It goes without saying thatThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis one of the most legendary games of all time, and one need only look at its legacy to understand why this is the case. Bethesda Studios definitely met the hype — and more — after releasing a title that is widely considered by many to be one of the greatest open-world games of all time.
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The game has been released on pretty much every system imaginable, so more and more gamers are able totry out a gamethat has attained such critical and commercial acclaim over the past decade. That being said, people who are just trying out anElder Scrollsgame could possibly be overwhelmed with the sheer number of options at their disposal. So, keeping this in mind, here are a few tips for these beginners, so that their start isn’t all that rocky.
Updated July 06, 2025, by Ritwik Mitra:It would be impossible to talk about some of the greatest western RPGs ever made without mentioning the revolutionary title that is Skyrim. The game is nothing short of an absolute masterpiece that fans of massive open worlds and emergent storylines will have a great time with. Each nook and cranny of Skyrim hides something interesting that will take players by surprise time and time again. Since a lot of beginners are bound to get into the game due to its immense popularity, here are some tips to keep in mind so that the game gets less frustrating and more enjoyable.
25Use The Environment To Your Advantage
Skyrim’s environments are fun to roam around in, but these surroundings can also turn into a player’s ally during tough times. After all, most areas are full of booby traps and instant death pits where players need to be quite wary while moving around.
Players with great environmental awareness can use these traps to their advantage. Causing an enemy to trigger a trap themselves or just pushing them off a cliff with a well-placed shot never ceases to be entertaining.
24Encounter Dragons In Open And Clear Environments
Dragon fights are some ofthe biggest and most enjoyable fights inSkyrim. However, there are times when these fights can be frustrating, especially if a dragon simply refuses to land.
If a dragon is hovering around for too long, then players should move to an environment with open spaces. Areas that are too rocky or covered with foliage will prevent a dragon from making a clear landing.
23Shouts Are Great Fun, Use Them Often
Another new addition inSkyrimis the introduction of Dragon Shouts, which can be used by the chosen protagonist. They are great additions to a player’s arsenal, with each Dragon Shout having a unique function of its own.
Dragon Shouts are a ton of fun to use, but it’s understandable if certain players end up forgetting about this mechanic. Making a conscious effort to use these Shouts in battle can turn the combat ofSkyriminto a fun mess.
22Move Items To Isolated Spaces To Steal Them Easily
Thievery will probably be the first criminal act that mostplayers will engage with inSkyrim. After all, it’s just too easy to hoard items and sell them off for valuable gold. However, some valuable items are almost always in the view of other people who will report the player for stealing.
What a lot of players might not realize though is that it is actually possible to move items around without risking the ire of their owners. With this simple act, players can move items away from the prying eyes of NPCs and place them in a secluded spot, followed by quick and stealthy theft.
21Check Certain Items In Your Inventory To Reveal Clues
Skyrimwas the first game in the series that let players check out a 3D model of certain items in their inventory. While this seemed like nothing more than a gimmick, it can actually be used to solve certain puzzles.
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Certain items have clues on them that can only be accessed after checking out the item in the player’s inventory. It’s a simple yet neat inclusion that makes puzzle-solving a ton of fun in the game.
20Form A Unique Story
Most players inSkyrimmight be obsessed with following the most optimum path to their quest, regardless of what their personal preferences are. This can prove to be a detriment to enjoying the game, however.
Instead of worrying about external pressure, players should just play the game as they see fit. Everything from the quests they accomplish to the route they take on the world map should be decided by them only, and anybody else who says otherwise should be ignored.
There areseveral bookspresent across the world ofSkyrimthat add to the lore of the game. However, some of these books are more than just entertaining side stories or history lessons.
Some books can go so far as to increase a player’s skill as well, which can prove to be a huge help in increasing stats with little to no input. These books are few and far between in the world ofSkyrim, and players should try and find as many of these books as possible in order to increase their overall skill levels.
18Make The Most Of Standing Stones
There areseveral Standing Stonespresent across the world ofSkyrimthat offer a wide variety of buffs and benefits. It goes without saying that utilizing these stones can be a huge help for players who are just starting out.
Some stones offer passive buffs, while others help players learn skills faster. Each and every one of these perks is useful for beginners who want to ease themselves into the game instead of being constantly killed by the threats they see traversing the lands ofSkyrim.
17Don’t Ignore The Main Plot For Too Long
WhileSkyrim’s storymight not be its biggest draw at all, that doesn’t mean that beginners should ignore it outright. Regardless of the quality of the quest, there’s no denying that it allows for some of the more memorable moments in the game.
This makes it important to focus on the main plot whenever possible so that players don’t lose sight of what’s important. Of course, players have full liberty to do whatever they want, but completely the main questline is recommended so that there’s some purpose present in the actions of the player.
16There’s No Need To Abuse The Leveling System
Most beginners might notice tips urging them absolutely destroy the leveling system ofSkyrimthrough Smithingor any other exploit. However, given how the player is bound to increase their levels over time, this act isn’t recommended in the slightest.
After all, players should brave the dangers ofSkyrimfor themselves before gradually leveling up their skills. Slowly putting up a fight against creatures that were absolutely destroying them otherwise is an extremely satisfying moment that shows how far the player has come… and that too on their own merit!
