Is it worth it to keep the skeleton key Skyrim?
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Keeping the Skeleton Key in Skyrim is a worthwhile decision if you value having an unbreakable lockpick, as it provides a significant advantage in the game, especially during the early stages. However, if you’re looking to complete the Thieves Guild questline and become the Guildmaster, returning the Skeleton Key to Nocturnal is necessary, as it allows you to receive a unique power and complete the Nightingale questline.
Understanding the Skeleton Key
The Skeleton Key is a unique item in Skyrim that serves as an unbreakable lockpick, allowing you to pick locks without the risk of breaking them. This can be particularly useful during the early stages of the game, when lockpicking can be challenging. However, as you progress through the game and improve your lockpicking skills, the need for the Skeleton Key may diminish.
Thieves Guild Questline
To complete the Thieves Guild questline and become the Guildmaster, you must return the Skeleton Key to Nocturnal. This will allow you to receive a unique power and complete the Nightingale questline. Completing the Thieves Guild questline also requires completing various jobs and missions in the major hold capitals, which can be rewarding and provide valuable experience points and loot.
Benefits of Returning the Skeleton Key
Returning the Skeleton Key to Nocturnal provides several benefits, including:
- Receiving a unique power
- Completing the Nightingale questline
- Becoming the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild
- Access to the Guildmaster armor set and the key to the tribute chest
Benefits of Keeping the Skeleton Key
Keeping the Skeleton Key provides the benefit of having an unbreakable lockpick, which can be useful during the early stages of the game. However, this benefit can also be achieved by investing in the Lockpicking skill tree and acquiring the Unbreakable perk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens if I keep the Skeleton Key?
Keeping the Skeleton Key allows you to have an unbreakable lockpick, but you will not be able to complete the Thieves Guild questline or become the Guildmaster.
Q2: What is the reward for returning the Skeleton Key?
The reward for returning the Skeleton Key is receiving a unique power and completing the Nightingale questline.
Q3: Can I steal back the Skeleton Key?
No, unless you use the console, there is no way to get the Skeleton Key back once you have returned it to Nocturnal.
Q4: Can I duplicate the Skeleton Key?
Yes, a professional locksmith can create duplicates of the Skeleton Key.
Q5: Is the Skeleton Key in the cheat room?
Yes, the Skeleton Key can be obtained from the Cheat Room mod, as well as a mod called “Skeleton Key in Riverwood“.
Q6: How many times can I use the Skeleton Key in doors?
The Skeleton Key can be used an unlimited number of times, as it is an unbreakable lockpick.
Q7: Can I restore the Thieves Guild without returning the Skeleton Key?
No, you need to complete the Thieves Guild questline, including returning the Skeleton Key, to restore the Thieves Guild.
Q8: Do chests in my house reset in Skyrim?
No, chests and containers inside purchasable houses will never reset, and are permanently safe to store items.
Q9: What is the purpose of the Do Not Delete chest in Skyrim?
The Do Not Delete chest is used by the game to set the player’s bounty for certain actions that may be performed during the Thieves Guild side quests.
Q10: When should I use skeleton keys?
Use skeleton keys as you level, every few levels, to get the most benefit from them.
Q11: What is a 999 key?
A 999 key is a bump key that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks.
Q12: What can I do with old skeleton keys?
You can display them as a decorative item, use them as a key rack, or even create a key necklace.
Q13: Is there Skeleton Key 2?
There is no Skeleton Key 2 in Skyrim, but there may be mods or plugins that add additional skeleton keys or lockpicking mechanics.
Q14: How many jobs does it take to restore the Thieves Guild?
You need to complete 5 jobs in each of the major hold capitals to restore the Thieves Guild.
Q15: How many missions do I need to become a Thieves Guild master?
You need to complete 5 jobs in each of the major hold capitals, and then complete a special quest in each location, to become the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild.