Getting Breezehome for Free: A Skyrim Guide
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So, you’re looking to acquire Breezehome in Whiterun without shelling out the 5,000 gold? It’s a goal many a frugal Dragonborn has pursued, and while not strictly intended by the game, there are a couple of known exploits that can make it happen. Let’s dive into how you can snag that cozy abode for free!
The Gold Container Exploit
This is the more well-known method and relies on a clever bit of in-game manipulation. Here’s the breakdown:
- Requirements: You must first complete the quest “Bleak Falls Barrow” for Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. After returning the Dragonstone, he will allow you to purchase property. Also, make sure you have an accomplice to follow you or at least stay very close to where you are!
- Preparation: Before speaking to Proventus Avenicci, the Jarl’s steward, find a container (a chest, barrel, or even a sack) located very close to him. The closer, the better!
- The Transaction: Initiate a conversation with Proventus and select the option to purchase Breezehome.
- The Switch: Immediately after selecting the purchase option (but before the dialogue box closes), quickly open the container you selected. Deposit all (or almost all, leaving only 1 gold behind) of your gold into it. The dialogue box will likely close.
- The Glitch: The game registers the “purchase” as complete because you initiated the transaction. However, since the gold was transferred before the game could deduct it from your inventory, you keep your money and get the house!
Important Considerations:
- Timing is crucial. This exploit requires a quick hand and a bit of practice. You might need to try it a few times to get the timing right.
- Container Proximity: The container must be within arm’s reach of Proventus. Any significant distance will render the exploit ineffective.
- Patching: Be aware that Bethesda might patch this exploit in future updates. However, it has been a reliable method since the game’s original release.
Ysolda’s Marriage Proposal
This approach isn’t completely free in the strictest sense, but it grants you a free place to stay in Whiterun by marrying Ysolda.
- Requirements: To marry Ysolda, you will need to speak with Maramal in Riften and purchase an Amulet of Mara from him for 200 gold. You will also need to complete Ysolda’s quest titled “Rare Gifts“.
- Completing the Rare Gifts Quest: To get this quest, speak to Ysolda and offer her help and she will task you with buying mammoth tusks for her.
- The Marriage Proposal: You need to equip the Amulet of Mara and speak to Ysolda. There will now be an option to ask about your interest in her and if she is interested in you. If you have completed the prerequisite requirements, you can propose to her. If she accepts, you can proceed with the wedding.
- The Humble Abode: After marrying Ysolda, you will be able to stay with her in her family’s home.
Alternatives to Breezehome
Keep in mind that obtaining Breezehome isn’t the only path to homeownership in Skyrim. Consider these options:
- Joining the Imperial Legion/Stormcloaks: Completing the questline to join either faction will eventually reward you with a house in one of the cities controlled by that faction.
- Becoming Thane: Becoming Thane of various holds grants you a house in that hold. This usually involves completing quests for the Jarl and assisting the citizens of the hold.
- Hearthfire DLC: The Hearthfire DLC allows you to build your own homes from the ground up. This requires resources and time but offers unparalleled customization.
- Free Housing: There are a couple of free places to sleep that do not involve marriage or glitching the game. Sleeping in these locations comes with some role-playing and may be unappealing to some players.
Why Bother with Breezehome?
Even with other options available, Breezehome holds a special appeal for many players. It’s relatively inexpensive (if you do decide to buy it legitimately), centrally located, and provides a convenient base of operations early in the game. Its proximity to key locations like the Skyforge and the Whiterun market makes it ideal for crafting, trading, and questing.
Remember that the experiences in Skyrim are ever-changing with updates and mods. To stay current and learn more about the intersection of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it illegal to exploit glitches to get Breezehome for free?
No, it’s not “illegal” in the real-world sense. It’s simply exploiting a loophole in the game’s code. Bethesda might patch it, but they won’t come after you legally.
2. Does this glitch work on all versions of Skyrim?
The gold container exploit has been reported to work on many versions of Skyrim, including the original release, Special Edition, and Anniversary Edition. However, patch updates can sometimes affect the functionality of glitches. It has been reported that some players have had difficulty replicating the glitch when using the most recent versions of the game.
3. What if I fail the gold container exploit?
If you mess up the timing, simply reload a previous save and try again. Make sure you save your game before attempting this exploit.
4. Does this exploit affect my game’s stability?
In most cases, no. This exploit is relatively harmless and shouldn’t cause any significant stability issues.
5. Can I get banned for using glitches in Skyrim?
Skyrim is primarily a single-player game. There is no way to be banned from the game unless playing on a modded server online.
6. Is there a way to reset Proventus Avenicci’s dialogue if I accidentally reject his offer?
You can wait a couple of weeks in-game for his dialogue to reset, or you can reload a previous save.
7. What if I already bought Breezehome? Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, there’s no legitimate way to get a refund in the game. You’re stuck with your purchase.
8. What are the best upgrades to buy for Breezehome once I have it?
The alchemy lab and enchanting table are generally considered the most useful upgrades, allowing you to craft potions and enchant items from the comfort of your home.
9. How do I become Thane of Whiterun?
Complete quests for Jarl Balgruuf and assist the citizens of Whiterun. After completing enough tasks, you’ll be given the title of Thane.
10. Where can I find the ingredients for valuable alchemy potions?
Blue Mountain Flowers and Blue Butterfly Wings are a great start. Look for them around Whiterun and the surrounding plains.
11. Can I move my spouse into Breezehome?
Yes, after marrying an NPC, you can choose to have them live in Breezehome with you.
12. What are some other ways to make money quickly in Skyrim?
Crafting iron daggers, mining ore and smelting it into ingots, and completing bounties are all effective ways to earn gold.
13. Does Breezehome have a garden?
No, Breezehome does not have a garden. If you want a garden, you’ll need to build one of the homesteads offered in the Hearthfire DLC.
14. Can I store my Dragon Masks in Breezehome?
While there’s no specific display for Dragon Masks in Breezehome, you can store them in chests or on mannequins.
15. Is Breezehome the best house in Skyrim?
That’s subjective! Breezehome is a great early-game option, but other houses offer more space, features, and unique locations. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences.