10 Infamous Video Game Glitches That Cost You 100%

Skyrim's NPCs' intelligence is on par with that of a lobotomized hamster. For the most part, this means that you get to exploit their programming, benefiting from putting pots over their heads and robbing them blind or getting away with murder because no one can remember anything for longer than three seconds.

However, in the case of Esbern, the second half of Skyrim's Blades, his buggy programming can actually lead to a frustrating soft lock that will prevent you from finishing the game.

In the main story mission, "Alduin's Wall," Esbern interprets the carvings on the titular wall to help your character discover a way to defeat Alduin. Afterward, you're meant to speak with him, but due to a mysterious bug, Esbern can decide to give you a cold shoulder. Forever.

The old man will refuse to interact with you, and if you don't have backup saves from before starting the mission, you won't be able to complete the mission and continue the main quest.

Yet again, the Blades of Skyrim prove to be more of a hindrance than your actual allies.