What is the Safest House to Live in Skyrim? The Definitive Guide
Choosing a home in Skyrim is more than just picking a pretty view; it’s about finding a safe haven from dragons, bandits, and all manner of monstrous creatures. So, what is the safest house to live in Skyrim?
The answer, considering all factors, leans heavily towards Heljarchen Hall. While not entirely immune to attacks, its strategic location near Whiterun and Dawnstar, coupled with fewer reported high-level monster spawns, makes it a relatively secure choice for the Dragonborn and their family. However, defining “safest” depends on what you prioritize. City-based homes offer the most protection from random encounters, but lack the charm and customization of homesteads. Ultimately, the ideal safe house depends on your playstyle and tolerance for risk.
Skyrim Homes: A Security Analysis
Let’s dive deeper into why certain homes offer better protection than others.
City Dwellings: Fortified Havens
- Markarth: This city is arguably the safest city due to its vigilant guards and mountainous terrain preventing easy dragon attacks. Proudspire Manor is a great home.
- Whiterun: Breezehome is centrally located and well-guarded within the city walls, but dragons are known to attack, even if rarely.
- Windhelm: Hjerim is a larger option, but suffers from the occasional city-wide attack, including possible vampire attacks if you’re not careful.
- Riften: Honeyside benefits from Riften’s heavily guarded gates and Thieves Guild presence, but the city itself is prone to crime.
- Solitude: As the capital city, Solitude is well-defended, making Proudspire Manor a reasonable choice.
Homesteads: Customization vs. Creature Encounters
Homesteads, added through the Hearthfire DLC, allow for incredible customization but come with inherent risks.
- Heljarchen Hall: Its location between Dawnstar and Whiterun provides a balance. While giants and other creatures might wander nearby, it’s less prone to constant attacks than other homesteads.
- Lakeview Manor: This picturesque location near Falkreath is frequently targeted by bandits, giants, and even dragons.
- Windstad Manor: Located in the marshy Hjaalmarch, this manor suffers from attacks by giants, horkers, and aggressive wildlife.
Unique Dwellings: Sanctuary and Seclusion
Certain locations, like the Arch-Mage’s Quarters at the College of Winterhold and the Dawnstar Sanctuary, offer inherent security due to their protected nature or remote location. The Arch-Mage’s Quarters are arguably safe by being in the college. The Bloodchill Cavern, offered through the Anniversary Edition is a mini Volkihar castle but just for you.
Factors Influencing Home Safety
Several factors contribute to how safe your Skyrim home truly is:
- Location: Homes situated near common monster spawn points are naturally more vulnerable.
- Guard Presence: City guards provide constant protection, while homesteads rely on a housecarl and potentially a spouse.
- Home Defense: Hearthfire allows you to build walls, fences, and hire stewards, who can hire guards to deter attackers, improving your chances of repelling assaults.
- Dragon Attacks: Dragon attacks can occur anywhere, but certain locations seem to trigger them more frequently. The game’s combat system and the need to fight dragons makes every place relatively unsafe.
- Enemy Types: Different locations attract different enemies. Some homes are plagued by giants, while others face bandits or wildlife.
- Your Level: As you level up, the types of enemies that attack your home will also increase in difficulty.
- Quest Choices: Completing certain quests can alter the security of a location. Joining the Dawnguard can lead to vampire attacks on towns, for example.
Making Your Home Safer
Regardless of your chosen location, you can take steps to improve your home’s security:
- Build Defenses: Invest in walls, fences, and guard towers at homesteads.
- Hire a Steward: Stewards can manage your property and hire guards.
- Equip Your Housecarl: Give your housecarl the best armor and weapons available.
- Marry a Strong Companion: A spouse who is a capable fighter can help defend your home.
- Strategically Place Torches: Torches can deter some creatures from approaching your property.
- Keep Potions and Spells Handy: Be prepared to defend your home yourself.
FAQ: Skyrim Home Security
Q1: Are city homes completely safe from attacks?
No, city homes aren’t immune. Dragons, vampires, and other threats can attack cities, putting your home at risk. However, guards help protect city homes.
Q2: Do homesteads get attacked more often than city homes?
Yes, homesteads are generally attacked more frequently due to their isolated locations and proximity to wilderness areas.
Q3: Can my children be harmed in attacks on my home?
Yes, your children can be harmed during home attacks. It is important to protect them!
Q4: Does the difficulty setting affect the frequency of home attacks?
No, the difficulty setting affects enemy strength but not the frequency of home attacks.
Q5: Can I prevent all attacks on my homestead?
No, it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of attacks, but you can significantly reduce it by building defenses and hiring guards.
Q6: Which homestead is the most dangerous?
Lakeview Manor is often considered the most dangerous due to its frequent attacks by giants, bandits, and dragons.
Q7: Is there a way to know when my home is being attacked?
You’ll usually be alerted by your housecarl or spouse, or you’ll simply see enemies near your property when you arrive.
Q8: Do attacks on my home stop after a certain point in the game?
No, attacks can continue throughout the game, though their frequency may vary.
Q9: Does the “No Stone Unturned” quest affect home security?
No, the “No Stone Unturned” quest doesn’t directly affect home security.
Q10: Are there any mods that improve home security in Skyrim?
Yes, many mods enhance home security by adding more guards, improving defenses, or reducing the frequency of attacks.
Q11: Is it better to build a small, defensible home or a large, sprawling estate?
A smaller, well-defended home is generally safer than a large estate that’s difficult to protect.
Q12: Does becoming a vampire affect the security of my home?
Yes, becoming a vampire can trigger vampire attacks on towns and cities, including your home.
Q13: Is there a correlation between wealth and home attacks?
Yes, if you become rich and famous, it will invite trouble from those who do not have as much.
Q14: If I join the Stormcloaks or the Imperial Legion, does it make my home more or less secure?
Joining either faction doesn’t directly impact home security, but it might influence enemy encounters in certain areas.
Q15: Are some followers better at defending my home than others?
Yes, followers with high combat skills and heavy armor proficiency are better suited for defending your home.
In Conclusion
While no house in Skyrim offers absolute safety, Heljarchen Hall strikes a good balance between customization, location, and relative security. City homes offer a safer alternative with less customization, while homesteads provide more customization at the cost of more frequent attacks. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. Remember to bolster your defenses, equip your housecarl, and always be prepared for the unexpected. Remember that the Games Learning Society is a great resource for learning more about how video games impact learning. You can find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.