The Optimal Pathway for Progression in Skyrim

Diving into the sprawling universe of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim can feel like stepping into an endless realm of possibilities. As a newcomer to this open-world sandbox RPG, you might find the experience a bit daunting. Many seasoned players suggest that steering clear of the main storyline initially can be beneficial, though this advice can add to the overwhelming nature of the game given its vast content. When in doubt, beginning with the main quest until a certain juncture can help, but tackling it all at once isn’t advised due to potential pacing and leveling issues.

Skyrim is designed for players to shape their own adventures, deriving enjoyment from bringing a character with unique traits and aspirations to life. Key mechanics, such as dragon Shouts, get unlocked through the main questline, so it’s commonly recommended to follow the main storyline until these are obtained, and then pause it to explore other aspects of the game.

Skyrim’s primary storyline often becomes the proverbial “elephant in the room” for players. Many tend to sideline it early in their playthrough, preferring to return to it once they’ve delved into other parts of the game. The narrative isn’t particularly well-regarded and often lacks the inspiration found in other quests, which causes players to branch out into quests like the Civil War narrative first. A widely adopted tactic is to advance the main quest up to “The Way of the Voice” and the pilgrimage to the Greybeards at High Hrothgar. Afterward, the storyline can temporarily be set aside in favor of more engaging activities, such as guild quests, building, or exploring, which also unlocks useful Shouts and initiates dragon encounters without fully starting the main quest.

Taking an alternative approach, players can pursue the main quest until they reach “The Throat of the World” where a meeting with the Greybeards’ leader takes place. This point offers a natural pause, opening up Solstheim, one of the game’s most rewarding regions. If you’ve been focusing solely on the main quest, now is a great time to switch gears and tackle side content, particularly the Civil War storyline, which can later become a hindrance within the main quest path.

When it comes to Skyrim’s expansion packs, timing is key. “Dragonborn” boasts an epic storyline and expansive areas suitable for high-level players, offering a refreshing change of scenery if Skyrim starts to feel routine. However, it’s advisable to wrap up the primary storyline before delving deeply into “Dragonborn,” especially considering its compelling villain who ideally should be faced after dealing with Alduin.

“Dawnguard,” on the other hand, isn’t tied to the Dragonborn’s journey, meaning you can start it whenever you’re ready. A strategic time to launch into it is around midway through the game after completing a few guild quests to avoid any dull patches. If you want to steer clear of vampirism for your character, consider completing the Companions storyline, at least until becoming a werewolf. Dawnguard shares some rewarding items and spells, making it worthwhile to explore before tackling “Dragonborn” or returning to the core questline.