Better Stealth AI for Followers - No Torch while Sneaking
⚪ Last updated 2014⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 5.1% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #26 of 143 Followers and Companions mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
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This mod improves the stealth AI for followers, so they don't rush into combat before the enemy has fully detected the player. Followers will also unequip torches while sneaking.
This will work with any follower who uses the default follower system, including followers added by other mods and even animals (if they use the default follower quest). It also works for Cicero and the Dark Brotherhood Initiates, as well as the Thieves Guild quest followers. The Dawnguard version also adds Serana.
W
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OESThis mod changes follower behavior in three ways. These changes only occur while the player is sneaking. If the player is not sneaking, then the follower's behavior will be unchanged.
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[]While the player is sneaking, the follower won't initiate combat with nearby hostiles until after the enemy has actually attacked. Once either the follower or the player is attacked, the follower will enter combat like normal.
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]If the follower has a torch equipped, they will unequip the torch while sneaking.[]When sneaking, the follower will make fewer random comments.
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tAfter installing the mod, a new dialogue option ("Let's discuss stealth combat tactics...") will appear when you talk to your follower. Selecting this dialogue will assign your follower to one of the Better Stealth aliases. After this, you will have two options: 1) normal combat behavior or 2) the modified stealth combat behavior. You can choose to switch back and forth between these modes any time you talk to your follower. Followers who have been assigned to Better Stealth aliases will always unequip torches while sneaking no matter which combat mode they are in.
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DDITIONALI
NFORMATION[]You must select the initial dialogue topic before your follower will exhibit the new stealth behavior.
[]If you dismiss your follower or have them wait, they will retain the chosen behavior the next time you ask them to follow (unless you clear the aliases).
[]You can have up to 25 followers assigned to Better Stealth aliases. If you exceed this number, a message box will come up asking you if you want to clear the aliases. Selecting "Yes" will clear all aliases. This means you will have to speak with any followers to reassign them.
[*]For some reason, followers don't always put away their torch the first time you sneak after hiring them. This issue can be corrected by dismissing/rehiring them. It also seems to naturally corr
This mod improves follower stealth AI in Skyrim, preventing them from attacking before enemies fully detect the player and making them unequip torches while sneaking. It works with all standard followers and is compatible with most follower mods. With over 18,000 endorsements, it's a community favorite for stealth players.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge community trust (18,751 endorsements) — this is a must-have for stealth builds.
- Fixes a major annoyance: followers blowing your cover by attacking too early.
- Simple, focused tweak that doesn't overhaul follower behavior — just makes them smarter.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2014 — may have compatibility issues with newer Skyrim versions or mods.
- Only affects standard followers; custom followers might not be covered.
- No detailed documentation on exact AI changes or potential conflicts.
For stealth-focused players who are tired of followers ruining their sneak attacks. Also great for anyone using follower mods that don't address torch behavior. Skip if you prefer followers to act aggressively or if you use heavily customized follower frameworks.
💡 Beginner Tips
- If you're using a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2, just download and install — it's a simple plugin.
- Check your load order: place this mod after any follower overhaul mods to ensure compatibility.
- Test with a follower in a dungeon to see the torch unequip behavior — it's most noticeable in dark areas.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim LE Mods
- Author
- kryptopyr and nbtc971
- Version
- 3.4
- Downloads
- 366,869
- Endorsements
- 18,751
- Category
- Followers and Companions
- Created
- 5/6/2012
- Updated
- 6/3/2014
🔧 How to Install Skyrim LE Mods
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