Can You Own a Farm in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can own a farm in Skyrim! While the base game doesn’t offer pre-existing farms for purchase, the Hearthfire DLC adds a fantastic layer of gameplay allowing you to build and customize your own homesteads, including the ability to establish and manage a thriving farm. Moreover, the Anniversary Edition adds Goldenhills Plantation, a fully functioning farm that can be acquired through a questline. This article delves into the details of farm ownership in Skyrim, covering everything from acquiring land to maximizing your agricultural profits.
Farming in Skyrim: More Than Just Dragons
Skyrim is known for its dragons, dungeons, and vast landscapes ripe for exploration. However, the introduction of farming elements adds a satisfying domestic dimension. Owning and managing a farm provides numerous benefits. It can be a reliable source of income, a place to store your hard-earned loot, and a safe haven from the dangers of the outside world. Farming allows you to create potions, cook food, and even improve your alchemy and smithing skills.
Goldenhills Plantation: The Pre-Built Farm
The Anniversary Edition adds Goldenhills Plantation, conveniently located in the Whiterun Hold. This is a unique opportunity to inherit a farm. This farm offers a more immediate farming experience. Instead of building from scratch, you’ll work to restore the farm and uncover its secrets through a dedicated questline. This feature makes farming accessible right from the start.
Hearthfire DLC: Building Your Dream Farm
The Hearthfire DLC provides the tools to build a custom homestead from the ground up. Players can choose between three plots of land in different holds, each with unique environmental features. You can build your home, add crafting stations, and cultivate a garden to grow crops for profit or personal use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Farming in Skyrim
Here are some commonly asked questions that provide further insight into the world of Skyrim farming. These questions address specific gameplay mechanics, resource management, and other aspects of the farming experience.
1. What farms can you get in Skyrim besides Goldenhills Plantation?
Besides Goldenhills Plantation, which comes with the Anniversary Edition, there are several named farms in Skyrim, but you cannot own them in the traditional sense. These farms are: Battle-Born Farm, Chillifurrow Farm, Loreius Farm, Pelagia Farm, Salvius Farm, Sarethi Farm, and Snow-Shod Farm. These farms are already established and are controlled by NPCs. You can, however, complete quests for the owners or harvest crops if they are not guarded, though taking crops without permission is considered stealing.
2. How do you acquire Goldenhills Plantation?
To acquire Goldenhills Plantation, travel to the farm, located east of Rorikstead in Whiterun Hold. You’ll find the previous owners have met a tragic end. Initiate the quest by investigating the area. Be prepared for some undead encounters as you uncover the mystery of the farm’s past. Completing the questline will ultimately grant you ownership of the plantation.
3. How do you get farmhands at Goldenhills Plantation?
Farmhands at Goldenhills Plantation can be hired through your Personal Steward. Once you’ve appointed a steward, speak to them and select the option to hire farmhands. Two farmhands will be hired, dwelling in the Goldenhills Farm Bunkhouse (if built). Otherwise, they will sleep in bedrolls outside.
4. What is the easiest skill to level up while farming in Skyrim?
While not directly tied to farming, Alchemy is heavily influenced by it. Growing crops and collecting ingredients for potions makes leveling Alchemy much easier. Another good option is Alteration. Although it is not directly farming related. Alteration has some very useful spells for any class, with Flesh spells being some of the most powerful in the game, particularly higher-level versions like Ebony Flesh.
5. How do I hire a steward for my farm in Skyrim?
To hire a steward, you need to first become a Thane of a hold and then build a homestead with the Hearthfire DLC. Then, bring a follower that you trust to your homestead. While on the property, talk to the follower and see if they are suitable for stewardship. If the option to ask them to become a steward becomes available, then you can hire them. Lydia is a popular choice for steward.
6. What is the best source of income from my farm in Skyrim?
Crafting potions is one of the most reliable ways to make money from your crops. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to discover valuable potions that fetch a high price. Furthermore, planting the right crops will generate income.
7. What shop owner has the most money in Skyrim to sell my farm goods to?
In the base game, the Riverwood Trader typically has the most gold available, often exceeding 4,000 Septims. However, joining the Thieves Guild in Riften provides access to fences with increasing amounts of gold as you progress through their questline.
8. What land can you own in Skyrim?
With the Hearthfire DLC, you can purchase plots of land in Hjaalmarch (Morthal), Falkreath Hold (Falkreath), and The Pale (Dawnstar). Each location offers a unique landscape and resources.
9. What is the most profitable crop to grow on my Skyrim farm?
Combining creep cluster, mora tapinella, and scaly pholiota yields the most profitable potions. Growing these crops, whether in a garden or greenhouse, maximizes your potential income.
10. How do I get permission to buy land in Skyrim?
To buy land, you must first gain the favor of the Jarl of the hold where the land is located. This usually involves completing quests for them or helping the citizens of the hold. Once you’ve earned their trust, the Jarl will grant you permission to purchase land from their steward.
11. Do crops respawn on farms in Skyrim?
Yes, crops will respawn over time. The respawn time varies, but generally, if you leave the area for a few in-game days, the crops will be ready for harvest again. This makes farming a sustainable source of income and resources. Most unowned outdoor areas take something like 10 days of you being away for them to respawn.
12. Which Skyrim house with farming potential is the best?
Lakeview Manor is often considered the best due to its central location, scenic views, and ample space for gardens, animal pens, and crafting stations. It offers a balanced combination of beauty and functionality. It also has convenient proximity to resources and is an all-around good house to buy.
13. Can I automate my farm in Skyrim?
While you can’t fully automate your farm, hiring a steward to manage your homestead and farmhands to tend the crops can significantly reduce your workload. This allows you to focus on other adventures while still reaping the benefits of your farm.
14. Is it better to sell raw crops or crafted potions in Skyrim?
Crafting potions is almost always more profitable than selling raw crops. The value of the combined ingredients is significantly lower than the finished potion. Invest time in alchemy to maximize your earnings.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming and its impact on learning?
For more information on the intersection of gaming and education, explore the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Here, you’ll find valuable insights, research, and resources that highlight the educational potential of games. GamesLearningSociety.org supports exploration on educational aspects of gaming.
By mastering these elements, you can transform your Skyrim character into a successful farmer, providing a steady stream of income and resources to fuel your adventures. Have fun building your dream farm in Skyrim!