Taming the Flames: How to Acquire a Daedric Horse in Skyrim and Beyond

So, you’re looking to ride a horse straight out of Oblivion? A mount wreathed in Daedric energy, capable of turning heads and scattering enemies? The prospect of acquiring a Daedric Horse is certainly enticing. While Skyrim itself doesn’t offer a traditionally named “Daedric Horse” in the base game, the idea of such a steed, a horse imbued with Daedric power, can be realized through different methods, primarily through mods and clever interpretations of existing lore.

The most direct method to obtain a rideable Daedric Horse involves utilizing mods. Several talented modders have created custom content adding Daedric Horses, often summonable through spells or acquired after completing specific quests. These mods typically feature horses with unique textures, often black or red with glowing eyes and Daedric armor, perfectly fitting the aesthetic.

However, if you prefer a vanilla, mod-free experience, the closest you can get to a Daedric Horse is through Shadowmere, or arguably Arvak, coupled with your own roleplaying and visual customization. While neither is explicitly Daedric in origin, their appearances and acquisition methods lean into darker themes that evoke a Daedric feel. Shadowmere, obtained through the Dark Brotherhood questline, is a dark steed with glowing red eyes and increased combat abilities. Outfitting your Dragonborn in Daedric armor while riding Shadowmere certainly sells the “Daedric Horse” fantasy. Arvak, acquired in the Soul Cairn during the Dawnguard DLC, is a skeletal horse summonable at will. Though skeletal, he is arguably as close to a Daedric horse as one can get without mods.

Beyond Skyrim, specifically in The Elder Scrolls Online, you’re given the opportunity through the The Cause DLC to acquire a Daedric Horse after defeating its master, Valkyn Gatanas and looting the spell tome.

Ultimately, whether through mods, creative roleplaying with existing assets, or experiencing other Elder Scrolls games, the dream of riding a Daedric Horse can be achieved. The best method depends on your preferred gaming style and platform. Now, let’s delve into some common questions about these fiery steeds:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Daedric Horses

Skyrim’s Fiery Steeds: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some FAQs to help clarify the nuances of acquiring a “Daedric Horse” in Skyrim and related topics:

• Is there a Daedric Horse in the base game of Skyrim?

  No, the base game of Skyrim does not include a horse explicitly named or designed as a “Daedric Horse.” However, Shadowmere and Arvak are the closest vanilla options.

• How do mods add Daedric Horses to Skyrim?

  Mods typically introduce Daedric Horses through custom textures, meshes, and scripts. These mods often allow you to summon the horse using a spell or acquire it through a specific quest. Check Nexus Mods for more information.

• How do I get Shadowmere in Skyrim?

  Shadowmere is acquired during the Dark Brotherhood questline. Specifically, Astrid will give you Shadowmere as you progress through the main questline.

• What makes Shadowmere special?

  Shadowmere has significantly more health and stamina than a standard horse. He regenerates health quickly and possesses a unique dark appearance with glowing red eyes.

• Where do I find Arvak in Skyrim?

  Arvak is found in the Soul Cairn, which is accessible through the Dawnguard DLC questline. You must complete a short quest to find Arvak’s skull to earn the ability to summon him.

• How does summoning Arvak work?

  After finding Arvak’s skull, you receive the “Summon Arvak” spell. This spell allows you to summon Arvak anywhere outdoors, making him incredibly convenient.

• Is Arvak considered the “best” horse in Skyrim?

  “Best” is subjective. Arvak offers unparalleled convenience due to his summonable nature. However, Shadowmere is more resilient in combat.

• Can Shadowmere die permanently?

  While Shadowmere isn’t essential (immortal) like his Oblivion counterpart, if he dies, he will respawn after 10 in-game days at the location of his death. If he dies in water, he will respawn near the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.

• What is the best way to roleplay a Daedric Horse in Skyrim without mods?

  Acquire Shadowmere or Arvak. Equip your character with Daedric armor and weapons. Choose dialogue options that reflect a ruthless and power-hungry personality. Finally, travel through areas associated with Daedric influence, like the shrines of Daedric Princes.

• Does Daedric Horse armor exist in Skyrim?

  The base game does not include Daedric Horse armor. However, mods exist that add Daedric armor sets for horses. These mods usually require the Dragonborn DLC to function.

• Which DLC is the most helpful when trying to acquire something similar to a Daedric Horse?

  The Dawnguard DLC is extremely helpful, as it includes the steed Arvak, the skeletal horse.

• How is the Daedric Horse acquired in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)?

  In the The Cause DLC, players travel to the Deadlands, where they encounter various Daedra and Dremora including the Daedric Horse. The Daedric Horse belongs to Valkyn Gatanas, who is a lieutenant of the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon. After defeating the horse and its master, you can loot one of the containers behind them for a spell tome to summon and ride your very own Daedric Horse.

• Can you customize Arvak’s appearance?

  The base game doesn’t allow for customization of Arvak’s appearance. However, mods might offer options to change his color or add armor.

• Are there any unique glitches or exploits related to horses in Skyrim?

  Skyrim is known for its quirky glitches. One well-known glitch is the “flying horse” glitch, where horses can sometimes launch into the air uncontrollably. However, this is not specific to any particular breed of horse.

• How does Skyrim and games like it help students in their education?

  Video games, even action games like Skyrim, can offer benefits for the player in fields like problem-solving and pattern-recognition. Learning through games, and the benefits of doing so, is researched by places such as the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).

By exploring the world of Skyrim, whether through its core content or with the aid of mods, the opportunity to ride a Daedric Horse, or something very much like it, can be found. Enjoy your fiery steed, Dragonborn!