The quest “A Return To Your Roots” is one of Skyrim’s most infamous side quests, requiring players to gather 30 Crimson Nirnroots from Blackreach—a massive, dangerous underground world. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to help you collect all 30 roots efficiently.

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🧭 Preparation Before You Begin

🔓 How to Start the Quest

• Quest Trigger: Pick up any Crimson Nirnroot inside Sinderion’s Field Laboratory in Blackreach. This automatically starts the quest.

✅ Essential Tips Before You Enter

• There Are Extras: Blackreach holds more than 30 Crimson Nirnroots, so don’t worry if you miss a few.
• Visual and Audio Cues: Crimson Nirnroots glow red and emit a distinct chime—keep eyes and ears open.
• Gear Up: Expect to face Falmer, Dwarven Automatons, and Frost Trolls. Bring strong weapons, healing potions, and resist gear.
• Save Often: Blackreach is huge and treacherous—frequent saves are your safety net.

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🌿 Crimson Nirnroot Locations: Route and Directions

1. Sinderion’s Field Laboratory

• On the desk inside the lab. This root begins the quest.
• Entry Tip: You can reach the lab via Alftand, Mzinchaleft, or Raldbthar entrances into Blackreach.

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2–3. Near the East Pipe

• One is near a large eastern pipe.
• The second is at the bottom of a pit nearby, guarded by a Falmer.

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4–5. Great Lift Area

• One Crimson Nirnroot lies beside the Great Lift structure.
• Another is on a nearby ledge. Activate the lift to unlock a fast exit to Skyrim.

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6–7. Cliff Base and Pool

• One at the base of a southern cliff near the Lift.
• One near a shimmering pool surrounded by Dwemer ruins.

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8–9. Northern Path and Brick Wall

• One near an inactive Dwarven Centurion.
• Another across a bridge next to a massive brick wall.

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10. South of the Mechanism

• One south of a rotating Dwarven device, near a Frost Troll.

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11–12. Lakeside Area

• One along the lake’s shore.
• Another near a waterfall at the lake’s southern edge.

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13. Derelict Pump House

• Inside the Pump House, beneath a metal bridge on the lower level.

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14–15. Waterfall and Lift

• One by a waterfall near a large Dwemer complex.
• One beside a lift northwest of the falls.

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16–18. Tower of Mzark Area

• One at the tower’s entrance.
• One on the spiral staircase inside.
• One near a mushroom cluster and small waterfall outside.

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19–21. Mushroom Cluster and Sewer

• One by a Falmer camp surrounded by mushrooms.
• One inside a sewer near the spinning mechanism.
• One near a large purple mushroom along the northern path.

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22–24. Rickety Bridge and River

• One past a wobbly bridge (watch out for a Wisp Mother).
• One along the riverbank east of the bridge.
• One up a wooden ramp leading to a Falmer platform.

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25–27. Spider Pit

• One inside the spider nest.
• One on a mountain trail overlooking the pit.
• One on a bridge above the pit.

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28–30. Reeking Tower Area

• One inside the Reeking Tower, near a staircase.
• One at the tower’s exit.
• One on a ledge outside, guarded by Frostbite Spiders.

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📝 Final Notes & Strategies

• Chime and Glow: Use the distinct red glow and audible chime to locate roots in dark areas.
• Stealth or Firepower: Sneak or go in swinging—choose your combat approach wisely against Falmer and automatons.
• Unlock Shortcuts: Activate Great Lifts as you go. These serve as fast-travel exits back to Skyrim.

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🏆 Completing the Quest

Once you’ve collected 30 Crimson Nirnroots, return to Sinderion’s Field Laboratory and place them in the designated planter to finish the quest.