Is There Any Reason to Keep Dragon Bones in Skyrim? A Dovahkiin’s Dilemma
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The eternal question for any aspiring Dragonborn in Skyrim: hoard those precious dragon bones and scales, or line your pockets with gold? The answer, as with many things in Tamriel, is nuanced and depends entirely on your play style and goals. In short, yes, there is definitely a reason to keep dragon bones! Their primary purpose is for crafting dragonbone weapons and armor, the latter arguably being one of the best armor sets available in the game. If you aspire to be a master smith and clad yourself in the might of dragons, then hoarding is the way to go. However, if you’re struggling for funds early on, selling them can be a viable option to acquire necessities like a house or training. The good news is that dragons are plentiful, so you’re unlikely to run out.
To Hoard or to Sell? A Dragonbone Decision-Making Guide
The decision of whether to keep or sell dragon bones boils down to a few key factors:
- Your Smithing Skill: You need a Smithing skill of 100 and the Dragon Armor perk to craft dragonbone equipment. Until you reach this point, the bones are essentially just heavy, expensive items.
- Your Financial Situation: Early in the game, gold can be hard to come by. Selling dragon bones and scales can provide a significant boost to your finances, allowing you to purchase better gear, training, or a home.
- Your Playstyle: Are you a dedicated crafter who enjoys spending time at the forge, or do you prefer to acquire your gear through looting and quest rewards? If crafting isn’t your thing, selling the bones might be the more appealing option.
- The Difficulty Setting: Are you playing on a more difficult setting? Dragonbone weapons and armor will be more valuable.
When to Sell Dragon Bones
- Early Game Financial Need: If you desperately need gold to buy a house in Whiterun, acquire skill training, or purchase essential supplies.
- Low Smithing Skill: If your Smithing skill is far from 100, the bones are essentially useless to you for the foreseeable future.
- Inventory Management: Dragon bones are heavy. If you’re constantly encumbered, selling them can alleviate this problem.
When to Keep Dragon Bones
- High Smithing Skill: Once you reach a Smithing skill of 100 and have the Dragon Armor perk, dragon bones become incredibly valuable for crafting powerful gear.
- Crafting Focus: If you enjoy crafting and plan to create your own dragonbone armor and weapons, start hoarding those bones!
- Endgame Preparation: Dragonbone equipment is excellent for tackling the toughest challenges in the game.
- Completionist Tendencies: Some players simply enjoy collecting rare and powerful items, regardless of their immediate use.
The Dragonbone Sweet Spot
A good strategy for many players is to sell dragon bones early in the game to establish a financial base. Then, as you approach Smithing level 100, start saving them up for crafting. This allows you to benefit from the gold early on while still being prepared to craft endgame gear.
Dragonbone vs. Daedric: The Armor Showdown
One of the most common debates among Skyrim players is whether dragonbone armor is better than Daedric armor. Both are excellent choices, but they have different strengths:
- Daedric Armor: Generally has a slightly higher armor rating than dragonbone armor. This is often considered to be the best armor to craft, especially if you can stack additional perks and enchantments.
- Dragonplate Armor: Is lighter than Daedric armor, offering a better armor-to-weight ratio. This can be beneficial for characters who prefer to move quickly and avoid encumbrance. The lower weight can matter more if you’re not fully invested in the heavy armor skill tree.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preference and playstyle. Some players prefer the raw defense of Daedric, while others value the mobility offered by dragonbone. Consider your build, skills, and playstyle when making your decision. The difference is marginal at end-game levels with proper skill trees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dragon Bones in Skyrim
1. Where is the best place to store dragon bones in Skyrim?
Safe storage is crucial if you plan to hoard dragon bones. Any owned house is a safe bet for storing dragon bones. The chest in the Arch-Mage’s Quarters is also considered a safe storage area.
2. Who is the best person to sell dragon bones to in Skyrim?
Early game, focus on vendors who also offer training, like those in Riften and Whiterun. This allows you to spend gold on training and then recoup some of it by selling your dragon bones. Once you have joined the Thieve’s Guild, Tonilla is an easy way to offload the bones.
3. Is it worth keeping dragon bones and scales until late game?
Yes, especially if you plan to craft dragonbone armor and weapons. The return on investment in terms of powerful gear is well worth the wait.
4. How many dragon bones and scales do I need for a full set of dragon armor?
To craft a full set of Dragonplate Armor (including the shield), you’ll need 12 dragon scales and 6 dragon bones.
5. Is Daedric armor better than dragonbone armor?
Daedric armor has a slightly higher base armor rating, but dragonplate armor is lighter. The “better” armor depends on your preference for defense versus mobility and what you’re doing with other skills and enchantments.
6. What is the best dragonbone weapon in Skyrim?
The Dragonbone Mace is widely considered the most powerful craftable one-handed weapon in the game.
7. Are dragon scales used for anything else besides crafting armor?
No, dragon scales are primarily used for crafting armor. Their value lies in their use for creating powerful, protective gear.
8. How do I get my Smithing skill to 100 quickly?
Crafting jewelry is a good way to level Smithing and Enchanting together. See the GamesLearningSociety.org website for tips on smithing and crafting! The Games Learning Society is a great resource!
9. Should I sell my gems in Skyrim?
Save gems used in jewelry crafting recipes to level up both Smithing and Enchanting. Sell excess gems or those not used in crafting.
10. What is the armor cap in Skyrim?
The armor cap in Skyrim is 80%, meaning that once your armor rating reaches a certain point, additional armor points provide diminishing returns.
11. How many dragons are there in Skyrim?
There are over 15 named dragons in Skyrim, each with unique lore and characteristics. Generic dragons also spawn randomly throughout the world.
12. Is there a way to find dragons more easily?
Completing the main questline will increase the frequency of dragon encounters. Certain locations also have a higher chance of spawning dragons.
13. Can I enchant dragonbone armor and weapons?
Yes! Enchanting dragonbone gear is highly recommended to further enhance its power and provide additional benefits.
14. Does the difficulty setting affect the usefulness of dragonbone armor?
Yes, on higher difficulty settings, the enhanced protection of dragonbone armor becomes even more valuable for surviving challenging encounters.
15. Is it possible to get dragonbone armor without leveling up my Smithing skill?
No, you cannot craft dragonbone armor without reaching Smithing level 100 and unlocking the Dragon Armor perk. However, with mods, some armor can be found.
Conclusion: A Dragon’s Hoard for the Ages
Ultimately, the decision of whether to keep or sell dragon bones in Skyrim is a personal one. Weigh the factors outlined above, consider your playstyle, and make the choice that best suits your Dragonborn’s journey. Whether you choose to amass a dragon’s hoard of bones and scales or use them to fuel your early adventures, remember that the world of Skyrim is vast and full of opportunities. And if you need a little help on how to maximize the value of your smithing endeavors, remember to visit GamesLearningSociety.org!