All Essential Skyrim Followers Who Can't Die

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Not all followers in are created equal, and there is no better proof of that fact than the existence of essential followers. These NPCs are internally marked as significant characters, usually due to their involvement in important quests. As a result, they are impossible to kill by any means; bringing their health down to zero will only temporarily incapacitate them. While other followers can perish (rather easily) in their service to the Dragonborn, 's essential followers will stick by the player's side through the toughest battles, and that makes them some of the best company.

Indeed, takes a far different approach to story-important NPCs than did. In, every character was capable of dying, regardless of whether it rendered the main quest line unfinishable. On one hand, this made the RPG feel more immersive — but on the other hand, it could prove frustrating for players who weren't aware of the consequences in advance. Thankfully, in the latest mainline title, players no longer need to worry about their companion's mortality, provided they keep 's essential followers around.

Aela the Huntress is one of the best wives to marry in , but she's also one of the strongest followers the Dragonborn can adventure with, given her status as an essential follower. Indeed, the loyal Companion and passionate member of the Circle can't be killed, allowing players to take advantage of her archery and one-handed weapon skills at all times. Aela also offers to bestow some powerful, but transformative, abilities on the Dragonborn near the end of The Companions quest line. It's up to them whether they accept, but they'll have to do so to complete the quest line.

However, quest line completion may not be all it's cracked up to be. It's important to note that Aela is only marked as an essential follower prior to finishing the Companions quest line. In order to have an immortal Aela by their side for the long run, the Dragonborn will need to forgo completing that particular story arc.

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