Mastering Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide to Resetting Inventories

So, you want to reset an inventory in Skyrim, eh? Whether it’s a merchant’s gold, an NPC’s clothing, or a follower’s lost sword, there are several ways to accomplish this, depending on your platform and the specific goal. The methods range from simple in-game mechanics to console commands, and even exploiting game mechanics. Let’s dive into the details.

The most straightforward method to reset an NPC’s inventory in Skyrim depends on the specific type of inventory you’re targeting. For standard NPCs (non-merchants), the resetinventory console command is often the quickest solution on PC. For merchants, waiting 48 in-game hours is the most common method. For followers, their inventory should be persistent, but bugs can occur, requiring loading an earlier save or using console commands.

Resetting NPC Inventories: Your Options

Here’s a breakdown of the various methods you can use to reset inventories in Skyrim:

1. The resetinventory Console Command (PC Only)

This is the quickest and cleanest method for resetting a standard NPC’s (non-merchant) inventory on the PC.

• Open the Console: Press the ~ (tilde) key on your keyboard.
• Select the NPC: Click on the NPC in the game world. Their RefID will appear on the screen.
• Enter the Command: Type resetinventory and press Enter.

This command will revert the NPC’s inventory to its default state. This means they’ll get their original clothes, weapons, and any other items they started the game with. Any items you gave them, or they acquired through other means, will be removed.

2. Waiting for Merchant Restock (All Platforms)

Merchants in Skyrim have a built-in restocking timer.

• The Wait Time: Typically, merchants restock their inventory and gold every 48 in-game hours.
• The Catch: If you interact with the merchant during this 48-hour period, the timer resets. This includes simply opening their trade window. So, you must completely avoid them for two full in-game days.
• Using Wait or Sleep: You can use the “Wait” function (accessed through the menu) or sleep in a bed to advance time.

This method is the simplest and most reliable way to refresh a merchant’s gold and item selection on all platforms.

3. The Kill and Resurrect Method (PC Only)

This method is a more drastic approach, but it can be effective if other methods fail.

• Open the Console: Press the ~ (tilde) key.
• Select the NPC: Click on the NPC.
• Kill the NPC: Type kill and press Enter.
• Resurrect the NPC: Type resurrect and press Enter.

This will bring the NPC back to life with their default inventory. Be aware that this can sometimes have unintended consequences, such as resetting their relationships with other characters or altering quest progression. Use with caution!

4. Reloading a Save

If you’re dealing with a bugged inventory or a follower who has lost items, reloading a previous save is often the safest solution, regardless of your platform.

• Load an Earlier Save: Load a save from before the issue occurred. This is particularly useful if a follower has lost essential equipment.

This is a less disruptive method than using console commands, as it doesn’t directly alter the game world in potentially unpredictable ways.

5. Pickpocket Reset (Non-Merchant NPCs)

According to the article information, NPC inventories reset 40 hours Skyrim time or 7200 seconds real world time after the first time you’ve pickpocketed them since the last reset. This can be a more ‘natural’ method than using console commands, provided you are willing to wait the specified period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often do NPC inventories reset in Skyrim?

For merchants, it’s every 48 in-game hours. For other NPCs, using the resetinventory console command is the most direct method, but their inventories should also respawn after the specified time after being pickpocketed, as mentioned above.

2. How long does it take for a merchant’s inventory to reset in Skyrim?

A merchant’s inventory resets after 48 in-game hours if you avoid interacting with them during that time. Interaction resets the timer.

3. How do I reset my NPC’s money in Skyrim?

NPC money, specifically merchant gold, resets every 48 in-game hours, just like their inventory. The kill/resurrect method on PC is another option.

4. What is the command to reset NPC armor in Skyrim?

The simplest method is to select the NPC in the console and use the resetinventory command. Alternatively, killing and resurrecting the NPC will also reset their armor to the default.

5. How do you reset Lydia in Skyrim?

If Lydia has died, PC players can use the console command resurrect 000A2C94 to revive her. For console players, loading a previous save is the only option.

6. How do I force my NPC to wear armor in Skyrim?

Give the NPC the item. Open the console, click on the NPC, and type equipitem (item id) 1. The 1 at the end is crucial to prevent them from unequipping it later.

7. Who is the richest merchant in Skyrim?

The Riverwood Trader is typically considered the richest merchant, often having over 4000 gold available.

8. How do you get a fence with 4000 gold in Skyrim?

Thieves Guild fences start with 1000 gold, increasing by 1000 for each reputation quest completed, up to 4000. The “Master Trader” Speech perk can further increase this to 5000.

9. How do you get a RefID of an NPC in Skyrim?

Clicking on the NPC while the console is open will display their RefID. If you can’t click on them, type save funclist 1 in the console, which will generate a text file containing all RefIDs in your save.

10. Do followers’ inventories reset in Skyrim?

Followers’ inventories are generally not supposed to reset. However, bugs can occur, leading to lost items. The Unofficial Skyrim Patch fixes many of these issues. If items do disappear, reload a previous save.

11. Does the merchant reset work on Skyrim?

Yes, the 48-hour merchant reset does work.

12. Do wardrobes reset in Skyrim?

Most containers in Skyrim, including wardrobes, respawn their contents after ten days, making them unsafe for long-term storage. Certain locations, like Severin Manor (after completing “Served Cold”) and wardrobes/bookcases within Volkihar Keep, are exceptions and offer safe storage.

13. Do companions in Skyrim keep inventory?

Yes, companions should keep their inventory. If they lose an item, check their inventory again, especially after dismissing and re-recruiting them.

14. Can you marry a merchant in Skyrim?

Yes, you can marry merchants in Skyrim. Use Mara’s temple in Riften.

15. What happens if a merchant dies in Skyrim?

Most merchants are essential NPCs and cannot die. If a non-essential merchant dies (through mods or other means), their shop will be permanently closed unless you resurrect them using console commands on PC.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Mods: Mods can significantly alter how inventories reset. Check the mod descriptions for specific details.
• Exploits: Some players exploit glitches to rapidly reset merchant inventories. However, these are often unreliable and can lead to unintended consequences.
• The Unofficial Skyrim Patch: This patch fixes many inventory-related bugs, making it highly recommended.
• Safe Storage: Be mindful of where you store items. Most containers respawn, leading to lost items. Use containers in player homes or locations specifically marked as safe.

The Importance of Learning in Games

Understanding game mechanics, like inventory management, is a core part of the gaming experience. Just as players learn strategies and tactics, they also learn about the underlying systems that govern the game world. This process aligns with the principles promoted by the Games Learning Society, which emphasizes the educational potential of video games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about this exciting field.

By mastering inventory management and understanding how resets work, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of Skyrim and overcome any challenges you may face. So go forth, Dragonborn, and conquer!