Stealing Secrets: How to Become a Master Thief in Skyrim and Evade Capture
Yes, you absolutely can steal in Skyrim and not get caught! In fact, becoming a master thief is a perfectly viable, and often incredibly lucrative, playstyle. Successfully pilfering valuables hinges on mastering the art of stealth, understanding the game’s mechanics, and knowing which risks are worth taking. The thrill of acquiring forbidden treasures without a trace is a cornerstone of the Skyrim experience.
The Fundamentals of Skyrim Thievery
Mastering the Art of Stealth
The most crucial element of successful thievery is, unsurprisingly, stealth. Skyrim’s stealth system is surprisingly robust, taking into account factors like:
- Light Level: Stay in shadows. Torches and direct sunlight are your enemies.
- Line of Sight: Obviously, if someone sees you, you’re busted. But remember, perception isn’t always direct. NPCs react to strange noises and movements.
- Noise: Heavy armor is loud. Moving quickly generates more sound. Crouching is essential.
- Skill Level: Your Sneak skill directly impacts your ability to remain hidden. Invest in it!
- Perks: The Sneak skill tree is packed with perks that enhance your stealth abilities, like “Stealth” (more difficult to detect), “Muffled Movement” (reduces noise from armor), “Light Foot” (prevents triggering traps), and “Silence” (moving silently). These are practically mandatory for serious thieves.
Exploiting Game Mechanics
Beyond the basic mechanics, there are tricks to the trade:
- Distraction: Using spells like “Frenzy” or throwing objects can draw NPCs away from your target.
- Timing: Observe NPC routines. Most have predictable patrol patterns or schedules. Strike when they’re facing away or occupied.
- Crouching is Key: Always be crouched when attempting a steal. This drastically reduces your visibility.
- Potion Power: Potions that fortify Sneak can turn you into a shadow.
- Illusion Magic: Spells like Invisibility can render you completely undetectable, though they require Magicka and skill to maintain.
Knowing Your Limits
- Value vs. Risk: Consider the value of the item versus the likelihood of getting caught. Is that rusty iron dagger really worth risking a bounty?
- Witness Awareness: Even if you’re hidden, other NPCs might wander into the area unexpectedly. Always be vigilant.
- Guards Are Everywhere: Guards are far more perceptive than regular citizens. Be extra cautious around them.
- The “Eye” Indicator: Pay close attention to the eye icon in the center of the screen. An open eye means you are visible; a closed eye means you are hidden. The more closed the eye is, the safer you are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stealing in Skyrim
1. Can you get caught stealing in Skyrim?
Yes, if an NPC witnesses you taking an item that belongs to someone else, you will be caught. This will result in a bounty being placed on your head and guards attempting to arrest you.
2. Can you steal in Skyrim if no one sees you?
Yes, as long as you are hidden (indicated by the closed eye icon) you can steal items from the environment without being caught. Pickpocketing is different, as even when hidden there is a percentage chance of failure.
3. Does stolen gold get confiscated in Skyrim?
Yes, if you are arrested while carrying gold that is marked as stolen, that gold will be confiscated in addition to any other fines or penalties.
4. What is the best thing to steal in Skyrim?
This depends on your goals. Early game, anything you can fence for a decent price is valuable. Later on, valuable gems, jewelry, and unique items like those found during quests become more desirable. Some examples from the article include the Blackguard’s Armor, Amulet of Articulation, and Nightingale Blade. Also, high-value potions can be lightweight and profitable.
5. What should you avoid stealing in Skyrim?
Early in the game, avoid stealing items of very low value or that are heavily guarded. You should absolutely never steal from a chicken. This action tends to trigger the wrath of the entire town.
6. What are the worst crimes in Skyrim?
According to the original document provided, the worst crimes include betraying Saadia, sacrificing friends (to Boethiah), becoming a vampire, and killing the Emperor. These have significant storyline implications or moral weight.
7. Can your house get robbed in Skyrim?
No, your own home cannot be robbed by NPCs. Your stored items are generally safe, although there have been some reported glitches with specific containers in the past.
8. How do I get rid of my bounty in Skyrim?
You have several options: pay the bounty to a guard, pay the bounty through Thieves Guild contacts (for a discount), go to jail, or, if you are a Thane, use your Thane status to get out of the arrest (once per hold).
9. Will guards take stolen items?
Yes, when a guard kills you or you surrender, they will confiscate any stolen items in your inventory, in addition to any stolen gold.
10. What is the maximum percentage to steal in Skyrim via pickpocketing?
The maximum displayed percentage chance to successfully pickpocket an item is 90%.
11. Can your spouse get kidnapped in Skyrim?
Yes, this is a random event that can occur. You’ll need to track down the kidnappers and rescue your spouse.
12. Do you have to be undetected to pickpocket in Skyrim?
Yes, to successfully pickpocket, you need to be undetected. Stealth is crucial.
13. Can you wear stolen clothes in Skyrim?
Yes, you can wear stolen clothes and armor without consequence as long as you don’t have an active bounty. If you are arrested with stolen items, they will be confiscated.
14. Can you make stolen items unstolen in Skyrim?
Yes, there are several methods. One popular method is to place the item in a container and have a follower take it. When you trade with the follower, the stolen tag should be removed. Another option is to launder the item using the Thieves Guild.
15. What happens if you go to jail in Skyrim?
You will lose all your items (except one lockpick) which will be stored in a chest. You can serve your time, escaping the prison, or bribe your way out (if you have the right perks).
Advanced Thievery Techniques
Utilizing Perks and Skills
Invest heavily in the Sneak and Pickpocket skill trees. Perks like “Night Thief” (increased sneak in cities) and “Misdirection” (allows you to place items into people’s pockets) can open up entirely new possibilities for thievery. Consider the Alchemy skill for creating powerful Fortify Sneak potions.
Fencing Stolen Goods
The Thieves Guild is your primary outlet for selling stolen goods. Joining the Guild unlocks fences who will buy stolen items, allowing you to convert your ill-gotten gains into legitimate wealth.
Moral Implications
While Skyrim doesn’t explicitly punish you for being a thief (beyond the bounty system), consider the moral implications of your actions. Are you comfortable stealing from the poor and vulnerable? Or will you focus on robbing the rich and corrupt? The choice is yours. You may also be interested in the role of games in learning. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more.
Mods for Enhanced Thievery
For PC players, numerous mods enhance the thieving experience. These can range from simple UI improvements to entirely new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to disable traps or pick more complex locks.
Conclusion
Stealing in Skyrim is a complex and rewarding gameplay experience. By mastering the art of stealth, understanding the game’s mechanics, and making smart decisions, you can become a legendary thief, amassing a fortune without ever being caught. Now get out there and start relieving the citizens of Skyrim of their valuables! Just remember to always crouch and stay in the shadows.