Can your follower leave you in Skyrim?

Can Your Follower Leave You in Skyrim?

In the vast open world of Skyrim, having a loyal follower by your side can be a game-changer. They can provide valuable assistance in combat, help with carrying heavy loads, and even offer a sense of companionship. However, as with any relationship, there may come a time when your follower decides to leave you. But can they really leave you in Skyrim?

Temporary Follower Departure

Temporary followers, such as those you hire at inns or recruit from the wilderness, can indeed leave you if they get tired of waiting. According to the game’s mechanics, if you leave your follower waiting for 72 hours, they will start walking back to their original location. This means that if you hire a follower and then leave them waiting for an extended period, they may decide to abandon you and return to their starting point.

Housecarls and Their Loyalty

Housecarls, on the other hand, are a different story. These loyal warriors are sworn to serve the Jarl of their respective holds and will remain by your side unless you explicitly dismiss them. Even then, they may return to their Jarl and offer their services once again. Housecarls are known for their unwavering loyalty and will not abandon you unless you give them a reason to do so.

Why Do Followers Leave?

So, why do followers leave in the first place? There are several reasons why this might happen:

• Waiting Too Long: As mentioned earlier, temporary followers can get tired of waiting and decide to leave if you leave them waiting for too long.
• Combat Failure: If your follower is defeated in combat, they may decide to leave you and seek better opportunities elsewhere.
• Lack of Reward: If you don’t reward your follower with sufficient loot or praise, they may become disillusioned and decide to leave.
• Personal Reasons: Some followers may have personal reasons for leaving, such as family obligations or a desire to pursue a different path.

How to Keep Your Follower

So, how can you keep your follower from leaving you? Here are a few tips:

• Keep Them Busy: Make sure your follower is always busy with tasks or quests. This will keep them engaged and prevent them from getting bored or restless.
• Reward Them: Make sure to reward your follower with sufficient loot and praise. This will show them that you value their services and appreciate their loyalty.
• Communicate: Communicate with your follower regularly. Let them know what’s going on and what you need them to do. This will help build trust and prevent misunderstandings.
• Be Patient: Be patient with your follower. Don’t expect them to be always available or willing to follow you everywhere. Give them space and let them come to you when they’re ready.

Conclusion

In conclusion, followers in Skyrim can indeed leave you, but there are ways to prevent this from happening. By keeping them busy, rewarding them, communicating with them, and being patient, you can build a strong and loyal relationship with your follower. Remember, a good follower is a valuable asset in the world of Skyrim, and with the right approach, you can keep them by your side for the entire duration of your adventure.