Can You Get Breezehome for Free in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! While the “legitimate” purchase of Breezehome in Whiterun will set you back a cool 5,000 gold, there are a few well-known exploits and strategies you can employ to snag this starter home without emptying your virtual coin purse. Let’s dive into how you can acquire Breezehome for free in Skyrim.
Methods for Acquiring Breezehome at No Cost
The Gold Drop Exploit
This is the most widely known and arguably the easiest method. It relies on a loophole in the game’s trading and dialogue system. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prerequisites: You must have at least 5,000 gold in your inventory and have completed the quest “Bleak Falls Barrow” for Jarl Balgruuf. This grants you the right to purchase property in Whiterun.
- Initiate the Purchase: Speak to Proventus Avenicci, Jarl Balgruuf’s steward, and initiate the dialogue about purchasing Breezehome.
- The Key Step: The instant Proventus finishes the dialogue accepting your gold (just after you choose to buy it), quickly open a nearby container (a chest, barrel, anything accessible).
- Dump Your Gold: Transfer all your gold into the container before Proventus has a chance to actually process the transaction fully. Timing is key here.
- Claim Your Prize: Proventus will proceed as if you’ve paid, giving you the deed and the key to Breezehome.
- Retrieve Your Fortune: Now, retrieve your 5,000 gold from the container. You’ve successfully gotten Breezehome for free!
Important Notes for the Gold Drop Exploit:
- Timing is Paramount: This exploit hinges on precise timing. If you’re too slow, the transaction will go through normally, and you’ll lose the gold. Practice makes perfect! Save your game beforehand so that you can reload in case something goes wrong.
- Nearby Container: Choose a container close to Proventus to minimize the time it takes to transfer the gold.
- Game Version: This exploit has been known to work across different versions of Skyrim, including the original, the Special Edition, and Anniversary Edition, but it can be patched out so it may not be possible with the latest version.
- Ethical Considerations: Some players consider this method “cheating.” If you prefer a purely legitimate playthrough, this might not be for you.
Is This Considered Cheating?
Many in the gaming community debate if exploiting game mechanics counts as cheating. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores the ethical and learning aspects of gameplay, and it’s worth noting that even “exploits” can teach players about game systems and resourcefulness. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Obtaining Breezehome for Free
1. What are the prerequisites for buying Breezehome, even if I plan to get it for free?
You need to complete the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest for Jarl Balgruuf. This quest is part of the main storyline and involves retrieving the Dragonstone from Bleak Falls Barrow. Completing this quest grants you the right to purchase property in Whiterun.
2. Do I need to be a certain level to buy Breezehome?
No, there are no level requirements. As long as you’ve completed the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest, you’re eligible to purchase Breezehome, regardless of your character level.
3. Can I still decorate Breezehome even if I get it for free?
Absolutely! Once you own Breezehome, whether you paid for it or acquired it through an exploit, you can purchase upgrades and decorations from Proventus Avenicci. This includes furniture, storage, and alchemy/enchanting stations.
4. Are there any downsides to getting Breezehome for free?
Not really. The only potential downside is the moral aspect if you feel it’s “cheating.” Functionally, there’s no difference between a paid-for Breezehome and a free one. You have access to the same features and upgrades.
5. Is Breezehome the cheapest house in Skyrim?
Among the purchasable houses, yes, Breezehome is the least expensive at 5,000 gold. However, it’s worth noting that the Companion Quarters are accessible after joining the Companions, providing a free (albeit basic) living space.
6. Are there any alternatives to Breezehome as an early-game player home?
Besides the Companion Quarters, you could consider the Abandoned House in Markarth. While it’s not officially a player home and you can’t sleep there, it never respawns, making it a safe place to store your items. Additionally, joining the College of Winterhold provides access to a bed and storage in the Hall of Attainment.
7. Can I get married and move my spouse into Breezehome?
Yes! Once you own Breezehome, you can marry an NPC by wearing the Amulet of Mara and initiating the marriage dialogue. Your spouse will move into Breezehome with you, and you’ll receive the “Lover’s Comfort” bonus when sleeping near them.
8. Are all the containers in Breezehome safe for storage?
Yes, all containers within Breezehome are safe. Items stored in chests, drawers, and other containers will not disappear or respawn. This makes it a reliable place to store your valuable loot.
9. How does getting Breezehome influence the Whiterun Civil War questline?
Acquiring Breezehome has no direct impact on the Civil War questline. Whiterun‘s allegiance (Imperial or Stormcloak) is determined by the main storyline and your choices within the Civil War quest itself. However, the battle for Whiterun will affect certain elements within the city.
10. Is there a limit to how many houses I can own in Skyrim?
Without mods, you can own one house in each of the major cities. With the Hearthfire DLC, you can also build three additional homesteads, allowing you to own a total of eight properties.
11. What are the benefits of owning a house in Skyrim besides storage?
Owning a house provides a safe place to sleep and receive the “Well Rested” bonus, which increases your skill progression. It also allows you to craft potions and enchant items if you purchase those upgrades. Furthermore, it provides a place for your spouse and children to live (if you get married and adopt children).
12. Can I sell Breezehome if I no longer want it?
Unfortunately, you cannot sell houses in Skyrim. Once you purchase a property, it’s yours for good (or until you start a new game).
13. How does the Anniversary Edition affect Breezehome?
The Anniversary Edition doesn’t fundamentally change Breezehome itself, but it adds new content that can be stored and displayed within the house. This includes artifacts from new quests and storylines, providing more reasons to decorate and utilize your home.
14. What if the Gold Drop exploit doesn’t work? Are there any other free house options?
If the Gold Drop exploit is patched or you prefer not to use it, your best bet is to save up the 5,000 gold and purchase Breezehome legitimately. As mentioned before, you can also utilize the Companion Quarters or the Abandoned House in Markarth as temporary alternatives.
15. What are the best ways to make gold quickly in Skyrim to afford Breezehome legitimately?
Crafting potions and poisons is one of the fastest ways to make money. Alchemy ingredients are abundant and can be sold for a profit. Additionally, completing quests for guilds like the Companions or the Thieves Guild provides substantial rewards. You can also loot dungeons and sell valuable items to merchants.
Getting Breezehome for free can be a tempting shortcut. While exploits exist to bypass the gold requirement, acquiring it legitimately by questing and earning gold is just as rewarding.