It’s more than worth the trouble, though. Followers aid you in battle, carry extra equipment, fill soul gems, and even marry you, in some cases. Others have unique quests associated with them that warrant the detour even without the extra benefits followers offer.
Skyrim followers - How to get followers in Skyrim
Skyrim divides followers into two types, NPC humanoid or creature followers, though each category has subsets of its own. Some humanoid followers join you after completing a quest, while others are mercenaries and only tag along if you shell out enough coin. In general, you can only have on humanoid follower and one creature follower. It’s not clear just yet whether Skyrim Anniversary Edition
Skyrim followers - Faction followers
These belong to Skyrim’s various dominant groups, including The Circle and the Dark Brotherhood. Each has a quest you need to complete first, and, obviously, if you want to recruit them, you need to spare the follower in question should the option to kill them or side against them ever arise.
Skyrim followers - Housecarls
You’ll earn these followers after becoming thane in their respective region. Almost all of them are Nord Warriors, but the benefit is they have no moral qualms about committing crimes.
Skyrim followers - Quest followers
Completing the quests associated with each of these characters unlocks the option to recruit them as followers, assuming they’re still alive.
Skyrim followers - Mercenary followers
Each mercenary follower charges 500 gold to recruit, but they stay with you until they die. Some are even marriage candidates.
Skyrim followers - Other followers
Recruiting this next batch is a bit more difficult, since they each have a unique requirement.
Skyrim followers - Creature followers
These friendly critters follow you into battle, but they can’t carry equipment. A trusty companion is the perfect addition to one of the best Skyrim builds. Or for more help, here’s our full list of Skyrim guides.
