Can You Make Barbas Your Pet in Skyrim? The Definitive Guide

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No, you cannot permanently make Barbas your pet in Skyrim. While he is a crucial companion during the quest “A Daedra’s Best Friend,” he always returns to Clavicus Vile after the quest is completed, whether you choose to keep the Rueful Axe or return it. He is a temporary, albeit entertaining, companion, not a permanent follower.

Barbas: More Than Just a Talking Dog

Barbas is a Daedric being in the form of a talking dog, a loyal servant (of sorts) to the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile. He’s known for his sarcastic wit, insightful commentary, and surprisingly helpful advice. Encountering him marks the beginning of the “A Daedra’s Best Friend” quest, initiating a journey filled with humor, moral dilemmas, and a glimpse into the capricious nature of Daedric Princes.

The “A Daedra’s Best Friend” Quest

The quest begins in Falkreath. You’ll encounter Barbas outside of the city, lamenting his master’s displeasure and seeking assistance in reuniting with Clavicus Vile. Accepting his request initiates a journey to find the Rueful Axe, a powerful weapon with a complex history. The climax of the quest presents you with a choice: keep the Rueful Axe, potentially at the cost of Barbas’s return, or return it to Clavicus Vile, restoring the Daedric Prince to his full power.

Barbas as a Companion

During “A Daedra’s Best Friend,” Barbas is an invaluable companion. He’s a decent fighter, drawing aggro from enemies and providing a helpful distraction. However, his true value lies in his unique dialogue. His comments on the environment, enemies, and your actions are often humorous and offer a unique perspective on the world of Skyrim. His insights into the motivations of Clavicus Vile and other characters are also surprisingly astute.

The Inevitable Departure

Despite his usefulness and entertaining personality, Barbas’s role as a companion is temporary. Regardless of the choice you make at the end of “A Daedra’s Best Friend,” Barbas will return to Clavicus Vile. Keeping the Rueful Axe allows you to avoid returning the axe, but weakens Clavicus Vile. Turning the axe back in to Clavicus Vile will get you the Masque of Clavicus Vile, and the quest will end, with Barbas returning to his master. There is no way to keep Barbas as a permanent follower in the vanilla (unmodded) version of Skyrim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barbas

Here are some frequently asked questions about Barbas and his role in Skyrim, designed to clarify any lingering uncertainties:

1. Can I avoid starting the “A Daedra’s Best Friend” quest to keep Barbas near Falkreath? You can avoid starting the quest indefinitely. Barbas will remain outside Falkreath, but he won’t follow you or act as a companion until you initiate the quest.

2. Does Barbas count as a follower, limiting my other companion options? Yes, while he is with you during the quest, Barbas occupies a follower slot. This means you cannot have another standard follower simultaneously.

3. Can Barbas die during the quest? No, Barbas is an essential NPC during “A Daedra’s Best Friend” and cannot be killed. He will simply kneel and recover if his health is depleted.

4. What are the benefits of keeping the Rueful Axe instead of returning it? Keeping the Rueful Axe provides a unique two-handed weapon, but weakens Clavicus Vile. Some players prefer this option from a roleplaying perspective, viewing it as hindering a potentially malevolent Daedric Prince.

5. What are the benefits of returning the Rueful Axe to Clavicus Vile? Returning the Rueful Axe allows Clavicus Vile to restore himself, and you’ll receive the Masque of Clavicus Vile. It’s a powerful Daedric artifact that enhances speechcraft, magicka, and regeneration.

6. Is the Masque of Clavicus Vile worth giving up Barbas’s companionship for? This depends on your playstyle. If you value speechcraft, magicka, and roleplaying a manipulative character, the Masque is beneficial. If you enjoy Barbas’s company, it’s a tougher choice. Most players choose the Masque, since Barbas returns to Clavicus Vile regardless.

7. Are there any glitches that allow me to keep Barbas as a permanent follower? Some older versions of Skyrim had glitches that could potentially exploit follower mechanics. However, these are rare and are likely patched out in current versions of the game, especially the Special Edition and Anniversary Edition. Relying on glitches can also introduce instability to your game.

8. Are there any console commands that can make Barbas a permanent follower? Yes, using console commands is possible on PC. You can add him to your follower faction, but this can lead to unpredictable behavior and potentially break your game. It’s generally not recommended unless you are comfortable troubleshooting potential issues.

9. Does Barbas level up with me? Barbas does have a set level, but he’s generally strong enough to be useful throughout the “A Daedra’s Best Friend” quest.

10. Does Barbas have any unique interactions with other quests or NPCs? While he doesn’t have specific interactions tied to other quests, his general commentary and observations can be amusing when exploring different locations and encountering various characters.

11. Can Barbas carry items for me? Yes, Barbas can carry items, like any standard follower. This is especially helpful during the quest if you become encumbered.

12. Does Barbas have any weaknesses? Like all characters, Barbas can be vulnerable to certain enemy types and combat styles. However, his essential status during the quest ensures he won’t die.

13. Will Barbas still appear outside Falkreath after I complete “A Daedra’s Best Friend”? No, once the quest is complete, Barbas will no longer be found outside Falkreath in his dog form. He is permanently back with Clavicus Vile.

14. Are there any mods that allow me to keep Barbas as a pet or permanent follower? Yes! Several mods on sites like NexusMods allow you to keep Barbas as a permanent follower. Search for mods like “Barbas Follower” or similar terms to find options that suit your preferences. Be sure to read the mod descriptions and installation instructions carefully before installing them.

15. Why is Barbas such a popular character? Barbas’s popularity stems from his witty dialogue, unique personality, and the moral ambiguity surrounding the “A Daedra’s Best Friend” quest. He’s a memorable character in a world filled with intriguing personalities and complex choices. He also contrasts many of Skyrim’s other followers, offering a refreshing take on the follower dynamic.

In conclusion, while you can’t keep Barbas as a permanent pet in the base game, his temporary companionship and the quest surrounding him make him a memorable part of the Skyrim experience. If you truly desire to make him a permanent follower, mods offer a solution, but remember to proceed with caution and proper research. Enjoy your time with the talking dog, even if it’s just a fleeting encounter!