The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Role-playing (RPG) / Adventure · 2011 · PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation VR, SteamVR, Nintendo Switch 2
A first- or third-person open-world action RPG. Skills level up through use, and the main quest runs alongside plenty of side content. It later received a Special Edition (2016) and an Anniversary Edition (2022), and the Switch version launched with Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn included.
Guides and missables below stop at this point. Move it forward as you play.
Quest walkthroughs
Quests for The Opening. Open a quest for step-by-step directions, choices, rewards and troubleshooting. Its full walkthrough reveals that quest’s details.
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Quick tips
The Opening
Level skills through use
Skills level up as you use them. Pick 2-3 skills to focus on and put perks into them before spreading out.
The Opening
Save in multiple slots
Many of the missables are one-way, so keep several save slots to fall back on.
The Opening
Leave quest items alone until their quest starts
Picking up quest items early can break quests. Community checklists call out items like Finn's Lute for this.
The Opening
Pick an easy starting race
Race gives a few starting skill bonuses and a power. Nord, Imperial, Breton and Redguard are all easy starts for beginners.
The Opening
Either prologue escort works
The prologue gives you a choice of escort, but both choices lead to the same village. Don't worry about it.
The Opening
Learn the basics early
Practice sneak attacks, blocking, and setting up weapon and spell hotkeys.
The Opening
Start crafting in the first village
Use the first village's blacksmith, alchemist and general store to start Smithing and Alchemy. Early iron daggers and light armor are fine.
Things you can miss
Optional quests, items or choices you can lose access to by progressing past a point. Guides often call these “missables”.
Finn's LuteComing up
Can be lost after: First Hold and First Dungeon
Don't pick it up before its quest begins, as items picked up early can break quests.
Briar Heart (Repairing the Phial)Coming up
Can be lost after: First Hold and First Dungeon
Don't carry a Briar Heart into the quest "Repairing the Phial." It gets permanently stuck in your inventory and the quest can't be completed.
Items given to followersComing up
Can be lost after: First Hold and First Dungeon
Some followers' inventories can reset, permanently losing whatever they carry. Never hand them unique or quest items.
Quest items you sellComing up
Can be lost after: First Hold and First Dungeon
Don't sell quest items. Selling them can cost you the item and its quest.
All The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim missables by stage (contains spoilers)
Opening this list shows every missable’s name, including ones past your spoiler line. Names only, no details.
- Finn's Lute · can be lost after First Hold and First Dungeon
- Briar Heart (Repairing the Phial) · can be lost after First Hold and First Dungeon
- Items given to followers · can be lost after First Hold and First Dungeon
- Quest items you sell · can be lost after First Hold and First Dungeon
- Azura's Star vs. the Black Star · can be lost after Learning to Shout
- Rueful Axe vs. Masque of Clavicus Vile · can be lost after Learning to Shout
Guides and data last refreshed Nov 12, 2026. They are generated from web research and may contain mistakes.