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.
Must Read: The Best Skyrim Light Armor Sets Ranked Guide
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:
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.
Must Read: Skyrim Vampire Cure Explained: How to Undo the Curse of Immortality
Before we jump into the list, let me clarify how I decided the rankings. I didn’t just throw names around—I looked at:
Now that we’re set, let’s talk about the companions who really change the game.
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:
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.
Must Read: Best Skyrim Modlist in 2025 for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation
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:
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.
Must Read: The Most Powerful Weapons in Skyrim Ranked
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:
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.
Must Read: Skyrim Windhelm Murders: How to Solve the Infamous Butcher Mystery
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:
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.
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:
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.
Must Read: Best Troop Strategies in Clash of Clans for 9th Town Hall Freshers
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:
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.
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:
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.
Must Read: Best Sensitivity Settings for PUBG Mobile [Tested]
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:
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.
While the above eight rank as the strongest Skyrim followers, there are several others worth a shoutout depending on your build:
If you like experimenting, these followers can add a lot of variety to your playthroughs.
Must Read: Best Handheld Gaming Consoles
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.
Even the strongest followers can underperform if you don’t set them up right. Here’s how to make your companion unstoppable:
Trust me—once you start optimizing their loadouts, Skyrim’s toughest battles become a lot less intimidating.
Must Read: Best Retro Gaming Console
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.
Sony has finally lifted the curtain on the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for October 2025,…
Hey Gardeners! 🍂 Autumn has officially arrived in Grow a Garden, and with it comes…
If you’ve been spending hours on Roblox recently, chances are you’ve heard the buzz around…
If you’ve made it this far in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, congratulations — you’re…
The final full week of September is shaping up to be one of the busiest…
Skyrim has been capturing the hearts of gamers for over a decade, and if you’re…