Should you do side quests first in Skyrim?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, an action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios, offers an immersive fantasy world where players can explore, craft, and engage in battles. One of the most significant benefits of the game is its extensive DLC content and countless side quests, each with its own unique storylines and reward systems. For new players, wondering whether to do side quests first before plunging into the main storyline can be overwhelming.
The Best Approach: The Basics
While there’s no correct or wrong answer to this dilemma, I recommend completing your main storyline before diving into the myriad of side quests. Here’s why:
- Maintaining focus: The main storyline drives the game’s narrative momentum, and rushing into side quests prematurely can break the flow and excitement.
- Understanding the lore and world: Exploring the main quests first grants you a better understanding of Skyrim’s lore and its world, which enhances overall immersion.
Why You Shouldn’t Immediately Jump to Side Quests?
- Story Impact: As mentioned in the article, completing all the quests on the main quest and DLCs could take a while (it’s approximately 220 hours!), even if you spend a considerable amount of time playing each day.
- Difficulty Increases: As you progress further in the game, the enemies and missions become significantly more challenging, requiring new skills and gear.
- Main Quest Closures: Once you complete key main quests, you miss out on closure and story-related content from the main characters.
Which Side Quests are Unmissable?
While completing entire DLC packs is a substantial undertaking, certain side quests offer considerable rewards and interesting storylines. Below are some key side quests that benefit from finishing the main storyline.
| DLC Side Quests | Description and Rewards |
|---|---|
| Dark Brotherhood: Murder contracts that reward significant coins and unique Dark Brotherhood items and armor | |
| Companions of the Nine Divines: Pursue lost artifacts for nine ancient godly deities, granting excellent rewards | Divine Intervention Quests: Gain access to two powerful shouts – "Duel" (enables your character to dodge some attacks) and "Storm Call" |
Breaking the Rules, for Your Own Good
If you prefer exploring and character development through side quests, some exceptions do apply:
- College of Winterhold: As mentioned in one of the FAQs mentioned in your article, you shouldn’t miss "Disciples of the Sithis"-related questlines.
- Adventurers Guild: Consider completing early quests like "Buying Acid" for crucial potions or "Hails and Oa" for gear and valuable information.
Side Quest Marathon
After accomplishing your main storyline, dive headfirst into these side quests to delve deeper into the world of Skyrim:
• Thieves Guild: Infiltrate a dark organization to develop your rogue skills and claim various rewards.
• Bards: Explore this ancient organization filled with mystery and intrigue.
• Civil War: Support whichever faction your heart desires.