At What Level Should You Go to Solstheim? A Comprehensive Guide
The misty, ash-laden shores of Solstheim beckon adventurers in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, offering a unique and challenging experience far removed from the familiar landscapes of Skyrim. But when is the right time to embark on this perilous journey? The answer, like many things in Skyrim, isn’t a simple one. While you can technically visit Solstheim at level 1, the optimal experience comes at a higher level. We recommend venturing to Solstheim at level 30 or higher, especially if it’s your first playthrough.
This recommendation isn’t arbitrary. Solstheim introduces a range of new enemies, many of whom are significantly tougher than those found in the base game. The Ash Spawn, for example, are relentless and often attack in groups, posing a significant threat even to seasoned adventurers at level 50+. The gear you’ll find there is generally of ebony quality or higher, with Stalhrim being the most notable example. This suggests that the area is designed for players who have already progressed considerably through the main storyline and are seeking a new challenge and better equipment.
The Level 20 Threshold
While level 30+ is our main recommendation, you can dip your toe into Solstheim at level 20. This can be particularly appealing for players eager to experience the Dragonborn DLC’s storyline, especially if you’re excited to delve into the mysteries surrounding Miraak. Reaching level 20 also ensures you’ve likely accumulated a decent set of starter gear, learned some vital skills, and have a basic understanding of your chosen playstyle. However, be warned: encountering enemies can be quite difficult at level 20, and you’ll want to be prepared with potions and a cautious approach. You might also have to dial down the difficulty.
Why Level Matters in Solstheim
The difficulty curve in Solstheim is noticeably steeper than that of mainland Skyrim. Enemies hit harder, are more resistant to common attacks, and often appear in larger numbers. Going in under-leveled can quickly lead to frustrating situations, where you’re constantly dying and having to reload saves. High-level gear and good combat skills are needed to overcome these challenges.
The main questline of the Dragonborn DLC can also prove incredibly difficult at lower levels. For example, the Temple of Miraak encounter generally calls for a level between 40 and 50 to have a reasonably good chance of success.
Gearing Up for Solstheim
Besides your character level, the quality of your gear is crucial. Aim for weapons and armor that are comparable to ebony or higher. This will provide the necessary damage output and defense to withstand the harsh realities of Solstheim. Also, make sure you’ve improved your primary skills, such as one-handed, two-handed, archery, or relevant magic schools to a decent level. Potions for both health and magicka will also be important, as will potions that provide resistance to various damage types.
Timing Your Journey
Timing your visit to Solstheim depends on your personal preferences and how you like to play Skyrim. Some players enjoy a more challenging playthrough and may want to head over to Solstheim before completing the main quest. Others might find it a more enjoyable experience if you complete the main quest and build up your levels a little more. The important thing is to understand the dangers you face on the island and to make the decision that works best for your individual character and playstyle.
In short, while you can go to Solstheim whenever you like, going in under-leveled will create an unnecessary challenge that may cause frustration. Reaching level 30, equipping yourself with decent gear, and having good skills will make the experience much more enjoyable and rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solstheim
1. Can I really travel to Solstheim at level 1?
Technically, yes, you can travel to Solstheim at level 1. However, the Dragonborn DLC questline will not trigger until you encounter the cultists in Skyrim. Even if you visit Solstheim early, you won’t be able to progress through its main questline until that trigger has occurred. Also, as discussed above, the enemies you encounter will likely destroy you.
2. What level should I be before tackling the Temple of Miraak?
Players should be around level 40-50 before attempting the Temple of Miraak. The final boss fight against Miraak is one of the most difficult in the game, requiring good combat skills, high-quality gear, and lots of potions.
3. When does the Dragonborn DLC activate?
The Dragonborn DLC questline will start after you’ve met the Greybeards at High Hrothgar and received the objective to locate the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Soon after, cultists will appear in Skyrim and, when you’ve dispatched them, you’ll receive a note that starts the DLC proper.
4. Should I complete the Main Quest before going to Solstheim?
While not mandatory, it is generally recommended to complete the main Skyrim questline or be close to completion before traveling to Solstheim. This will better prepare you for the challenges of the Dragonborn DLC, both from a skill and a narrative perspective.
5. Is Solstheim larger than Skyrim?
No, Solstheim is not larger than Skyrim. It’s approximately the size of a hold in Skyrim, such as Riften, rather than being one-third the size of Skyrim as a whole.
6. What kind of gear can I expect to find on Solstheim?
You can expect to find gear of ebony quality and higher on Solstheim, including the valuable resource Stalhrim, which allows for the crafting of unique weapons and armor.
7. Who is Miraak?
Miraak is the primary antagonist of the Dragonborn DLC. He is a Dragonborn, a powerful Dragon Priest, and an ancient rival of the player character. He utilizes a wide range of shouts and powerful magic.
8. Is Miraak the hardest boss in Skyrim?
While difficult, Miraak is not considered the single hardest boss in Skyrim. He’s challenging due to his ability to use Shouts and various magic spells. Karstaag and the Ebony Warrior are generally considered to be more difficult than Miraak.
9. Can I use Bend Will on Miraak?
Yes, you can use the Bend Will shout on Miraak during the fight. Successfully hitting him with Bend Will will drastically reduce the shout’s cooldown time, allowing you to use it more often in the fight. It will not work while he is in his ethereal phase.
10. What happens if I defeat Miraak?
After defeating Miraak, you will absorb the three Dragon souls he has collected. You can then return to Hermaeus Mora using the Black Book: Waking Dreams and use these souls to respec a single skill tree at a time.
11. Are there new shouts in Solstheim?
Yes, there are four new shouts in the Dragonborn DLC, all found in Solstheim: Battle Fury, Bend Will, Cyclone, and Dragon Aspect.
12. Should I do Dawnguard or Dragonborn first?
The order in which you do the Dawnguard and Dragonborn DLCs is largely up to you. However, the Dragonborn DLC is significantly harder and is meant for characters with higher levels than those required for Dawnguard. Many players prefer to do Dawnguard before tackling Dragonborn.
13. At what level should I start Dawnguard?
The Dawnguard DLC activates when you reach level 10. However, the DLC contains some powerful enemies, so it’s generally advised to tackle it after you have reached level 30.
14. What race is Miraak?
Miraak is a Nord. His appearance and his history suggest that he has connections to the ancient Nords who served the dragons in the early eras of Skyrim.
15. Can Miraak become a follower?
Yes, Miraak can be summoned as a follower once you’ve completed the Dragonborn DLC. You can summon him using a special tome found at the Tree Stone, which will be turned into a usable camp after the DLC has been completed.
By keeping these levels and recommendations in mind, you can prepare yourself for the challenges that await in Solstheim and truly enjoy all that the Dragonborn DLC has to offer.