Completing Dragon Rising in Skyrim: Console Commands and FAQs
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The “Dragon Rising” quest in Skyrim is a pivotal moment, marking the Dragonborn’s true awakening. Sometimes, however, glitches or other issues can prevent you from progressing. The quickest way to bypass these problems is using console commands. The console command to complete the Dragon Rising quest is: setstage MQ104 200. This will immediately mark the quest as completed in your journal.
Understanding Console Commands in Skyrim
Skyrim’s console commands provide a powerful tool for manipulating the game world, quests, and characters. Using them allows you to fix bugs, experiment with different outcomes, or simply expedite certain sections. However, exercise caution, as improper use of these commands can corrupt your save file or lead to unintended consequences. It’s always wise to save your game before using console commands.
To access the console, press the tilde key (~) on your keyboard. After entering the command, press Enter to execute it. Note that console commands are available only on the PC version of Skyrim.
Dragon Rising: A Walkthrough Overview
Before resorting to console commands, let’s recap the normal progression of the Dragon Rising quest:
- Talk to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun after completing Bleak Falls Barrow and delivering the Dragonstone.
- Meet Irileth near the Western Watchtower.
- Defeat Mirmulnir, the dragon attacking the watchtower.
- (Optional) Use your newly acquired Dragon Shout power (Forceful Shout, or Fus Ro Dah).
- Investigate the dragon’s corpse to absorb its soul.
- Report back to Jarl Balgruuf in Dragonsreach.
If you’re stuck at any of these steps, console commands can help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Rising and Console Commands
Here are some frequently asked questions about “Dragon Rising” and how to use console commands to resolve common issues:
What is the “MQ104” in the setstage command?
“MQ104” is the quest ID for the “Dragon Rising” quest. Each quest in Skyrim has a unique ID that the game uses to identify it. You’ll need the correct quest ID when using the setstage command. This command works in the following way: setstage [Quest ID] [Stage Number]. You can find all Quest IDs on the UESP wiki, a dedicated wikispace website for all Elder Scroll games.
I’m stuck at the “Investigate the dragon” objective. What command should I use?
If you are stuck at the “Investigate the dragon” objective (stage 80), use the command setstage MQ104 90. This will advance the quest to the next stage.
What if I want to skip ahead to reporting to Jarl Balgruuf?
If you want to skip directly to the stage where you report back to Jarl Balgruuf (stage 150), use the command setstage MQ104 160. However, make sure you have completed the previous necessary steps, such as the use of the Dragon Shout.
Can I use console commands to start the Dragon Rising quest?
Yes, you can. If for some reason the quest hasn’t started after bringing the Dragonstone to Farengar, you can use the command startquest MQ104. This will initiate the quest.
What does the caqs command do in Skyrim?
The command caqs (Complete All Quest Stages) will complete every quest in the game. Using this is strongly discouraged unless you specifically want to experience none of the game and see the ending. This can break the game and have significant unintended consequences.
How can I find the stage numbers for different quests?
The UESP wiki is your best resource for finding quest IDs and stage numbers. Simply search for the quest name on the UESP website, and the relevant information will be listed on the quest page.
What level should I be to fight the dragon in Dragon Rising?
Dragons in Skyrim scale to your level, so technically any level is suitable for the Dragon Rising quest. However, being around level 5-10 will make the fight more manageable, especially on higher difficulty settings.
What if I accidentally skip a stage in the quest using console commands?
If you skip a stage, you can try to revert to a previous stage using the setstage command. For example, if you accidentally advanced past stage 50 and wanted to go back, you could try setstage MQ104 50. Be aware that this might not always work perfectly, depending on how the quest is structured. If this is the case, start a previous save.
Can console commands break my game?
Yes, improper use of console commands can cause issues, especially if you manipulate core game mechanics or essential quests. It’s always recommended to save your game before using any console commands, so you can revert to a previous state if something goes wrong.
Is there a console command to resurrect the dragon if I accidentally kill it too quickly?
If you accidentally kill the dragon before you’re able to experience its full attack pattern or use your Dragon Shout, you can try resurrecting it using the console command resurrect. First, click on the dragon’s corpse in the console to select its reference ID, then type resurrect and press Enter.
What is the console command to add a specific Dragon Shout to my character?
To add a specific Dragon Shout, use the command player.teachword [Word of Power ID]. You can find the Word of Power IDs on the UESP wiki. For example, to learn the first word of Forceful Shout (Fus), the command would be player.teachword 13E22.
How do I find out what my current quest stage is in Skyrim?
Use the command sqs [Quest ID]. For Dragon Rising, you would type sqs MQ104. This command will “show quest stages” — it lists each numbered stage of the quest & whether that stage is completed (1) or not (0).
What if the setstage command doesn’t seem to be working?
Ensure that you have entered the quest ID and stage number correctly. Double-check the UESP wiki for accuracy. Also, ensure that you are targeting the correct object or entity if the command requires it (e.g., resurrecting the dragon). In some cases, the problem may be a game bug that’s preventing the quest from progressing normally. If all fails, reload a previous save.
Are console commands available on the PlayStation or Xbox versions of Skyrim?
No, console commands are exclusive to the PC version of Skyrim. Console players do not have access to these commands.
Where can I learn more about the intersection of gaming and learning?
You can explore more about how games can be used for educational purposes through organizations like the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more. They explore the uses of game design and game culture to support learning and positive social impact.
Conclusion
Console commands offer a powerful way to navigate Skyrim’s quests, but they should be used judiciously. By understanding how to use commands like setstage correctly, you can overcome glitches, experiment with the game, and tailor your experience. Remember to save your game frequently and consult resources like the UESP wiki to ensure you’re using commands accurately. With a bit of caution and knowledge, you can master the tools at your disposal and truly become the Dragonborn.