What is the Easiest Way to Get Black Soul Gems?

The easiest way to consistently obtain Black Soul Gems in most Elder Scrolls games involves a combination of understanding their creation process and exploiting readily available resources. Specifically, the most efficient method is usually crafting them yourself using a Black Soul Gem Altar, typically found after completing a questline associated with necromancy or following the Daedric Prince Molag Bal. These altars allow you to trap the souls of humanoids within a Grand Soul Gem, effectively turning it into a Black Soul Gem. Focusing on securing a location with a readily accessible altar and understanding how to efficiently acquire and trap humanoid souls is the key.

Understanding Black Soul Gems

Black Soul Gems differ significantly from regular Soul Gems. While regular gems can trap the souls of creatures and animals, Black Soul Gems are specifically designed to trap the souls of humanoids. This includes humans, elves, orcs, and other sentient races. This distinction is crucial, as attempting to trap an animal soul within a Black Soul Gem will result in failure.

The Crafting Process: Altars and Rituals

The process of creating a Black Soul Gem typically involves performing a specific ritual at a dedicated altar. The most common method involves using a Grand Soul Gem (empty). This gem serves as the vessel into which a humanoid soul is trapped. These altars are usually associated with dark magic, necromancy, or Daedric worship, most notably Molag Bal.

Finding Black Soul Gem Altars

Locating an altar is paramount to creating Black Soul Gems consistently. Here are some notable examples across different Elder Scrolls games:

• Skyrim: Completing the quest “The Black Star” results in obtaining either the Black Star (a reusable Black Soul Gem) or the Azura’s Star (a reusable Grand Soul Gem). While the Black Star isn’t an altar, it effectively negates the need for one. However, if you choose to purify the Azura’s Star, you can find Black Soul Gem altars at locations tied to necromancers. Fort Snowstone is one place to find an Altar.

• Oblivion: The Necromancer’s Shrine questline, initiated by joining a Necromancer’s cult, leads you to Dark Fissure, which contains a Black Soul Gem altar. This is probably the earliest and most reliable method in Oblivion.

• Morrowind: While more convoluted than in later games, soul trapping humanoids using standard Grand Soul Gems is the primary method. There is no designated “Black Soul Gem altar” in the same sense as Oblivion or Skyrim.

Trapping Humanoid Souls

Once you have located a Black Soul Gem altar and obtained a Grand Soul Gem, the next step is to trap a humanoid soul. This requires the following:

1. A Soul Trap Spell or Enchantment: Learn the Soul Trap spell or acquire a weapon with the Soul Trap enchantment. The duration of the Soul Trap effect can vary, so ensure it’s long enough to defeat the target.
2. A Suitable Target: Find a humanoid NPC. Bandits, necromancers, and highwaymen are common and readily available targets.
3. Casting/Using Soul Trap: Cast the Soul Trap spell on the target or strike them with the enchanted weapon before they die.
4. Defeating the Target: Kill the target while the Soul Trap effect is active. If successful, their soul will be transferred to the empty Grand Soul Gem at the altar (or directly into the Black Star if you have it in Skyrim).

Efficient Farming Techniques

To efficiently acquire Black Soul Gems, consider the following strategies:

• Location Scouting: Identify locations with a high concentration of humanoid enemies, such as bandit camps or necromancer lairs.
• Soul Trap Optimization: Use Soul Trap spells with extended durations or weapons with powerful Soul Trap enchantments.
• Grand Soul Gem Acquisition: Regularly purchase Grand Soul Gems from vendors or explore dungeons to find them.
• Altar Proximity: Choose an altar location near plentiful humanoid enemies to minimize travel time.
• Conjuration: Some spells and abilities allow you to conjure humanoids, which when killed, can then have their souls trapped. This method requires significant Magicka management, but if used correctly, can be an effective and quick way to obtain Black Soul Gems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a Black Soul Gem and a regular Soul Gem?

Black Soul Gems are designed to trap the souls of humanoids (humans, elves, orcs, etc.), while regular Soul Gems trap the souls of creatures and animals.

2. Can I use a Black Soul Gem to enchant items?

Yes, Black Soul Gems can be used for enchanting items or recharging enchanted weapons, just like regular Soul Gems. In most cases, a Black Soul Gem will give an enchantment with a stronger result than other gems.

3. Where can I find empty Grand Soul Gems?

Empty Grand Soul Gems can be found in dungeons, bought from vendors, or occasionally looted from chests.

4. What happens if I try to trap a creature’s soul in a Black Soul Gem?

Attempting to trap a creature’s soul in a Black Soul Gem will fail. The gem will remain empty.

5. Can I use a filled Black Soul Gem for anything other than enchanting?

Filled Black Soul Gems can also be used in certain crafting recipes or quests, depending on the specific game.

6. Is there a penalty for using Black Soul Gems?

In some games, using Black Soul Gems may be considered morally questionable and could have negative consequences, such as affecting your character’s reputation or alignment.

7. How long does the Soul Trap effect last?

The duration of the Soul Trap effect varies depending on the spell or enchantment. Check the spell description or weapon details.

8. What level should I be before attempting to acquire Black Soul Gems?

It’s recommended to be at a mid-level (around level 15-20 in many Elder Scrolls games) before actively seeking Black Soul Gems, as the enemies guarding the altars or required for trapping souls can be challenging.

9. Are there any reusable Black Soul Gems?

Yes, in Skyrim, completing the quest “The Black Star” and opting to keep the Black Star will provide you with a reusable Black Soul Gem.

10. Can I create Black Soul Gems without an altar?

No, generally you need a specific Black Soul Gem altar to transform a Grand Soul Gem into a Black Soul Gem by trapping a humanoid soul (again, Skyrim’s Black Star is the exception).

11. Is it possible to purify a Black Soul Gem?

In some games, quests might allow you to purify a Black Soul Gem, turning it into a regular Soul Gem. However, this is not always an option.

12. Do Black Soul Gems have different sizes or tiers like regular Soul Gems?

No, Black Soul Gems generally only exist as “Grand” size. There are no petty, lesser, common or greater Black Soul Gems.

13. What happens if my Grand Soul Gem is already filled with a creature soul when I try to use it at the altar?

The altar process will likely fail, or in some cases, the existing creature soul will be overwritten by the humanoid soul. It’s crucial to use empty Grand Soul Gems.

14. Are there any unique NPCs that are particularly good for soul trapping?

There are no specific NPCs that are inherently “better” for soul trapping. Any humanoid NPC with a sufficiently powerful soul will work. It’s more about convenience and ease of access when choosing a target.

15. Does using a Black Soul Gem affect my skill levels differently compared to using a regular Soul Gem?

The experience gained from enchanting with a Black Soul Gem is generally the same as using a regular Grand Soul Gem. The primary difference is the type of soul captured and the potential moral implications.