Here’s how to get Six Or More “Followers” in Skyrim
If you’re want to have the maximum possible amount of followers (it is lonely traveling alone, i know) who will fight by your side, you can trick the game a bit by going on certain quests to recruit people into your party but not finishing the quest. In A Daedra’s Best Friend you get to recruit a rather reliable dog companion named Barbas. In Alduin’s Wall, two seasoned fighters tag along. Combine these NPCs with a Conjuration thingamajig or two (must be at max level) and a follower, then you’ve got a full traveling circus along for the adventure.
Quests in which you get a follower that can stick around include:
Courtesy of IGN