Skyrim's Cities Ranked: From Safest to Most Dangerous
Skyrim is a vast and immersive world, but it's also fraught with peril. From dragons soaring through the skies to bandits lurking in the wilderness, danger is never far away. However, the nine major cities offer a semblance of safety, each walled and guarded. But behind those walls, some cities are far more treacherous than others. Let's explore Skyrim's hold capitals, ranking them by how safe they are to live in during the events of *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*.
9. Markarth: A City on the Brink Markarth earns its place at the bottom of the list for good reason. The city is gripped by a constant power struggle between the native Forsworn and the occupying Nords. This conflict spills into the streets, making it unsafe for residents and travelers alike. The city's guards are corrupt, often silencing those who cause trouble, rather than protecting the innocent. Adding to the danger, Markarth is heavily influenced by Daedric forces, specifically Namira and Molag Bal. These dark entities further corrupt the city and its inhabitants. Even the city's architecture, built within ancient Dwemer ruins, poses a threat, with its steep inclines and precarious walkways leading to accidental falls.
8. Dawnstar: Plagued by Nightmares and Dragons Dawnstar, located in the frigid north, faces its own set of challenges. The harsh climate and frequent blizzards make survival difficult, and the surrounding wilderness is teeming with dangerous creatures like bears, sabertooth tigers, and frost trolls.
But perhaps the biggest threat to Dawnstar is its unfortunate tendency to attract dragon attacks. These fearsome beasts frequently descend upon the city, wreaking havoc and destruction. Furthermore, the Daedric Prince Vaermina casts a shadow over Dawnstar, tormenting its residents with nightmares. The presence of a haunted Dark Brotherhood sanctuary nearby only adds to the city's unsettling atmosphere.
7. Morthal: Surrounded by Swamps of Peril Morthal's location amidst a treacherous swamp makes it a dangerous place to call home. The surrounding wetlands are home to a variety of deadly creatures, including chaurus, spriggans, and, most alarmingly, vampires. The vampire threat isn't confined to the swamps; a vampire named Alva resides within the city, serving the powerful vampire lord Movarth. While Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone possesses prophetic abilities and has faced Movarth before, her protection isn't enough to ensure the city's safety. The recent deaths of two residents at the hands of Movarth's servants highlight the ever-present danger.
6. Windhelm: A City Divided Windhelm boasts impressive defenses, with its imposing walls and dedicated Stormcloak guards. However, safety within Windhelm is not distributed equally. The city is plagued by bigotry, with Nords treating dark elves and Argonians as second-class citizens. Argonians are confined to the docks, while dark elves live in the impoverished "Gray Quarter." Beyond the prejudice, Windhelm is also stalked by a serial killer known as the Butcher. This elusive murderer preys on women in the night, leaving the city in a state of fear. Even the Nord population isn't safe from the Butcher's wrath, exposing the limits of Windhelm's supposed security.
5. Riften: Where Crime Pays (But Not Much Else) Riften's reputation as a haven for thieves might lead you to believe it would rank lower on this list. While it's true that the Thieves' Guild operates openly within the city, their activities are largely limited to petty theft and extortion. Located in the warmer southern region of Skyrim, Riften avoids the harsh climate and is relatively untouched by the civil war. The Thieves' Guild, controlled by Maven Black-Briar, has a vested interest in maintaining order within the city, preventing more serious violence. The main threat comes from the Ratway, an underground network of criminals, but it's largely contained.
4. Winterhold: A College of Magic, a City of Fear Winterhold's safety is a paradox. The College of Winterhold, the province's center for magical learning, is both its greatest asset and its greatest threat. The College's experiments have a history of causing disasters, most notably the destruction of half the city decades ago. Despite the risks, the College's presence also deters other threats and provides a source of healing magic. The city's isolation in the mountains further shields it from outside conflicts. While the College's experiments continue to pose a danger, their benefits and protective capabilities earn Winterhold a middle-ground ranking.
3. Whiterun: Caught in the Crossfire Whiterun is often considered the most welcoming and idyllic city in Skyrim. Its jarl is fair, its guards are courageous, and it even boasts a fortress designed to hold dragons. The city's location in a peaceful region and the presence of the Companions, a renowned group of warriors, further contribute to its appeal. However, Whiterun's neutrality in the civil war makes it a prime target for both Imperial and Stormcloak forces. As the game begins, the city is at risk of being attacked and claimed by either side. This constant threat of war undermines Whiterun's otherwise safe environment.
2. Falkreath: Tranquility in the Woods Despite having Skyrim's largest graveyard, Falkreath is surprisingly safe. The city is nestled in a forest, and its inhabitants are mostly hardworking people who avoid getting involved in external conflicts. The guards are capable, even managing to capture a werewolf. The wildlife surrounding Falkreath can be dangerous, but animals rarely approach the city walls, and hunters keep their populations in check. While Falkreath's leadership may be lacking, their incompetence hasn't led to any major problems, making it a relatively peaceful place to live.
1. Solitude: The Imperial Stronghold Solitude reigns supreme as the safest city in Skyrim. Its natural defenses are unmatched, built atop a high, rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. The city is heavily guarded by both local and Imperial forces, serving as the headquarters for the Imperial Legion in Skyrim. Solitude's citizens are less politically divided than those in other cities, reducing internal conflicts. The city's wealth, derived from its connections to the East Empire Trading Company, allows it to maintain a high level of security. While violent events do occur, their rarity only highlights Solitude's reputation as a safe haven.
