There is a large variety of companions for players to choose from in Skyrim that include humans, animals, and even summonable entities. These creatures and people will aid the player on their quest to defeat Alduin, and they will be an important asset if the player wants to survive in Skyrim.
Having a follower in Skyrim also makes the game much more interesting and allows extra comments to be thrown out during adventures. A few followers, such as Serana and Lydia, are very well-known in the fan base; however, there are some companions that players may never have encountered even after multiple playthroughs.
10 Spectral Assassin
The Spectral Assassin is a summonable entity that the Dragonborn can summon if they have gotten far enough in the Dark Brotherhood questline. Astrid grants the player the ability to use Lucien Lachance as a follower of sorts.
The Spectral Assassin is skilled in one-handed blades, and as such, he will be a major asset to any player that is creating an Assassin or Thief build. An upside to this companion is that he can never die because he can always be resummoned if he is defeated.
9 J’zargo
J’zargo is a Khajiit that the player can encounter inside of the College of Winterhold as a student. J’zargo is a very interesting character, and he’s always been a very proud person that cares more about himself than others around him.
Similar to the other followers in the College of Winterhold, this character is very easy to miss, and he will require a side quest before obtaining his services as a follower. J’zargo is a fascinating character, especially considering that he is a Khajiit that knows magic, which is a rare combination in Tamriel.
8 Sven
Sven is a character that lives in Riverwood, and he is an extremely talented bard that has been practicing for years. As such, Sven knows much about music and how to sway others in his favor using a catchy tune.
Sven is competing for Camilla Valerius’ heart when the player first arrives in Riverwood, and if the player decides to help him get the love of his life, then they will be granted his services as a companion.
7 Illia
During the player’s adventures in Skyrim, they can come across a building called Darklight Tower and a side quest that is easily missed by many passing travelers. This quest requires the player to track down Illia’s mother at the top of the tower and put an end to her magical schemes.
If the player does this, they will gain Illia’s services, and she is a powerful ice mage, so it is best not to pass up this opportunity if the player ever gets a chance to meet her and help her.
6 Erik The Slayer
Erik the Slayer is a satirical player that has a lot of dreams but not quite as much experience. Erik the Slayer wants to one day become a powerful monster slayer and go on adventures across the vast land of Skyrim. This follower is found inside of Rorikstead.
After completing a short quest for this character, players are able to recruit Erik the Slayer as a companion for 500 gold, the same fee that all mercenaries charge in the game.
5 Dark Brotherhood Initiate
The Dark Brotherhood initiate has a male and a female version, which can both be found in the Dawnstar Sanctuary after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline. The player will have to talk to Delvin Mallory and upgrade the sanctuary if they want to have access to these two followers.
The Dark Brotherhood Initiate is one of the most powerful followers in the game because they have the ability to reach higher levels than most other companions. Players should know that these characters are skilled in One-handed and Sneak, which will be helpful for any assassin that wants to complete contracts.
4 Uthgerd The Unbroken
Uthgerd the Unbroken is a companion that is found in Whiterun, and the player will only be able to gain her services if they defeat her in a brawl. Uthgerd has an interesting backstory in which she tried to join the Companions but was rejected because she accidentally killed one of their warriors.
Uthgerd is a very powerful two-handed Warrior, and players will be lucky to have this strong woman by their side. It’s easy to miss Uthgerd since she is tucked away in the Bannered Mare in Whiterun.
3 Faendal
Faendal is the other character that is trying to gain Camilla Valerius’ heart in Riverwood. He is competing with Sven because they both have an interest in this woman, and both show their affection in different ways.
If the player helps Faendal, then they will gain the option to take him with them as a companion. Faendal is more worthwhile than Sven because although his personality is somewhat more boring, he’s able to train the player in Archery.
2 Riekling
The Rieklings are a clan of creatures that can be found on the island of Solstheim, and they can speak a little bit of English, unlike other followers that are considered to be Animal Companions.
Rieklings will often use spears and other tribalistic weapons to defeat enemies, which is quite unique compared to other followers in the game and in the Dragonborn DLC. Riekling Warriors can be recruited after the player helps them gain Thirsk Hall during a quest.
1 Meeko
Meeko is a dog, and he is one of the easiest animal companions to gain in Skyrim because he doesn’t cost anything, and the player does not have to join a faction or complete a quest to gain him as a follower.
Players can encounter Meeko near Morthal, where he will lead them into a forest and show them the shack that he used to live in with his master. Meeko functions as a typical dog in Skyrim and will be helpful in defeating strong enemies.
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