Skyrim Achievement Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive 'Skyrim Achievement Guide' - your ultimate companion to unlocking every accolade in the magical world of Tamriel. Whether you're a seasoned Dragonborn or a fresh-faced adventurer, this guide will help you master the game and achieve legendary status. Get ready to dive into detailed strategies with our General Achievement Walkthrough, become the feared Master Criminal, uncover Daedric secrets as the Oblivion Walker, harness the power of the voice as the Thu'um Master, and soar through the skies on the back of a dragon as the Dragonrider. Let the journey to 100% completion begin!

General Achievement Walkthrough

Getting all the achievements in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a journey worth taking for any dedicated Dragonborn. Here's a breakdown to help you nab those glittering badges of honor across your epic adventure. We'll hit on the must-dos, key quests, and some tips to keep the grind from feeling like a slog.

Unbound (Story-Related Achievements)

The main storyline achievements are your bread and butter-they come naturally as you progress through the game. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Unbound (Complete "Unbound")
• Bleak Falls Barrow (Complete "Bleak Falls Barrow")
• The Way of the Voice (Complete "The Way of the Voice")
• Diplomatic Immunity (Complete "Diplomatic Immunity")
• Alduin's Wall (Complete "Alduin's Wall")
• Elder Knowledge (Complete "Elder Knowledge")
• The Fallen (Complete "The Fallen")
• Dragonslayer (Complete the main questline)

You'll earn these just by focusing on the main quests. No stress here!

Side Quests (Fun Surprises)

The side quests in Skyrim not only enrich your story but are also essential for achievements. Aim for these gems:

• Hard Worker: Chop wood, mine ore, and cook food. It’s the simple life-just interact with these objects in the world until the achievement pops.
• Wanted: Escape from jail after getting caught (a true thrill ride!).
• Hero of the People: Unlock after completing 50 Miscellaneous Objectives (these are the small tasks often given by NPCs).

Guilds and Factions

Joining different guilds and factions is a major part of Skyrim's charm. Make sure you tick off these main ones:

• The Way of the Thief: Become the Guild Master of the Thieves Guild.
• Darkness Returns: Complete the Thieves Guild main questline.
• With Friends Like These...: Join the Dark Brotherhood.
• Bound Until Death: Complete the Dark Brotherhood main questline.
• Taking Care of Business: Complete the Companions questline.

Daedric Artifacts (For the Gods)

Collecting all Daedric Artifacts is challenging but rewarding. Knock out these specific quests to snag the prized items:

• Oblivion Walker: Collect 15 Daedric Artifacts (check each Quest involving Daedric Princes).

Skills and Leveling

Don’t forget the grind-reaching certain skill levels nets you achievements:

• Adept: Reach Level 10
• Expert: Reach Level 25
• Master: Reach Level 50

Special Feats

Complete a few special tasks to feel truly legendary:

• Hero of Skyrim: Capture Solitude or Windhelm during the Civil War quests.
• Standing Stones: Discover 13 Standing Stones across the land.
• Thu’um Master: Learn 20 shouts (Scour dungeons and speak to the Greybeards).

Gameplay Tips

To make your path smoother, remember:

• Save Often: Especially before tough battles or main decisions.
• Explore: Skyrim is huge, poking around every corner helps!
• Diversify: Balance your playstyle; don't stick strictly to one type of combat skill.

Conclusion

By focusing on these areas, you'll set yourself up well to conquer the achievement list in Skyrim. Whether you're slinging spells, sneaking through shadows, or shouting foes off mountains, keep your eyes on the prize and enjoy every step of your grand adventure. Happy questing!

Master Criminal Achievement Guide

Ah, Skyrim. The land of dragons, civil wars, and, of course, a plethora of achievements to unlock. One of the trickiest in-game testaments to your rogueish mischief is the Master Criminal achievement. This goal requires you to rack up a bounty of 1,000 gold in all nine holds of Skyrim. That's right - it's time to channel your inner outlaw and prepare for some high-stakes troublemaking.

Which Holds We’re Talking About

Before you go causing chaos, it's good to know which holds you'll need to target. Skyrim is divided into nine holds, each with its jarl, guards, and unique landscapes. These holds are:

• Eastmarch (Windhelm)
• The Rift (Riften)
• The Reach (Markarth)
• Haafingar (Solitude)
• Hjaalmarch (Morthal)
• Whiterun (Whiterun)
• Falkreath (Falkreath)
• The Pale (Dawnstar)
• Winterhold (Winterhold)

Getting that Sweet, Sweet Bounty

A bounty in Skyrim is like your personal crime scorecard. To earn a bounty, you need to do something illegal with witnesses around. Here’s a list of activities that’ll help you get there quickly:

1. Fighting Guards: Simply attacking a guard will instantly net you a bounty, though it's generally a small amount. Keeping up the assault or killing a guard can rack up a significant bounty in no time.
2. Stealing: Lifting valuable items from shops or homes can increase your bounty. For a quick boost, go straight for high-value items like gems or expensive armor.
3. Trespassing: Breaking into homes or restricted areas and getting caught also adds to your bounty. Break in, let them see you, then hightail it out!
4. Murder and Assault: These are the heavy hitters. Attacking or killing NPCs (particularly non-essential ones) will quickly add substantial amounts to your bounty.

Strategies for Each Hold

Here’s a nice rundown on how to quickly become the most wanted in each hold:

Eastmarch (Windhelm)

Start by wandering around the Gray Quarter and causing some trouble. Or head to Candlehearth Hall - a good bar brawl can kick off your crime spree.

The Rift (Riften)

The marketplace is bustling with guards and citizens. Go ham on some merchant stalls or pick a fight in the town square.

The Reach (Markarth)

Markarth's guards are tough, but the city’s close quarters make for an intense, fast-paced fight. The Silver-Blood Inn is a hotspot for stirring up trouble.

Haafingar (Solitude)

Solitude’s open streets and myriad shops provide ample opportunities. Consider starting a scuffle during a public execution at the town square.

Hjaalmarch (Morthal)

Morthal is a quieter hold, but breaking into Highmoon Hall and causing a ruckus can get the guards' attention quickly.

Whiterun (Whiterun)

Whiterun is central and perfect for some early bounty-building. Jorrvaskr (home to the Companions) or the market area can be chaos central.

Falkreath (Falkreath)

Try ransacking the homes around town or fighting near Dead Man's Drink, the local inn. Falkreath is small, so it won’t take long.

The Pale (Dawnstar)

Dawnstar's mines and workshops are prime targets. Start some trouble at the Windpeak Inn or go for a guard right away.

Winterhold (Winterhold)

This hold is quite tiny. The quickest way to a high bounty here is taking down a few guards or attacking the College of Winterhold members.

Staying Alive

Building up a bounty of 1,000 gold in each hold means you’ll have a ton of angry guards chasing you. Here are essential tips to keep you from becoming dragon fodder:

• Save Often: Manual saves can be a lifesaver if things get too hot to handle.
• Invest in Invisibility: Potions or spells that grant invisibility can help you sneak away from a crime scene.
• Fast Travel: Rack up your bounty, then use fast travel to escape to another hold.
• Follower Help: If solo combat is rough, bring a follower along to divert attention and deal extra damage.

Paying off Your Bounty or Clearing Your Name

Finally, after becoming public enemy number one across Skyrim, you'll probably want to clear those bounties. You have a few options:

1. Pay it off: If you've got the gold to spare, you can simply pay off your bounty to the guards.
2. Go to Jail: Serving jail time clears your bounty but reduces your skill progress slightly.
3. Persuade or Bribe: If your Speech skill is high, sometimes you can persuade or bribe guards to overlook your crimes.
4. Thieves Guild: Joining the Thieves Guild allows you to pay off bounties for a reduced cost. Essential for a life of crime!

Embrace your dark side, plan your crimes, and wear that Master Criminal badge with pride. Just remember, save frequently and always have an escape plan. Happy unlawful adventures, Dovahkiin!

Skyrim Achievement Guide: Oblivion Walker

The "Oblivion Walker" achievement in Skyrim is one of the most challenging accomplishments in the game. It requires you to collect 15 Daedric Artifacts, which are unique items granted by Daedric Princes. Here’s how you can snag this coveted achievement with some tips to help you along the way.

Getting Started

First, make sure your character is at least level 30. This isn't strictly necessary, but a lot of Daedric quests have level requirements, so you'll be able to hit the ground running at this level.

Daedric Artifacts

1. Azura's Star/Black Star: Head to the Shrine of Azura, southwest of Winterhold. Complete the quest "The Black Star," and choose whether to take Azura's Star or the Black Star by siding with Aranea or Nelacar.

2. Ebony Mail: Start "Boethiah's Calling" by visiting the Sacellum of Boethiah southeast of Windhelm. You’ll be doing some sneaky assassinations and getting the powerful Ebony Mail.

3. Volendrung: Travel to Largashbur in The Rift and complete "The Cursed Tribe." Help the Orcs and Malacath will reward you with Volendrung.

4. Spellbreaker: For "The Only Cure," visit the Shrine to Peryite northeast of Markarth and gather several ingredients to summon Peryite. Defeat Orchendor to get Spellbreaker.

5. Savior's Hide or Ring of Hircine: In the quest "Ill Met by Moonlight" in Falkreath, you can gain either the Savior's Hide, Ring of Hircine, or both, with some clever manipulating of the quest.

6. Dawnbreaker: Find the Statue to Meridia. This will start "The Break of Dawn." Replace Meridia's beacon and clear out some undead to get this glowing sword.

7. Mace of Molag Bal: Head to Markarth and find the Abandoned House. Begin "The House of Horrors" and survive the twisted trials to get this menacing mace.

8. Masque of Clavicus Vile: Travel to Haemar's Shame for the quest "A Daedra's Best Friend." Help Barbas, the talking dog, and you'll get the Masque of Clavicus Vile.

9. Mehrunes' Razor: Start "Pieces of the Past" by visiting the museum in Dawnstar. Collect the scattered pieces of this deadly dagger, then deal with Mehrunes Dagon's rival.

10. Oghma Infinium: Begin "Discerning the Transmundane" by working with Septimus Signus north of Winterhold. Retrieve the Elder Scroll and gather blood samples to claim the book.

11. Ring of Namira: Speak to Verulus in Markarth's Hall of the Dead to begin "The Taste of Death." Join the cannibals (gross but necessary) for this gruesome ring.

12. Sanguine Rose: Meet Sanguine during "A Night to Remember," which starts in any tavern after you reach level 14. Outdrink this prankster and navigate the ensuing mess to get his staff.

13. Skull of Corruption: Head to Dawnstar and start "Waking Nightmare." Choose whether to kill the priest or help him destroy the Skull. Either way, you’ve earned it.

14. The Rueful Axe: Return to Haemar's Shame, deciding to slay Barbas back at the end of “A Daedra’s Best Friend” to get this rather sad axe. Doing this might mean missing out on the Masque of Clavicus Vile, so choose wisely.

15. Wabbajack: For some wild fun, visit the Solitude docks. Find Dervenin and start "The Mind of Madness." Navigate Pelagius' mind to receive one of the most unpredictable staffs in the game.

Tips for Success

• Save Often: Messing up a quest usually means missing the artifact. Saves can save your sanity.
• Be Patient: Some quests can bug out. Reload and retry if something goes awry.
• Unequip Before Dialog: Sometimes, it's best not to have weapons drawn when talking to Daedric Princes, or they might react unfavorably.
• Research Requirements: Some quests need specific levels or actions. Know these ahead of time.

Conclusion

Hunting down all 15 Daedric Artifacts is no small feat, but with careful planning and a bit of guidance, you can conquer the Oblivion Walker achievement. Don your Daedric gear and revel in the divine power bestowed upon you by these dark deities.

Happy hunting, Dragonborn!

Thu'um Master: Unleashing the Power of the Voice

So you’re ready to become a Thu'um Master in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim? Great news! This achievement is all about mastering the game's iconic Dragon Shouts. These shouts are essential tools for any Dovahkiin, allowing you to harness the ancient power of dragons. Here’s everything you need to know to get there.

What's a Thu'um Anyway?

In Skyrim, a Thu'um is a powerful shout in the Dragon language. As the Dragonborn, you’re the only one who can use this ancient magic. These shouts can move mountains, summon storms, or even slow down time itself. Naturally, becoming a master of these shouts is one of the most impressive achievements in the game.

How to Unlock Shouts

To unlock new shouts, you need to find Word Walls scattered all over Skyrim. Each Word Wall teaches you a new word of power. Shouts are made up of three words, so you’ll need to visit multiple walls to complete each shout. Once you learn a new word, you need to unlock it by spending Dragon Souls, which you get by slaying dragons.

Finding Word Walls

Word Walls can be found in various locations, ranging from ancient ruins to high mountain peaks. Here’s a list of some notable Word Wall locations you shouldn't miss:

• High Hrothgar: After climbing the 7,000 steps, The Greybeards will teach you several words.
• Ustengrav: Part of the main quest, leads you to the Unrelenting Force shout.
• Shearpoint: Northwest of Whiterun, guarded by a Dragon Priest.
• Volskygge: Located west of Solitude, with a challenging dungeon.

There are dozens of these walls all over the map, so keep your eyes peeled for them on your travels.

Maximizing Your Shout Power

To truly become a master of the Thu'um, you'll need to focus on fully unlocking and upgrading your shouts. Here are some steps to help you:

1. Main Quest Advancement: Progress in the main storyline. Several shouts are tied to the primary quests and the Greybeards on High Hrothgar.
2. Explore Side Quests: Many side quests will lead you to Word Walls. Be curious and venture off the beaten path.
3. Collect Dragon Souls: Always be ready to fight dragons. You need their souls to unlock and upgrade words of power.

Essential Shouts

While all shouts have their uses, here are some must-have shouts that make the game considerably more manageable and fun:

• Unrelenting Force (Fus Ro Dah): This is probably the most iconic shout. It's a powerful force blast that sends enemies flying.
• Whirlwind Sprint (Wuld Nah Kest): Use this shout to cover large distances quickly, perfect for crossing gaps or fleeing tight spots.
• Dragonrend (Joor Zah Frul): Essential for grounding dragons, making them easier to fight.
• Become Ethereal (Feim Zii Gron): Makes you invincible for a short period, perfect for bypassing traps or repositioning in battle.

Final Tips for Mastery

• Listen to the Greybeards: They’re your best source of Thu’um knowledge.
• Stay Prepared: Keep a variety of shouts handy. Different situations call for different shouts.
• Practice: Shouts have cooldown times, so make sure to manage their use and practice which ones work best in different combat scenarios.

Mastering the Thu'um isn't just about achieving an in-game milestone; it's about truly embracing your role as the Dragonborn. By following this guide, you’ll be blasting back enemies and shouting your way to victory in no time. Ready your voice, and let the power of the dragons flow through you!

Dragonrider Achievement Guide

So, you want to soar through the skies of Skyrim on the back of a dragon? Who wouldn't? This guide will help you earn the Dragonrider achievement, which is one of the coolest (and sometimes most challenging) ones to get in the game. Let’s break it down step by step.

Get Started with the Dragonborn DLC

First things first, you need the Dragonborn DLC. Without it, you won’t have access to the ability to bend dragons to your will. Make sure it's installed and your game is updated.

Progress Through the Main Quest

To tame a dragon, you must progress through the main Dragonborn questline up to the point where you learn the Bend Will shout. This shout is essential and without it, you can't ride a dragon.

1. Meet Miraak: Early in the Dragonborn questline, you'll come across Miraak in Solstheim. Follow the questline until you confront him.
2. Learn the Shout: As you progress, you'll unlock the different words to complete the Bend Will shout. Each word makes the shout more powerful.

Unlocking the Bend Will Shout

Here's how you can find each word for the Bend Will shout:

1. First Word: Obtained automatically during the quest 'The Fate of the Skaal.'
2. Second Word: Received from Hermaeus Mora during the quest 'The Path of Knowledge.'
3. Third Word: Gained during the quest 'At the Summit of Apocrypha' while in Apocrypha's final area.

Remember, you’ll need dragon souls to unlock these shouts. Make sure to hunt down dragons, absorb their souls, and allocate them to the Bend Will words as you unlock them.

Locating and Riding a Dragon

Once you have the full Bend Will shout, find a dragon. Here are some hot spots to consider:

1. Burdened Beastiaries: Dragons often roost in areas like Shearpoint, Mount Anthor, or Ancient’s Ascent.
2. Random Encounters: If you travel around Skyrim long enough, you’re bound to bump into one randomly.

When you find a dragon:

1. Weaken It: You don't need it to be full health - whittle down its health but don't kill it.
2. Use Bend Will: Equip the Bend Will shout and aim at the dragon. Shout all three words of power. The dragon will relent and land.
3. Mount Up: Approach the dragon after it lands and press the interact button to climb aboard.

Controlling the Dragon

Once you're on the dragon's back, it’s more about enjoying the ride than full control. Here’s a bit of what you can do:

• Flight Path: Use the shout menu to order the dragon to attack targets. Otherwise, the dragon flies pretty much on autopilot.
• Targeting: In combat, you can lock onto targets and the dragon will attack them with either breath attacks or melee.
• Landing: You can also direct the dragon to specific landing points by using the Wait command.

Making it Count

For the Dragonrider achievement, you only need to mount and ride a dragon once, but where's the fun in stopping there?

• Exploration: Enjoy the view from above and discover places you might've missed.
• Combat: Test out the dragon’s power against some tough foes.
• Roleplay: Feel like a true Dragonborn, master of beasts.

Conclusion

Getting the Dragonrider achievement is a memorable part of your Skyrim journey. By following these steps, you'll master the skies and feel the power of riding a dragon. So go out there, bend a dragon to your will, and let the adventures continue!

Happy flying, Dragonborn!