Since its announcement back in 2018, fans have been eagerly awaiting The Elder Scrolls 6. With countless re-releases of the instant classic The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, it has been over ten years since Bethesda has delivered a mainline offering to the franchise. During this time, fans have poured innumerable hours into the world of Skyrim while joined by a plethora of diverse companions on their adventures. The follower mechanic has always been a staple of the series, and will surely return with The Elder Scrolls 6. While many characters are iconic for their re-appearances throughout the series, there are several followers introduced in TES 5 that players would love to see make the journey into the next game.
The setting of TES 5, the land of Skyrim is home to many characters with diverse personalities and abilities that can accompany the player throughout their RPG experience. As the Dragonborn progresses through their adventure they gain the loyalty of several Nordic Housecarl guards, local guild warriors, and general unique oddballs that bring a sense of companionship to the world of Skyrim. While some of the characters with backstories more deeply tied to their homeland would be more difficult to adapt into the next title, there are also several followers in TES 5 that could fit into any province, or may even have connections to the setting of TES 6.
The Rumored Setting of The Elder Scrolls 6 is an Opportunity for Underrated Follower Reappearances
Rumors have circulated that TES 6 will explore Hammerfell, making this the potential first appearance of the massive land in a mainline TES title since 1996’s The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Hammerfell being home to the Redguards opens up the possibility for the returns of the few characters of the race present in TES 5. With the province also bordering the Orc and Breton home region of High Rock, the followers of these races have a good chance of appearing as well. Even some non-human creature followers in Skyrim are loved by fans alike, and the appearance of a returning follower in any role has great potential to expand the connected world of Tamriel.
- The Orsimer and very rare Redguard companions that join the Dragonborn on their journey would make a lot of contextual sense returning in some capacity for TES 6 if it ends up taking place in Hammerfell. Their status as some of the cooler follower offerings in Skyrim would make their follow-up incarnations beloved by fans.
- Ahtar is a unique Redguard executioner companion recruited in the capital of Solitude. He is an interesting, morally complex follower that is unfortunately limited by his underperforming stats. As the only Reguard follower in vanilla TES 5, he shows the Redguards deserve more in TES 6.
- Ghorbash the Iron Hand is an Orc ranger that players can find in an orc stronghold and convince to join them. He’s unique not just for being one of the few Orc companions, but because of his honorable personality and status as a respectable ex-Imperial Legion soldier that somewhat challenges the brutish stereotypes of Orcs.
- Borgakh the Steel Heart is an Orc warrior with a compelling story and unique status as the only female Orc companion. Her tribal arranged marriage plotline and subsequent opportunity to marry the Dragonborn shows the narrative potential for this unique type of character in TES 6.
- Durak is an Orc ranger available in the Dawnguard DLC, and a very powerful follower to have in combat. He is under-developed as a character and a return in TES 6 could flesh out the unique vampire hunter.
- Ogol, Ugor, Lob are a set of Orc followers that are gained upon the completion of Malacath’s daedric quest. While “The Cursed Tribe” was an interesting side quest, more development for these generic cultist characters could be fascinating in the next title.
Skyrim Introduced Some of the Most Beloved Followers in Series History
Skyrim is home to many followers that have had ample time to grow on players and become beloved icons of the series. While some niche picks that deserve another chance exist, there are several popular heavy hitter companions in TES 5, any of which would make fans absolutely ecstatic upon their return.
- Lydia, a Nord warrior is probably the most recognizable and iconic follower in TES 5. The first housecarl guard appointed to the Dragonborn early on, she is more beloved due to familiarity and loyalty than anything particularly striking about her. In the next game, deeper characterization centered around her sense of duty has potential.
- Serana, on the other hand, is by far the most popular and useful follower in the game’s history. Introduced with the Dawnguard DLC, she is an extremely unique Nord vampire princess with amazing relevance to both plot and gameplay. Not utilizing her in some form for TES 6 would be a missed opportunity.
- Aela the Huntress is a Nord thief of The Companions guild of Skyrim's werewolves. A beloved character and part of her guild’s questline, many fans appreciate her gruff and aggressive personality as it complements her true bestial nature.
- Marcurio is a seemingly conventional Imperial mage residing in an inn. What makes him special to players is his silver tongue, as he is well known for his many biting and sassy remarks that show his arrogant spellcaster personality, having the gall to tell the Dragonborn quotables like: "Don't make me wait too long...I get bored very easily." while simply idling.
- J’zargo is a follower that must be mentioned when discussing notable followers throughout Skyrim, as the unique Khajit sorcerer is one of the most charming and highest rated companions in Skyrim. Between his many unique lines that show his earnest appreciation for learning magic, his actual combat effectiveness, and the fact he’s one of the only Khajit followers available, it makes perfect sense to give J’zargo some attention in the upcoming TES 6.
- Meeko the abandoned dog tugged at the heart strings of many players alike. Seeing his return, or similar plotlines regarding pets would be a welcome wholesome addition to the world. Even monsters like the underpowered hell hounds, CuSith and Garmr would greatly benefit from a larger place in the next installment.
Wherever the next title in The Elder Scrolls takes place, it’s certain to introduce a massive new world in the same vein as its groundbreaking predecessors. Players can hope that beloved followers from the land of Skyrim find their places in the next adventure, but only time will tell what Bethesda has in store for The Elder Scrolls 6.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is currently in development.