The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim achieved its massive popularity for many reasons — the engaging gameplay, exciting locations to explore, and a world that felt more alive than most contemporary games can achieve. Despite having been around for over a decade, Bethesda Softworks' crown jewel still feels as refreshing as ever.

The lands of Skyrim are full of life, incorporating birds, beasts, and all sorts of arcane creatures into its terrain. More importantly, there are numerous NPCs littered throughout the continent, many of whom can accompany the Dragonborn on their journey. These characters have well-thought-out backstories and questlines, making them excellent choices for player companions. While there are dozens of potential followers in the game, there are a few that stand out from the rest in terms of the benefits they can provide the player in combat.

Updated on January 27, 2024 by Kennedy King: Despite information about The Elder Scrolls VI being extremely scarce, many RPG fans continue to play the franchise's previous installment, Skyrim, on a regular basis. Although the game hasn't received any notable updates in recent years, there is always room to debate its best companions.

10 Mjoll The Lioness Is An Honorable Warrior

Inside the Bee and Barb Inn in Riften is a powerful warrior known as Mjoll the Lioness. After being saved by a local man named Aerin, she took up the cause of ridding the Hold of ne'er-do-wells and criminals, taking specific aim at the Thieves Guild and Black Briars. That said, she doesn't make much progress until the protagonist comes along.

• Training: None
• Skills: Two-Handed Weapons, Heavy Armor, Block
• Marital status: Can be married

When recruited to join the Dragonborn, Mjoll performs very well as a tank character. Her decent skills and hit points put her among the best melee-oriented companions in the game. However, she has no tolerance for criminal activity and therefore may not perform as well when accompanying Skyrim's shadier player characters.

9 Vilkas Outperforms His Brother In Battle

The two brothers Vilkas and Farkas are part of the Companions, a guild of warriors and werewolves that make their home in Whiterun Hold. Both can be recruited as followers once the player has completed Skyrim's main questline for the faction.

• Training: Two-Handed
• Skills: Lycanthropy, Heavy Armor, Block, One-Handed, Two-Handed
• Marital Status: Can be married

Vilkas has a big edge over his twin brother when it comes to supporting the Dragonborn on the battlefield. Farkas has some wasted points in non-combat skills, whereas Vilkas is a strong frontline companion with a high hit-point total. These attributes make him both a pretty decent tank and damage dealer.

8 Aela The Huntress Remains The Best Follower From The Companions

Aela the Huntress is a fan-favorite follower thanks to her skills, her striking appearance, and her unique backstory. She is another member of the Companions and is a part of its leadership group, The Circle. Like many Companions members, she is also a werewolf, but this side of her character rarely manifests during gameplay.

• Training: Archery, Lycanthropy
• Skills: Archery, Sneak, One-Handed, Light Armor
• Marital status: Can be married

Aela is a thief-type character with skills to match, able to sneak effectively and provide some excellent cover with her impressive archery abilities. She also tolerates the actions of the Dragonborn should they choose to take up less savory activities such as thievery and murder.

7 J'zargo Has The Magic Skills To Match His Attitude

A surprising example of a Khajiit who has fully embraced the study of magic, J'zargo is confident to the point of arrogance and is determined to become the best mage among the students at the College of Winterhold. However, despite his overwhelming pride, he genuinely doesn't try to steal the Dragonborn's thunder.

• Training: None
• Skills: Illusion, Heavy Armor, Destruction, One-Handed
• Marital status: Cannot be married

Of the few magic-focused companions, J'zargo is arguably the best. He comes with a decent list of spells to cast and doesn't have a level cap, so his power will scale up alongside the Dragonborn. The only problem is his occasional muttering, but players can simply choose to ignore his endearing rants.

6 Argis The Bulwark Will Take The Hits Meant For The Dragonborn

Once The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's playable character becomes the Thane of Markarth, they will be granted the services of Argis the Bulwark. This one-eyed Nord warrior has clearly seen his fair share of battles in defense of his homeland, as evidenced by the treasure trove of skill points at his disposal.

• Training: None
• Skills: One-Handed, Block, Archery
• Marital status: Can be married

Argis maxes out at level 50, at which point he becomes quite a heavy-hitter in combat. With a heavy pool of hit points to soak up damage and some pretty decent one-handed and shield skills, he is one of the best tanks in the game. A bulwark refers to a defensive fortification, and Argis consistently remains true to his name.

5 Teldryn Sero May Be The Best Deal Available For A Follower

Among more interesting and unique followers available, Teldryn Sero is a Dunmer spellsword who hails from Morrowind. He can be recruited as a companion near the settlement of Raven Rock on Solstheim, albeit after payment of 500 Septims. Although this is technically a good deal for one of the most versatile followers in the game, early players may not have saved enough money for this transaction.

• Training: None
• Skills: One-Handed, Light Armor, Conjuration, Destruction
• Marital status: Cannot be married

Featuring a strong mixture of magic and melee, Teldryn Sero can conjure a Flame Atronach to fight alongside the player. This feature, combined with his level cap of 60, makes him an incredibly high-value companion in Skyrim.

4 Lydia Is One Of The First Followers, But Also One Of The Best

Lydia, the Housecarl of Whiterun, has often been the subject of disparaging memes, many of which refer to her annoying ability to get in the Dragonborn's way at the most inopportune moments. However, Lydia remains one of the best followers in the game for a player who is looking for a strong combat-focused ally. She is also a marriage candidate for those who can get past her gruff exterior.

• Training: None
• Skills: One-Handed, Heavy Armor, Archery, Block
• Marital status: Can be married

Boasting some pretty impressive melee skills and a lot of hit points to back them up, Lydia can take a beating for the Dragonborn in addition to carrying their burdens. She also features more extensive dialogue than some other companions, making travel just a little less boring.

3 Despite His Bizarre Personality, Cicero Perfectly Accents Stealth Builds

Cicero is an interesting companion, to say the least. A member of the Dark Brotherhood and the Keeper of the Night Mother's coffin, Cicero's behavior can only be described as deeply bizarre. As long as the player overlooks his odd mannerisms and occasionally annoying antics, he can be a valuable follower for a more nefarious Dragonborn.

• Training: None
• Skills: One-Handed, Light Armor, Archery, Sneak
• Marital status: Cannot be married

One of the best stealth-focused followers in the game, Cicero will be an asset to any players who rely on a cloak-and-dagger playstyle. Then again, he habitually begins dancing at random moments — some players may find this funny, while others simply can't stand to be around someone as unstable as Cicero.

2 Frea Is A Fighter With Few Equals

Possibly the best warrior-type follower available in Skyrim, Frea is a Skaal shaman who lives on Solstheim. She is fighting to free her people from Miraak's influence over the land and will join the player in their quest to vanquish the first Dragonborn.

• Training: None
• Skills: Alteration, Restoration, Light Armor, One-Handed
• Marital status: Cannot be married

Frea is no slouch in combat; in fact, she's quite the opposite. Boasting some significant melee skills, the Nord is a rare companion capable of dual-wielding weapons, giving her some hefty damage potential. In addition, she has no level cap, meaning her abilities will grow to match the player.

1 Serana Earns Her Popularity Through Wit, Charm, And Necromancy

Serana is one of the most popular followers in Skyrim, and for good reason. This pure-blooded vampire is both charming and full of depth, with one of the most interesting backstories in the entire series. Serana is also a powerful companion for the player, with the ability to use necromancy to summon undead to fight alongside them.

• Training: None
• Skills: Conjuration, One-Handed, Sneak, Light Armor
• Marital status: Cannot be married

She also boasts a decent combination of magical and non-magical skills to aid the Dragonborn in combat. For these reasons, among many others, Serana is quite possibly the best follower available in Skyrim. Serana is unique in that she doesn't act like the other companions in the game, but more like an autonomous entity.