Should You Hoard or Hustle? A Dragon Bone Dilemma in Skyrim
So, you’ve slain a dragon (or several) in Skyrim, and now you’re lugging around enough bone and scale to sink a longship. The question is, do you cash in or hold on? The answer, like many things in Skyrim, is nuanced and depends heavily on your playstyle.
Generally, if your Smithing skill is low (under 60) and you need immediate gold, selling those dragon bones and scales is a perfectly viable strategy. They’re a readily available source of income early on, and dragons aren’t exactly a limited resource. However, if you’re planning on becoming a master smith, hoarding those bones and scales is crucial for crafting the most powerful weapons and armor in the game.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to short-term gain versus long-term potential. Let’s delve deeper into the factors influencing your choice and explore the best strategies for maximizing your dragon bone and scale profits (or crafting power!).
The Allure of Gold: When to Sell
The early game in Skyrim can be a financial struggle. Training skills, buying spells, and acquiring better gear all require a steady income. Dragon bones and scales can be a lifesaver in these situations.
- Early Game Liquidity: Selling dragon bones and scales provides a significant influx of gold, allowing you to invest in training, purchase a house, or buy essential supplies.
- Smithing Skill is Low: If you’re not actively leveling your Smithing skill, the bones and scales are essentially dead weight. Sell them and invest the gold in areas that benefit your character more directly.
- Inventory Management: Let’s face it, those bones and scales are heavy! Selling them frees up valuable inventory space, allowing you to carry more loot and potions.
Who buys dragon bones? General goods traders like Belathor in Whiterun or Arnlief and Sons in Markarth are reliable options. Members of the Thieves Guild can also sell to Tonilla. The trader in the Grey Quarter of Windhelm, and Arcadia in Whiterun are good places to go to, particularly early game.
The Smith’s Forge: When to Hoard
Reaching Smithing level 100 unlocks the “Dragon Armor” perk, allowing you to craft Dragonplate Armor and Dragonscale Armor, along with Dragonbone weapons. These items are incredibly powerful and highly sought after.
- Master Smithing Aspiration: If you plan to become a master smith, start hoarding those bones and scales as early as possible. You’ll need a significant stockpile to craft a full set of armor and weapons.
- Endgame Gear: Dragonbone weapons deal some of the highest base damage of any craftable weapon in Skyrim. This makes them invaluable for tackling challenging enemies and quests.
- Unique Aesthetics: Many players simply enjoy the look of dragon armor and weapons. It’s a matter of personal preference, but dragon gear certainly has a unique and imposing aesthetic.
Safe Storage: Once you decide to hoard, finding a secure storage location is essential. A purchased house is ideal. The chest on the far left wall inside Jorrvaskr (the Companions’ headquarters in Whiterun) used to be a safe container, but recent patches may have changed that. Anise’s Cabin, before you buy or use it, is an option.
The Dragon Bone Sweet Spot: A Balanced Approach
Perhaps the best approach is a combination of selling and hoarding. In the early game, sell a portion of your dragon bones and scales to fund your adventures. As your Smithing skill increases, start reserving a larger percentage for crafting. By the time you reach level 60, you should be exclusively hoarding.
Prioritize weapon crafting. Dragonbone weapons are generally considered superior to their Daedric counterparts, making them a worthwhile investment. Daedric armor is comparable to dragonbone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a dragon bone sell for in Skyrim?
A dragon bone typically sells for around 250 gold to general goods merchants. Scales sell for about half that. This price can fluctuate slightly depending on your Speech skill and any relevant perks.
2. Is Daedric armor better than dragonbone armor?
Daedric armor has a slightly higher armor rating than Dragonplate armor, but the difference is minimal, especially at higher Smithing skill levels. Dragonplate armor is arguably better due to its lower weight. Dragonscale Armor (light armor) is a lighter alternative with a slightly lower rating. Dragonbone Weapons, however, do more damage than Daedric Weapons.
3. Where is the best place to store dragon bones in Skyrim?
The safest places to store items are containers within houses you own. This ensures that the contents will not disappear or reset. Alternatively, if you are looking for a place before you get a house, consider Anise’s Cabin.
4. How many dragon bones and scales do I need for a full set of armor?
Crafting a complete set of Dragonplate Armor (including a shield) requires 6 dragon bones and 12 dragon scales. Dragonscale armor also requires 6 dragon bones and 12 dragon scales. Keep in mind that creating scaled armor would need even more.
5. What’s the most valuable item in Skyrim?
While prices can vary based on perks and vendor relationships, some of the most valuable items include Daedric weapons and armor (especially those with powerful enchantments) and unique artifacts like the Dragonbone Orb. Purchasing properties, like Proudspire Manor, also comes at a hefty Septim price.
6. Is it worth keeping gems in Skyrim?
Absolutely! Gems are crucial for crafting jewelry, which provides significant Smithing and Enchanting experience. Some gems are also used in various quests. Save all gems used in jewelry recipes.
7. What should I not sell in Skyrim?
Beyond dragon bones and scales, it’s wise to hold onto ingots and ores, leather and leather strips, Daedra hearts, soul gems (especially grand and black), and unique quest items unless you know for certain that they are no longer needed.
8. What is the best dragon bone weapon in Skyrim?
The Dragonbone Mace is arguably the best dragon bone weapon in Skyrim. It boasts the highest base damage of any one-handed mace, making it a formidable weapon in close combat.
9. How do you get Daedric armor?
Daedric armor starts appearing in loot drops and vendor inventories around level 48. The best way to acquire it is to explore high-level dungeons, defeat powerful enemies, and complete Daedric quests.
10. Why does Miraak steal dragon souls?
Miraak steals dragon souls to increase his own power. As the first Dragonborn, he seeks to usurp your position and become the ultimate Dragonborn.
11. What level smithing do I need for dragon armor?
You need a Smithing skill of 100 and the “Dragon Armor” perk to craft Dragonplate and Dragonscale Armor.
12. Are Dragonbone weapons stronger than Daedric weapons?
Yes, Dragonbone weapons generally have a higher base damage than Daedric weapons.
13. What are some of the rarest weapons and armor sets in Skyrim?
Some of the rarest items include the Notched Pickaxe, Windshear, unique Dragon Priest Masks like Konahrik, and complete sets of Ancient Nord Armor.
14. How many dragon bones and scales do I get from a dragon?
Dragons typically drop 1 to 3 dragon bones and 1 to 3 dragon scales upon death. The number can vary depending on the type of dragon and your luck.
15. What’s the best way to level up smithing in Skyrim?
Crafting iron daggers early on is a classic (and effective) method. Later, crafting jewelry with gems or upgrading existing weapons and armor can provide significant experience gains. Make sure you find the Warrior Stone early on.
Skyrim and Beyond
Games like Skyrim offer rich learning environments and contribute to developing strategic thinking. For more information on how games impact learning and development, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
In conclusion, the decision to sell or hoard dragon bones in Skyrim is a personal one. Consider your playstyle, your Smithing aspirations, and your immediate financial needs. With a little planning and strategy, you can either become a wealthy merchant or a legendary dragonbone smith – or perhaps a little of both! Happy adventuring, Dragonborn!