Paws Under Your Roof: A Comprehensive Guide to Skyrim Pet Ownership
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How many pets can you realistically cram into your homestead in Skyrim? The answer, like much in the world of Tamriel, is a little complicated but generally speaking you can have two official pets through your adopted children, plus any animal followers you keep around! This allows for a diverse menagerie adding a lot of life to your Hearthfire home. Let’s break down the specifics of pet ownership in Skyrim, from the adoption process to the various creatures that can call your house their home.
Understanding Skyrim’s Pet System
The pet system in Skyrim isn’t as straightforward as picking up stray dogs and bringing them home. It is heavily tied to the Hearthfire DLC, which introduces the ability to build your own homes and adopt children. This expansion also enables the potential for animal companions in your household.
The Role of Adoption
The key to having pets in your home lies with your adopted children. After building a house with the necessary bedrooms, you can adopt up to two children from orphanages or the streets of various cities. These children are the ones who will ask to keep certain animals they find, effectively making them pets.
Pet Limits and Varieties
The core game mechanic allows for a maximum of two pets per household, and these pets are brought in through your children’s requests. The types of animals they can bring home are varied and can include:
- Dogs: Including stray dogs encountered in the wild.
- Foxes: These clever creatures can add a touch of wilderness to your home.
- Skeever: Possibly one of the least desirable creatures in the game.
- Mudcrabs: A bit unconventional, but they can make a unique addition.
Beyond the Basics: Animal Followers
While the official pet system is limited to two animals adopted by your children, you aren’t necessarily restricted to just those two furry or scaled friends. Skyrim also allows you to have animal followers, which can accompany you on your adventures and even hang around your house when you aren’t actively adventuring.
The One Follower Rule (and its Exceptions)
Typically, you can have one humanoid follower and one animal follower at any given time. This means you could have Lydia as your personal bodyguard and a dog or other creature as a companion. Some exceptions exist, especially with specific quests or Creation Club content, which might allow for more than one follower.
Notable Animal Followers
There are several unique animal followers that stand out in Skyrim:
- Meeko: A loyal dog found near his shack, always eager to join you.
- Vigilance: A war dog you can purchase from the Markarth Stables.
- Barbas: Technically a Daedric Prince’s dog, found during a Daedric quest.
- Bone Wolf: Available with the Anniversary Edition, a unique and powerful companion.
Keeping Animal Followers at Home
While animal followers aren’t officially considered “pets” in the same way as those adopted by your children, they will often stay at your house when you dismiss them. This can effectively increase the number of animals around your home, adding to the ambiance.
Adding Even More Pets: Mods and the Anniversary Edition
For those who want even more animal companionship, Skyrim’s modding community offers a wide range of possibilities. The Anniversary Edition also adds new pets and ways to acquire them through the Creation Club content.
Exploring Modding Options
Mods can remove or alter the pet limits, allowing you to have as many animals as your system can handle. Some mods introduce new pet types, behaviors, and even interactive elements, making your home truly feel like a wildlife sanctuary.
Creation Club Content
The Anniversary Edition of Skyrim includes Creation Club content, which features unique quests and items. Some of these additions include new pets, such as the Bone Wolf or even more exotic creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about owning pets in Skyrim:
Can I own multiple dogs in Skyrim?
Technically, your children can only adopt one dog. However, you can have a dog follower (like Meeko or Vigilance) in addition to the one your children adopt, effectively having two dogs around your property.
Can multiple pets follow you in Skyrim?
Generally, no. You’re limited to one humanoid follower and one animal follower. Exceptions may arise through specific quests, glitches, or mods.
How many animals can you tame in Skyrim?
Without mods, you cannot technically “tame” wild animals. The pets you acquire are through adoption by your children or as pre-existing followers. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers insights into how game mechanics like this can influence player behavior.
Can I keep a dog at my house in Skyrim?
Yes! To have a dog at your house, you need your child to adopt him or bring him home. Alternatively, if you use a dog as your follower, they will reside there while you aren’t actively adventuring together.
Are dogs worth it in Skyrim?
The dogs your children adopt typically function as pets, adding to the ambiance of your home. Dog followers like Meeko or Vigilance can be useful early-game companions, but their combat effectiveness tends to diminish as you level up.
What is the strongest pet in Skyrim?
The Steadfast Dwarven Sphere, available in the Dragonborn DLC, is one of the strongest animal followers in terms of health and combat ability.
Can you have a pet wolf in Skyrim?
Yes, the Bone Wolf, obtained through Creation Club content, is a unique and powerful wolf companion.
Who is the best companion in Skyrim?
While subjective, Serana from the Dawnguard DLC is often considered the best companion due to her powerful necromancy skills and engaging backstory.
Who is the best child to adopt in Skyrim?
Again, subjective. Many players adopt Sofie and Lucia due to their particularly sad backstories. Consider your personal preferences and the narrative you want to create.
Can you keep Meeko at your house?
Yes! By asking Meeko to follow you and then bringing him to your house, he will stay there even after you dismiss him.
Can you have a dog and a human companion in Skyrim?
Yes, you can have one dog follower and one humanoid follower simultaneously.
Can you have 2 horses in Skyrim?
While you can own multiple horses, only one will actively follow you at a time. The last horse you mounted will be the one that accompanies you.
What breed is Skyrim dog?
The default dog model in Skyrim resembles an Irish Wolfhound.
Where does my dog go when I send him home in Skyrim?
If you have Hearthfire and a child adopted your dog as a pet, then they’ll go home to your house. If you dismiss a dog follower, it returns to it’s original location where you found them.
Can you have a death hound as a pet in Skyrim?
Only if you side with the vampires in the Dawnguard DLC. They are found within Castle Volkihar.
In conclusion, while the core game mechanics limit you to two official pets adopted by your children, the possibilities for animal companionship in Skyrim are vast. By utilizing animal followers, exploring mods, and embracing the content offered by the Anniversary Edition, you can create a truly unique and lively home filled with all sorts of creatures. Explore the Games Learning Society website (GamesLearningSociety.org) to learn how game design influences player choices and creates engaging experiences. So go forth, Dragonborn, and build your dream home – one paw print at a time!