TL;DR
- Companions divide into permanent followers and temporary quest partners with distinct recruitment methods
- Strategic quest management allows keeping certain partners indefinitely by avoiding quest completion
- Party composition follows strict type limitations while allowing multiple quest partners simultaneously
- Advanced management includes equipment optimization and strategic positioning for maximum combat effectiveness
- Time investment varies significantly between quick quest partners and lengthy permanent follower acquisition
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Companion systems represent a cornerstone of Bethesda’s RPG design philosophy, offering both tactical advantages and narrative depth throughout your Cyrodiil adventures. The remaster preserves this beloved feature while introducing refined mechanics that veteran players will appreciate and newcomers must understand to maximize their effectiveness.
Oblivion Remastered structures followers into two distinct classifications with unique recruitment protocols and behavioral patterns. Permanent followers join through specific achievement-based triggers, while quest partners accompany you temporarily during designated mission sequences.
Permanent Companions provide lasting partnership after you complete their acquisition requirements. These allies accept commands, follow customized directives, and remain available until explicitly dismissed from service. Their loyalty stems from completed tasks rather than temporary narrative convenience.
Quest Partners serve as temporary escorts during specific storyline segments or side missions. Characters like Brother Martin during the “Weynon Priory” quest exemplify this category, providing assistance only until specific objectives conclude.

Party management follows specific constraints: while you may recruit numerous companions, only one representative from each permanent follower category can accompany you simultaneously. Quest partners face no numerical restrictions but remain bound to their designated quest parameters.
Securing permanent allies requires completing specific achievement chains and meeting character prerequisites. Unlike temporary quest partners, these companions demand significant time investment but offer reliable long-term partnership.
The Adoring Fan becomes available after achieving the “Grand Champion” status in the Arena questline. This enthusiastic follower provides comic relief and unwavering loyalty, though his combat capabilities remain limited compared to more martially inclined companions.

Mage Apprentice recruitment initiates through the Arcane University advancement system. After reaching appropriate magical proficiency and completing associated scholarly tasks, aspiring mages may petition to join your expeditions.

Knights of the Nine followers become accessible upon completing the eponymous crusader questline. These holy warriors offer formidable combat support and specialized abilities against undead and daedric threats.

Each permanent companion category imposes unique recruitment timelines, with the Arena championship requiring approximately 8-10 hours of dedicated combat, while the Mage Apprentice chain demands 6-8 hours of magical development. The Knights of the Nine questline represents the most extensive commitment at 12-15 hours for full completion.
Quest partners present unique strategic opportunities for players seeking temporary but powerful companionship without permanent commitment. Understanding how to leverage these temporary alliances can significantly enhance your early to mid-game experience.
The critical insight involves recognizing that quest partners remain available indefinitely if you deliberately avoid completing their associated missions. Brother Martin exemplifies this approach—by never delivering him to Jauffre during “Weynon Priory,” he continues as a functional companion throughout your adventures.
Side quest companions offer particularly valuable exploitation potential, as these missions carry no narrative urgency or completion requirements. Characters acquired during optional adventures can effectively become permanent assets through strategic quest management.

However, this approach carries inherent risks: unfinished quests may block progression in related storylines or cause unexpected gameplay conflicts. Always maintain backup saves before employing strategic quest avoidance techniques.
Advanced players should prioritize companions with unique skills or equipment capabilities when selecting which quest partners to retain. Some temporary followers possess specialized magic or rare combat techniques unavailable through permanent recruitment options.
Mastering companion logistics separates novice adventurers from veteran heroes of Cyrodiil. Proper follower management encompasses equipment optimization, tactical positioning, and strategic role assignment.
Inventory Management: Permanent followers can carry excess equipment, effectively expanding your storage capacity. However, overload them cautiously—excessive weight slows their movement and combat responsiveness.
Combat Positioning: Position spellcasters at range while placing melee specialists at the forefront. Mixed companion groups require careful formation management to avoid friendly fire and combat interference.
Equipment Optimization: Provide followers with gear matching their combat specialties. Mage apprentices benefit from magical enhancement equipment, while knights perform better with heavy armor and powerful weapons.
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Common management mistakes include neglecting follower equipment upgrades, poor formation discipline leading to combat inefficiency, and underestimating the tactical value of specialized companion abilities.
For comprehensive character development strategies that complement your companion choices, explore our Class Guide for specialized build recommendations.
Remember that while Complete Guide resources offer additional context for optimizing your overall gameplay approach alongside companion management.
Action Checklist
- Complete Arena questline to Grand Champion status for Adoring Fan
- Advance through Arcane University ranks to unlock Mage Apprentice
- Finish Knights of the Nine crusader questline for holy warrior companions
- Identify valuable quest partners in side missions for strategic retention
- Optimize follower equipment based on combat specialization and role
- Establish combat formations that maximize companion effectiveness and minimize friendly fire
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » All Companions In Oblivion Remastered And How To Get Them Master companion recruitment in Oblivion Remastered with strategic follower management and optimization techniques
