The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim — Completionist Walkthrough

A comprehensive checklist for completionist coverage, organized as a linear geographic path with quest chains tagged for easy tracking. Covers all major questlines, guilds, DLC, Daedric artifacts, and collectibles.
Overall progress0 / 229 (0%)
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Helgen & Riverwood

0/4
  • MainComplete "Unbound" — escape Helgen with Ralof (Stormcloak) or Hadvar (Imperial)
  • CollectibleActivate one of the Guardian Stones (Warrior/Mage/Thief) on the road to Riverwood
  • MainSpeak to Alvor (if Hadvar) or Gerdur (if Ralof) in Riverwood
  • MainBegin "Before the Storm" — travel to Whiterun to warn the Jarl
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Whiterun — First Visit

0/12
  • MainMeet Jarl Balgruuf the Greater in Dragonsreach
  • MainComplete "Bleak Falls Barrow" — retrieve the Dragonstone for Farengar Secret-Fire
  • MainComplete "Dragon Rising" — defeat the dragon at the Western Watchtower and absorb your first dragon soul
  • MainBegin "The Way of the Voice" — summoned to High Hrothgar by the Greybeards
  • CompanionsVisit Jorrvaskr and witness the fight in the yard
  • CompanionsComplete "Take Up Arms" — join the Companions (speak to Kodlak Whitemane)
  • Daedric"The Whispering Door" — speak to Hulda at the Bannered Mare about rumours, then speak to Jarl Balgruuf (requires level 20)
  • Side"The Blessings of Nature" — speak to Danica Pure-Spring at the Temple of Kynareth
  • Side"Missing in Action" — speak to Fralia Gray-Mane at the market
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Dragonsreach, Jarl's bedroom
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Jorrvaskr, Kodlak's bedroom
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Hall of the Dead, Whiterun
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Whiterun — Companions (Early Quests)

0/3
  • CompanionsComplete "Proving Honor" — clear Dustman's Cairn with Farkas
  • CompanionsComplete radiant jobs from Vilkas, Farkas, Aela, or Skjor (do at least a few to progress)
  • CompanionsComplete "The Silver Hand" — assault a Silver Hand stronghold, become a werewolf
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High Hrothgar & Main Quest Progress

0/4
  • MainComplete "The Way of the Voice" — learn Unrelenting Force from the Greybeards
  • MainComplete "The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller" — retrieve the horn from Ustengrav (meet Delphine)
  • MainComplete "A Blade in the Dark" — help Delphine investigate Kynesgrove dragon burial
  • MainComplete "Diplomatic Immunity" — infiltrate the Thalmor Embassy (Quest-locked area — grab the Stone of Barenziah in Elenwen's Solar before leaving)
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Eastmarch & Windhelm

0/7
  • Dark BrotherhoodSpeak to Aventus Aretino in Windhelm — begin "Innocence Lost"
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Innocence Lost" — kill Grelod the Kind at Honorhall Orphanage in Riften
  • Side"Blood on the Ice" — investigate the serial murders in Windhelm (requires entering/leaving Windhelm several times; can be buggy)
  • Side"The White Phial" — speak to Nurelion in the White Phial shop
  • Side"Rise in the East" — speak to Orthus Endario at the East Empire Company office on the docks
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — House of Clan Shatter-Shield, upstairs bedroom
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Palace of the Kings, Wuunferth the Unliving's quarters
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The Rift & Riften

0/9
  • Thieves"A Chance Arrangement" — Brynjolf approaches you in the Riften marketplace
  • Thieves"Taking Care of Business" — collect debts for Brynjolf, gain access to the Ragged Flagon
  • ThievesJoin the Thieves Guild officially
  • Daedric"A Night to Remember" — find Sam Guevenne in a tavern and accept his drinking challenge (reward: Sanguine Rose)
  • Side"The Book of Love" — speak to Dinya Balu at the Temple of Mara
  • Side"Unfathomable Depths" — speak to From-Deepest-Fathoms on the Riften docks
  • Side"Lights Out!" — speak to Jaree-Ra in Solitude (can start here or later)
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Mistveil Keep, Jarl's quarters
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Black-Briar Lodge (not the Meadery)
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Winterhold & College of Winterhold

0/6
  • CollegeComplete "First Lessons" — demonstrate a spell for Faralda at the bridge, join the College
  • CollegeComplete "Under Saarthal" — explore the ruins beneath Saarthal with Tolfdir
  • CollegeComplete "Hitting the Books" — retrieve books from Fellglow Keep for Urag gro-Shub
  • Daedric"Discerning the Transmundane" — Septimus Signus's Outpost, north of Winterhold (reward: Oghma Infinium; requires level 15 to complete final step)
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — College of Winterhold, Arch-Mage's Quarters (accessible after becoming Arch-Mage)
  • CollectibleThe Atronach Stone — located on a small island between Winterhold and Windhelm
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The Reach & Markarth

0/8
  • Side"The Forsworn Conspiracy" — witness a murder upon entering Markarth, investigate with Eltrys
  • Side"No One Escapes Cidhna Mine" — continuation of the Forsworn Conspiracy; choose to side with Madanach or kill him
  • Daedric"The House of Horrors" — speak to Vigilant Tyranus outside an abandoned house in Markarth (reward: Mace of Molag Bal)
  • Daedric"Pieces of the Past" — visit the Mythic Dawn Museum in Dawnstar, then collect razor fragments (reward: Mehrunes' Razor; requires level 20)
  • Daedric"The Taste of Death" — speak to Eola in Markarth's Hall of the Dead (reward: Ring of Namira)
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Treasury House, master bedroom
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Understone Keep, Dwemer Museum
  • CollectibleThe Lover Stone — located east of Markarth
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Falkreath

0/8
  • Dark BrotherhoodSleep in any bed after completing "Innocence Lost" — wake to "With Friends Like These"
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "With Friends Like These" — choose to kill one of the captives (or kill Astrid to start "Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!" instead)
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Sanctuary" — travel to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary near Falkreath
  • Daedric"Ill Met by Moonlight" — speak to Sinding in Falkreath Jail (reward: Savior's Hide and/or Ring of Hircine)
  • Daedric"The Black Star" — visit the Shrine of Azura south of Winterhold (reward: Azura's Star or The Black Star)
  • SideSpeak to Jarl Siddgeir or Dengeir for local quests
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, Astrid's room
  • CollectibleThe Lady Stone — on an island in the lake north of Falkreath
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Companions — Full Questline

0/5
  • CompanionsComplete "Blood's Honor" — collect Glenmoril Witch heads
  • CompanionsComplete "Purity of Revenge" — assault the Silver Hand at Driftshade Refuge
  • CompanionsComplete "Glory of the Dead" — lay Kodlak's spirit to rest at Ysgramor's Tomb, become Harbinger
  • Companions(Optional) Cure yourself of lycanthropy at Ysgramor's Tomb using remaining witch heads
  • CollectibleWuuthrad — unique ancient battleaxe, obtained during "Glory of the Dead"
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Thieves Guild — Full Questline

0/12
  • ThievesComplete "Loud and Clear" — infiltrate Goldenglow Estate for Maven Black-Briar
  • ThievesComplete "Dampened Spirits" — sabotage Honningbrew Meadery
  • ThievesComplete "Scoundrel's Folly" — interrogate Gulum-Ei at the East Empire Company Warehouse in Solitude
  • ThievesComplete "Speaking With Silence" — pursue Karliah to Snow Veil Sanctum; Mercer Frey betrays you
  • ThievesComplete "Hard Answers" — translate Gallus's journal at Calcelmo's laboratory in Markarth (Leveled — best at 46: Nightingale Blade received as reward)
  • ThievesComplete "The Pursuit" — break into Mercer Frey's house in Riften (Leveled — best at 46: Chillrend found in a display case)
  • ThievesComplete "Trinity Restored" — become a Nightingale at Nightingale Hall (Leveled — best at 32: Nightingale Armor set)
  • ThievesComplete "Blindsighted" — confront Mercer Frey in Irkngthand (Leveled — best at 46: Nightingale Bow received as reward)
  • ThievesComplete "Darkness Returns" — return the Skeleton Key to the Twilight Sepulcher
  • Thieves(Optional) Complete special jobs in Whiterun, Windhelm, Markarth, and Solitude to unlock "Under New Management" and become Guild Master
  • CollectibleNightingale Armor set — received during "Trinity Restored" (Leveled — best at 32)
  • CollectibleChillrend — found in Mercer Frey's house during "The Pursuit" (Leveled — best at 46)
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Dark Brotherhood — Full Questline

0/17
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete contract: Kill Beitild (Dawnstar)
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete contract: Kill Narfi (Ivarstead)
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete contract: Kill Ennodius Papius (near Anga's Mill)
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Mourning Never Comes" — kill Alain Dufont and optionally Muiri's target
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Whispers in the Dark" — spy on Cicero and Astrid
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "The Silence Has Been Broken" — meet Amaund Motierre in Volunruud
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete contract: Kill Lurbuk (Morthal)
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete contract: Kill Hern (Half-Moon Mill)
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Bound Until Death" — assassinate Vittoria Vici at her wedding in Solitude
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Breaching Security" — kill Gaius Maro
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "The Cure for Madness" — deal with Cicero at the Dawnstar Sanctuary
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Recipe for Disaster" — impersonate the Gourmet
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "To Kill an Empire" — poison the Emperor's meal
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Death Incarnate" — the Sanctuary is attacked; survive
  • Dark BrotherhoodComplete "Hail Sithis!" — assassinate the real Emperor aboard his ship
  • CollectibleBlade of Woe — obtained from Astrid
  • CollectibleDark Brotherhood armor set
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College of Winterhold — Full Questline

0/7
  • CollegeComplete "Good Intentions" — investigate the Augur of Dunlain in the Midden
  • CollegeComplete "Revealing the Unseen" — explore Mzulft to find the Synod's device
  • CollegeComplete "Containment" — deal with the magical anomalies in Winterhold
  • CollegeComplete "The Staff of Magnus" — retrieve the Staff from Labyrinthian
  • CollegeComplete "The Eye of Magnus" — defeat Ancano and become Arch-Mage
  • CollectibleMorokei (Dragon Priest Mask) — found in Labyrinthian during "The Staff of Magnus"
  • CollectibleStaff of Magnus — kept after completing the questline
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Main Quest — Mid-Game

0/5
  • MainComplete "A Cornered Rat" — find Esbern in the Ratway Warrens beneath Riften
  • MainComplete "Alduin's Wall" — travel to Sky Haven Temple with Delphine and Esbern (Leveled — best at 46: Dragonbane katana found in the temple)
  • MainComplete "The Throat of the World" — meet Paarthurnax atop the Throat of the World
  • MainComplete "Elder Knowledge" — descend into Blackreach to find an Elder Scroll
  • MainComplete "Alduin's Bane" — use the Elder Scroll at the Time-Wound to learn Dragonrend
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Civil War — Choose a Side

0/23

    Imperial Legion Path

  • Civil War"Joining the Legion" — report to General Tullius in Castle Dour, Solitude
  • Civil War"The Jagged Crown" — recover the crown from Korvanjund
  • Civil War"Message to Whiterun" — deliver the message to Jarl Balgruuf
  • Civil War"Defense of Whiterun" — defend the city from the Stormcloak assault
  • Civil War"Reunification of Skyrim" — complete the fort battle campaign
  • Civil War"A False Front" — intercept Stormcloak courier documents
  • Civil War"The Battle for Fort Dunstad"
  • Civil War"Compelling Tribute" — persuade a Stormcloak wagon master to surrender supplies
  • Civil War"The Battle for Fort Greenwall"
  • Civil War"Rescue from Fort Kastav"
  • Civil War"The Battle for Fort Amol"
  • Civil War"Battle for Windhelm" — final battle, defeat Ulfric Stormcloak

    • Stormcloak Path

  • Civil War"Joining the Stormcloaks" — report to Ulfric Stormcloak in the Palace of the Kings, Windhelm
  • Civil War"The Jagged Crown" — recover the crown from Korvanjund
  • Civil War"Message to Whiterun" — deliver the axe to Jarl Balgruuf
  • Civil War"Battle for Whiterun" — assault and take the city
  • Civil War"Liberation of Skyrim" — complete the fort battle campaign
  • Civil War"A False Front" — intercept Imperial courier documents
  • Civil War"The Battle for Fort Snowhawk"
  • Civil War"Compelling Tribute" — ambush an Imperial supply wagon
  • Civil War"The Battle for Fort Sungard"
  • Civil War"The Battle for Fort Hraggstad"
  • Civil War"Battle for Solitude" — final battle, defeat General Tullius
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Solitude & Haafingar

0/9
  • Bards"Tending the Flames" — retrieve King Olaf's Verse from Dead Men's Respite, join the Bards College
  • Bards"Finn's Lute" — retrieve the lute for Inge Six Fingers
  • Bards"Pantea's Flute" — retrieve the flute for Pantea Ateia
  • Bards"Rjorn's Drum" — retrieve the drum for Giraud Gemane
  • Daedric"The Mind of Madness" — speak to Dervenin near the Bards College, enter the Pelagius Wing of the Blue Palace (reward: Wabbajack)
  • Side"Lights Out!" — if not started earlier, speak to Jaree-Ra
  • Side"The Man Who Cried Wolf" / "The Wolf Queen Awakened" — speak to Falk Firebeard in the Blue Palace (Leveled — best at 40: Shield of Solitude reward)
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Blue Palace, Jarl Elisif's quarters
  • CollectibleStone of Barenziah — Proudspire Manor (must own the house)
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Notable Side Quests — Leveled Rewards

0/2
  • Side"Forbidden Legend" — investigate the Gauldur legend across three dungeons: Saarthal, Geirmund's Hall, Folgunthur (Leveled — best at 36: Gauldur Blackblade, Gauldur Blackbow; the Gauldur Amulet itself is NOT leveled)
  • Side"The Wolf Queen Awakened" — if not completed in Solitude section (Leveled — best at 40: Shield of Solitude)
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Remaining Daedric Quests

0/6
  • Daedric"Boethiah's Calling" — find the Sacellum of Boethiah east of Windhelm (requires level 30; reward: Ebony Mail)
  • Daedric"The Break of Dawn" — visit the Shrine of Meridia west of Solitude (reward: Dawnbreaker)
  • Daedric"The Cursed Tribe" — visit Largashbur, an Orc stronghold in the Rift (reward: Volendrung)
  • Daedric"The Only Cure" — find the Shrine of Peryite in the Reach (requires level 10; reward: Spellbreaker)
  • Daedric"Waking Nightmare" — speak to Erandur in the Windpeak Inn in Dawnstar (reward: Skull of Corruption; for Oblivion Walker achievement you MUST kill Erandur — saving him loses the artifact permanently)
  • Daedric"A Daedra's Best Friend" — speak to Barbas outside Falkreath (reward: Masque of Clavicus Vile; choosing the Rueful Axe loses the Daedric artifact credit)
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Main Quest — Endgame

0/7
  • Main(Optional) Complete "Season Unending" — broker a peace treaty at High Hrothgar (only needed if Civil War is incomplete)
  • MainComplete "The Fallen" — trap Odahviing in Dragonsreach
  • Main(Optional) "Paarthurnax" — the Blades demand you kill Paarthurnax
  • MainComplete "The World-Eater's Eyrie" — fly to Skuldafn on Odahviing (Quest-locked area — cannot return after entering the portal)
  • CollectibleNahkriin (Dragon Priest Mask) — Skuldafn, guarding the portal (Missable — MUST loot before entering portal to Sovngarde)
  • MainComplete "Sovngarde" — enter the Hall of Valor and rally the heroes (Quest-locked area — cannot return)
  • MainComplete "Dragonslayer" — defeat Alduin in Sovngarde
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Dawnguard DLC

0/14
  • DLC-DGComplete "Dawnguard" — investigate vampire attacks, travel to Fort Dawnguard
  • DLC-DGComplete "Awakening" — explore Dimhollow Crypt and find Serana
  • DLC-DGComplete "Bloodline" — escort Serana to Castle Volkihar; choose to join the Dawnguard or become a Vampire Lord
  • DLC-DGComplete "A New Order" — recruit Gunmar and Sorine Jurard (Dawnguard path)
  • DLC-DGComplete "Prophet" — find a Moth Priest to read Serana's Elder Scroll
  • DLC-DGComplete "Seeking Disclosure" — have the Moth Priest read the Elder Scrolls
  • DLC-DGComplete "Chasing Echoes" — enter the Soul Cairn with Serana
  • DLC-DGComplete "Beyond Death" — find Valerica and her Elder Scroll in the Soul Cairn
  • DLC-DGComplete "Unseen Visions" — gather bark, canticle, and moths for the ritual
  • DLC-DGComplete "Touching the Sky" — journey through the Forgotten Vale, obtain Auriel's Bow
  • DLC-DGComplete "Kindred Judgment" — final confrontation at Castle Volkihar
  • DLC-DG(Optional) Cure Serana of vampirism after the questline
  • Side"Lost to the Ages" — read "The Aetherium Wars" book, find the Aetherium Forge with Katria (reward: Aetherial Crown, Shield, or Staff)
  • CollectibleAuriel's Bow — obtained during "Touching the Sky"
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Dragonborn DLC

0/13
  • DLC-DBComplete "Dragonborn" — cultists attack you; travel to Solstheim via Windhelm docks
  • DLC-DBComplete "The Temple of Miraak" — investigate the temple on Solstheim
  • DLC-DBComplete "The Fate of the Skaal" — free the Skaal from Miraak's influence
  • DLC-DBComplete "Cleansing the Stones" — cleanse the All-Maker Stones
  • DLC-DBComplete "The Path of Knowledge" — gain access to Nchardak's Black Book
  • DLC-DBComplete "The Gardener of Men" — learn the final word of the Bend Will shout
  • DLC-DBComplete "At the Summit of Apocrypha" — defeat Miraak
  • DLC-DBCollect all seven Black Books across Solstheim
  • DLC-DBComplete "Unearthed" — excavate Kolbjorn Barrow with Ralis Sedarys
  • CollectibleMiraak (Dragon Priest Mask) — obtained after defeating Miraak
  • CollectibleZahkriisos (Dragon Priest Mask) — Bloodskal Barrow
  • CollectibleDukaan (Dragon Priest Mask) — White Ridge Barrow
  • CollectibleAhzidal (Dragon Priest Mask) — Kolbjorn Barrow (during "Unearthed")
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Dragon Priest Masks — All Base Game Masks

0/10
  • CollectibleKrosis — Shearpoint (dragon + Dragon Priest encounter)
  • CollectibleMorokei — Labyrinthian (during College of Winterhold questline)
  • CollectibleVokun — High Gate Ruins (during "A Scroll For Anska" side quest)
  • CollectibleRahgot — Forelhost (during "Siege on the Dragon Cult" side quest)
  • CollectibleHevnoraak — Valthume (during "Evil in Waiting" side quest)
  • CollectibleVolsung — Volskygge (peak exterior)
  • CollectibleOtar the Mad — Ragnvald
  • CollectibleNahkriin — Skuldafn (during Main Quest — (Missable) cannot return)
  • CollectibleWooden Mask — Labyrinthian (near the entrance, in the buried ruin)
  • CollectibleKonahrik — place all 8 masks on the altar in Bromjunaar Sanctuary (accessed via the Wooden Mask)
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Standing Stones — All 13

0/13
  • CollectibleThe Warrior Stone — Guardian Stones, southwest of Riverwood
  • CollectibleThe Mage Stone — Guardian Stones, southwest of Riverwood
  • CollectibleThe Thief Stone — Guardian Stones, southwest of Riverwood
  • CollectibleThe Lover Stone — east of Markarth
  • CollectibleThe Apprentice Stone — north of Morthal, on a small island
  • CollectibleThe Atronach Stone — volcanic hot springs between Windhelm and Riften
  • CollectibleThe Lady Stone — island in the lake north of Falkreath
  • CollectibleThe Lord Stone — east of Morthal, on a mountain
  • CollectibleThe Steed Stone — northwest of Solitude, above Ironback Hideout
  • CollectibleThe Ritual Stone — east of Whiterun, above the hot springs
  • CollectibleThe Shadow Stone — south of Riften
  • CollectibleThe Serpent Stone — on a small island in the Sea of Ghosts, northeast of Winterhold
  • CollectibleThe Tower Stone — between Winterhold and Dawnstar, on a cliff
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Stones of Barenziah — "No Stone Unturned"

0/25
    Note: 24 total "Unusual Gems" scattered throughout Skyrim. Speak to Vex in the Ragged Flagon to begin the quest. Completing the full set rewards "Prowler's Profit" (greatly increased gem finds). Key locations include:
  • CollectibleWhiterun — Dragonsreach, Jarl's bedroom
  • CollectibleWhiterun — Jorrvaskr, Kodlak's room
  • CollectibleWhiterun — Hall of the Dead
  • CollectibleWindhelm — House of Clan Shatter-Shield
  • CollectibleWindhelm — Palace of the Kings, Wuunferth's quarters
  • CollectibleRiften — Mistveil Keep, Jarl's quarters
  • CollectibleRiften — Black-Briar Lodge
  • CollectibleMarkarth — Treasury House
  • CollectibleMarkarth — Understone Keep, Dwemer Museum
  • CollectibleSolitude — Blue Palace, Jarl Elisif's quarters
  • CollectibleSolitude — Proudspire Manor (must own)
  • CollectibleCollege of Winterhold — Arch-Mage's Quarters
  • CollectibleDark Brotherhood Sanctuary — Astrid's room
  • CollectibleThalmor Embassy — Elenwen's Solar, during "Diplomatic Immunity" (Missable — quest-locked area)
  • CollectibleFellglow Keep — during "Hitting the Books" (can return later)
  • CollectibleDead Crone Rock — southwest of Markarth
  • CollectibleAnsilvund — northeast of Riften
  • CollectibleStony Creek Cave — east of Eastmarch
  • CollectibleRannveig's Fast — south of Morthal
  • CollectibleYngvild — north of Winterhold, island
  • CollectibleHob's Fall Cave — between Winterhold and Dawnstar
  • CollectibleDainty Sload — ship near Solitude
  • CollectiblePinewatch — southwest of Helgen
  • CollectibleSunderstone Gorge — southwest of Whiterun
  • CollectibleRetrieve the Crown of Barenziah from Tolvald's Cave to complete the quest
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Completionist Notes

0/0
    1. Nahkriin is missable. You cannot return to Skuldafn after the main quest. Get it during "The World-Eater's Eyrie."
    1. Stone of Barenziah at the Thalmor Embassy is missable. Grab it during "Diplomatic Immunity."
    1. Civil War is mutually exclusive. You cannot complete both sides in one playthrough.
    1. Daedric artifact choices matter for "Oblivion Walker." You need 15 artifacts. Key choices: take Masque of Clavicus Vile (not Rueful Axe), take Skull of Corruption (don't spare Erandur), take both Savior's Hide AND Ring of Hircine from "Ill Met by Moonlight" (possible with specific timing).
    1. "Destroy the Dark Brotherhood" is an alternative to joining. Completing the full questline and the destruction path are mutually exclusive.
    1. DLC triggers: Dawnguard cultists appear after level 10. Dragonborn cultists appear after completing "The Way of the Voice."
    1. Paarthurnax dilemma: The Blades refuse to help you further unless you kill Paarthurnax. This is optional and has no impact on the main quest.
    Last updated for Skyrim Special/Anniversary Edition (all DLC included).