Introduction
Struggling to pay off your debts or save up for your next weapon upgrade in Skyrim? Fear not, for there are plenty of ways to make money in this vast open-world RPG. In this guide, we’ll go over the most reliable and profitable methods for increasing your in-game gold, from completing quests to investing in businesses. With a little bit of effort and strategy, you can become the wealthiest—and most powerful—adventurer in all of Skyrim.
Completing Quests
Quests can provide a steady stream of income, especially the ones that reward you with gold for completion. Some of the most lucrative quests for gold include:
- The Dark Brotherhood Quests
- The Thieves Guild Quests
- The Bards College Quests
- The Companions Quests
In addition to the primary gold reward, some of these quests also offer valuable items that can be sold for a profit. To increase your earnings even more, you can repeat certain quests by saving right before you complete them and reloading the save to do them again.
Smithing and Enchanting
Smithing and enchanting can be a great way to make money while also improving your equipment. By crafting and enhancing weapons and armor, you can sell them for a profit at vendors or through trading with other players.
To maximize your profits, you’ll want to create and sell high-quality weapons and armor. Dwarven bows, for example, are relatively easy to craft and can fetch a high price when sold. Additionally, enchanting your items with valuable enchantments like Banish or Paralysis can make them even more valuable.
Mining and Gathering
There are a variety of resources you can gather in Skyrim that can be sold for a profit, including ores, gems, and ingredients for alchemy. Some of the most valuable resources include:
- Gems: Amethysts, diamonds, and emeralds are particularly valuable
- Ores: Ebony and gold ore are highly sought after and can fetch a high price
- Ingredients: Nirnroot, jazbay grapes, and vampire dust are all valuable ingredients for alchemy
To find these resources, look for veins in caves or mines, or harvest them from plants in the wild. Just be mindful of any enemies that may be guarding them, as gathering resources can be dangerous.
Stealing and Pickpocketing
Stealing and pickpocketing can be a risky way to make money, as getting caught can lead to fines or even prison time. However, with the right skills and precautions, it can be a profitable method for acquiring valuable items.
To be successful at stealing in Skyrim, you’ll want to invest in the Pickpocket skill and pickpocket perks. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid stealing from NPCs who are likely to catch you, such as those who are facing towards you or who are nearby guards.
Alchemy
Alchemy can be a lucrative method for making money if you know what ingredients to look for and how to mix them. By combining different ingredients, you can create valuable potions and poisons that can be sold for a profit.
Some valuable ingredients for alchemy include giant’s toes, deathbell, and glowing mushrooms. To find these ingredients, explore the wilderness and look for plants or creatures that have them.
Trading
There are a variety of merchants in Skyrim who will buy and sell goods. You’ll want to pay attention to which items different merchants are willing to buy and sell for higher prices to maximize your profits.
A few strategies for trading include buying low and selling high, trading valuable items for other valuable items, and using the Speech skill to haggle for better prices.
Investing
Investing in businesses can be a long-term and lucrative way to make money in Skyrim. By investing in a business, you can receive a cut of their profits at regular intervals. Some businesses you can invest in include the Riverwood Trader, the Windhelm Stables, and the Black-Briar Meadery.
Before investing, you’ll want to make sure the business is profitable and that you have enough money to invest. Additionally, investing in a business can sometimes lead to unexpected consequences, so it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before committing any gold.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to make money in Skyrim, from completing quests to investing in businesses. To maximize your profits, it’s important to be strategic and pick the methods that work best for your playstyle. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the wealthiest adventurer in all of Skyrim.
