Practically any game is better with pets, and Skyrim is no exception. Even before the Hearthfire DLC officially added the long-awaited option, mod authors were already hard at work in adding lovely companions to the RPG.
From furry little dogs to fearsome dragons, mod authors have truly expanded on the available options for little companions. After all, braving the countless challenges and quests that the game presents is so much more enjoyable in the company of a loyal pet. Besides looking incredibly adorable, many of these pets are also quite useful in combat, being more than capable of holding their own in a dire Draugr dungeon.
The 25 Best House Mods For Skyrim Special Edition, Ranked
Skyrim is known for its robust modding community, a group that has even gone so far as to create amazing and beautiful house mods for players.
10 Harold The Pack Goat
Endorsements - 1,061
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 32,909
- Total views - 120,567
After all, making packing mules out of regular followers is so 2011. In fact, Harold can even take much more than, say, Lydia, and will be much happier in doing so. This adorable goat will happily tread along, carrying all the ill-gotten goods that players quickly assimilate.
While he might not be that useful in a fight, his companionship is absolutely worth it. He might not be the strongest, most fearsome, or even the fluffiest of pets, but his undying loyalty is beyond questioning.
9 No More "Stupid Dog" Comments
Endorsements - 3,379
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 301,529
- Total views - 170,610
First of all: rude. While the comment by itself is bad enough, the fact that even the players’ allies are the ones to say it, makes it somehow even worse. No matter who players ultimately choose as their pet, no dog deserves such an unwarranted attitude.
Skyrim: 32 Best Light Armor Sets, Ranked
Light armor in Skyrim may not provide equal protection to heavy, but it has its perks, particularly for players looking to be sneaky and stealthy.
Besides simply fixing this particular atrocity, the mod author has also brought a lot of positivity to NPC interactions with the dogs. In particular, friendly NPCs will now, finally, address the furry companions as “Good Dog!”. And the world is a little better for it.
8 Styx the Spectral Wolf
Endorsements - 816
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 24,808
- Total views - 108,313
There are many reasons to love Styx. First of all, she starts out as an actual puppy and continues to grow with the player’s level. She will always be relevant in battle, as her powers and stats scale with her size/age.
Beyond that, she will never trigger traps or get detected, making her reliable even in the precarious dungeons full of swinging axes and springing spike walls. With custom animations, mechanics, and interactions, she will be a fantastic pet to those who decide to adopt her.
7 A Cat's Life
Endorsements - 3,102
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 189,061
- Total views - 270,913
Can there be such a thing as too many cats in Skyrim? No. This mod adds cats to literally every corner of the game, filling it with busy whiskers going on about their business. Cities are now populated by all sizes and varieties of felines, and players are free to interact with them in several ways, provided by the mod.
Skyrim: The 17 Hardest Encounters In The Entire Game
The balance in each mainline Elder Scrolls game typically leans towards easy, but that doesn't mean that each title doesn't have tough moments.
From feeding to playing, to befriending and adopting them, Dovakins can easily get lost in the new world ruled by cats. And why shouldn’t they?
6 Vigilance Reborn
Endorsements - 1,788
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 296,158
- Total views - 182,172
Vigilance has been a loyal pet companion, ever since he was added to the game. This mod adds more than just different reskin options, drastically improving the overall utility of using him as a companion. First of all, the mod adds a special horn that allows players to directly summon him, without the need to go back to Markarth every time.
Beyond that, Vigilance is now actually good at stealth, which has been quite the problem before. With all of that, playing with the loyal hound is more fun and engaging than ever.
5 Merlin the Corgi
Endorsements - 972
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 334,038
- Total views - 112,718
A wizard corgi in a magical hat is exactly what certain players lack in their overly-modded playthroughs. Aside from looking positively dazzling, Merlin is quite deserving of his name, being capable of using unique and powerful magic against players’ enemies.
36 Games With The Best Mods Available, Ranked
Mods are a great way of re-experiencing a game. These mods are absolute must trys.
Using elemental attacks, Merlin can burn, freeze, and electrocute whoever is unfortunate to cross his path. On top of all that, all the models are completely original, and even the “voice acting” is done by the author’s own pet corgi!
4 Meeko Reborn
Endorsements - 2,670
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 371,143
- Total views - 220,724
Meeko has always been a loyal dog companion and deserves a proper glow-up. With reworked mechanics that help with exploration, Meeko will no longer step into traps and is much less likely to alert enemies.
The mod comes with a variety of different skins, from a few versions of a wolf to a touched-up version of his old self. No matter what skin the players choose, this improved version of Meeko will be a great fit for those who have already played with him, and those who have yet to make him their pet.
3 Ryder - A Talking Wolf Companion
Endorsements - 315
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 338,187
- Total views - 92,917
Who wouldn’t want a talking wolf for a companion? Ryder is a charming wolf, that is as good in the heat of a fight, as he is in a philosophical conversation. There is a lot of lore to discover when it comes to Ryder, and players are encouraged to find out what he thinks for themselves.
Skyrim: 23 Amazing Mods That Add Exciting New Areas To Explore
Skyrim has some of the best mods out there. These mods will give players some amazing new areas to explore.
This is a great mod for those who want to spruce up their playthroughs with not just a pet, but a new companion. Who knows what stories Ryder can tell those willing to listen?
2 Sabretooth - The Loyal Sabrecat Companion
Endorsements - 1,048
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 426,691
- Total views - 181,834
Sabretooth is another companion-like pet, with a myriad of interesting features and abilities. One of the big focuses is the Bond system. Depending on how much time players spend with Sabretooth, their Bond will grow in levels, gaining new abilities and perks along the way.
Interestingly enough, the perks are not as simple as a “+5 to Strength” bonus, but rather interactive abilities that players need to pay attention to, such as Fury, that triggers when Sabretooth is on low HP.
1 Gladys the Corgi
Endorsements - 1,375
- Link To The Mod
- Total Downloads - 458,674
- Total views - 180,454
Gladys is currently sitting as the highest-downloaded Pet mod, with over 450,000 downloads. And it is easy to see why, with so many features and the absolutely adorable look. Gladys can help the players in battle, carry around some baggage, and even bring nearby items over to the player.
There are a number of ways players can interact with Gladys, from playing fetch to giving treats, and of course, giving her many well-deserved pets. She is an amazing follower, and players will be glad they took her along.
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
