What is the Best Kid to Adopt in Skyrim? A Dragonborn’s Guide to Choosing Your Child
Choosing the “best” child to adopt in Skyrim isn’t about stats or skills; it’s about roleplaying and creating a compelling story for your Dragonborn. There’s no single “best” answer. However, Sofie and Lucia are often cited as the most compelling choices due to their particularly tragic circumstances. Sofie sells flowers in Windhelm in the freezing cold just to survive, and Lucia begs for money in Whiterun after losing her family. Adopting them resonates strongly with players seeking a heartwarming redemption arc for their character. Ultimately, the best child to adopt is the one that best fits your character’s story and your personal values. Each child offers a unique background and personality that can significantly impact your playthrough.
Considering the Options: A Rundown of Adoptable Children
Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s quickly outline the available children in Skyrim’s adoption pool:
- Sofie (Windhelm): A Nord girl selling flowers in the cold, begging to survive. Her plight is especially heartbreaking.
- Lucia (Whiterun): A Nord girl begging for money after her family farm was lost. She dreams of becoming a noble and living on a farm again.
- Alesan (Dawnstar): A Redguard boy working at the docks, dreaming of sailing. He misses his parents who died at sea.
- Blaise (Katla’s Farm, near Solitude): A Breton boy living on a farm after his parents died in an ambush. He’s quiet and helpful.
- Hroar (Honorhall Orphanage, Riften): A Nord boy residing in the orphanage. He’s often picked on by the other children.
- Runa Fair-Shield (Honorhall Orphanage, Riften): A Nord girl residing in the orphanage. She’s a bit of a tomboy and dreams of adventure.
- Aventus Aretino (Aretino Residence, Windhelm, then Honorhall Orphanage): A Nord boy who performs the Black Sacrament. Only adoptable after completing “Innocence Lost” and with the Unofficial Skyrim Patch or specific mods.
- Babette (Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary): An Altmer vampire residing in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. Requires a mod to adopt.
- Ma’isha (Crabber’s Shanty): A Khajiit child near Windhelm, requires a mod to adopt.
- Braith (Whiterun): A Nord girl in Whiterun. Requires a mod to adopt.
Why Sofie and Lucia Often Top the List
Several factors contribute to Sofie and Lucia being popular choices:
- Their dire circumstances: They represent the most vulnerable and visibly suffering children in Skyrim.
- Emotional impact: Rescuing them evokes a strong sense of doing good and providing a much-needed home.
- Roleplaying potential: Their backstories provide rich opportunities for character development and storytelling.
Beyond Compassion: Other Factors to Consider
While compassion is a primary motivator, other factors can influence your decision:
- House Location: Some children’s backstories might align better with specific house locations. For example, Alesan might appreciate living near the coast in a house like Hjerim in Windhelm or Windstad Manor.
- Character Alignment: A character with a strong sense of justice might be drawn to adopting Hroar to protect him from bullies, while a character with a darker past might find kinship with Babette (with the help of mods).
- Mod Availability: Mods can expand the pool of adoptable children and offer unique customization options.
- Home Design: Consider the personality of the child when designing their room.
Creating a Meaningful Adoption Experience
Adopting a child in Skyrim is more than just ticking a box. Here’s how to make the experience more meaningful:
- Engage in Roleplaying: Imagine how your Dragonborn would interact with their child. Tell them stories, take them on adventures (using mods), and provide them with gifts.
- Customize Their Room: Decorate their room to reflect their personality and interests. Give them toys, books, and other items that they would appreciate.
- Use Mods to Enhance the Experience: Numerous mods add depth to the adoption system, such as allowing children to grow up, learn skills, and participate in quests.
- Visit Orphanages and Help Other Children: Even if you can only adopt two children, you can still help the other orphans by donating gold and resources to the orphanage.
Why Adoption Matters
Adopting children in Skyrim adds an emotional layer to the game, making your Dragonborn feel more connected to the world and its inhabitants. It allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of these virtual children and create a more fulfilling and rewarding gameplay experience. Plus, the benefits of having children around the house are great: they can bring home pets or even give you gifts!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adoption in Skyrim
1. Can you have biological children in Skyrim?
No, it is not possible to have biological children in Skyrim. The Hearthfire DLC only allows for adoption.
2. How many kids can I adopt in Skyrim?
With the Hearthfire DLC installed, you can adopt up to two children in Skyrim.
3. Can your adopted child grow up in Skyrim?
Sadly, the base game doesn’t allow children to grow up. However, mods are available that enable children to age and even learn skills.
4. Can I adopt Aventus Aretino?
Yes, you can adopt Aventus Aretino after completing the “Innocence Lost” quest and with the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch (USSEP) or other compatible mods. He can be found in Honorhall Orphanage.
5. Can you adopt Babette?
Yes, you can adopt Babette with the help of mods specifically designed for this purpose.
6. What happens if I adopt a child in Skyrim?
Adopting a child makes your house feel more lived-in and provides benefits such as receiving gifts and pets.
7. Can you adopt a Khajiit child in Skyrim?
Not in the base game. However, mods exist that allow you to adopt a Khajiit child, such as Ma’isha, who can be found in Crabber’s Shanty.
8. Which Skyrim house is the best for raising children?
Lakeview Manor is often considered one of the best houses for raising children due to its large size, customizable features, and scenic location. Heljarchen Hall and Windstad Manor are also great choices, as well as Proudspire Manor if you prefer city living.
9. What can I gift my child in Skyrim?
You can gift your children items like a dagger, a wooden sword, a Child’s Doll, or children’s clothing.
10. Can you adopt Braith?
Not without mods. There are mods that enable adopting Braith after certain conditions are met.
11. Can you have two wives in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, you can only have one spouse in Skyrim.
12. Can you have a wife in Skyrim as a female character?
Yes, you can marry any eligible NPC regardless of your character’s gender. Love is love in Skyrim!
13. Are there any Argonian children in Skyrim?
No, Argonian children are not present in the base game in Skyrim.
14. How do you disown a child in Skyrim?
You cannot disown a child in Skyrim. Once adopted, they are permanent members of your household unless you use console commands or mods to remove them.
15. How many pets can you have in Skyrim?
Each child can have one pet, and you can have a maximum of two pets in your household.
The Heart of Skyrim: Choosing Your Family
Ultimately, the choice of which child to adopt in Skyrim is a deeply personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. Consider your Dragonborn’s personality, your preferred gameplay style, and the story you want to tell. Whether you choose the vulnerable Sofie or Lucia, the adventurous Alesan, or a mod-added child with a unique backstory, embracing the adoption experience can add a new layer of depth and meaning to your Skyrim adventure. Make your choice, build your home, and create lasting memories with your adopted family.
Remember, gaming can be a fun and educational experience. Explore more about the intersection of learning and gaming at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.