Table of Contents

Can You Adopt a Third Child in Skyrim?

The short answer is: no, not in the vanilla (unmodded) version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim with the Hearthfire DLC installed. The Hearthfire DLC allows you to adopt children, enriching your gameplay experience with familial elements. However, the game’s mechanics restrict you to adopting a maximum of two children.

However, the world of Skyrim is vast, and even vaster with the addition of its modding community. With a mod, adopting a third (or even more!) child becomes possible. Let’s dive deeper into the adoption mechanics, the role of mods, and other relevant aspects of adoption in Skyrim.

Understanding Adoption in Skyrim

Hearthfire fundamentally changed the way players interact with the world by introducing the ability to build homes and start a family. Adoption adds emotional depth to the game, providing a new dimension to the Dragonborn’s journey. Understanding how it works in the vanilla game is essential before exploring modifications.

The Vanilla Adoption System

In the standard Skyrim setup with Hearthfire, several factors determine whether you can adopt a child:

Having a Home: You need a home with a child’s bedroom, which includes at least two child beds and chests. This can be either a pre-existing home you own or one of the three homesteads you can build with the Hearthfire DLC.
Being of Good Moral Standing: While there’s no strict “karma” system, your actions do influence adoption. Being Thane of a hold or completing certain quests in a benevolent manner can increase your chances of adoption approval.
Finding Orphans: Several orphans exist in Skyrim, most notably in Riften’s Honorhall Orphanage after Grelod the Kind’s… departure, or wandering the streets of cities like Windhelm or Whiterun.
The Adoption Process: Speaking with an orphan and then with the headmistress of Honorhall Orphanage, Constance Michel, initiates the process. If all requirements are met, Constance will grant you permission to adopt.

The Limitations

The most significant limitation is, of course, the two-child cap. This limitation is hardcoded into the game’s script. Once you have adopted two children, the option to adopt another will be unavailable.

Breaking the Limit: Mods to the Rescue

Fortunately for those longing for a larger virtual family, the Skyrim modding community is extensive and innovative. Several mods specifically address the adoption limit:

Multiple Adoptions: This is perhaps the most popular and straightforward solution. It removes the limit entirely, allowing you to adopt as many children as your home can accommodate (or as many orphans as you can find!). This type of mod offers a seamless experience, integrating directly into the existing adoption system.
Hearthfire Multiple Adoptions: Similar to the above, but often includes added features like custom dialogue and interactions.
Custom Adoption Mods: Some mods introduce entirely new adoption scenarios, including adoptable children with custom backstories and quests. Some even add non-human children, like Khajiit or Argonian orphans.

Considerations When Using Adoption Mods

While mods offer a solution to the adoption limit, it’s crucial to consider potential issues:

Compatibility: Ensure the mod is compatible with your current Skyrim version and any other mods you have installed. Read the mod description carefully and check the comments section for reported issues.
Stability: Some mods, particularly those that drastically alter game mechanics, can introduce bugs or instability. Always test mods thoroughly before committing to a long playthrough.
House Space: Even with a mod, you’ll need sufficient beds and storage for each child. Plan your home construction accordingly.
Roleplaying Implications: Consider the impact of multiple adoptions on your character’s story. Are you running an orphanage? A benevolent ruler caring for all the unfortunate children of Skyrim?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding adoption in Skyrim:

How do I adopt a child in Skyrim?

To adopt, you need a home with a child’s bedroom (two beds and chests), a good reputation, and to speak with a child and Constance Michel at Honorhall Orphanage.
Can I adopt Aventus Aretino after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline?

Yes, there are mods that allow you to adopt Aventus Aretino after the “Innocence Lost” quest.
Why can’t I adopt Lucia in Whiterun?

Make sure you have a home with a child’s bedroom (two beds and chests). If you’re building a homestead, you need the small beds and chests.
Are there any Khajiit children I can adopt in Skyrim?

Not in the vanilla game. However, several mods add adoptable Khajiit children, often found in specific locations.
Can adopted children die in Skyrim?

No, adopted children are protected and cannot die.
Can I adopt more than two children on the Nintendo Switch version of Skyrim?

No, you can’t. The Nintendo Switch version of Skyrim does not support mods, so you are restricted to adopting two children.
Can I adopt all the orphans in Honorhall Orphanage?

In the vanilla game, no. With mods, you can adopt most, if not all, of them, depending on the mod and your home’s capacity.
What are the best houses for adopting children?

The Hearthfire homesteads (Lakeview Manor, Windstad Manor, and Heljarchen Hall) are ideal as you can customize them specifically for a large family.
Can my adopted children become followers?

No, adopted children cannot become followers.
Do adopted children provide any benefits?

They give you gifts occasionally, provide a sense of family, and increase your character’s roleplaying potential.
Where can I find orphans to adopt in Skyrim?

Honorhall Orphanage in Riften is the primary location. Also, look for children wandering the streets of Whiterun, Windhelm, and Solitude.
Can I adopt Babette from the Dark Brotherhood?

Yes, mods exist that allow you to adopt Babette after completing the Dark Brotherhood questline.
Can my adopted children grow up in Skyrim?

No, adopted children remain the same age throughout the game.
What happens if my spouse dies in Skyrim?

Your children will still be in your care, but you cannot remarry.
Where can I learn more about gaming and education?

You can explore the Games Learning Society and the intersection of gaming and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

While the vanilla version of Skyrim restricts you to adopting two children, the modding community provides ways to bypass this limitation, allowing you to create the virtual family of your dreams. Remember to consider compatibility and stability when using mods. Embrace the opportunity to add depth to your character’s story through adoption and build a loving home for the orphans of Skyrim.

Can you adopt a third child in Skyrim?