Summary
One of the biggest draws in RPGs is the characters.Skyrimclearly recognized this, as it leaned into NPCs more than its predecessor,The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, which had temporary followers during important story quests. By introducing a follower and marriage system,Skyrimadded another way for the Dragonborn to get to know and befriend thecharacters who inhabit Skyrim. This mechanic proved to be incredibly popular, with some of the most endearing characters inSkyrimbeing available as followers to the Dragonborn.
The Elder Scrolls 6needs to embraceSkyrim’s follower mechanic to create memorable characters and moments. Taking the follower mechanic further inThe Elder Scrolls 6by giving followers more agency and personality would be a great way to make them more memorable. It would also be a good strategy to give players more roleplaying opportunities to build their characters and establish their personalities and place inThe Elder Scrolls 6.
Creating Memorable Characters in The Elder Scrolls
Some of themost memorable characters inSkyrimwere followers, such as Lydia, Cicero, and Serana. Lydia stands out as many players' first follower, as she’s assigned as the Dragonborn’s housecarl early in the main storyline ofSkyrim. Cicero is intrinsically tied to the Dark Brotherhood storyline, and so his interactions and story are more developed than many other followers, making him a favorite among many fans. Serana only appears in theDawnguardDLC, but her later appearance means that Bethesda developed the follower system so that her interactions are more in-depth than followers fromSkyrim’s base game.
Skyrim’s followers can carry inventory items, attack enemies, hold their position, and follow simple commands such as praying at a shrine or sleeping in a bed. There are dozens of followers that can be recruited through various means, usually through completing a small quest related to the character that works out in their favor. These quests raise the NPCs' disposition towards the Dragonborn, and unlock their role as a follower. Other followers work as mercenaries, where the Dragonborn need only pay a fee to have them accompany them.
Developing the Role of Followers in The Elder Scrolls 6
Serana is a popular companion because of the depth of her interactions, her story, and her relationship with the Dragonborn. Rather than just obeying a set of orders,Serana shares her history with the Dragonborn, has conversations with them, and makes a multitude of comments about the various settings that the pair find themselves in.
Traveling across an open world can be lonely, and having a companion changes the experience for the better.The Elder Scrolls 6can take the lessons it learned with Serana and expand on them.Followers with deeper and diverse personalities than inSkyrim, more interactivity, conversation options, diverse moralities, and storylines could become a key part ofThe Elder Scrolls 6, especially if they could participate or have a role in the main storyline.
Followers with better interactivity and personalities would also be a great addition to abetter romance system inThe Elder Scrolls 6. Companions who are romanced and possibly married could accompany the player out of the home and into the field, but give commentary and conversation that is relevant to their situation and surroundings, rather than the same default lines that every companion and spouse is given inSkyrim,erasing all traces of personality.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
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 July 05, 2025.EPIC FANTASY REBORNSkyrim 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 WORLDPlay 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 PLAYChoose 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 DRAGONSBattle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
