Skyrim: The Ultimate “First Things First” Guide for Aspiring Dragonborn
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.
So, you’ve just stepped off the cart in Helgen, the cold wind of Skyrim biting at your exposed skin. The dragon Alduin has just given you a rather… explosive introduction to the province. Now what? That’s the big question every new Skyrim player faces.
What should you get first in Skyrim? Forget legendary weapons or joining factions just yet. The absolute first things you need are safety, direction, and some basic tools for survival. That means:
- Follow Hadvar or Ralof: Make a choice early, either siding with the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks for the escape from Helgen. This immediate path provides essential gear and a safe introduction to combat mechanics. This decision has minimal long term consequences. Don’t fret too much.
- Reach Riverwood and complete “Unbound”: This gets you clear of Helgen and introduces you to essential NPCs and basic quests. It will teach you the basics of the user interface.
- Acquire basic armor and weapons: Loot everything and anything off of your dead enemies. Take it all.
- Learn Basic Spells: Even if you don’t intend to be a mage, knowing a basic healing spell and maybe a destruction spell (like Flames) is vital for survival. Pick it up in Riverwood.
- Visit the Guardian Stones: Located just north of Riverwood, choose one of the three stones (Warrior, Mage, Thief) to gain a 20% skill increase bonus, aligning with your intended play style.
- Start the Main Quest: Speak to Farengar Secret-Fire in Whiterun and then go to Bleak Falls Barrow to retrieve the Dragonstone. This quest introduces you to Skyrim’s lore and provides early experience.
- Start the Companions quest line: This is a great early quest line that provides a lot of loot and levels. This also will get you well on your way to leveling up your combat skills.
FAQ: Essential Knowledge for New Dragonborn
These frequently asked questions will help you navigate the early hours of Skyrim and set you up for a successful adventure.
Choosing Your Race: Does it Really Matter?
Yes and no. The choice of race gives you a starting bonus to certain skills and a unique racial ability. For example, High Elves start with a boost to Magicka and can use Highborn to regenerate Magicka faster, while Orcs have Berserker Rage for double damage and halved damage taken. While these are useful early on, any race can excel at any playstyle with enough dedication. Pick the race that appeals to you thematically. Don’t let min-maxing ruin your experience! GamesLearningSociety.org supports the idea that player choice and engagement lead to more meaningful learning experiences within games.
What skills should I focus on first?
Focus on the skills you use most often. Are you sneaking around and backstabbing people? Then Sneak and One-Handed. Are you blasting enemies with spells? Then Destruction and Magicka. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Focusing on a few key skills early on will make you much more effective in combat.
How do I make money early in the game?
Money’s tight when you’re starting out. Here’s some tips:
- Loot everything (but be mindful of your carry weight).
- Sell unwanted items to merchants.
- Complete simple quests for the Jarls or townspeople (chopping wood, delivering items).
- Transmute Iron Ore into Gold Ore and craft gold jewelry (requires the Transmute spell).
- Explore dungeons and sell the loot.
Should I steal everything in sight?
Early on, it’s tempting, but be careful. Getting caught stealing lowers your reputation with the guards and can lead to fines or jail time. Steal smart, not hard. Focus on low-value items in unguarded areas to boost your Sneak skill and pocket money.
What’s the best way to level up quickly?
Leveling up requires you to use your skills. Use your skills in the area you want to level. For example, If you want to level up restoration keep damaging yourself and healing yourself. You’ll level up restoration quickly this way.
Which Standing Stone should I choose at the beginning?
- The Warrior Stone: Boosts the leveling speed of combat skills (One-Handed, Two-Handed, Archery, Block, Smithing, Heavy Armor).
- The Mage Stone: Boosts the leveling speed of magic skills (Conjuration, Destruction, Illusion, Alteration, Restoration, Enchanting).
- The Thief Stone: Boosts the leveling speed of stealth skills (Sneak, Lockpicking, Pickpocket, Light Armor, Speech).
Choose the stone that best fits your intended play style. If you’re unsure, the Warrior Stone is a safe bet for any character.
Should I join the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks?
This is a significant decision! It affects the Civil War quest line and your interactions with certain NPCs. Research the factions and their ideologies before committing. There’s no “right” answer; choose the side that resonates with you.
What are the best beginner-friendly weapons?
Early on, anything you can get your hands on is good. Iron and Steel weapons are readily available. Bows are very powerful and can be obtained and used early. You can find many weapons at the beginning of the game from your fallen enemies.
Should I join the Companions, the Thieves Guild, or the Dark Brotherhood first?
- The Companions: A good choice for melee-focused characters. Provides early combat training and werewolf transformations.
- The Thieves Guild: Ideal for stealthy characters. Offers opportunities to improve Sneak, Lockpicking, and Pickpocket.
- The Dark Brotherhood: Save this one for later. It is best to do this quest last.
The Companions or Thieves Guild are good starting points, depending on your preferred playstyle.
What’s the deal with Dragons?
Dragons are a major threat in Skyrim, but they also provide valuable resources. Killing a dragon grants you a Dragon Soul, which you can use to unlock Dragon Shouts (powerful abilities). Fighting dragons is challenging but rewarding.
Where can I find good followers early in the game?
- Faendal: An archery trainer in Riverwood (requires completing a small quest).
- Lydia: Your housecarl, assigned after becoming Thane of Whiterun.
- Jenassa: A mercenary in the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun (requires payment).
Followers can be invaluable in combat and for carrying your loot.
Is it worth investing in Alchemy early on?
Absolutely. Alchemy is incredibly useful. You can craft powerful potions for healing, boosting your skills, and inflicting damage. Gathering ingredients is a great way to explore the world and make money.
How important is crafting (Smithing, Enchanting) in Skyrim?
Crafting is essential for creating powerful gear. Smithing allows you to craft and improve weapons and armor, while Enchanting lets you add magical effects to your equipment. Investing in these skills will make you much stronger.
Should I buy a house early on?
Buying a house provides a safe place to store your items, craft, and sleep. Breezehome in Whiterun is the cheapest and most convenient early-game house. Becoming Thane of Whiterun is a good goal to set early on.
What DLC should I play first: Dawnguard or Dragonborn?
Dawnguard is generally recommended first. It starts at level 10 and is more balanced for mid-game characters. Dragonborn is better done at a higher level.
Remember, Skyrim is about exploration and discovery. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and carve your own path as the Dragonborn!