Skyrim is a massive game, featuring a massive nation bustling with many peoples. And fortunately for players, there's quite a selection of possible companions among its many characters.

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Indeed, from mages to warriors to archers, from mercenaries to soldiers to assassins, there are quite a few followers scattered throughout the frozen landscape. Those of the mercenary lifestyle have become rather popular among many a Dragonborn. For those seeking help for hire, these are all of Skyrim's mercenary followers and where to find them.

Updated November 25, 2023, by Sean Murray: Skyrim mercenaries are a great way to increase your offensive capabilities or just offer a few words of encouragement when you're diving into a Dwemer ruin. Whether it's for combat or companionship, this guide has been improved with better formatting and more breakout tips to get the most out of your merc. We've also given this guide more links to other helpful Skyrim topics.

Belrand - The Prideful Historian

Belrand is a Nord who is fun to have around when you dive into Nordic Tombs and Dwemer ruins. He's very proud of his heritage and will give you little tidbits of knowledge when you travel to these places, like the fact that you can sell Dwemer artifacts on the black market in Cyrodiil. He'll also boast about Nordic craftsmanship, brag that they outlived the Dwemers, and complain about Imperials.

Belrand will be among the easiest hirelings to find, namely through his well-frequented location. And he'll be a decent companion, maxing out (as with almost all other Hirelings) at level 40.

Aside from being a hireling, Belrand is also a possible Blades recruit and marriage candidate. He can also become a steward if players have the Hearthfire DLC installed.

Where Can You Find Belrand?

Belrand lives in the capital city of Skyrim, Solitude. You can almost always find him on the first floor of the local pub, the Winking Skeever, where he'll brag about his abilities to convince you to hire him.

Erik the Slayer - A Warrior From Humble Beginnings

Such a fearsome name for such an inexperienced mercenary. Indeed, Erik is the only hireling who doesn't start out as such. Instead, he begins as a simple villager helping his father run an inn, but hungers for so much more. Successfully completing his small, personal quest of convincing his father to allow his adventuring will unlock him as a follower.

He's not a marriage candidate, but he can be a Blades recruit or house steward. So, for those interested in this humble hireling, be sure to swing by his small village.

Where Can You Find Erik The Slayer?

Erik the Slayer (or just Erik, as he's known when you meet him) lives in Rorikstead. He's almost always inside the local inn, the Frostfruit Inn, but he does occasionally walk around the village.

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Jenassa - The Jaded Hunter

Jenassa is the only female hireling in all of Skyrim and its DLCs. She's also one of the two non-human hirelings available, making her a fantastic oddity to have as an ally. She's also vocal about her willingness to participate in less-than-legal activities. All mercenaries are willing to participate in crime, but Jenassa's manner may be reassuring.

She can be a marriage candidate or Blades recruit. But she won't be available to be a steward. Either way, she'll be among the earliest hirelings players will encounter.

Where Can You Find Jenassa?

Jenassa is always found in the Plains District of Whiterun. You'll see her at the Drunken Huntsman, a tavern and fletcher's shop, She'll either be leaning against the wall outside, or sitting somewhere inside.

Marcurio - Your Sassy Best Friend

Marcurio is one of two hirelings who primarily uses magic to fight, and he has plenty of personality to back up his power. Don't hire him if you can't handle his snarky remarks, like asking why you never investigate a warm tavern or bemoaning the fact that you'll probably leave a Nordic Tomb with everything and anything of value.

Aside from being a hireling, he is a potential bachelor, Blades recruit, or steward. Whichever players desire, he'll be waiting for hire.

Where Can You Find Marcurio?

Marcurio lives in Riften. He is normally located inside the Bee and Barb Inn, near the marketplace entrance.

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Stenvar - A Veteran Warrior With An Eye For Gold

Stenvar is yet another Nordic follower. In the traditional Nordic form, he's a fierce fighter, through and through! Since he's a big, burly man, you might expect him to be a little aloof. However, he's actually quite talkative and friendly, making lighthearted comments during your travels. If you head into ancient ruins where long-forgotten treasure might await, you'll quickly realize he's got a bit of a greedy side.

Stenvar can be a bachelor or Blades recruit, but not a Steward. Either way, he'll be a fantastic ally or fighting partner.

Where Can You Find Stenvar?

Stenvar can be hired in Windhelm. He'll usually be on the second floor of the Candlehearth Hall.

Vorstag - Your Mine-Phobic Friend

The last of the main Skyrim hirelings, Vorstag is yet another Nordic warrior. He's very similar to Stenvar in fighting style, with a few small differences. Vorstag focuses on archery and one-handed weapons, rather than two-handed, as Stenvar does. He's incredibly anxious around mines (though he loves caves) because he's scared of the poisonous gas that can fill them. After living in Markarth, we can't blame him.

Like Stenvar, he can be married or made a Blade. However, he can't become a steward.

Where Can You Find Vorstag?

Track Vorstag down in Markarth. He'll be near the fireplace of the Silver-Blood Inn.

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Teldryn Sero

Teldryn is an extremely unique follower, as he's the only hireling added by any of Skyrim's three DLCs. He's also the second non-Nord and major magic user of all the Hirelings. He's also got a lot of personality, and you can learn quite a bit about his life. For example, you'll discover that he grew up in the capital city of Morrowind: Blacklight.

He can't be married, nor can he be made into a house steward. Interestingly enough, though, this Dunmer hireling can be made a Blades recruit. The choice, of course, is ultimately up to the players' discretion.

To hire Teldryn Sero, you must own the Dragonborn DLC for Skyrim.

Where Can You Find Teldryn Sero?

Teldryn Sero is found in Raven Rock, on Solstheim. He'll be near the entrance of the Wretching Netch Corner Club.

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