Roaming Dragonborn
The Nintendo Switch port of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim gives longtime fans a chance to explore the world of Tamriel on the go. However, it also provides newcomers the opportunity to experience Skyrim for the first time. The game's world is immense, and at times, the path to success isn't clear. To help equip you with the knowledge needed to survive Skyrim on Switch's early runnings, we've gathered 13 essential beginner's tips.
Skyrim is out now on Nintendo Switch. For more on how it fairs on Nintendo's convertible console, you can read our The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on Switch review. Critic Kallie Plagge says it's "one of the best Switch ports currently available." If you're curious the game's Amiibo support, here are all the items that unlock when you scan a Zelda Amiibo.
The game was first released in 2011 for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, before coming to PS4 and Xbox One in October 2016 through the Special Edition. A version of the game for the PS4's PlayStation VR is out now.
Commit And Stick By Your Character Choice
Skyrim's character creation process rewards those who know exactly what they want, so it's important to have an idea about the kind of character you want to play before starting the game. When picking your character's race, make sure to commit to one with the skills, powers, and effects that suit your playstyle and the characteristics you want. For instance, if you want to want to fit the mold of a Thief class, it's best to choose Khajiit, as its base sneaking skill is the highest of all the races.
Freedom Is Fun, But Get To Whiterun First
Skyrim is a massive game that opens up rather quickly; with such freedom right out the gate, it's easy to start running around taking on side quests and doing whatever you please. However, if you're just starting the game, we recommend following the main quest line until you get to Whiterun. This way you'll at least have the "Shout" ability, a place to store your stuff, and a general understanding of your environment.
Accessing Amiibo Functionality
In the Switch version of Skyrim, you can use various Amiibo to get loot chests. These chests contain things like arrows, a random piece of armor, and food. If you use any Zelda Amiibo, you have a chance to get one of three Zelda-themed items: Link’s blue tunic from Breath of the Wild, the Master Sword, and the Hylian Shield.
To use an Amiibo, go to the Magic menu, then go to Powers. The Amiibo Power will be unlocked from the start. Select the Amiibo power to equip it, then cast it in the world using R. Once you’ve cast it, tap an Amiibo to the NFC reader to get a chest.
ABS (Always Be Sneaking)
Sneaking is an incredibly valuable skill to develop early on, as it's a useful way to get a preemptive strike on enemies; it also makes difficult missions later on in the game much easier. However, your chances of sneaking successfully is determined by your Sneak skill level, and the only way to improve it is by sneaking as much as possible. We recommend doing so whenever you get the chance, as the higher your proficiency in this skill, the better off you are in most combat encounters and sticky situations.
Not A Thief? Steal Anyway
Stealing may be discouraged in the world of Tamriel, but it's often worth taking whatever you can, as it rewards you potentially valuable items and equipment. Note that even if an item is marked red (indicating that taking it is theft), you still have the chance of stealing it without alerting the attention of nearby guards or hostiles; just make sure you're properly hidden from their sight. And remember: viewing red-marked possessions is not a crime, but taking them is.
Save, Save, Save Often
This might seem incredibly obvious, but it's always in your benefit to save your game as often as possible. Skyrim gives you the power to save anywhere, anytime you want, so make use of it. You never know what might happen when exploring the world or a dungeon; a particularly powerful creature could very well kill you out of nowhere, potentially taking from you hours of progress.
Visit The Guardian Stones Sooner Than Later
The Guardian Stones are special objects found along the road southwest of Riverwood, and northwest of Helgen near the river. There are three stones: the Mage Stone, the Thief Stone, and the Warrior Stone. Each allows you to level up the skills associated with that class 20% faster. It's possible to access the Guardian Stones directly after the game's introduction, so it's recommended you seek them out sooner than later.
Be wary; you can only choose to activate one of the Guardian Stones at a time; though, you're allowed to switch between the stones at any time if you're looking to level up or utilize the respective skills each represent.
Remember, Fast Travel is Available From the Start
Like other open world games, Skyrim gives you the ability to fast travel to locations you've visited on the map. But it's worth noting that you can fast travel as soon as the game begins, well before the game tells you that you can do so.
Third-Person View Is More Than Just a Camera Angle
While Skyrim is primarily played from a first-person perspective, you can actually switch it to a third-person view. This can be a useful way to better your awareness of your surroundings, especially in the forest areas early on where wild animals can easily jump you if you're not careful.
It's Good To Sleep In-Game (And In Real Life Too)
As you explore Skyrim's vast world, you'll come across the ability to sleep in a bed. While this advances the passage of time in-game, it also grants you a "Well Rested" buff that increases all skill gains by 10% for eight hours. Keep in mind, this buff can only be triggered if you sleep in a bed you own or a bed at a local Inn.
Horse Thief
Can’t afford a horse in the beginning? Just steal one! It won’t stay with you, but it’s a free and fast means of transportation you can take advantage of until you build up enough money to purchase a horse later on.
Smithing, Enchanting, And Alchemy Exist; Be Mindful Of Them
There are a lot of different optional skills in Skyrim, such as Smithing, Enchanting, and Alchemy. While it isn't mandatory to fully understand or utilize them early on, it's important that you at least pay attention to them. Be mindful of the weapons and items you obtain, and consider keeping certain ones for when you eventually need them to practice these skills. It's certainly worth your time in the long run, as utilizing these skills together can eventually allow you powerful perks, such as Mages casting for 0 magic in any school, Warriors doing massive damage, and Thieves becoming even sneakier.
Buy Training, Get Your Money Back
When you reach Whiterun, you'll find NPC followers who ask to join you in your adventure. Some can help train you in a particular skill as long as you have money to pay for it. For instance, a follower named Faendal can train you in archery.
But there's a handy exploit you can use to take advantage of their training. First, pay your follower to train you. After they've done so, ask to take a look at their inventory and simply retrieve the money you gave them. Rinse and repeat this process until you've maxed out the skill.
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