missing in action skyrim

2 min read 23-01-2025

Skyrim, with its vast world and diverse characters, offers a unique experience for each playthrough. One integral part of this experience is the companions you recruit along the way. But what happens when your loyal follower vanishes into thin air? This guide tackles the frustrating problem of missing followers in Skyrim, offering solutions and explanations for why they might disappear.

Why Did My Follower Vanish?

The reasons for a missing follower in Skyrim can be varied. Sometimes, it's a simple glitch; other times, it's a consequence of your actions (or inactions).

Common Causes of Follower Disappearance:

Death: The most obvious reason. If your follower dies in combat, they're gone for good (unless you have mods). Load a previous save if this happens.
Stuck in the World: Followers can sometimes get stuck in the environment, clipping through walls or becoming unreachable.
Dismissed and Lost: If you dismissed your follower and haven't given them a designated location to wait, finding them can be tricky.
Quest Bugs: Certain quests can cause followers to disappear or become unresponsive.
Mods: Mods, while adding to the game, can sometimes introduce bugs that lead to follower disappearance. Check your mod load order and consider disabling recently added mods.

How to Find Your Missing Follower

If your follower isn't dead, here's a step-by-step approach to finding them:

1. Check Common Locations:

Your Last Known Location: Begin by returning to where you last saw your follower.
Your Home: If they have a designated home (like Breezehome or Proudspire Manor), check there.
Major Cities: Whiterun, Riften, Windhelm, Solitude, Markarth – these are common locations followers might wander to.
Taverns: Followers often hang out in taverns.
Previous Quest Locations: If your follower was with you during a quest, retrace your steps.

2. Use the "Wait" Function:

Sometimes, simply waiting for a short period (24 hours) can cause your follower to reappear. This can resolve minor glitches that have caused them to become temporarily unstuck.

3. Reload a Save:

This is the most effective way to solve many follower issues. Load a save from before the follower went missing. It's a preventative measure to save frequently!

4. Use Console Commands (PC Only):

player.placeatme <follower ID>: This command requires knowing your follower's ID. You can find this using the help command and searching for the follower's name. Once you have their ID, use this command to place them at your location.
prid <follower ID> then moveto player: This is another method for PC players that can teleport your follower to your location.

Important Note: Be aware that using console commands can potentially disrupt your game's stability and can cause further issues, making it better to avoid if possible.

5. Check for Mods Conflicts:

If you are using mods, consider disabling recent additions. A conflicting mod could be causing the problem. Check the mod's page for comments regarding missing followers.

Preventative Measures:

Save Frequently: This is the most important tip to avoid the frustration of losing progress. Save often, especially after completing quests or engaging in potentially risky situations.
Dismiss Followers Carefully: Only dismiss followers when you are certain you can easily find them again, or designate a safe waiting spot.
Keep an Eye on Your Followers: Pay attention to their actions, especially during combat.
Understand Quest Mechanics: Some quests cause followers to temporarily disappear as part of their storyline.

By following these steps, you should be able to find your missing Skyrim companion! Remember, patience and diligent searching are key. If all else fails, a previous save is often your best friend. Happy adventuring!