Skyrimis eternal. Almost everyone has, at some point another, finally awoken on a carriage with some shady-looking Nords. The game hasremained a peak of fantasy RPGs, with only a few matching or exceeding it even over a decade later. An active modding community also helps to keep the game going strong.
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That said,as much as we all have enjoyed Skyrim, there is so much that we’d love to go back and experience for the first time again. Particularly, many locations in the game are unlike anything else, and mark the start of a new and exciting adventure. Here are some places we’d love to experience all over again.
8Bleak Falls Barrow
A place that we all know well, Bleak Falls Barrow is one of the earliest dungeons you’ll go to in Skyrim. Probably the first one, but also you can go wherever you please so maybe not. Whether it be to find the Golden Claw, the Dragonstone, or both, the first time entering these looming and daunting Nordic ruins is incredible.
The colossal and crumbling architecture on the outside, the damp and silent catacombs of undead, and the huge spider that drops down from the ceiling. All leading to a battle with a powerful Nordic undead, this dungeon is unforgettable, and would be great to delve into for the first time.
7Aetherium Forge
For this entry, you could really swap it out for just about any Dwarven ruins, but this one is especially awe-inspiring. Part of a unique quest, the Aetherium Forge is something that is incredible to see for the first time, and remains an amazing sight even after delving into countless Dwemer ruins before it.
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Not only do youexplore some Dwarven ruinsthat are already unlike any other, but you get a fantastic quest to follow along with a ghost of a character to adventure with. Leading to a challenging boss fight, you will then come face to face with the Aetherium Forge itself. As a reward for the quest, you have a choice of unique magical items to craft, including a crown, a shield, or a staff. Needless to say, this would be so much fun to do all over again.
6College Of Winterhold
It’s always fun when you get toattend an academy of sorts in a game, but the College of Winterhold stands out. Winterhold itself isn’t exactly an interesting place to see, but that’s why it shines: as the prior capital of Skyrim, you can now witness the small town on the edge of a cliff - and with it, the rest of the city that has since crumbled off the cliff.
Now, the College of Winterhold is the only thing that still stands over the cliff edge. Cross the bridge that definitely does not seem safe to walk on, and you’ll arrive at the towering college itself standing on some structurally-questionable rock formations. The first time you discover the college and learn the story of Winterhold is fascinating, and that’s before you even step foot in the halls of the academy itself.
5Solitude
There are plenty of cities in Skyrim to visit, each with its own stand-out features and iconic buildings or architecture. The most impressive overall city, however, would have to be the first time you lay eyes on Solitude. This city perches atop a huge rock formation, with an arch underneath where the water and docks reside. Could it collapse at any moment? Maybe.
The city itself is interesting to explore as well, with fancy and noble buildings littered throughout. The people here are richer than the other holds, and it shows almost immediately. You can even purchase a home here, which happens to be the most expensive house in the game. Still, the layout of the city paired with the stunning display of the location itself - it’s something to behold.
4Dragonsreach
Whiterun is a very central city of Skyrim - literally and to the plot. You’ll likely head to this city first if you follow the story, and it will be a point you return to frequently for many quests and basic needs. With several districts on varying levels,the city is already interesting enough, but it’s Dragonsreach that stands out as the focus.
The huge, wooden keep that towers over the city as a whole is incredible to admire. The carved architecture, the balconies that overlook the residents, and the archways that greet you as you cross the bridge to enter. Then, when you finally step inside, you’re greeted by the cozy-yet-sizeable interior of tables, a fireplace, and the Jarl’s throne. The first time you enter, you feel so out of your depth.
3Castle Volkihar
As part of the Dawnguard DLC, visiting Castle Volkihar was exciting for a few different reasons. Not only was it a new location to explore in the game after you’ve likely explored Skyrim for countless hours already, but the story implications of traveling there with Serana to confront and meet her father: the Vampire Lord Harkon.
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This is a huge moment. The daunting castle walls, the blood-stained interiors, and the intimidating number of vampires gathered in the feasting hall as corpses and limbs litter the tables. Also some lovely dogs - or, you know, bloodthirsty Death Hounds. All of this culminates to create a terrifying and exciting experience as you step foot into this castle for the first time.
2Blackreach
Blackreach is likely the most unique and memorable location in all of Skyrim, thanks to its visual flair and presentation. A huge cavern deep beneath the surface of the world, Blackreach consists of massive glowing mushrooms, terrifying Falmer and creatures alike, and even a fort-like structure that houses a large sun-like sphere that hangs above. Oh, and a secret dragon boss that will be a challenge to take on.
You’ll likely arrive at Blackreach as part of your questing, and you’ll return here for more quests or just pure curiosity. Whether you’re back to face the dragon or are collecting crimson Nirnroot, there’s nothing comparable to the first time you enter this beautiful and unnerving place. Well, there might be one other place that is a little more iconic…
1Riverwood
While you can buy many houses in Skyrim, Riverwood is one of the earliest places you’ll likely call a home. Returning here straight after the events at Helgen with either Ralof or Hadvar, you’ll only be passing through at first, an outsider to the province and everything it has to offer. However, you’ll be looked after by the residents, and some friendly faces are exactly what you need - especially after surviving Helgen.
It would be wonderful to return here for the first time, blood pumping after the dragon attack that just ensued, and take in the serenity it offers. Even as people learn of the dragons’ return, their life still seems peaceful and undisturbed. Take a rest at the inn, meet the inhabitants, explore the mill and surrounding forest - whatever you decide to do, Riverwood is a homely town that you’ll always remember.
