Make your Mark on Skyrim

Now that you’ve taken your first steps in the shoes of the Dragonborn, find your place in and make your mark on the world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. With an enormous open world and a ton of content, there’s so much to do in Skyrim. Here are some great places to find new stories and comrades, perfect your chosen skills and earn some gold.

Find Your Comrades

On your first day in Skyrim, you met Ralof, a member of the Stormcloaks, a political faction set on securing Skyrim’s independence from the Empire. While the Stormcloaks are one of the major political groups in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, there are other significant factions you can join, some more shadowy than others.

One such group calls itself the Dark Brotherhood, and it is invitation-only. Once feared, the Dark Brotherhood has fallen on hard times and many of their hidden sanctuaries have been destroyed. This group works in the shadows and happens to attract the more paranormal elements of Skyrim, like Vampires. If you run into an unusual man dressed like a jester on the road north of Whiterun, he may or may not have something to do with the organization.

For a more above-board faction, at Jorrvaskr in Whiterun you’ll find a group of hardy folks who make up a guild of warriors called the Companions. A brawl with Vilkas to test your mettle outside the guild hall will start off the quest to become a member.

If your Dragonborn is a magic-user and seeks more study, then the College of Winterhold is what you want. This scholarly faction of mages has teachers for all types of magic. Make the journey to Winterhold in Northern Skyrim to join.

And always be on the lookout for others. Though some factions might have ongoing feuds with others, you’re not locked to just one faction.

Hone your Skills

The best way to improve at something is through consistent practice. If you want to perfect your archery skills, shoot arrows at enemies near and far. But there are other ways to give your skills a boost.

Found throughout Skyrim, Standing Stones give unique skill bonuses and other benefits. The first of these stones that you will encounter, and from which you will choose, are the Guardian Stones, representing the Warrior, Mage and Thief. These three archetypes represent only some ways in which you might begin to build up your character, so keep your eyes open for the other standing stones which offer different advantages.

Next step: Read everything. Check every bookcase and stray book everywhere you go on your travels. Many important tomes can improve your skills and even teach you new ones. You might also consider paying your companions or other NPCs around the world to teach you the tricks of their trades. These Trainers will be happy to oblige if you’re at the Adept level in what they teach.

Line Your Pockets

Bethesda Game Studios is known for their highly detailed worlds, populated by interesting characters and an enormous number of items. So, take everything that isn’t nailed down! As long as you can carry it and still walk, of course. Then, empty your inventory at the nearest inn. Merchants will buy almost anything you find out in the world.

Just remember, if you’re seen taking something that belongs to someone else, you will suffer the consequences; A bounty will be placed on your head and guards will be on the lookout for you. Consider joining the Thieves Guild if you are interested in evading the law.

It isn’t just all cups and bone meal. Adventuring can be a lucrative business. By going off the beaten path and completing the tons of exciting side quests, you will find all matter of ancient treasures worth their weight in gold.

Expand Your Adventure

Thanks to Skyrim’s impressive and dedicated community, Skyrim is constantly growing and changing. There is so much community-created content available on the Creations page and in the Creations menu in-game.

Get started with Creations like:

The Taste of Iron
Created by Verified Creator DogToothCG, The Taste of Iron features a quest to help a trapped soul in Skyrim. Seek out and find his ancient gear and unlock the full set of classic armor based on armor from The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion.

Covenant of the Oathblades
This Creation, by Verified Creator MysticMadman, gives you the power to summon 20 ancient warrior followers, the Oathblades. Covenant of the Oathblades also includes Maxima, an Imperial Vigilant of Stendarr, as well as new lorebooks about the Oathblades and their powers. Complete Maxima’s Quest to experience an epic boss battle!

Are we moving too fast? Check out our Welcome feature for help getting started in Skyrim.