Are My Items Safe in My House in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide to Storage Security
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Yes, for the most part, your items are safe in containers within player-owned houses in Skyrim. Once you purchase a home and acquire containers inside that house, those containers are generally considered safe storage spaces that will not reset. However, there are some specific exceptions and nuances to be aware of, as well as some common player concerns. Read on to learn about all you need to know about where your hard-earned loot is safe.
Skyrim Storage: The Basics
The key to understanding item security in Skyrim lies in how the game handles container respawning. Most locations in Skyrim are designed to reset after a certain period of in-game time (usually around 30 days). This means that items left in containers in these locations will disappear when the cell resets.
Safe vs. Unsafe Containers
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Safe Containers: These containers are found in locations that do not respawn. This usually includes containers within player-owned homes (Breezehome, Proudspire Manor, etc.) and some quest-related locations. These are the places where you can reliably store your items without fear of them vanishing.
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Unsafe Containers: These containers are in locations that do respawn, such as random dungeons, bandit camps, and most NPC-owned homes. Items left in these containers will disappear when the location resets.
Player-Owned Homes: Your Secure Sanctuaries
Once you become the proud owner of a house, most (but not all) containers inside become safe. This allows you to accumulate resources and valuables during your adventures and store them safely for future use.
Key Player Homes and Their Security
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Breezehome (Whiterun): A great starting home. Most containers are safe, although it’s worth testing the alchemy lab/child’s bedroom chest before storing anything valuable. Patches have fixed most issues, but better safe than sorry.
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Honeyside (Riften): Located in Riften, known for the Thieves Guild.
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Vlindrel Hall (Markarth): Located in the western city of Markarth.
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Hjerim (Windhelm): If you don’t mind dealing with a serial killer questline, you can get this house in the eastern city of Windhelm.
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Proudspire Manor (Solitude): The most expensive house and one of the best for storage.
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Hearthfire Homes (Lakeview Manor, Windstad Manor, Heljarchen Hall): All containers in these buildable homes are safe. These offer significant customization and storage potential.
Exceptions and Considerations
- Glitches: Skyrim is known for its occasional glitches. While rare, there have been reports of containers in player homes resetting or items disappearing. Regularly saving your game can help mitigate potential losses.
- Mods: Mods can alter game mechanics, potentially affecting container behavior. Be sure to read the descriptions of any mods you install to understand their impact on storage security.
- Followers as Storage: While followers like Lydia can carry items for you, they are not a completely secure storage solution. Items carried by followers can sometimes disappear due to glitches or follower resets.
Skyrim Storage: FAQs
1. Are all containers in Breezehome safe?
As mentioned earlier, most containers in Breezehome are safe. However, due to a historical bug, it’s wise to test the chest in the alchemy lab/child’s bedroom (if you’ve chosen that option) by storing a few inexpensive items and returning after a few in-game weeks to confirm they are still there.
2. Are all containers in Lakeview Manor safe?
Yes, every container in Lakeview Manor (and the other Hearthfire homes – Windstad Manor and Heljarchen Hall) is safe. This makes these homes excellent choices for players who value secure storage.
3. Can my house be robbed in Skyrim?
No, your house cannot be robbed in Skyrim. NPCs will not enter your home and steal your items. Your containers are secure from theft.
4. Do containers in houses reset in Skyrim?
Generally, no. Containers within player-owned houses are designed not to reset. However, containers in NPC-owned homes and most other locations will reset after about a week of in-game time, potentially resulting in item loss if items are left there.
5. Where can I safely store items in Skyrim without a house?
While owning a house is the most reliable solution, some alternative safe storage locations exist. These include:
- Delphine’s Secret Room (Sleeping Giant Inn): The chest in this room is a safe storage option.
- Abandoned House (Markarth): The chest in this house is safe after completing the associated quest.
- Ruined Helgen Inn: The end table and wardrobe inside.
- Alvor or Gerdur’s house: Depending on who you follow in the intro quest.
- Faendal’s house: If you complete his very easy quest.
6. What happens if I store items in an unsafe container?
If you store items in an unsafe container, the container will eventually reset, and all the items inside will disappear forever.
7. What’s the best house to store items in Skyrim?
This depends on your preferences, but Lakeview Manor, Proudspire Manor, and fully upgraded versions of Breezehome offer ample and secure storage space.
8. Is Lydia safe to store items?
Yes, followers like Lydia can carry items for you. However, this isn’t as reliable as storing them in containers because items carried by followers have been known to disappear due to glitches or follower resets.
9. What is the most expensive house to build in Skyrim?
Proudspire Manor in Solitude is the most expensive house to purchase, costing 25,000 gold.
10. How do I know if a container is safe in Skyrim?
The most reliable way is to test it. Store a few inexpensive items in the container and remain away from the cell space for more than 30 in-game days. If the items are still there when you return, the container is likely safe.
11. Is there a limit on how much I can store in a container?
No, there is no limit to the number of items you can store in a container. However, exceeding the container’s weight capacity will not have any adverse effects; there are no weight limits.
12. Will items I drop on the ground in my house disappear?
Yes, items dropped on the ground, even in your house, will eventually disappear. Always store items in containers to ensure they remain safe.
13. What does remodeling the house into an entryway do?
Remodeling the house into an entryway changes the initial small house layout into an entryway filled with chests, tables with food, and weapon racks. However, any furnishings you’ve placed in the starting layout will be lost when you choose to remodel it.
14. Do stolen items respawn in Skyrim?
No, stolen items do not respawn once they have been looted. The container might respawn if it is in a location designed to reset, but the stolen items themselves will not reappear.
15. Where can I store stuff for free in Skyrim?
Besides the previously mentioned secret room, you can complete “The House of Horrors” quest in Markarth to gain access to an area for free storage.
A Final Word on Skyrim Storage
While Skyrim provides generally reliable storage within player-owned homes, always exercise caution. Save your game regularly, especially before storing valuable items. Testing questionable containers before committing valuable resources can save you from potential heartbreak. By understanding how container resetting works, you can ensure your precious loot remains safe and sound as you traverse the vast and wondrous world of Skyrim. It is useful to know that gaming provides great tools for learning, that’s why it’s worth visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Storage is a major part of gaming life. With a few precautions, your items are pretty safe in your house!