Who is the Unkillable Follower in Skyrim? Unmasking the Myth and Reality
In the vast, dragon-infested world of Skyrim, where danger lurks around every corner and even the most seasoned Dragonborn can find themselves in a tight spot, the idea of an "unkillable" follower is a tempting one. Many players have wondered if there's a companion who can truly stand toe-to-toe with the fiercest beasts and most cunning assassins without ever falling. Let's dive deep into what makes some followers seem invincible and which characters come closest to this elusive title.
The Myth of the Truly Unkillable Follower
The truth is, in the standard game mechanics of Skyrim, there isn't a single follower who is *literally* unkillable. All followers, no matter how powerful they seem, can be defeated in combat. Their health bars can reach zero, leading to a state of incapacitation where they might flee or, in some cases, die permanently (depending on their specific scripting and game difficulty).
Why the Confusion? Factors Contributing to the "Unkillable" Perception:
- High Level and Strong Gear: Many followers are designed to be robust. They level up with the player and can be equipped with powerful armor and weapons, making them incredibly durable.
- Essential vs. Protected Status: This is a crucial distinction.
- Essential NPCs: These characters cannot be killed by the player or enemies. They will simply become incapacitated and recover once combat is over. Think of them as being "down but not out" permanently.
- Protected NPCs: These characters *can* be killed by enemies, but not by the player. This means they are safe from your accidental friendly fire, but still vulnerable to the game's threats.
- Combat AI and Behavior: Some followers are programmed to be more aggressive, strategic, or simply better at avoiding damage, giving the illusion of invincibility.
- Player-Induced Circumstances: Sometimes, players might not be aware of a follower's essential or protected status, or the exact circumstances under which they can be permanently killed.
The Closest Candidates: Who Feels Unkillable?
While true unkillability is a myth, several followers come very close due to their "Essential" or "Protected" status and their inherent combat prowess. These are the characters most likely to be perceived as unkillable:
1. J'Zargo (Khajiit Mage)
J'Zargo is a popular choice for many players, and for good reason. He's a powerful Destruction mage who levels up infinitely with the player, meaning he can become incredibly potent. More importantly, J'Zargo is scripted as an Essential NPC. This means that while he can be knocked down and incapacitated, he cannot be permanently killed. Once a fight is over, he'll recover and be ready for more.
2. Lydia (Housecarl)
As your first Housecarl, often assigned to you after becoming Thane of Whiterun, Lydia is a stalwart companion. She's a warrior type, good with melee and with a shield. Lydia is also considered Protected. This means enemies can defeat her, but you, the player, cannot accidentally kill her. She'll fall in battle, but enemies won't be able to finish her off, and she'll usually recover when the combat subsides. While she *can* technically be killed by enemies under certain rare circumstances or if certain mods are in play, for most gameplay, she's incredibly resilient.
3. Serana (Dawnguard DLC Vampire)
If you have the Dawnguard DLC, Serana is an exceptional follower. She's a powerful vampire mage with unique abilities and an engaging storyline. Serana is also an Essential NPC, making her virtually unkillable through normal gameplay. She can take a beating and will always get back up.
4. Mjoll the Lioness (Nord Warrior)
Located in Riften, Mjoll the Lioness is a fierce warrior who is also marked as Essential. This makes her incredibly tough and unable to be permanently killed. She's a great tank and damage dealer, making her a reliable ally throughout your adventures.
5. Durak (Dawnguard Follower)
If you're part of the Dawnguard faction, Durak is a capable warrior follower. He is also an Essential NPC, meaning he cannot be permanently killed. His resilience makes him a valuable asset in the fight against the Volkihar vampires.
The Crucial Difference: Essential vs. Protected
Understanding the difference between "Essential" and "Protected" is key to managing your followers and understanding why some seem unkillable:
- Essential: Cannot die, period. They will always recover from incapacitation.
- Protected: Cannot be killed by the player, but can be killed by enemies. They will recover from incapacitation if not finished off by an enemy.
Followers who are *neither* Essential nor Protected can be killed permanently by either the player or enemies. This is why losing some followers can feel so devastating – they're gone for good!
When Followers *Can* Be Permanently Killed
Even followers with "Essential" or "Protected" status can technically be killed permanently in a few specific, often glitchy, scenarios:
- Certain Dragon Attacks: Sometimes, if a dragon's breath attack lands a fatal blow while they are already downed, it can lead to permanent death.
- Specific Quest Outcomes: A few quests might have scripted deaths for certain characters, though these are rare for companions.
- Bugs and Glitches: The Elder Scrolls games are known for their occasional bugs. A follower might die permanently due to an unexpected game mechanic or an environmental hazard.
- Modifications: If you're playing with mods, the rules can be completely changed. Some mods are specifically designed to make all followers killable, or conversely, make certain followers truly unkillable.
The Bottom Line
While the idea of a truly unkillable follower in Skyrim is more of a persistent player belief fueled by game design and specific NPC scripting, there are several companions who come exceptionally close. Characters like J'Zargo, Serana, Mjoll the Lioness, and Durak are all Essential NPCs, meaning they can never be permanently killed through regular gameplay. Lydia, while Protected, is also incredibly resilient and rarely lost. These companions offer the peace of mind that your trusty ally will always be there to fight by your side, ready to be revived after even the most harrowing battles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if a follower is unkillable?
You can generally tell if a follower is "unkillable" (meaning Essential or Protected) by observing their behavior in combat. If they get knocked down but always recover after the fight, they are likely Essential or Protected. You can also check online wikis for specific NPC statuses.
Why do some followers die permanently while others don't?
This is due to their scripting within the game. "Essential" NPCs cannot die at all, while "Protected" NPCs cannot be killed by the player but can fall to enemies. Followers who are neither Essential nor Protected can be permanently killed by any source.
Can I make any follower unkillable?
In the unmodded game, no. Their status is fixed by the game developers. However, if you are playing on PC and are comfortable with mods, there are numerous mods available that can change a follower's essential status, making them unkillable or even making previously unkillable followers killable.
What's the difference between Essential and Protected followers?
An Essential follower can never die, no matter what. They will always recover from being downed. A Protected follower cannot be killed by the player (protecting you from accidental friendly fire), but they *can* be killed by enemies in combat.
What if my favorite follower died permanently? Can I get them back?
In the unmodded game, if a follower who is not Essential or Protected dies permanently, they are gone for good. Your only recourse is to load a previous save file before their death. If you're using mods, certain mods might offer ways to resurrect fallen followers.
