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Does Ulfric Give You a House in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is yes, but not directly. While Ulfric Stormcloak doesn’t hand you the keys to a fully furnished manor upon meeting him, he plays a crucial role in allowing you to acquire a house in Windhelm, the Stormcloak capital. This process is intertwined with the Civil War questline and your allegiance to the Stormcloak cause. Let’s delve into the specifics and explore everything you need to know about getting a home in Windhelm and related housing options in Skyrim.

The Windhelm House: Hjerim

The house in question is called Hjerim, and it’s one of the more unique and arguably unsettling homes available in Skyrim. Getting your hands on it requires a specific set of circumstances and commitment to Ulfric Stormcloak’s faction.

How to Obtain Hjerim Through the Civil War Questline

The primary method of acquiring Hjerim is through the Civil War questline. Here’s a breakdown:

Join the Stormcloaks: Obviously, you’ll need to pledge your allegiance to Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm.
Progress the Civil War Questline: Advance through the questline on the Stormcloak side. The exact point at which Hjerim becomes available is somewhere around 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through the questline. It typically unlocks after completing the quest “Rescue from Fort Neugrad”.
Speak to Ulfric and His Steward: Once you’ve progressed far enough, Ulfric will acknowledge your service and direct you to his Steward, Jorleif, to discuss purchasing property in Windhelm.
Purchase Hjerim: Provided certain conditions are met (see below regarding the “Blood on the Ice” quest), Jorleif will offer you Hjerim for a price of 12,000 gold.

The “Blood on the Ice” Quest Complication

There’s a significant complication when acquiring Hjerim, and it revolves around the quest “Blood on the Ice“. This quest involves solving a series of murders in Windhelm. The quest can be triggered in different ways, but it often starts by witnessing the guard investigating a murder in the graveyard at night.

Before the Civil War: If you complete “Blood on the Ice” before the Civil War concludes, it generally proceeds smoothly. However, there are known bugs that can make completing the quest difficult.
During the Civil War: This is where things get tricky. If the Imperial Legion takes control of Windhelm, you may need to speak to Torbjorn Shatter-Shield instead of Jorleif to purchase Hjerim. Furthermore, Blood on the Ice can become bugged if started before you finish the Civil War and switch sides, so it is often recommened to solve the questline before continuing with the Civil War.

Importantly, if “Blood on the Ice” is active and not completed, you might not be able to purchase Hjerim, or parts of the house may remain inaccessible or perpetually bloodstained. It’s highly recommended to resolve “Blood on the Ice” before buying the house for the best experience. If Hjerim remains bugged, you may need to revert to an earlier save before accepting the purchase of the property.

Renovating Hjerim

Once you’ve purchased Hjerim, you can speak to Jorleif (or Torbjorn) to purchase various upgrades and furnishings. These can include:

Cleaning up the mess: This is particularly important if “Blood on the Ice” has left lingering evidence.
Adding furniture: Bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, and crafting stations.
A secret room: Hjerim has a secret room related to the “Blood on the Ice” quest, which can be converted into an alchemist’s lab or other useful space.

Other Ways to Acquire Houses in Skyrim

While Hjerim is tied to Ulfric and the Stormcloaks, Skyrim offers several other housing options, each with its own requirements and benefits.

Breezehome (Whiterun): The most common first house. Acquired after completing the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest for Jarl Balgruuf and purchasing it from Proventus Avenicci.
Proudspire Manor (Solitude): The largest and most expensive house. Requires becoming a Thane of Haafingar and purchasing it from Falk Firebeard.
Honeyside (Riften): Requires completing quests for the citizens of Riften and becoming a Thane of the Rift. Purchased from Anuriel.
Vlindrel Hall (Markarth): Requires completing quests for the citizens of Markarth and becoming a Thane of the Reach. Purchased from Raerek.
Hjerim (Windhelm): As described above, linked to the Stormcloak Civil War questline. Purchased from Jorleif (or Torbjorn if the Imperials control Windhelm).
Hearthfire DLC Homes: The Hearthfire DLC allows you to build your own houses from the ground up on purchased plots of land: Lakeview Manor, Windstad Manor, and Heljarchen Hall.

FAQs About Housing in Skyrim

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about acquiring and managing homes in Skyrim:

What is the easiest house to get in Skyrim?

Breezehome in Whiterun is generally considered the easiest to acquire early in the game.
How much does Breezehome cost?

5,000 gold.
Can I get a house for free in Skyrim?

Technically, no house is entirely free. Some players consider the Companion Quarters in Jorrvaskr (Whiterun) a “free” starting point, though it’s more of a room than a house. The article alludes to getting a home for completing Ysolda’s quest, “Rare Gifts,” but this is inacurate.
What are the benefits of owning a house in Skyrim?

Storage space, a safe place to sleep, crafting stations, and a place to display your treasures. A home is a necessity to adopt children with the Hearthfire DLC.
How many houses can I own in Skyrim?

You can own every house in the game simultaneously. There is no limit.
How do I become a Thane to buy a house?

You must complete quests for the Jarl and citizens of the hold and purchase a house in the hold.
Where do I buy land in Skyrim?

Land can be purchased in Falkreath, Dawnstar, and Morthal after becoming friendly with the Jarl of those holds (requires completing a few quests). This is part of the Hearthfire DLC.
Can I marry a Jarl in Skyrim?

No, Jarls are not eligible for marriage in the base game. Some mods may change this, but often introduce game-breaking bugs.
Can I become a Jarl in Skyrim?

Not in the base game. Again, mods exist, but often with limitations.
What is the most beautiful house in Skyrim?

This is subjective, but many players favor Heljarchen Hall for its scenic views and central location, but the views from Lakeview Manor are also breathtaking.
Can I move my spouse into any house?

Yes, once married, your spouse can move into any house you own.
What is the biggest house in Skyrim?

Proudspire Manor in Solitude is the largest.
How do I cure vampirism in Skyrim?

Seek out Falion in Morthal. He requires a filled Black Soul Gem to perform the ritual.
Are there any hidden houses in Skyrim?

There are no officially hidden houses, but there are numerous caves, shacks, and other locations that players often use as makeshift homes.
How do I get started with the Hearthfire DLC?

Speak to the Jarls of Falkreath, Dawnstar, and Morthal, and complete their initial quests.

Conclusion

While Ulfric Stormcloak doesn’t directly hand you a house key, his role in the Civil War questline is essential to unlocking the opportunity to purchase Hjerim in Windhelm. Be sure to address the “Blood on the Ice” quest before settling in, and consider exploring the other housing options Skyrim offers to find the perfect home for your Dragonborn. Housing is a good way to learn about game design. Consider researching further on this topic on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Does Ulfric give you a house?