Welcome to the world of Skyrim—a land rich with adventure, choice, and opportunity. Whether you’re a first-time Dragonborn or a returning hero, this guide will help you get the best possible start by covering character creation, early-game exploration, gold-making strategies, and resource management.
Choosing Your Race
Your race offers early-game bonuses, but Skyrim gives you full freedom to build your character however you like. That said, here are some helpful suggestions if you want a slight edge:
- Warrior Builds: Nord, Orc, Redguard, Imperial
- Mage Builds: High Elf (Altmer), Breton, Dark Elf (Dunmer)
- Stealth Builds: Khajiit, Wood Elf (Bosmer), Argonian
Don’t stress too much—any race can master any playstyle with the right skills.
Escaping Helgen
After character creation, you’ll escape Helgen by choosing to follow Hadvar (Imperials) or Ralof (Stormcloaks). Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Ralof: Gives access to light Stormcloak armor—great for selling or early stealth builds.
- Hadvar: Introduces you to Alvor, a Riverwood blacksmith who offers supplies and crafting access.
For this guide, we’ll follow Ralof.
Loot to Grab During Escape
- Potion Room: Collect all alchemy ingredients, especially salt piles and elf ears.
- Torture Room: Grab the mage robes, lockpicks, and useful weapons.
- Spider Room: Gather venom sacs and spider eggs—great for early poisons.
- Bear Cave: Loot bear claws and pelts for crafting and selling.
Early Exploration and Efficient Looting
After escaping Helgen, follow this optimized route for gold, gear, and experience:
- Bandit Camp: Find a treasure map, Black Mage Robes, and a skill book for One-Handed.
- Shrine of Talos: Loot enchanted Thalmor robes—very valuable for selling or disenchanting.
- Standing Stones: Activate the Warrior, Mage, or Thief Stone for a 20% experience boost in your chosen playstyle.
Maximizing Riverwood
Riverwood is your first friendly hub. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Sell your loot to Alvor and the Riverwood Trader.
- Complete the treasure map quest by looting the stash in the tree stump across the river.
- Take on side quests and recruit your first follower.
Visit Anise’s Cabin
Head south of Riverwood to Anise’s Cabin for early access to:
- An enchanting table and alchemy lab in her basement.
- Free loot, including disenchantable gear and crafting ingredients.
Beginner Dungeon: Embershard Mine
This easy dungeon is full of low-level bandits, iron ore, and early loot. Clear it out to gain:
- Valuable crafting materials
- Smithing XP
- A good supply of weapons and armor
Early Game Quests and Followers
Before pushing forward in the main quest, complete these:
- Golden Claw (Riverwood Trader): Leads to Bleak Falls Barrow and valuable early loot.
- Faendal: Can be recruited in Riverwood and provides free Archery training.
- Uthgerd the Unbroken: Found in Whiterun—beat her in a fistfight to gain her as a follower.
Crafting and Alchemy Tips
- Regularly gather alchemy ingredients—mountain flowers, butterfly wings, and salt piles sell well or can be used for useful potions.
- Learn the Transmute spell at Halted Stream Camp to turn iron into silver, and silver into gold. Combine with jewelry crafting for easy profit.
Dungeons Worth Exploring Early
Each of these locations offers strong loot and leveling potential:
- Silent Moons Camp
- Halted Stream Camp
- White River Watch
- Valtheim Towers
Early Home Options
- Breezehome (Whiterun) – 5,000–7,000 gold
- Convenient, compact, and right next to a blacksmith.
- Tundra Homestead – 7,500 gold
- Includes enchanting and crafting stations.
- Golden Hills Plantation – Unlocks through a short quest.
- Comes with passive gold income and farm features.
Join a Guild
- Companions (Whiterun): Great for melee-focused builds. Grants werewolf form and disease immunity.
- Thieves Guild (Riften): Unlock fences for selling stolen goods and access to stealth gear.
Final Tips for a Strong Start
- Save Often: You never know what’s around the next corner.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new builds or playstyles.
- Use Followers Wisely: Let them carry your loot and tank enemies.
- Disenchant Gear: Learn effects early to supercharge your enchanting later.
- Sleep Regularly: Gaining the “Rested” bonus boosts skill progression.
Conclusion
Skyrim is a game built for exploration and freedom. Use this guide to start strong—but don’t hesitate to follow your instincts, roleplay your character, and go off the beaten path. Every playthrough is different, and that’s the magic of Skyrim.
Adventure awaits, Dragonborn—make it legendary.
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