Skyrim introduced a more robust follower system than previous entries in The Elder Scrolls. Many players' first follower is Lydia, who becomes the Dragonborn's housecarl after they receive the title of Thane of Whiterun upon completion of the quest "Dragon Rising". For many, especially first-time players, this happens fairly early in a playthrough, and so Lydia has the potential to accompany the Dragonborn on many of their adventures during Skyrim. Lydia's presence emphasizes the importance of the first follower, as she explains the role of a housecarl, and introduces many follower mechanics to players.
Starter followers don't necessarily need to be the most important followers in The Elder Scrolls, but they do need to be compelling and fulfill certain objectives, such as introducing follower mechanics. Lydia comes across as purely expositional rather than full of personality with emotional ties to the character and the story, and so it can be difficult to connect with her. The Elder Scrolls 6 can look to other examples of followers to emulate to do better with its starter follower.
Lydia's Place in Skyrim's History
The Elder Scrolls 6 has a lot that it could improve when concerning its starter follower. While Lydia is a strong follower in Skyrim, and is especially impressive considering the jump from The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion to Skyrim, follower systems in video games (including other Bethesda games such as Fallout 4) have improved dramatically since Skyrim's release in 2011. While Lydia fulfills her purpose, she also has very little personality compared to other followers, and is mostly remembered for her role in the story as the first follower, her appearance, and the fact that she is not essential and can die.
Lydia Doesn't Make a Mark on Skyrim
A starter follower needs to introduce follower mechanics to the player, but they also should be narratively compelling and tied to the story. Lydia is only tangentially tied to the main storyline of Skyrim, and while she introduces the basic follower mechanics in Skyrim, she isn't narratively compelling. Serana, the follower from Skyrim's Dawnguard expansion, is a far better example of what a first follower could be, with a compelling story tied to the main plot, an interesting personality, and a relationship with the Dragonborn that develops as time passes.
The Lessons The Elder Scrolls 6 Can Take From Skyrim and Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls 6 could take the lessons it learned with both Lydia and Serana to create a starter follower that becomes iconic in The Elder Scrolls. The follower needs to be closely tied to the story, without overshadowing the player character, but also needs to have a personality that is memorable. The follower would also ideally have a unique relationship with the player character that develops as the story progresses, and that is influenced by the player's decisions over the course of the story.
Starter followers don't necessarily need to be the most important followers in The Elder Scrolls, but they do need to be compelling.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion included Martin Septim as a follower for a short time. Although he spent much of Oblivion's storyline secluded in one location, his ties to the main storyline and developing relationship with the Hero of Kvatch added emotional depth to Oblivion that some would argue was missing from Skyrim, where many of the relationships were more professional. A character like Serana or even Martin Septim, who is close to the player character and central to the plot but cares deeply for the player character, would give The Elder Scrolls 6 a much-needed emotional connection to the storyline and the world.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
- Released
- November 11, 2011
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda Softworks
WHERE TO PLAY
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim celebrates 10 years of adventuring in stunning detail. The Anniversary Edition includes a decade worth of content: the critically acclaimed core game and add-ons of Skyrim Special Edition, plus Creation Club content released on or prior to November 11, 2021.
EPIC FANTASY REBORN
Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.
LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLD
Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAY
Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.
BATTLE DRAGONS
Battle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
- Engine
- Creation Engine
- Cross-Platform Play
- no
- Cross Save
- no
- Expansions
- Skyrim: Dragonborn, Skyrim: Hearthfire, Skyrim: Dawnguard
- Franchise
- The Elder Scrolls
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 35 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium (Special Edition)
- File Size Xbox Series
- 29 GB (DECEMBER 2023)
