DEC - Dynamic Essential Companions
⚪ Last updated 2019⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 3.6% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #163 of 176 Companions mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Installation:
Extract the ESP to your Data folder or use a mod manager of your choice.
What it does:
It will dynamically set the essential status of vanilla, DLC, and mod added companions based on if they are following you. This will work with hardcore mode, "bare-bones" mod added companions, JIP Companion Command and Control forced companions, and can be easily toggled if desired.
Compatibility:
Setting NPCs to essential comes with the possibility of breaking a quest they are supposed to die in or causing an inconsistency in the story.
However, this mod can be temporarily disabled via the Mod Configuration Menu or you can set an NPC to be ignored by looking at them and pressing a hotkey (default Right-Alt). This should carry little risk of breaking anything as long as you know whats coming up (or reload to an earlier save and configure).
At the same time, I want this mod to be as seamless as possible. If you report a specific case of something breaking (mod, quest, NPC) I will do what I can to patch or prevent it.
Notes:
I've tested this as thoroughly as I can, but issues might and likely will crop up. Dealing with them should be very straight-forward, however, as basic debugging tools are made easily available, and I plan on fixing and adding features until I'm happy with the state of DEC.
DEC - Dynamic Essential Companions automatically grants essential status to current companions and removes it from former ones, preventing accidental deaths while allowing ex-companions to be killed. A lightweight utility for Skyrim players who want companion safety without permanent invulnerability.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Smart design: essential only when needed, no more immortal ex-companions
- Lightweight and focused—does exactly what it says
- Community-trusted with 203 endorsements and 5,689 downloads
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2019—may have compatibility issues with newer Skyrim versions or mods
- No detailed documentation or patch notes provided
- Requires a mod manager for proper installation, which might be a hurdle for beginners
For Skyrim players who want to protect their active followers without making them permanently unkillable. Ideal for those who use multiple companions and want a more immersive, dynamic system. Skip if you prefer simple permanent essential followers or don't use companions often.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Use a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 to install and manage this mod, as manual installation can lead to load order issues.
- Place DEC in your load order after other companion mods to ensure it overrides their essential settings correctly.
- Test with a follower you don't mind losing—if the mod works, they'll become killable after dismissal, so save before experimenting.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- New Vegas Mods
- Author
- MildlyShoey
- Version
- v1.1
- Downloads
- 5,689
- Endorsements
- 203
- Category
- Companions
- Created
- 11/10/2018
- Updated
- 4/14/2019
🔧 How to Install New Vegas Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for New Vegas →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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