Expertise, Combat Styles, and Who You Should Trust With Your Back
Some companions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are more than baggage carriers or banter machines. A few are skilled enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Dragonborn against dragons, giants, or vampires. While follower power can shift depending on playstyle, equipment, and level scaling, certain characters consistently prove themselves in open combat.
1. Serana
Despite being introduced in the Dawnguard DLC, Serana has become one of the most reliable and overpowered followers in the game. As a vampire with a necromancer’s toolkit, she summons powerful undead, wields destructive spells, and regenerates health quickly thanks to her vampiric nature.
Combat Style:
- Heavy use of Ice Spike, Vampiric Drain, and Raise Zombie
- Will often reanimate powerful enemies to fight on your side
- Immune to paralysis and resists frost damage
Strengths:
- Cannot be killed due to quest-related essential status
- High utility in both ranged magical damage and crowd control
- Brings undead support and rarely needs babysitting
2. Aela the Huntress
Aela is a werewolf, archer, and member of the Companions who benefits from essential status during key quests. She excels as a ranged attacker and remains one of the most consistent followers for stealth and archery builds.
Combat Style:
- Specialises in Archery and Light Armour
- Uses Hunting Bow by default but scales well with gear upgrades
- Can be equipped with better bows and arrows to maximise output
Strengths:
- Strong synergy with stealth or ranger characters
- Resilient due to Light Armour and good mobility
- Can transform into a werewolf (though not while following)
3. Cicero (Level 15+)
If you recruit Cicero after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline, he becomes a surprisingly competent follower. Though eccentric, he’s a dual-wielding dagger specialist with high sneak and rapid attack speed.
Combat Style:
- Dual-wielding, backstabbing assassin
- High Sneak, One-Handed, and Light Armour skills
- Makes full use of sneak attacks and hit-and-run tactics
Strengths:
- Exceptional damage in ambush or stealth situations
- Uses a jester’s speed and agility in tight combat
- Hard to pin down due to erratic movement and light armour
4. Farkas
A fellow Companion and potential spouse, Farkas is a tank in every sense. Clad in heavy armour and swinging two-handed weapons, he absorbs hits and keeps enemies off your back.
Combat Style:
- Two-Handed melee with greatswords or battleaxes
- Heavy Armour provides staying power
- Straightforward aggression in combat
Strengths:
- Solid frontline presence
- Easily kitted out with upgraded gear
- Useful for melee-heavy playstyles or when you need a distraction
5. Mjoll the Lioness
Found in Riften, Mjoll is one of the few followers who is essential and cannot be killed. She has a strong moral compass, but she’s also a powerhouse with a greatsword.
Combat Style:
- Prefers Two-Handed weapons and Heavy Armour
- Acts as a defensive frontliner
- Aggressive in combat without needing micro-management
Strengths:
- Cannot die even outside quests
- Works well with offensive or defensive Dragonborn builds
- Holds aggro efficiently and can take a beating
6. Ingjard
One of the lesser-known Dawnguard followers, Ingjard is a beast in heavy armour with a melee focus. She appears only after certain progression in the Dawnguard faction.
Combat Style:
- One-Handed and Shield, or Two-Handed depending on equipment
- Heavy Armour and straightforward melee approach
- No magical distractions
Strengths:
- Effective tank and melee damage-dealer
- Can be outfitted for optimal survivability
- No moral objections or dialogue interruptions
7. Vorstag
Hirable in Markarth, Vorstag is a mercenary by trade, and it shows. He uses heavy armour and one-handed weapons with a shield, offering balance between offence and defence.
Combat Style:
- One-Handed and Shield
- Moderate aggression with defensive potential
- No faction restrictions or quest involvement
Strengths:
- Affordable and efficient early-mid game tank
- Flexible depending on how you gear him
- Low-maintenance with decent durability
8. Jenassa
Found in The Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun, Jenassa offers a lethal combination of Sneak, Archery, and One-Handed combat. She’s especially effective when using poisons and ranged support.
Combat Style:
- Mix of ranged and melee, depending on gear
- Leans into stealth and precision
- Agile and aggressive in equal measure
Strengths:
- Solid for stealth builds
- Effective when upgraded with better weapons
- Agile and good at picking off isolated enemies
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Skyrim’s follower system is broad, but not all companions are built equally. Serana often stands at the top due to her combination of magic, survivability, and personality, while others like Aela, Farkas, and Mjoll offer strength that scales naturally with improved gear. Whether you’re looking for a stealthy ally or a frontline bruiser, Skyrim has someone who fits the role. Just don’t expect them all to survive a Legendary difficulty dragon fight without your help.
