Dark Necromancer Build (5 followers)

This Build can be achieved on Vanilla by utilizing a few glitches in a specific sequence, allowing you to have 5 followers with no mods. Tested working on Nintendo Switch 2 Anniversary..

Here are the steps:

Live in Darklight Tower (nothing ever despawns + The vibe)

Gain illia as a follower (best ice mage) WARNING!! She becomes a regular npc once dismissed

Grind Conjuration to level 90 by casting soul trap on dead things

At conjuration 90, can buy the spell Dead Thrall from Phinis at Mage's College (must complete his quest, "Conjuration Ritual Spell"

Start Dawnguard quest and go to Dimhollow crypt to get Serena. She follows for free but for now take her home and join the vampires. (or Dawnguard if your a soyboy)

Progress to the quest "Chasing Echoes" (serena will track you down for help, giving you the quest)

sneak into castle Volkihar backyard

get to Valercia's Secret Alchemy Laboratory, find the journal, and advance the quest objective to "Capture the Soul Cairn Portal" Serena will start inspecting the room. Go to the wooden door that goes onto the balcony outside. Fast travel away with Illia alive. Serena should not follow.

Sacrifice Illia AT DARKLIGHT TOWER and cast Dead Thrall on her.

Living companion slot is now open. Hire any follower.

Fast travel back to the balcony. Go back into the lab and talk to Serena. Follow her into the soul cairn. Now the entire quest can safely be completed, and you will have 3 followers.

(note: never dismiss or ask serena to accompany you. this breaks the glitch)

Now, grind Conjuration to 100 for the "Twin Souls" perk and cast Dead Thrall on a 2nd corpse of your choosing, Bringing your party size to 5.

You can now leave corpses at Darklight Tower to swap at your leisure SO LONG AS THEY ARE ANCHORED!!

(Thralls can only be swapped safely by leaving "Anchor Items" in their inventory. Anchor Items: Aetherium Wars Book, Lost Legends Book, Arondil's Journal 1-4, Thalamor Execution Orders, and quest items for unfinished quests like Klimmek's Supplies)

p.s. Anchor Items should remain in their inventories

p.s.s. Only Unique Named NPCs work.

p.s.s.s. Too many anchored corpses will bug out your game.

p.s.s.s.s. Use conjure Flame atronach twice in Darklight tower to safely kill your thralls for swapping.

p.s.s.s.s.s. The 5th follower is a pet of your choice.

Have Fun! :)