Finding follower base id
REF-SKYRIM CONSOLE: It was suggested on another page that one could use the help function to search for a follower's base ID. However I clicked 'help' and found only a menu of topics, all static (no search/query option),. So, how DOES a tyro like myself find the base ID so I can use it to make my follower essential? I know the command but I lack the Base ID, not the Ref ID
Best Answer
When it comes to the console there are three types of commands:
- Toggle Commands (Rendering and UI options)
- Targeted Commands (for manipulating an actor or object)
- Untargeted Commands (they affect the game in various other ways)
The help command is an untargeted command but requires a "parameter" to be entered as an argument. Like most commands, help can take multiple parameters, but we're only interested in the first one: "filter". This is text used to filter the search, and so the command you enter looks like this: help "<filter text>". So if you wanted to find Lydia you can type help "Lydia" (for single word filters the parentheses/braces are optional).
That works well in game, but there is another way using the fantastic online resource: UESP (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages). This website has just about every piece of information available on every Elder Scrolls game, this includes a list of followers in Skyrim. You can find your follower in this list or use the search box on the left to find them (every person in Skyrim has their own info page). Go to the followers individual page and the infobox on the right will show their "base id" and their "ref id". The base id can be used to create a new copy of the follower, the ref id can be used to manipulate a reference of the NPC that is already in the world (recommended).
Since you want to set a follower as essential you'll need to use the base id along with the setessential targeted command. This command uses two arguments; "baseId" and 0/1 (where 0 is mortal and 1 is essential). So, for Lydia, we can take her baseId from the help command or from the UESP and use the command setessential 000A2C8E 1 to make her essential.
Is there and easier way to do this? - Of course, mods!
Since you have access to the console then you're on PC and also have access to mods. There are lots of great follower mods that do many things included setting a follower as essential, examples include Ultimate Follower Overhaul (no SE version available) and Amazing Follower Tweaks (SE version).
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How do I find my NPC ID?
If you can't see or click the NPC you want to get the RefID but you know its name, then on the console type "save funclist 1". It will open a txt file with every refID in your save game, just search for its name.How do you find the base ID of an NPC in Fallout 4?
If you enable the console with an NPC in view you can just click on them and it will "select" them and display their id in the upper center of the console.How do I find my reference ID in Fallout 4?
Also, for those looking to find the reference IDs for an object you have the base ID for:How do you find a lost follower in Skyrim?
When you have lost your follower, you should first try to retrace your steps. If you told your follower to wait for you, they will be where you asked them to wait. If you still can't find them, try using Fast Travel, your follower should reappear with you at your new location.Ho comprato 1000 Followers FAKE - Il risultato ti stupirà 😱
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: cottonbro, Markus Spiske, Angela Roma, Torsten Dettlaff
