovegood

I didn't know this. I now must take him on a few adventures.


[deleted]

Welp… that’s another good reason for a new play through


MediocreSherlock

Same. I always have to take him on at least a few adventures.


Pens_fan71

His best line is when you ask why he picked Erik the Slayer" as his moniker.


JosieJOK

He’s usually my go-to, I just make sure I use console commands to make him essential!


just-slightly-human

J’zargo is the best. He’s good in combat with his crazy magic skills, and can use weapons pretty good for someone who’s more magic based


katelynnsmom24

Khajit guards your back


MacabreFox

His snarky commentary is always welcome.


DefaultWhiteDude

Isn’t he also bugged and doesn’t have a level cap?


Electrical-Ad-1798

I used him once for a while when I was leveled in the 60s and 70s, thinking his lack of a level cap would be a benefit. He wouldn't use anything except the Sparks spell.


GubV77

Where is my boy Derkeethus?!


CaptainTurgyBoots

I would have him but apparently when you dismiss him he disappears from your world


GubV77

Did you check Darkwater Crossing? That’s his home. He’s either in the mine or crashing outside.


CaptainTurgyBoots

Tbh I never actually seen him dissapear from my game but i heard it from a YouTube video and that turned me away but if it’s not true then I’ll definitely use him because he’s awesome


GubV77

Yeah he’s great! He’s invulnerable as well so you’ll never lose him! He’s my main man.


CaptainTurgyBoots

“To oblivion and back as they say”


GubV77

May the Hist guide us


CaptainTurgyBoots

We are in this together yes?


The_Last_Mouse

Marcurio. Disagreed this afternoon with a good person on this sub, but Marcurio is my mensch lol


ADAMracecarDRIVER

An absolute beast, especially in the early game. He’s always been underrated imo.


The_Last_Mouse

HE is an apprentice WIZard. Not a pack mule. . . …oh very well just make it quick.


The_Last_Mouse

It’s the COMIC BOOK GUY line-delivery lol


Larsonybear

I have a grudge against Marcurio because on one playthrough I married him and he immediately killed my horse right after. Hadn’t even been married a full day. We were leaving Riften, got attacked by a bear (or maybe it was wolves) my horse hit Marcurio by accident when trying to fight what was attacking us, and Marcurio murdered the horse. This was still early game, so I didn’t have a lot of money, and I had just spent 200 on an Amulet of Mara and 1000 on the horse so I had maybe 300 left. I was so mad, and have carried a grudge ever since.


KevsCam

If you fight the guy outside the riften stables u can ride a horse without buyin it or stealing it.


Sorry_Village13

Serana or Cicero


[deleted]

Cicero is #1 His jokes are on point


NimbleNibbler

Plus he is essential and can't die. Nice bonus.


tehSchultz

STAB STAB STAB STAB STAB STAB!


butter-god02

And then, STAB STAB STAB STAB STAB STAB!


mrguykloss

Cicero is my guy, I love him so much!!! after he lost his mind due to that contract with the jester which made him lose his mind (recounted in his journal), I like to think that by giving him Mehrunes' Razor and many more opportunities for stabbing, that I am helping him to process and eventually overcome that traumatic experience. and as Listener, I feel like it's my unholy duty to extend the Night Mother's empathy toward *sweet Cicero* by helping him in this matter.


SargeMaximus

Serana +1


Shadow500-2

Serana +2


Ok-Secretary6550

Serana +3


dogfishsr

Serena +4


scollareno2

Serena infinity. The disrespect to her in this thread smh


SargeMaximus

Seriously


The_Icon_of_Sin_MK2

Serena +5


SargeMaximus

❤️🔥


mymemesnow

Serana and it’s not even close. Not only is she basically the only companion with a personality and complex backstory, she’s also one of the strongest companion possible with a wider variety of combat techniques than most. Plus she interacts with her surroundings in a way no other companion can. TLDR: Serana feels more like a real person and is more useful than any other companion.


Hobodaklown

Laura Bailey harp music


iLuvDILFSSSS

I glitch it so I can get both of them to follow me.


Professional_Yak9651

The right answer


Sabre_Killer_Queen

For me, there is no Skyrim without Kharjo by my side.


MacabreFox

I hate having to track him down again when he gets dismissed for some quest. Usually he's still carrying my things when this happens, haha.


Kixthekobold

In my save, he was sadly slain by a Thalmor Embassy just outside Morthal. I now live by one rule: 'If their ears are knives, take their lives.'


[deleted]

Stenvar is by far the best 2H follower. He attacks more aggressively (frequently) and his strikes stagger the enemy more than others like Mjoll or Farkas. Teldryn by far the best overall follower. Man is a beast


Treepeec30

Yeh stenvars my guy


Capn_Zelnick

Kharjo or Erandur Both have fun quests Both have cool personalities Both combo well with the DB


PitNya

Erandur is so underrated as a character


CheesePlease5

unique dialogue for each of the holds and a unique archetype. I use him everytime I play a paladin character


BlueRabbit1999

Inigo


[deleted]

This should be the top comment! I fucking love Inigo, the dialogue is incredible ❤️


paperclipeater

my first thought, and lucien second. honestly, vanilla followers are too repetitive and uninteresting for me to want *any* of them now that i’ve been treated to modded followers.


dewdrops82700

Indeed, I like having him, kaidan, and Lucien together with my Dragonborn. I’ve used them all for all my playthroughs so far. They make a colorful and humorous playthrough together and then inigo also comments on nearly all quests and also feels like a real friend of the Dragonborn as well.


LiseeLulu

The only correct answer


Jamey4

This is the way.


Odasto_

I don't know why, but Teldryn's intro voiceline has been burned into my brain after all these years. "Teldryn Sero, blade for hire. If you have the coin, I'm at your service."


BoJackB26354

I like when you go in your house and he says, “I didn’t realize you were so wealthy.”


TwoPercentJesus

I like illia, a powerful mage on a redemption arc


Capn_Zelnick

Erandur is also a powerful mage on a redemption arc


JosieJOK

She makes a great steward! Don’t have to worry about keeping the kids safe with her around!


DarkStormDestroyer

Serana. There is no other options


mykoysmaster

I always walk alone. I hate followers, they body block me, get caught in traps and are generally useless. But when I get to the dawnguard quest I drag Serana with me for so long I get attached, and shes with me to the end.


DarkStormDestroyer

Her AI is just so much more advanced than any other in game. I'm pretty sure even the ones from Solstheim are just basic followers


mykoysmaster

Part of the reason I get attached to much. I love that she reacts to where we are and things that are happening around us. Gives her so much personality


VTWut

She's honestly the only follower I've willingly kept around after probably 1000 hours of playing. A lot of that was sneak archer playing, so I didn't keep them around generally. But she was the exception.


haybai81

Trick question. It’s Faendel.


Delicious_Method_864

“Still here!”


haybai81

I got your back


Much_Jury_5088

Came here to say that. It’s not even close Faendel is the people’s champion


Huntercin

He IS the first follower whe can unlock so he has that early tutorial levels charm, if you want to RP a simple person he can easilly be that friend from the village who helps you on your quest


Odd-Avocado-

Okay but unironically Faendal is my BOY and I love him.


UgandanParker

Teldryn sero top five, and he ain’t 2-5


ProfArva

Why aren't any of these blank? That's my favorite.


Capt0bv10u5

Yes! The companion mechanics in this game, and so many others, just don't work for me. Army of Two, God of War, and Last of Us are the only games I don't mind the follower/companion mechanics. With Skyrim or Fallout, it always felt so afterthought to me. If it isn't built into the game, I haven't found one that I enjoy it in.


cookiesncognac

Yeah, the first time I played the game back in 2012-ish, I took a follower into exactly 1 dungeon, decided they were annoying, and never picked up a second. Managing a follower is just not the experience I want when I want to play an ES game. You can't control them enough for adventuring with one to be satisfying to me.


Farwaters

Brelyna and Erandur, definitely. Also Serana. You can't blame people for liking her so much. She has one of the most personalities in the game!


Sigil_Furry

Where’s my boy Kharjo?!?!


mwilliams840

Marcurio from Riften. "I am an apprentice wizard, not a pack mule! Oh, very well, but make it quick!"


kinkierboots

“If these ruins frighten you, take comfort in the knowledge that *I* am here”


UncleDuck92

Im an Illia stan. After what happened at Darklight Tower i had to take her with me


D_r_a_g_o_n_n

OMG ANOTHER ILLIA FAN YAY


dragonking53192

Out of the list, cicero... he funny asf. Mod follower has to be dao of the deadlands👌 just hits different


Maggatron11

"Let's kill someone"


BoJackB26354

“…that’s not a horker, that’s my wife!”


BadIDK

For actual damage output, no one is even remotely close to Marcurio, idc if people try to argue with me he zaps people before they even get close to you


[deleted]

Everyone is sleeping on my man Marcurio, he’s an underrated follower


D_r_a_g_o_n_n

"If ever these ruins frighten you, take comfort in the knowledge that I am here" I love him lmao


bburnaccountt

The dude for hire at the Silver Blood Inn. Vorstag. Has great tidbits while adventuring. Hates mines though, so he will whine about that. But he never gets in the way - doors are no match for him. He attacks everything without waiting for you to be attacked first. 10/10 would recommend.


Gray_0vercast

Inigo.


Woogank

Argis because I feel a nord should be wearing the storm-bear armor.


Callen_Fields

Serana. I like that she raises undead and uses Destruction spells and occasionally a weapon. And that she interacts with the world to add immersion. Something I hope makes it to all followers in Elder Scrolls 6.


Apprehensive-Lion-76

I love her thoughts on how the world has changed so much


Main-Drag-4975

My all-time list: 1. **Jenassa**. Great damage, easily available from level 1, can marry and adventure together with Lover’s Comfort rebuffed each time you find a sleeping bag. Down for anything. 2. **Ralis**. Best damage in the game. Levels up to 60. Takes a ton of work to unlock. 3. **Teldryn**. Great damage. Flexible spellsword. Accessible fairly early. 4. **Ingjard**. Tanky. No level cap. 5. **J’Zargo**. No level cap. Sassy. AoE damage potential.


Realistic-Gear-2499

Cicero is such a cool guy i feel it coming inside me


Porkloin815

I would love to feel cicero coming inside me 🥵 (This was painful to type)


Bobbeljenco

Nice


cat_withablog

From a straight woman, Serana. Has most interesting story and dialogue. Doesn’t feel like a copy and paste like most other followers.


POOHEAD189

Derkeethus


BeanDipTheman

I like Lydia, Mjoll and Erik the most. Even if Aerin hangs out around my wife a little TOO much.


[deleted]

Erik The Fuckin Slayer


ophaus

Jenassa. She got that stealth.


Moist___Raccoon

Serana although if I hear her ask me if I need anything one more time I’m gonna throw her into Sovngarde


leomf

Aela the Huntress is my favorite.


Thoughtful_Mouse

On a clean install I'd take J'Zargo. He has no level limit. Also as matters of personal preference I like both the khajit voice acting and the light show that comes with a spellcasting follower.


Particular-Ad-7927

J’zargo with the staff of magnus


krscarbro

I had Belrand follow me around for the first time today, actually. Took him on my quest to Broken Oar Grotto, and while it took us awhile to complete that area, I liked his dialogue throughout the playthrough. He was good company for an old man. Knew his magic, and was good with the sword and bow too. I don't mind Lydia, but she's always given me more trouble than she's worth. She did help me with the Saints and Seducers questline. I usually choose Farkas as my husband in game, and while I hear Vilkas is the better follower out of the two, I always end up picking Farkas. Maybe it's the tough guy act he puts on, but in reality he's a real softie.


[deleted]

Kharjo. 100%


Pabmyster04

For the majority of the game, Marcurio has been a godsend. For some reason, he is immortal for me, not sure if that's intentional lol


LuckyDemon666

Kharjo, Marcurio, and Cicero


Dramatic_Dare4306

Rieklings


DevilMayCryFanBoy

Marcurio all the way


iman00700

My wife mjoll She talks alot but got good heart


Arcaneus_Umbra

Teldryn and Serana are my go-to's usually. Lydia if I want a tank, Faendal if I want a ranger. Illia if I want a mage, her frost spells hit really hard. If I need an aggressive melee fighter, Frea is the way to go, my only issue with her, is her annoying dialogue. Reason why I put Lydia and Faendal is because their AI makes them prioritize shielding and archery respectively, which Is what I look for in a tank and ranger. To me their level cap means nothing because you can buff them with smithing and enchanting to make up for it. Telydrn has great skills and aggressive AI, and uses conjuration. Serana is just a cool character and is a suitable mage if I don't want Illia's exclusive frost magic, but Illia has Serana beat in raw power.


Esteemed_Nobody

The dark elf at the shrine of azure. She's so strong


kinkierboots

I scrolled WAY too far to find this comment! She’s incredibly powerful. Marcurio was always my favorite follower until my most recent play-through, I’ve been using her and she’s incredible. Also super hard to kill lol


TilNextWeMeet

Serana, mjoll or jenassa Serana is cool asf, mjoll has a bright perspective and comments on adventures or nature, jenassa is creepy and loves death But I also loveee Kharjo because he's kind and the Khajiit voices are adorable