How to Find Esbern in Skyrim

Last Updated: November 5, 2016

Esbern is one of the many non-playable characters in the world of Skyrim that you’d have to interact with. He is among the last remaining members of the Blades, an organization that serves as the guards of the Septim Emperors. Esbern can be found in a place called the Ratway Warrens in Riften, which is not that difficult to locate.

Steps

1
Go to Riften. This is the town on the southeastern corner of the map. Right after completing the “Diplomatic Immunity” quest, travel straight southeast from the city of Whiterun, passing two rivers until you come across a town just beside a lake; this is the town of Riften.
2
Head to the the Bee and Barb tavern found at the center of Riften. Inside you’ll find a man named Brynjolf. Talk to him and he will tell you that Esbern can be found in the Ratways. This starts the quest called “A Cornered Rat.”
- Esbern will only spawn in the game once you’ve started the “A Cornered Rat” quest.
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3
Go to the Ratways. Go to the Marketplace at the center of the town, which happens to be just on the right side of the Bee and Barb. Go to the western side of the Marketplace to find a small door. Step inside the door to get to the underground area of the town called the Ratways.
- The wide hall you dropped into is called the Ragged Flagon.
4
Go to the Ratway Vaults. Once you’re inside the Ratways, take the doorway on the south side of the Ragged Flagon. This will lead you to the Ratway Vaults.
5
Get to the Ratway Warrens. The Ratway Vaults has three rooms. Go straight through the halls (the halls do not branch out so you won’t get lost) up to the third room where you’ll find a door that leads to the Ratway Warrens.
6
Find Esbern. The Ratway Warrens has only two rooms. Once you step inside the Warrens, take the door on the right of where you came in to go to the next room. Once you get inside the second room, you’ll find Esbern in his hideout on the south side of the area.
- There you go, you’ve just located Esbern. Talk to him and he’ll give you the rest of the details about your quest.

Community Q&A

Question

So I found Esbern, and went back to the surface. I fast traveled to where he was supposed to meet Delphine but he was gone. I went back to the Warrens and he wasn't there. Is there a way to fix this?

Knight-Sergeant Kelly18

Community Answer

Reload a file where you were next to Esbern then escort him out of the rat way and fast travel to river wood where he should be at its main entrance by the smith. If he doesn't appear, wait and check inside the inn as he may spawn inside.