Even after all these years, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim still pulls me back in with one simple question: Who’s the strongest follower I can bring along on my Dragonborn journey? Whether you’re sneaking through dungeons, clashing with dragons, or just looking for someone to carry your 15 extra sets of dragon bones, the right companion makes all the difference.
And here’s the fun part—Skyrim’s best followers aren’t just muscle. Some bring powerful spells, others come with unkillable perks, and a few even add a layer of storytelling that makes your adventure richer. Today, I’m breaking down the strongest followers in Skyrim ranked for 2025, so you’ll know exactly who deserves that spot at your side.
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Why Followers Matter More Than You Think
Let’s be honest—you can absolutely solo Skyrim. But why would you, when you can roll into battle with an immortal lioness, a vampire necromancer, or even a Daedric dog? Followers aren’t just extra hands; they’re game-changers.
Here’s why:
- They take aggro, letting you land deadly shots from a distance.
- They boost immersion, making Skyrim feel alive with banter, questlines, and personality.
- They’re your extra backpack when you’re over-encumbered (and you will be).
- Some are literally unkillable, which means endless tanking without fear of loss.
For me, choosing a companion isn’t just about combat strength—it’s about synergy with your build. Are you a stealth archer? You’ll want someone like Aela. Are you a mage? J’zargo scales right along with you. That’s what makes this ranking so exciting—it’s not just who’s “strongest,” but who’s strongest for you.
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How I Ranked Skyrim’s Strongest Followers
Before we jump into the list, let me clarify how I decided the rankings. I didn’t just throw names around—I looked at:
- Combat skills and level scaling (because nobody wants a follower who caps at level 30 when you’re at 60).
- Survivability (being essential or unkillable is a huge advantage).
- Unique perks and utility (like training skills or casting rare spells).
- Recruitment availability (how soon you can get them in your playthrough).
- Fan-favorite factor (because what’s power without personality?).
Now that we’re set, let’s talk about the companions who really change the game.
Strongest Followers in Skyrim Ranked
🔥 1. Flame Thrall – The Technically Unkillable Summon
If we’re talking raw power, nothing quite beats the Flame Thrall. This isn’t your typical follower—it’s a Master-level Conjuration spell that summons a permanent fire atronach. The beauty here? It never dies for good. If it falls in battle, just cast the spell again.
Why it’s amazing:
- Spams devastating fireball attacks.
- Permanent summon means you don’t need to refresh like normal atronachs.
- Perfect backup for mage-focused Dragonborns.
The catch? You need to grind Conjuration up to level 100 and grab the Master spell from Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold. But once you unlock it, you basically have an eternal flamethrower on legs following you.
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🧛 2. Serana – The Fan-Favorite Vampire Companion
Let’s be real—you knew Serana would be high on this list. Introduced in the Dawnguard DLC, Serana isn’t just powerful; she’s arguably the most beloved Skyrim companion ever. And for good reason.
Why she’s so strong:
- She wields necromancy, reanimating corpses mid-battle to turn enemies into extra allies.
- Mixes Destruction magic, frost spells, and archery, making her versatile in any fight.
- She’s essential, meaning she can’t be killed—perfect for hardcore dragon battles.
What makes Serana even more special is her personality. She’s not a silent follower; she has tons of dialogue, reacts to quests, and even feels like a true companion rather than just a pack mule. I’ve run entire playthroughs with her and never felt bored. If you want the strongest follower who also feels alive, Serana is your pick.
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🛡️ 3. Mjoll the Lioness – The Immortal Warrior Tank
If your playstyle leans toward charging in head-first, Mjoll is your girl. Found in Riften, Mjoll the Lioness is essential—which means she cannot die. Period. That alone makes her one of Skyrim’s best tanks.
Here’s why she’s a beast:
- Strong melee fighter with two-handed weapons.
- Heavy armor tanking lets her soak up hits while you deal damage.
- Her questline with Aerin adds some fun roleplay flavor if you like story-driven companions.
What I personally love about Mjoll is that she fits perfectly into a melee Dragonborn build. While she’s soaking up damage, you can deal critical strikes or cast spells from the backline. Plus, you never have to worry about reloading because your follower got randomly one-shotted.
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🏹 4. Aela the Huntress – The Stealth Archer’s Dream
Every stealth archer out there knows the grind—sneaking through caves, one-shotting bandits, and praying your follower doesn’t blow your cover. Enter Aela the Huntress, one of the most synergy-friendly companions in Skyrim.
Why Aela shines:
- She’s a master archer who can train you up to Archery level 75.
- Wields a bow with deadly precision.
- Comes with sneak and light armor skills that complement stealth play.
The only caveat? Aela is a member of the Companions, and you’ll need to join their questline to recruit her. But once you do, she’s one of the most reliable partners for anyone living that stealthy Dragonborn lifestyle.
🐺 5. Barbas – The Indestructible Daedric Dog
Barbas isn’t your ordinary follower. He’s part of the Clavicus Vile Daedric quest, and while he’s technically not a “normal companion,” he’s one of the most overpowered allies you can have. Why? Because he cannot die.
Why Barbas is a hidden gem:
- He soaks up enemy damage like a sponge.
- Always draws attention away from you in combat.
- Works alongside another follower, essentially giving you two companions at once.
The downside is that he’s tied to the Daedric quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend,” so you can’t keep him permanently unless you delay completing it. Still, if you’re struggling with a tough section of Skyrim, Barbas is basically a cheat code.
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🐱 6. J’zargo – The Ambitious Khajiit Mage
You meet J’zargo at the College of Winterhold, and while he starts as a cheeky apprentice, don’t underestimate him. He’s one of the few followers in Skyrim who has no level cap, meaning he scales endlessly with you.
Why J’zargo is insane for long-term play:
- Keeps getting stronger as your Dragonborn levels up.
- Specializes in Destruction magic and can blast enemies with powerful spells.
- His personality adds flair—cocky, but fun to have around.
If you’re running a mage-heavy playthrough or just want a follower who grows with you, J’zargo deserves a top spot on your list.
🤡 7. Cicero – The Assassin Nobody Saw Coming
Love him or hate him, Cicero is unforgettable. As part of the Dark Brotherhood questline, this eccentric jester can become your permanent follower—and he’s not just comic relief. He’s actually one of the deadliest assassins in the game.
Why Cicero dominates:
- High Sneak and One-Handed stats make him perfect for stealth builds.
- Comes with unique, quirky dialogue that keeps your playthrough entertaining.
- His dual-wielding dagger attacks melt enemies at close range.
Sure, his personality isn’t for everyone, but mechanically, Cicero is one of the strongest companions if you play as a rogue or stealth assassin.
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🏔️ 8. Lydia – The Iconic Housecarl Tank
Ah, Lydia. She’s the follower almost every Dragonborn meets first, assigned as your housecarl after becoming Thane of Whiterun. While some see her as “basic,” I’ll defend Lydia any day of the week. She’s reliable, sturdy, and a classic Skyrim companion.
Why Lydia deserves respect:
- Heavy armor and one-handed weapons make her a solid frontline fighter.
- She’s available early in the game, perfect for new players.
- She’ll carry your burdens (literally), making inventory management way easier.
She might not have the flashy skills of Serana or J’zargo, but Lydia represents what Skyrim followers are all about—loyal, useful, and always there when you need them.
Other Notable Followers Worth Considering
While the above eight rank as the strongest Skyrim followers, there are several others worth a shoutout depending on your build:
- Illia – A frost mage with solid spell support.
- Farkas & Vilkas – Companions who hit hard with melee builds.
- Teldryn Sero – A Dunmer spellsword available in Dragonborn DLC, mixing magic and swordplay.
- Aranea Ienith – A powerful mage tied to Azura’s quest.
If you like experimenting, these followers can add a lot of variety to your playthroughs.
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Followers with Unique Playstyles
Not all companions are human. Skyrim also lets you roll with trolls, armored frost trolls, and even dogs like Meeko. While they may not rank as “top-tier strongest,” they add a ton of flavor if you’re roleplaying.
One of my favorite underrated combos? Running with Aela and an armored troll—basically building your own mini warband.
How to Maximize Your Follower’s Potential
Even the strongest followers can underperform if you don’t set them up right. Here’s how to make your companion unstoppable:
- Upgrade their gear: Give them enchanted weapons, heavy armor, or bows. Followers will always equip the best items you hand them.
- Exploit unique perks: Aela’s archery training or Serana’s necromancy can completely shift battle outcomes.
- Mods for smarter AI: If you’re on PC, follower AI mods like “Amazing Follower Tweaks” make companions smarter and more customizable.
Trust me—once you start optimizing their loadouts, Skyrim’s toughest battles become a lot less intimidating.
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Conclusion
So, who’s the strongest follower in Skyrim? Honestly, it depends on your playstyle. If you want raw firepower, the Flame Thrall is unmatched. If you want versatility and personality, Serana is the go-to. For unkillable tanks, you can’t beat Mjoll or Barbas. And if you’re in it for the long haul, J’zargo’s scaling makes him a monster late-game.
That’s the beauty of Skyrim—even after hundreds of hours, there’s no single right answer. Your “best companion” is the one that makes your adventure more fun.
Now it’s your turn—who’s your favorite Skyrim follower and why? Drop your thoughts below; I’d love to hear which ally has been your ride-or-die in Tamriel.
