In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, players can snag a couple of unique homes without spending a single coin—if they know where to look! We’ll look at a couple options, one that requires nothing and another that will have you doing a small bit of fighting. Either choice is great and can be had at even the lowest levels for free!
The Abandoned Shack – A Free (But Unwelcome) Home
Tucked away in the Imperial City Waterfront District, the Abandoned Shack is one of the few places in Oblivion that you can call home without spending one gold cent—though its current residents might disagree. Inside, you’ll find two sleeping rolls, a couple of barrels, and seven sacks (all safe for storage). There’s no lock on the door, and since it’s free from the start, it’s a tempting option for frugal adventurers.
The catch? Dranas Llethro and Hillod the Outlaw—two squatters who act like they own the place—will constantly pester you to leave. They’ll follow you around, muttering warnings like “I need you to leave so I can lock up” or “It’s time for you to go.” But don’t worry—their low responsibility means they won’t actually report you to the guards, so you can safely ignore their empty threats.
Neither of them ever uses the bedrolls, especially if they’re busy tailing you. But if you want them to skedaddle, a subtle solution exists: poisoned apples. Leave some out (after removing all other food), and their desperation and bad attitude will lead them to steal and eat the tainted fruit. Best of all? No bounty for their demise—unlike other methods, which could land you in trouble with the law (or even the Thieves Guild, in Hillod’s case).
So if you’re looking for a free—if slightly contested—roof over your head, the Abandoned Shack might just be your best (and cheapest) option.
Battlehorn Castle – A Hero’s Reward
Perched at the western edge of the Black Road, just beyond where the game’s opening quest leads, Battlehorn Castle stands as a formidable addition to Oblivion—originally introduced as DLC and later included in the Game of the Year Edition. This sprawling fortress, absent from the base game but here in the remaster, offers players a chance to claim a lordly estate rivaling even the grand castles of Cyrodiil’s cities.
To secure Battlehorn as your own, you must first prove your valor in its namesake quest. Arriving to find the castle under siege by marauders, you’ll aid its outnumbered defenders in a fierce battle—one that tragically claims the life of its lord. Once the dust settles, the castle passes to you, a worthy champion.
Inside, the castle boasts all the hallmarks of nobility: a grand hall fit for feasts, a dining chamber, the late lord’s private quarters, multiple guest bedrooms, and even a sprawling basement. For those who appreciate a view, the battlements offer sweeping vistas of the countryside—a picturesque reminder of the power now at your fingertips.
More than just a home, Battlehorn Castle is a statement of prestige, rewarding those bold enough to fight for it with a stronghold worthy of a hero.
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