How do I get a bounty off me in Skyrim?
In Skyrim, getting a bounty on your head can be a major setback, especially if you’ve committed a series of crimes or refused to pay your dues. But fear not, there are several ways to clear your bounty and restore your reputation in the game. In this article, we’ll explore the methods to get rid of a bounty on your head in Skyrim.
Method 1: Paying the Fee
The most straightforward way to clear a bounty is to pay the fine to the guard who apprehended you. You can negotiate the amount with them, but it’s usually a sum of gold equal to the value of the stolen goods or the crime you committed. Make sure you have enough gold in your inventory, as refusal to pay can result in imprisonment.
Method 2: Served Time in Jail
If paying the fee isn’t an option, you can serve time in jail for a set period. This will automatically clear your bounty, but you’ll lose a significant amount of experience points and your stolen goods will be confiscated. You can find jails in most major towns and cities, and they usually have a separate area for prisoners who are awaiting trial.
Method 3: Negotiation
Some guards are willing to negotiate your bounty down to a more reasonable amount, especially if you’re a loyal member of their faction or have helped them in the past. Try bribing them or offering to help them with their duties to convince them to lower the fine.
Method 4: Stealing from Guards
While not recommended, some players resort to stealing from the very guards who gave them a bounty. Stealing their gold, armor, or other items can sometimes lower your bounty, but it’s a risky and potentially expensive strategy. Keep in mind that repeat offenders will eventually become hostile, making it harder to clear your name.
Method 5: Completing Quests
Completing certain quests can also help you clear your bounty. Some quests involve clearing your name, while others require you to help the faction that gave you the bounty. Be sure to check your journal for any outstanding quests that might help you alleviate your bounty.
Method 6: Joining a Faction
Joining a faction like the Companions, Dark Brotherhood, or Thieves Guild can help you clear your bounty by gaining their support and protection. These factions often have their own motives and agendas, but being a loyal member can help you navigate the game world without worrying about your bounty.
Method 7: Using the Console
For the most hardcore Skyrim players, using the console command to clear your bounty is a viable option. Open the console by pressing the tilde key (~) and type "setstage MjOlMl 10" (without quotes) to clear your bounty and restore your reputation. Note that using the console command can have unintended consequences and may break certain quests or mods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I have a bounty on my head?
A: Check your inventory for the "Wanted" status, or talk to a guard to confirm whether you have a bounty on your head.
Q: Can I clear a bounty on someone else’s head?
A: Unfortunately, no. You can only clear bounties on your own head.
Q: Will a bounty affect my marriage or other relationships?
A: A bounty will likely affect your relationships with non-playable characters (NPCs). Marriage and romantic relationships may be impacted if your partner sees you as a fugitive.
Q: Can I escape from prison?
A: While it’s technically possible to escape from prison, doing so will usually raise your bounty and make things worse for you.
Conclusion
Clearing a bounty on your head in Skyrim requires strategy, negotiation, and a bit of luck. Whether you choose to pay the fine, serve time in jail, or use a more unconventional method, making amends with the authorities can help you regain your reputation and continue playing the game with a clear conscience. Remember to always keep an eye on your inventory and negotiate with guards to avoid attracting unwanted attention from the law.