Can You Leave Stuff in Random Chests in Skyrim? A Definitive Guide
So, you’ve stumbled upon a seemingly empty chest in the depths of a bandit-infested cave or a forgotten crypt in Skyrim, and you’re thinking, “Jackpot! Free storage!” But before you gleefully deposit your hard-earned loot, a crucial question lingers: Can you really leave stuff in random chests in Skyrim, confident it’ll be there when you return?
The short answer is a resounding no. Generally speaking, leaving your precious belongings in random chests in Skyrim is a recipe for disaster. Most containers outside of player-owned properties and a few specific exceptions are subject to respawning. This means that after a certain number of in-game days, the container and its contents will reset to their original state, effectively deleting anything you stashed inside. It’s digital amnesia for chests!
The Perils of Public Storage: Why Random Chests Aren’t Your Friends
Skyrim’s world is dynamic. Locations are meant to be revisited, often repopulated with enemies and reset with loot. This applies directly to containers. The game does this to keep the world feeling alive and to provide an ongoing challenge and reward cycle. Unfortunately, your personal storage needs take a backseat to this system.
- Respawn Timers: Most non-owned containers (chests, barrels, sacks, etc.) have a respawn timer. This timer typically ranges from 10 to 30 in-game days. However, the exact duration depends heavily on the location. If the area isn’t visited within this timeframe, the entire location, including the containers, will reset. If the location is ‘cleared’ it could take longer.
- Ownership Matters: Only containers that are considered owned by the player are safe for long-term storage. This generally includes containers in houses you purchase, the Abandoned House in Markarth, and a few specific, quest-related locations.
- The Illusion of Safety: You might leave items in a chest, return a few days later, and find them still there. This can lull you into a false sense of security. However, this is likely just because the respawn timer hasn’t expired yet. The clock is ticking!
- Thieves Guild Quests: Be wary of chests labeled “Do Not Delete“. These are internal items used for Thieves Guild quests and setting bounty levels. Do not store items inside them!
Safe Havens: Where You Can Secure Your Stuff
Knowing where not to store your belongings is only half the battle. Here’s where you can safely keep your items:
- Purchased Houses: This is the gold standard of safe storage. Every container inside a house you purchase is considered safe and will never respawn. This includes chests, dressers, end tables, sacks, barrels – everything! Breezehome, located in Whiterun, is often the first home acquired by players and a completely safe space.
- The Abandoned House in Markarth: This location is unique because, despite not being player-owned in the traditional sense, all containers within it are safe. This makes it a popular choice for players who want free, permanent storage.
- Delphine’s Secret Room in the Sleeping Giant Inn: After completing certain main questlines, a chest in Delphine’s secret room becomes a safe storage option.
- Helgen Inn (Ruined): In the very beginning of the game, right after escaping Helgen, you can use the end table and wardrobe in the ruined Helgen Inn for safe storage.
- Companions: While not a container, your companions can carry a significant amount of weight, effectively serving as portable storage. However, be mindful of their carry capacity and their inventory preferences (they might equip the best gear you give them!).
- Your Horse: Similar to companions, your horse can carry a significant amount of weight, providing another temporary storage solution.
- Arch-Mage’s Quarters (College of Winterhold): After becoming Arch-Mage, the Arch-Mage’s Quarters contains safe storage containers.
- Homesteads (Hearthfire DLC): If you own the Hearthfire DLC, any home you build on the land can store your items safely. These include Lakeview Manor (east of Falkreath), Windstad Manor (northeast of Morthal), and Heljarchen Hall (south of Dawnstar).
Storage Solutions for Every Dragonborn
Ultimately, the best storage strategy in Skyrim depends on your play style and resources. Early on, relying on companions or temporary storage in locations like Helgen Inn is viable. However, acquiring a house should be a top priority for any serious hoarder.
Remember, Skyrim is a vast and immersive world. Understanding the game’s mechanics, including container respawning, is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Don’t let your precious loot disappear into the digital abyss!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about storing items in Skyrim, offering further clarity and insights for players:
1. Do all chests in my purchased house reset in Skyrim?
No. All containers within a purchased house are safe and will never reset. This includes chests, wardrobes, end tables, sacks, barrels, and any other container you find inside. Feel free to hoard to your heart’s content!
2. What happens if I store stolen items in a safe container in Skyrim?
Storing stolen items in a safe container is perfectly fine. Once the stolen items are safely stored, guards will no longer confiscate them if you are arrested. This is a great way to launder your ill-gotten gains.
3. How can I tell if a chest is safe to store items in Skyrim?
The easiest way is to test it. Place a cheap item in the chest, leave the area for at least 31 in-game days (to be safe!), and then return. If the item is still there, the chest is likely safe. If it’s gone, avoid using that container for important items. Also, always confirm its ownership status, as owned containers are always safe.
4. Can I store items on the floor or tables in my house in Skyrim?
Yes, you can safely leave items on the floor or tables inside your purchased house. Items placed within your house will remain there indefinitely.
5. What’s the cheapest house I can buy in Skyrim?
Breezehome in Whiterun is the cheapest purchasable house. It’s a great starter home with plenty of safe storage options.
6. Can my spouse carry items for me in Skyrim?
Yes, your spouse can carry items for you, just like a regular follower. This is a useful way to increase your carrying capacity and store extra items.
7. Do items in my follower’s inventory ever disappear in Skyrim?
No, items in your follower’s inventory will not disappear unless you dismiss them and tell them to leave your service. In this instance they may return to their original location, and items that were in their inventory may disappear. It is not recommended to dismiss them when they have items you want to keep!
8. Are there any mods that provide more safe storage options in Skyrim?
Yes, there are numerous mods that add extra safe storage options, ranging from new player homes to portable storage containers. Search for “Skyrim player homes” or “Skyrim storage mods” on sites like the Nexus Mods website to find options that suit your needs.
9. Does the “Do Not Delete” chest affect my game if I store items in it?
Yes, do not store any items in these chests. These are flagged by the game and items placed inside them may disappear. These chests have to do with specific actions performed during the Thieves Guild questline, so it is in your best interest to avoid them altogether.
10. Can I use console commands to create safe storage in Skyrim?
Yes, you can use console commands to claim ownership of containers, making them safe for storage. However, this is generally discouraged as it can introduce instability and potentially break quests. Use it at your own risk!
11. Do items disappear if I leave them in a dungeon after clearing it?
Yes, most dungeons and locations will eventually reset, causing items left behind to disappear. Only store items in containers within dungeons if you plan to retrieve them quickly.
12. Is it safe to store items in the College of Winterhold after becoming Arch-Mage?
Yes, after becoming Arch-Mage, the Arch-Mage’s Quarters provides safe storage options.
13. What happens if I store too much stuff in a container in Skyrim?
There is no limit to the amount of items you can store in a container in Skyrim. However, excessive amounts of items can cause performance issues, especially on older systems.
14. Can I store items in the shrines of the Nine Divines in Skyrim?
No, most shrines are not safe for storage. Items left in or near the shrines are likely to disappear when the area resets.
15. Can remodeling my house cause me to lose stored items?
Yes, remodeling specific sections of your house may cause items to disappear if they are stored in the affected area. Always remove items before remodeling to avoid losing them.