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WALKTHROUGH [03.00.00]
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

WALKTHROUGH [03.00.00]

Follow this detailed walkthrough for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to escape Helgen, choosing between Ralof or Hadvar, looting essential gear, and overcoming enemies.

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Follow this detailed walkthrough for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim to escape Helgen, choosing between Ralof or Hadvar, looting essential gear, and overcoming enemies.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    After the opening scene, follow Ralof to the Keep.
  2. 2
    Enter Helgen Keep, loot Gunjar's body, and equip his gear.
  3. 3
    Ambush and slay the entering Imperials with Ralof.
  4. 4
    Loot the [HELGEN KEEP KEY] from the Imperial Captain.
  5. 5
    Head through the corridor to find chests, one containing another [HELGEN KEEP KEY].
  6. 6
    Open the gate and find [FOOD] amongst containers.
  7. 7
    Proceed down the steps and fight two Imperial Soldiers, searching for [POTIONS], [FOOD], and [INGREDIENTS].
  8. 8
    Search [BARRELS] before the hallway for minor [POTIONS] to complete an optional objective.
  9. 9
    In the dungeon, aid the Torturer and his assistant against Stormcloak Soldiers.
  10. 10
    Pick the lock to the cage to find [SPELL TOME: SPARKS] and gold near a dead mage.
  11. 11
    In the large cell, find an [IRON SHIELD] if needed.
  12. 12
    Pick up the [KNAPSACK] with [LOCKPICKS].
  13. 13
    Proceed down the hallway, picking locks on cells. Find a [SKELETON] and [COIN PURSE] in one cell.
  14. 14
    In the large open room, kill Imperial Soldiers. Use the spell Flames on oil to defeat the second wave.
  15. 15
    Use the [LEVER] to control the drawbridge.
  16. 16
    After crossing, jump down where the bridge collapsed to find a [SKELETON] and [COIN PURSE].
  17. 17
    Meet Ralof and find another [COIN PURSE] near a skeleton.
  18. 18
    In the next room, deal with Frostbite Spiders.
  19. 19
    Past the spiders, encounter a Bear. Sneak by or pick it off from a distance.
  20. 20
    Exit to Skyrim. The quest completes, and [BEFORE THE STORM] begins.

Following Hadvar:

  1. Hadvar frees you and tasks you with finding gear.
  2. Search the [WARDEN'S CHEST] and equip found gear. Note the [HELGEN KEEP KEY].
  3. Search another [CHEST] for a helmet.
  4. Follow Hadvar to the main entraceway and kill the Stormcloaks who draw weapons.
  5. Head into the cellar, slay two Stormcloaks, and search the barrel and shelves for [POTIONS].
  6. Follow Hadvar to the torture room, kill Stormcloaks, and search the Knapsack for [LOCKPICKS].
  7. Open cages, especially the one with the dead mage, to find [SPELL TOME: SPARKS].
  8. In the northeast corner, find an [IRON SHIELD] and [IRON MACE].
  9. Move down the halls, search prison cells to increase Lockpicking, and find a Skeleton with a coin purse.
  10. In the watery room, strike down attacking Stormcloaks. Use the Spell: Flames on oil to defeat reinforcements.
  11. Move towards the bridge and use the [LEVER] to lower it.
  12. As you cross, the bridge collapses. Jump down where it collapsed to find a [SKELETON] and [COIN PURSE].
  13. Meet Hadvar and find another [COIN PURSE] near a skeleton.
  14. In the next room, deal with Frostbite Spiders.
Tips
  • Looting Gunjar's body and the chests provides essential starting equipment and the Helgen Keep Key.
  • The Spell Tome: Sparks is found in a locked cage in the dungeon, requiring lockpicking.
  • Using the oil slicks on the ground with the Flames spell is an effective way to deal with groups of enemies.
  • The choice between following Ralof or Hadvar leads to slightly different dialogue and enemy types but the overall path through Helgen is similar.
  • Escape from Helgen
  • Start of the main questline
  • Experience and loot gathered during the escape

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