: Choosing to follow Hadvar at the start of the game grants you access to free iron and steel ingots from the Riverwood blacksmith, which is a massive boost for early crafting.
According to veteran players from Quora , several unique items provide distinct advantages: the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim
: A Daedric artifact shield that creates a ward when blocking. This ward costs no magicka and can negate dragon breath and powerful spells entirely. : Choosing to follow Hadvar at the start
: A valuable potion that can sell for 80–250 gold even with low skills, allowing you to easily amass over 5,000 gold before ever fighting your first dragon. Practical "Pro" Tips : A valuable potion that can sell for
: A reusable soul gem that can capture "black" (humanoid) souls, making it the most efficient tool for recharging enchanted weapons.
: If NPCs tell you that you "look sick," check your Active Effects menu for red text. You can cure illnesses by praying at any temple altar or drinking a Cure Disease potion.
In , one of the most helpful strategies for any new Dragonborn is mastering the Alchemy and Smithing loop to create "god-tier" gear . By combining these professions, you can create gear that far exceeds the base statistics of any artifact found in the world. Essential Items for a Powerful Start