Who Should I Pick to Be My Steward in Skyrim?
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Choosing a steward in Skyrim’s Hearthfire DLC might seem like a simple decision, but it can actually have a significant impact on your homestead experience. The direct answer is: it largely doesn’t matter statistically who you choose, as all stewards perform the same core functions. However, the roleplaying aspect and convenience should guide your choice. Consider their skills, personality, and how they fit into your Dragonborn’s story. Ultimately, the “best” steward is the one who enhances your personal gameplay.
Understanding the Steward Role
Before diving into specific candidates, let’s clarify what a steward actually does. A steward’s primary responsibilities include:
- Purchasing building materials: They can acquire lumber, stone, and clay, saving you the tedious task of endless resource gathering.
- Furnishing your home: They can decorate rooms according to your specifications, adding beds, tables, and other essential items.
- Hiring a bard, carriage driver, and personal guard: They manage the staffing of your homestead, making it a livelier and more secure place.
- Protecting your property: While they aren’t invincible, they will defend your home against bandits and wild animals.
Despite potential dialogue implications or even suggested gameplay mechanics, most stewards carry out these tasks with equivalent efficiency.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Steward
While gameplay efficiency is standardized, the steward selection should be influenced by:
1. Follower Versatility
Your steward is drawn from your pool of followers. If you want them by your side when tackling dungeons, pick someone who is also an effective combatant. If they are your choice for a homebody then pick anyone.
2. Combat Style
A steward who is a strong fighter can better defend your homestead. Consider their combat skills (archery, melee, magic) and armor proficiency.
3. Personality
A steward with an engaging personality will be fun to have around the house, however they are often out and about. A steward is most often around your house or village and their personality will influence how your Dragonborn interacts with their home.
4. Roleplaying Considerations
Your choice of steward can add depth to your character’s story. Perhaps you choose a former Companion to honor your shared adventures, or a struggling mercenary to give them a new purpose.
5. Marriage Potential
You can marry your steward, though it is not advisable to have your spouse as a steward. Doing so eliminates a possible fighter.
Recommended Steward Candidates
Given these considerations, here are some excellent steward options in Skyrim, with explanations of why they might be good choices:
- Aela the Huntress (Companion): Skilled archer, powerful warrior, and a compelling personality. Having her as your steward allows you to still collect Companion quests from your home.
- Vilkas (Companion): A strong melee fighter with a noble demeanor. Like Aela, he offers the convenience of accessing Companion quests from your homestead.
- Valdimar (Housecarl): Found in Morthal, he’s a capable battle mage, offering a mix of weapon and magic skills. His versatility makes him a valuable asset in defending your home.
- Iona (Housecarl): Earned as Thane of Riften, Iona has a slightly higher health pool.
- Any other follower that you like.
Stewards to Avoid
While technically any follower can be a steward, some might not be ideal:
- Jenassa: She can’t be a steward.
- Those you dislike: Those with whom you do not like would be less than ideal.
- Characters with essential quest roles: This prevents them from traveling, and may impede normal gameplay.
Optimizing Your Steward’s Performance
Regardless of who you choose, there are steps you can take to maximize their effectiveness as a steward:
- Provide them with good armor and weapons: Equip them with the best gear you can afford to enhance their combat abilities.
- Clear your chosen homestead of bandits and wild animals before appointing your steward.
- Visit your homestead regularly: This will help ensure that your steward is performing their duties and that your property is safe.
The End Goal
The decision of who to select as steward is an important one. However, you can choose any follower to be your steward. Ultimately, you want your steward to make your playthrough more enjoyable!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skyrim Stewards
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about stewards in Skyrim, along with concise answers:
1. Does it matter who my steward is in Skyrim?
Statistically, no. All stewards perform the same core functions. However, personality and skills can influence your gameplay experience and immersion.
2. How do I choose a steward in Skyrim?
Recruit a follower, bring them to your homestead, and speak to them. If the option to make them a steward is available, select it.
3. Is Vilkas a good steward?
Yes, Vilkas is a good steward choice, especially if you want to access Companion quests from your home.
4. Can you have both a housecarl and a steward?
Yes, you can have both a housecarl (assigned to you upon becoming Thane) and a steward.
5. Who is the best housecarl to marry in Skyrim?
Iona is considered one of the best housecarls to marry due to her slightly higher health. However, this is a matter of personal preference.
6. Can you get another housecarl if Lydia dies?
Yes, you can get another housecarl by becoming Thane of another hold and purchasing a house there. However, Lydia will be permanently gone.
7. Who is the strongest housecarl in Skyrim?
Valdimar is often considered the strongest housecarl due to his access to magic and varied equipment.
8. Can I get a new steward if one dies in Skyrim?
Yes, you can hire a new steward if your previous one dies.
9. Can you marry your house steward in Skyrim?
Yes, you can marry your steward. However, doing so means you cannot get a new steward to guard your house.
10. Why did my steward leave Skyrim?
Personal stewards may sometimes vanish due to bugs. Try entering and exiting your house to see if they reappear, or install the Unofficial Hearthfire Patch.
11. Can Jenassa be a steward?
No, Jenassa cannot be a steward.
12. Is Farkas better than Vilkas?
Vilkas is generally considered a stronger frontline companion due to his combat skills.
13. Can you turn Farkas into a vampire?
No, Farkas cannot be turned into a vampire because he is already a werewolf and immune to vampirism.
14. What happens if Vilkas dies?
If Vilkas dies, he is permanently dead unless you load an earlier save or use console commands.
15. Is Lydia the best wife in Skyrim?
Lydia is a popular choice due to her loyalty and accessibility, but ultimately the “best” wife is a matter of personal preference.
We hope this guide has helped you in choosing your steward in Skyrim. For more gaming-related information, including the educational impact of games, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org or the Games Learning Society website.