The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was initially released in November 2011. The game's updated graphics, a variety of gameplay styles, and humorous quotes made an impact on players. The original game is no longer updated, but fans continue to replay it by creating new Dragonborns or utilizing mods. Though the game has a main quest line, there are several ways to enjoy Skyrim. No playthrough is the exact same.
Bethesda realizes that Skyrim continues to be popular with gamers. They have re-released a Special Edition of the game, along with a re-release on the Nintendo Switch. Real fans were delighted when Bethesda developed a VR version of Skyrim to bring gamers into the world they've loved for years.
Skyrim offers a wide variety of gameplay options. Players can become a sword-and-shield warrior or a stealth archer. While play styles vary, there are a few quality-of-life hidden features that some gamers have no clue existed. These tips aren't found in tooltips or within the settings. There are several secret tricks that many have never managed to discover, even after almost a decade has passed. They were found by keen players who wish they'd found these features sooner.
With many re-releases and replays, gamers often wonder what else is left to discover within Skyrim. While most have abandoned the game for new adventures, or even prefer to play Elder Scrolls Online, there are some that continue to go back to spend time with their favorite characters.
If you're planning on starting another playthrough or only picking it up now, we have a list of helpful gameplay tips.
25 Jump Over That Obstacle
The Dragonborn's shouts give them the upper hand in any situation. There are a variety to choose from if you managed to find them. Whirlwind Sprint gives you the ability to sprint through trap doors in the blink of an eye. The shout can be slightly modified.
If you find yourself in the middle of a room with a broken bridge, you can still cross it. Use Whirlwind Sprint and the Dragonborn will fly over a large gap. Using the shout will save you time in almost any dungeon.
24 Learn A Powerful Defense Spell
Skyrim has several magic spells your character can master. Ward is a restoration spell that is used defensively. When activated, the spell can block a majority of magic attacks. Take the time to increase this magic skill.
When Ward is transformed into Greater Ward, your Dragonborn will have a higher chance of blocking most magical attacks, such as Destruction.
It can also save you against an enemy who uses shouts, poison attacks, or even dragons. Magic users need all the defense boosts they can get. Ward should be the first line of defense in your arsenal.
23 An Effective Way To Capture Pests
Unrelenting Force or the iconic "Fus-Ro-Dah" is the first shout the Dragonborn learns. This powerful attack can be used in battle or for less desirable means. Skyrim contains several species of annoying insects.
Unrelenting Force can be used to remove these pests with little effort. The Dragonborn can either use the shot on land or in the air. If you find yourself needing bugs for recipes or potions, don't worry. They'll respawn in the same location after a few days.
22 Use Torches For More Than Light
Skyrim can be a dangerous place, especially when trapped inside of a cave with bandits or Draugrs. Luckily, you can bring along a torch, or loot one, to light up the way. At first, you may be tempted to walk around in the dark so you can focus on fighting Torches have multiple uses.
While blocking, if you use the light to bash your opponent, there is a minor chance it will cause fire damage. This is only effective for the Dragonborn and will not work with companions. Though torches just last 240 seconds, they can be effective if used correctly.
21 Hawks Have A Higher Purpose
Investing in the Alchemy skill pays off. The Dragonborn can craft potions instead of buying them for a higher price from merchants.
If your character is in desperate need of a Cure Disease potion, they can craft it with a simple ingredient: hawk feathers.
Hawks are found near Riverwood, Bleak Falls Barrow, and Solitude. They are easily knocked out of the air. Along with a few other ingredients, you can craft as many Cure Disease potions as you need without traveling to a shrine or begging a Vigilant of Stendarr for help.
20 Stop Spells Before They’re Cast
Skyrim has a variety of enemies, including casters. They usually stay out of the way and attack from afar. If you're trying to hold off a horde of Draugr, casters can become irritating quickly. They won't stop attacking until they're taken out.
If your Dragonborn manages to catch a caster mid-spell, equip Unrelenting Force. This shout can stop a caster mid-spell. It will temporarily knock them back, giving you time to strike. It's an effective, quick way to stop magic users.
19 Make Your Horse Do The Work
Todd Howard, director and executive producer of Bethesda Game Studios, stated at E3 that mountains in Skyrim could be climbed. When gamers tried to make their character run up mountains in the icy mountains of the game, it didn't work out well. They believed that the developer wasn't truthful about the gameplay. Howard wasn't incorrect.
The Dragonborn can climb mountains while on a horse.
Horses can climb mountains that characters can't trek through on foot. While it may take some careful navigating, you can climb that mountain.
18 Find All The Dragon Shouts
As the Dragonborn, your character has access to a full arsenal of shouts. There are two you are forced to accept as part of the main quest line. The other Dragon Shouts are found throughout caves or monuments marked with a dragon head on the map.
Gamers who rush through Skyrim may miss more powerful shouts. If you're looking to collect them all, there's an easier way to find them instead of searching every cavern. Head to High Hrothgar and find Argenier the Greybeard. He will give you a side quest for each shout and mark it on your map.
17 Take Advantage Of Free Stat Bonuses
After escaping Helgen, the Dragonborn travels to Riverwood with either Ralof or Hadvar. On the way, you'll encounter your first set of Standing Stones. The Dragonborn can choose which one they prefer for future battles. These magical monuments give a boost to your character that doesn't fade. Many players never switch their Standing Stone blessing. There are thirteen of these magical monuments throughout the land that can be switched out at any time. These stones can increase your power to match your playstyle.
16 Bypass The Carry Weight Limit
Skyrim's world offers several items that can be sold or used for later. Grabbing every item in sight is tempting. Grab too much, and you'll quickly find yourself over-encumbered. If you have a companion with you, they can hold any extra items. Some will refuse to hold stolen items, but they'll take any extra potions you have.
Companions do have a carry limit, but it can be easily bypassed.
Drop your item on the ground and ask your follower to pick it up. Even if they are over-encumbered, this trick will bypass their carry weight limit.
15 Learn To Go Fast
The Dragonborn is a fast moving character. When watching them on screen, you may believe they're already running. Since there's a decided button for walking, many characters don't realize that sprinting is possible without using a shout.
Once you learn which button allows you to sprint, you can move through the world of Skyrim much faster.
Before you begin sprinting, beware that it can quickly deplete your stamina. If you haven't invested many skill points in Stamina, you'll be back to casually jogging in no time.
14 Speed Through Conversations
The Elder Scrolls series has always been a role-playing game. There are many times you're forced to interact with other characters to progress the storyline. Though you can battle through dungeons without saying a word, you'll likely need to speak to a merchant at one point on your journey.
For users on PC, there's an easy way to scroll through "Yes" and "No" confirmations without using your mouse. All you have to do is press either Y or N on your keyboard. It's a simple shortcut to complete any transaction quickly.
13 Horses Make Hoarding Easier
In Skyrim, the Dragonborn can take almost anything that isn't bolted down. Take too many things, and you'll quickly find yourself over-encumbered. Your character will walk instead of run, and you can't fast travel.
There's a way to fast travel if you're carrying too much treasure and you are currently riding a horse.
While riding a horse, your character can fast travel to any previously discovered location. The Dragonborn can go to their home, unload their loot, then visit the next cave to repeat the process.
12 No One Will Know You Ran Away
When your Dragonborn first steps out of Riverwood, they will discover many aggressive beasts. Giants and mammoths typical stay near camps. They won't attack unless the Dragonborn gets too close.
If you do find yourself battling a Giant and losing, there's an easy way to escape. Giants and mammoths can't trek through rocky terrain, ponds, or water. They will stop pursuing the Dragonborn if a lake is in-between. They may grumble a bit, but will eventually turn around and head back to camp. Take it as a lesson that you shouldn't mess with the Giants and their mammoths.
11 Patience Pays Off
Sometimes it's easier to buy essential items from a merchant instead of making it yourself. They have the last ingredient you need to make an important potion. If that potion doesn't work out, you may feel upset because the merchant is now out of stock. Luckily, merchants reset their inventory every 48 hours.
The Dragonborn can sleep or wait for two days until the merchant has the item they need back in stock. Since the game doesn't have any time limits to complete quests, the convenience will only take you a few minutes of real-world time as you wait.
10 Immerse Yourself In Skyrim’s World
The Dragonborn will find homes to call their own during their journey. Most of the homes that have fireplaces to cook food or keep warm. The Dragonborn can easily light and put out fires with two spells: Flame and Frost.
Flame is used to set their fireplace aflame. If they're about to step out for their next adventure, use Frost to put out the fire. These two spells can be used on any campfire out in the forests. While it may not have much purpose for some, it's a fun way to immerse yourself in the game.
9 Claim A Free House Early
Helgen has many bad memories for the Dragonborn. It's the settlement where their adventuring days almost ended permanently. There's a good reason to go back at the beginning of the game.
After visiting Riverwood, your Dragonborn will be free to explore the world. Head back to the region near Helgen, and you'll find a location called the "Alchemist's Shack." There is no one living here so you can claim it as your own. Until you earn the Breezehome, it's a convenient location for all of your treasure until you're ready to become Thane.
8 Invest In Stamina Early
If your Dragonborn is a warrior, you may wonder why Stamina is essential. Stamina has many benefits. Placing more points into this skill will increase the time you can sprint. While sprinting isn't possible if you're over-encumbered, Stamina has an additional bonus.
Increasing Stamina will increase your Carry Weight by five points.
As you continue to invest points into this skill, you'll have more room to pick up vital items. It may not appear as important as Health or Magic, but it will pay off.
7 Save Your Gold For Something More Important
When starting the game, it may appear easier to buy weapons from merchants. Weapon merchants often have a variety of helpful items. They also did all the work by obtaining that armor. It's more cost effective to wait until you're in a dungeon and loot weapons and armor. Even if you don't need it at the moment, you can sell it to merchants or give to a follower. Merchants will always sell items at a higher cost than what it takes to make it yourself, especially if you didn't invest any skill points into Speech.
6 Befriend Everyone
Though your title is Dragonborn, it doesn't mean you are limited to fighting dragons. Your character will gain the opportunity to join a variety of factions, from the Thieves Guild to The Companions in Whiterun. Don't worry that you can only choose one.
The Dragonborn can join all the factions without any consequences. Though you will have to choose sides in the Civil War between the Stormcloaks and Imperials, you'll have plenty of freedom with Skyrim's guilds.