Skyrim is filled with amazing quests, many of which can easily be overlooked due to the game’s vast open world and lack of clear indicators. While the game gently directs players toward certain activities, unique and captivating quests are often hidden away, waiting to be discovered. Most players will stumble upon these quests just by exploring and chatting with locals, but there are also some quests that are even harder to find, tucked away in remote spots throughout Skyrim.
In this guide, I’ll highlight some of the most fascinating storylines and activities that you might miss if you don’t explore thoroughly. There are entire quest lines and factions you could completely bypass if you’re not vigilant or paying close attention. No one wants to miss out on that.
If you want to avoid spending hours retracing your steps and chatting with every NPC just to uncover leads, I’ll outline some of the more elusive quests in Skyrim below. I’ll provide details on how to unlock them, including any level requirements or other conditions. There are definitely experiences here that you can’t truly say you’ve experienced Skyrim without.
Skyrim: A Night to Remember Quest
How to start: Reach level 14 and look for Sam Guevenne at various inns.
This is a classic quest about getting intoxicated and waking up to unexpected situations. Starting at level 14, keep an eye out for a character named Sam in different inns across Skyrim. He’s keen on engaging you in a drinking contest. Accept his challenge, and after the competition, you’ll wake up in the Temple of Dibella facing the fallout of your previous night’s actions. Follow the clues to piece together your adventure and enjoy one of Skyrim’s most entertaining quests!
Starting the Dark Brotherhood Quest
How to start: Speak to Aventus Aretino in Windhelm to begin the Innocence Lost mission.
The Dark Brotherhood quest revolves around assassination and allows you to rise through the ranks in the guild. To kick off this mission, you’ll need to learn about a boy named Aventus Aretino in Windhelm, who is trying to perform the Black Sacrament to summon the Brotherhood.
There are several ways to discover this information. You can ask innkeepers about rumors, and there’s a chance they’ll mention Aventus. To expedite your search, head to Riften, where you can talk to Maul near the entrance or visit the Honorhall Orphanage to converse with the children. If you obtain the right information, you should get a miscellaneous objective to “Talk to Aventus Aretino.” Alternatively, you can go directly to his home in Windhelm, break in, and find him. Complete his quest, and you’ll receive further instructions from the Brotherhood. If you decide to attack the first Brotherhood member you meet, you can take on a mission to dismantle the assassin’s guild. However, joining the Brotherhood will lead you to a web of engaging scenarios and assassinations that tie into the national narrative and the guild’s complex hierarchy. The depth of this quest line is something that sets it apart from the rest of the game, and you’ll form emotional bonds with the characters involved. You won’t forget how it ends anytime soon. Hail Sithis!
Skyrim: Blood on the Ice Quest
How to start: Go to Windhelm and explore the graveyard between 7 PM and 6 AM to join a group near a body.
This quest is an immersive detective story. “Blood on the Ice” is a genuine whodunit that puts you in the role of investigator. You’ll track down leads, gather evidence, and use skills like sneaking and persuasion, making it a unique blend of gameplay mechanics that requires both in-game and real-world deduction to solve the crime.
Skyrim: The Mind of Madness Quest
How to start: Visit the Winking Skeever in Solitude and listen for rumors about a man wandering the streets.
This quest leads you to a rather confused individual wandering around. It’ll take you through an almost combat-free storyline that showcases how inventive Skyrim can be when it embraces its creative side. You’ll have to navigate some fresh challenges and test your problem-solving abilities. This adventure will take you to locations you’ve never explored and let you encounter a Daedric Prince.
Skyrim: Frostflow Abyss Quest
How to start: Travel to Frostflow Lighthouse, located east of Dawnstar.
Skyrim: Laid to Rest Quest
How to start: Visit Morthal and talk to the innkeeper about the recent house fire.
“Laid to Rest” is arguably the most heartbreaking quest in Skyrim. It involves a burned-down house, a lost child, and enough eerie elements to haunt you for a long time. Engaging with locals about the tragic fire is only the beginning, revealing the kind of small-town gossip that feels all too familiar. However, the dark intrigue, horror, and sorrow that emerges from this quest’s twists are truly nightmarish.
Skyrim: Forgetting About Fjola Quest
How to start: Head to Mistwatch