Can You Buy All Homesteads in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is yes, you absolutely can buy all the homesteads in Skyrim. However, the process requires time, gold, and some dedication to progressing through the game’s various quests and gaining the favor of the local Jarls. Let’s delve into the details of owning every piece of buildable property in Skyrim.
Hearthfire and Homesteads: A Primer
The Hearthfire DLC is the key to unlocking the homesteading dream in Skyrim. This DLC allows the Dragonborn to purchase land and build their own homes from the ground up. Instead of simply buying a pre-built house, you gather resources, design the layout, and craft everything from walls and roofs to furniture and decorations. Owning multiple homesteads offers numerous advantages, from additional storage and crafting facilities to places for your spouse, children, and housecarl to reside.
Acquiring Your Homestead Plots
Before you can start hammering nails and laying down foundations, you need to acquire the land. There are three homestead plots available in Skyrim, each located in different holds and requiring different prerequisites:
- Lakeview Manor (Falkreath Hold): This plot is perhaps the most popular due to its central location and beautiful scenery. To acquire it, you must first assist the Jarl of Falkreath, Siddgeir (or Dengeir of Stuhn if the Stormcloaks control the hold), by completing a few simple quests, usually involving delivering goods or clearing out a bandit camp. After completing these tasks and reaching a sufficient level of friendship with the Jarl, you can purchase the plot for 5,000 gold.
- Windstad Manor (The Pale): Located near Dawnstar, this plot offers a unique fish hatchery feature. To acquire it, you must assist the Jarl of Dawnstar, Skald the Elder (or Brina Merilis if the Imperials control the hold), by completing similar quests as in Falkreath. Once you’ve earned the Jarl’s favor, you can purchase Windstad Manor for 5,000 gold.
- Heljarchen Hall (The Reach): Situated near Loreius Farm, this plot provides excellent views and is close to several major cities. To acquire it, you must assist the Jarl of Morthal, Thonnir (or Sorli the Builder if the Stormcloaks control the hold), by assisting the local citizens and completing quests assigned by the Jarl. Once you’re in good standing, you can purchase Heljarchen Hall for 5,000 gold.
The Importance of Thane Status
While simply purchasing the land is the first step, becoming a Thane of the hold can unlock additional benefits. As a Thane, you receive a Housecarl who will serve as your personal bodyguard and reside at your homestead. Each hold has its own requirements for becoming Thane, which usually involves assisting the Jarl with specific tasks and helping the local citizens of that hold.
The Building Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you own a plot of land, a drafting table and carpenter’s workbench will appear nearby. These are your tools for designing and building your dream home.
- Planning the Layout: Use the drafting table to choose the initial layout for your house. You’ll start with a small house, and then expand it by adding wings and additional rooms.
- Gathering Resources: Building requires a variety of resources, including lumber, stone, clay, iron, and corundum. Lumber can be purchased from sawmills, while stone, clay, and ore can be mined from nearby deposits. Consider building a smelter to convert ore into ingots.
- Constructing the Structure: Use the carpenter’s workbench to construct the walls, floors, and roof of your house. As you expand your home, you’ll need to gather more resources and make more trips to the workbench.
- Furnishing and Decorating: Once the basic structure is complete, you can start furnishing and decorating your home. This involves crafting furniture, lighting, storage containers, and other decorative items. You can also hire a steward to help you manage your homestead and purchase resources.
Managing Multiple Homesteads
Owning multiple homesteads provides several benefits:
- Increased Storage: Each homestead offers ample storage space for your loot and crafting materials.
- Diverse Crafting Facilities: Each homestead allows you to build different crafting facilities, such as alchemy labs, enchanting tables, and forges.
- Multiple Residences: You can choose which homestead to live in, or rotate between them to experience different environments and benefits.
- Family Housing: Each homestead provides enough room for your spouse, children, and housecarl to live comfortably.
Managing multiple homesteads effectively requires organization and planning. Consider assigning specific purposes to each homestead, such as using one for alchemy, another for smithing, and another as a family home. Hiring stewards can also greatly simplify the management process by automating resource gathering and purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the system requirements for the Hearthfire DLC?
The Hearthfire DLC has the same system requirements as the base game of Skyrim. If your computer can run Skyrim, it can run Hearthfire.
2. Can I buy the land even if I haven’t completed the main questline?
Yes, you don’t need to complete the main questline to purchase the land and build your homesteads. However, certain quests or events might be required to progress in specific holds and gain the Jarl’s favor.
3. How much gold do I need to buy all three homestead plots?
Each homestead plot costs 5,000 gold. Therefore, you’ll need a total of 15,000 gold to purchase all three plots.
4. Can I move my spouse and children between my different homesteads?
Yes, you can move your spouse and children to any of your owned homes. Simply talk to them and tell them you want to move.
5. What are the benefits of hiring a steward for my homestead?
A steward can help you manage your homestead by purchasing resources, furnishing rooms, and hiring guards. This frees you up to focus on other aspects of the game.
6. Can I build a greenhouse or garden at my homestead?
Yes, you can build a greenhouse or garden at each of your homesteads. These facilities allow you to grow your own ingredients for alchemy and cooking.
7. Are there any unique items or features available at each homestead?
Yes, each homestead has unique features. Windstad Manor has a fish hatchery, Heljarchen Hall allows you to build a grain mill, and Lakeview Manor is known for its beautiful view.
8. Can I be attacked by bandits or wild animals at my homestead?
Yes, your homestead can be attacked by bandits, wild animals, or even giants. Building walls and hiring guards can help protect your property.
9. Can I sell my homestead after I’ve built it?
No, you cannot sell your homestead once you’ve purchased the land and started building.
10. How do I get lumber for building my homestead?
You can purchase lumber from sawmills located throughout Skyrim, or you can chop your own lumber from trees near your homestead using a woodcutter’s axe.
11. What is the best homestead for beginners?
Lakeview Manor in Falkreath Hold is generally considered the best homestead for beginners due to its central location and relatively easy acquisition process.
12. Can I customize the exterior of my homestead?
Yes, you can customize the exterior of your homestead by adding walls, towers, and other structures.
13. Can I install mods that affect the Hearthfire DLC?
Yes, there are numerous mods available that enhance the Hearthfire DLC and add new features, such as additional building options and customization options. However, always research mod compatibility before installing.
14. Do I need to complete the civil war questline to purchase land?
No, you don’t need to, but the changing political landscape after the civil war can change the Jarl, thus changing the quests you need to do to get their favour.
15. What happens if I purchase a plot and then the hold changes hands in the Civil War?
If the hold changes hands, the new Jarl will still recognize your ownership of the land. However, some quests related to becoming Thane might need to be redone to gain the favor of the new Jarl.