Where To Find The Best Side Quests In Skyrim. With over 270 total quests in Skyrim, it’s likely that most players haven’t completed every side quest available. Many outstanding quests can fly under the radar if players aren’t actively looking for them, because to the various guilds that can joined, Hold quests to become Thane, and new quests introduced in the Dawnguard and Dragonborn DLC.
Some of these tasks are simple fetch-type objectives or require the clearing of a bandit camp, but others provide a deep backstory on key events or individuals in the game and are well worth completing for this purpose. Many of these side missions also provide unique rewards, some of which are exceptionally powerful equipment, making the task worth chasing down and finishing.
Russ Boswell updated this page on January 19th, 2022: It’s hard to believe Skyrim is still relevant so long after its debut, but the truth is that gamers are continually diving into the Bethesda epic, whether for the first time or for a second time. There is so much to see and do in Skyrim, as well as numerous missions for players to complete. The best Skyrim quests are those that players don’t expect to find when roaming or those that come after a brief conversation with an unassuming NPC. The hidden side quests in Skyrim are something that every player should do. The following list has updated with even more entries to better showcase the best side missions in Skyrim.
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A Night To Remember
- After reaching level 14, seek out Sam Guevenne in any tavern (the first tavern entered when attaining level 14 is usually where he will spawn).
The Dragonborn is a mighty hero capable of slaying dragons and bringing peace to a war-torn world. But, as seen in this interesting and hilarious sidequest that’s easy to overlook, not even the mythical dragon hunter is immune to too much alcohol.
Players must must attain level 14 in order to begin “A Night to Remember.” After that, they’ll meet Sam Guevenne, a fascinating person who challenges the Dragonborn to a drinking game in exchange for a staff if they visit a bar. If the players accept, they’ll embark on one of Skyrim’s oddest and funniest quests. The payout is also well worth it, thus players should take this task as soon as possible.
Frostflow Abyss
- How to Find It: Go to the Frostflow Lighthouse on Winterhold’s northern coast.
Some of the tasks strewn across Skyrim can be a little off-putting. Although the famous title is not a horror game, there are a few chores that may give players the creeps, or at the very least the heebie-jeebies. Frostflow Lighthouse’s demise is an excellent example, throwing players into an underground cavern system teeming with dangerous monsters and a formidable “boss.”
This quest will begin automatically when players enter the Frostflow Lighthouse, although there is a known glitch that will cause a player’s progress to halted if they “complete the dungeon” before beginning the quest. This should avoided because the quest’s reward is quite useful.
Coming Of Age
- The two NPCs camped outside Ironbind Barrow, southeast of Dawnstar, are easy to find.
Many quests in Skyrim provided to the player by various NPCs, although some may only discovered through exploration. Coming of Age is an excellent example, as it will only activate until the player has discovered Ironbind Barrow, a dungeon southeast of Dawnstar. Two would treasure hunters camped outside the spot, debating whether or not to enter the domain in order to fill their wallets with coins and goods. It only takes the appearance of the tough-looking Dragonborn to inspire one of the members to eventually venture into the perilous depths.
This is without a doubt one of the most intriguing of the many tiny hidden tasks that can found around Skyrim.
Forbidden Legend
- How to Find It: Look for the book Lost Legends, which can found all around Skyrim. (Take, for example, The Bard’s College in Solitude, which hidden upstairs on a bookcase.)
Forbidden Legend is a long-winded quest that feels like an epic trip for players that enjoy long-winded quests. It easy for non-magical players to overlook sidequest if they interested in entering the College of Winterhold, and while it necessarily “hidden,” many non-magical players have completed Skyrim without visiting the famed university. There is, thankfully, another option for players to begin this questline without having to be a spell caster, but it is a bit RNG-based for those who don’t know what to look for.
The Dragonborn will travel all throughout Skyrim in pursuit of numerous pieces of a specific amulet as part of the quest. It’s a long quest with a lot of loot, and it’s very difficult in the beginning.
The Ebony Warrior
- To find it, go to any city with a level of 80 or higher.
The Ebony Warrior is one of Skyrim’s more well-known secret missions. However, his rarity stems from the fact that many casual players may never achieve the needed level of 80 to fight him.
The Ebony Warrior is an enigmatic warrior that has encountered numerous trials throughout his life. He’s now on the lookout for a final challenge, and he’d like the Dragonborn to take him on. Once the Dragonborn reached level 80, he can found in any city.
Bromjunaar Sanctuary
- How to Find It: It’s near the Labyrinthian’s entrance, to the east of it.
Before entering the notorious Labyrinthian dungeon, players can visit Bromjunaar, a smaller sanctuary to the east of the entrance, to begin a secret mission. They’ll come across an unusual altar on which they must deposit all of the dragon priest masks from Skyrim’s defeated priests.
There’s also a clue to this. A Wooden Mask can found on the ground when players first arrive on the location. Wearing it will reveal prior events that occurred in Bromjunaar. Players will be able to access the last mask, Konahrik, if they place all of the masks on the shrine.
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Angi’s Archery Training
- How to Find It: The location is south of Falkreath, high in the mountains.
Given that stealth archery is one of the game’s more popular options, this unmarked task deep in Skyrim’s southern mountains is a must-do. Visit Angi’s Camp and take part in a quick archery challenge on the field.
Angi will provide her bow as a reward. It nothing special, but any assistance for early-game characters appreciated. For any aspiring stealth archers, Angi will also provide archery lessons.
Delayed Burial
- Where to Find It: Loreius Farm, in the Pale’s northern outskirts, near Whitewatch Tower.
Cicero, the divisive figure in Skyrim who both revered and despised, makes a brief cameo in a minor hidden task before players can join the Dark Brotherhood. He likely to seen lounging around Loreius Farm.
Cicero, who is pulling a mysterious cart containing the body of Night Mother herself, has broken down, and players can either help or denounce him. Players will rewarded with a little amount of gold regardless of whatever option they take.
Forgotten Names
- How to Find It: In Midden Dark, beneath the College of Winterhold.
The Midden a subterranean location beneath the College that can accessed during one of the College’s primary objectives. A bizarre gauntlet standing on a pedestal can found if players go far enough into Midden Dark.
To begin the quest, players must obtain a report and a key from a nearby location, which will require them to retrieve the missing rings from the gauntlet. For a tiny reward, this will summon a Daedric entity that the player must slay or expel.
The Pale Lady
- How to Get There: Head southwest of Dawnstar to Frostmyre Crypt’s entrance.
When first passing through Frostmyre Crypt, players may find themselves. The midst of a struggle between Elsa Blackthorn and a band of bandits who have turned against her. Players can begin the quest to explore the massacre within. The crypt after finding that her leader took a sword from it.
After entering Frostmyre Depths, players will come across an altar and a Wisp Mother known as The Pale Lady. Who will attack them until they kill her or return the Pale Blade to its pedestal. The blade itself is a quest reward and is unique. That it bears both an Ice and a Fear enchantment.
The Man Who Cried Wolf & The Wolf Queen Awakened
- To locate Falk Firebeard, go to Solitude’s Blue Palace and speak with him.
Falk Firebeard will entrust the investigation of a string of disappearances near Wolfskull Cave to the Last Dragonborn.
Players can return to Falk for their prize and the second phase of this questline. The Wolf Queen Awakened, after emptying the dungeon of it necromancer occupants and preventing their ritual fromcompleted. This is a significantly lengthier mission that takes players. To a variety of locations and culminates in a battle with Potema, the Wolf Queen.
The Shield of Solitude, a special levelled shield that blocks additional damage and offers magic resistance. Awarded to players after finishing the quest, with the most powerful form earned after level 40.
Totems of Hircine
- After marrying or becoming a Harbinger of Companions, speak with Aela The Huntress in Whiterun.
The werewolf form was disappointing before the Dawnguard DLC included. The werewolf skill tree and the Dragonborn DLC added many rings that improved their combat powers. Players can, however, perform a side quest for Aela called Totems of Hircine, which improves the werewolf form even further.
Each totem bestows a blessing on the werewolf form, bestowing abilities such Detect Life. Summoning Wolf Spirits, or a Fear effect, all of which can enhanced further via the werewolf skill tree. However, the position of each totem is random, and the player may transported to a variety of dungeons.
Kyne’s Sacred Trials
- How to Find It: Speak with Froki in Riften’s southwest corner.
Following a conversation with Froki in his hut, the player will tasked with hunting down many ethereal animals. Including a huge Mudcrab and a spectral Mammoth, in order to establish that the player is a skilled hunter.
After completing each hunting trial, the player receives Kyne’s Token. A one-of-a-kind necklace with the same design as the Gauldur Amulet that enhances. Bow damage by 5% while reducing animal damage by 10%. Although the enchantment is particularly strong. It is a unique combination of enchantments that is seen on many goods in Skryim.
Salt For Arcadia
- To locate Farengar, travel to Dragonsreach and speak with him.
Although quest in Whiterun quite brief, as the player just entrusted with carrying. A load of Frost Salts from Farengar to Arcadia, the player does receive several useful medicines in exchange.
Farengar will give players the salts to bring to Arcadia. Who claims she needs them to produce a love potion, after asking whether there are any other magic practitioners in Whiterun. A Potion of Brief Invisibility, Potion of Enhanced Stamina. Potion of Illusion will be provided to the player as a reward for their efforts.
The Ghost of Old Hroldan
- How to Get There: Go to the Old Hroldan Inn, which is halfway between Markarth and Rorikstead.
Spending the night at the Old Hroldan Inn allows the player to meet the spirit of Old Hroldan. When approached, the ghost instructs them to locate Hjalti’s Blade and return it to them; the sword can discovered in one of a few radiant spots that generally populated by Forsworn and Hagravens.
When the sword recovered and delivered to Old Hroldan. The player receives a level boost in both Block and One-Handed, making this a worthwhile task for any warrior build.
The Raid & Supply and Demand
- Contact Wujeeta in Riften for further information.
This questline begins with a conversation with Wujeeta in Riften. Who is suffering from a Skooma addiction and needs the player’s assistance to overcome it. The player will sent to destroy those responsible for Skooma smuggling after bringing information to the Jarl’s attention. Which will then activate the second quest after defeating the organization’s leader.
After finding a note on Sarthis’ body and submitting it to the Jarl, the player dispatched. The Skooma smuggling busines main manufacturing site and given the responsibility of removing everyone within. The player handed a random enchanted weapon after finishing this quest. Making it an excellent way to reset for a specific enchantment like Absorb Health.
Unfathomable Depths
- How to Find It: In Riften, speak to From-Deepest-Fathoms at level 14.
Beginning in Riften, the player can receive a mission from a strange Argonian named From-Deepest-Fathoms. Who requests the player to return the Lexicon to a nearby. Dwemer ruin after they have attained level 14 or higher. The dungeon is pretty typical of other Dwemer ruins. Albeit the player given some backstory on the last trip to Avanchnzel. Which culminated in From-Deepest-Fathoms becoming insane.
The Ancient Knowledge power obtained after returning the Lexicon to its pedestal. It enhances the player’s armour rating when wearing full Dwarven Armor. Albeit it has a tendency to glitch and boost the armour rating of all armour except Dwarven.
The Book Of Love
- How to Find It: Speak with a Mara Priestess in Riften.
The side quest can begun at Riften, although it will take the player over. The majority of Skyrim in order to complete. The mission sends the player around the world to fix various heart problems. Usually including some form of open gesture by one of the parties. After speaking with one of the Priestesses of Mara.
Players rewarded with an Amulet of Mara and the Agent of Mara power after completing the quest. Which permanently enhances magic resistance by 15% and is a must-have for any build.
Lost Relic
- How to Find It: Speak with Florentius Baenius, a Dawnguard faction member.
Lost Relic is a repeating mission that takes place throughout the Dawnguard questline. That asks the player to explore Skyrim in search of various relics from the Dawnguard’s past for Florentius Baenius.
The task given times at random, and each outing may require the player to accomplish other radiant objectives between. However finishing each quest will reward the player with the Dawnguard Rune Shield. Dawnguard Rune Hammer, and Dawnguard Rune Axe. Each of these things is exceptionally lethal against undead foes and plays an important role in the Dawnguard plot.
