With over 270 total quests available in Skyrim, there is a good chance that most players haven't seen every side quest on offer. Between the multiple guilds that can be joined, Hold quests to become Thane, and new quests introduced in the Dawnguard and Dragonborn DLC, many great quests can fly under the radar if players aren't actively looking for them.
Some of these quests are simply fetch-type quests or require a bandit camp to be cleared out, while others give a rich backstory on certain events or characters in the game and are well worth completing for this along. Many of these side quests also grant unique rewards that make the quest worth tracking down and completing as well, some of which are particularly powerful items.
Updated on January 19th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: It's crazy to think that Skyrim is still relevant so long after its release but the truth is that players are constantly diving into the Bethesda epic, whether for the first time or for another playthrough. There is so much to see and do throughout the land of Skyrim and many quests for players to complete. The best Skyrim quests are the ones that players aren't expecting when traveling or the ones that are given after speaking to an inconspicuous NPC. Skyrim's hidden side quests are something that all players should experience. To better showcase the best side quests in Skyrim, the following list has been updated with even more entries.
19 A Night To Remember
- How To Find It: Meet Sam Guevenne in any tavern after reaching level 14 (the first tavern entered when attaining level 14 is usually where he will spawn).
The Dragonborn is the chosen one, a powerful hero capable of felling dragons and restoring peace to a wartorn land. But not even the mythical dragon hunter is immune to too much drink, as seen in this engaging and entertaining sidequest that's easy to miss.
In order to start "A Night to Remember," players will first need to reach level 14. Afterward, entering a tavern will cause them to come in contact with Sam Guevenne, a curious fellow who challenges the Dragonborn to a drinking game in exchange for a staff. If players agree, they'll embark on one of the strangest and funniest quests to be found in Skyrim. The reward is more than worth it too, so players will want to snag this quest when they can.
18 Frostflow Abyss
- How To Find: Enter the Frostflow Lighthouse on the northern coast of Winterhold.
Some quests found sprinkled throughout Skyrim can be a bit off-putting. The iconic title is by no means a Horror game but there are some tasks that may give players a feeling of dread, or at the least the heebie-jeebies. The disaster that befalls Frostflow Lighthouse is a good example, tossing players into an underground cavern system that is overflowing with hostile mobs and a rather strong "boss."
This quest will automatically begin once players enter the Frostflow Lighthouse but there is a known bug that will halt a player's progress if they accidentally "finish the dungeon" before starting the quest. This should be avoided as the reward for this quest is pretty useful.
17 Coming Of Age
- How To Find: Locate the two NPCs camped outside Ironbind Barrow, southeast of Dawnstar.
Many of the quests in Skyrim are given to the player by various NPCs but there are some that are only found through exploration. Coming of Age is a great example, as it will only activate once the player stumbles across Ironbind Barrow, a dungeon located Southeast of Dawnstar. Camped outside the location are two would-be treasure-seekers, arguing over entering the domain to fill their purses with coins and valuables. All it takes is the presence of the tough-looking Dragonborn to instill one member with enough confidence to finally enter the dangerous depths.
This is definitely one of the most interesting of the small hidden quests scattered throughout Skyrim.
16 Forbidden Legend
- How To Find: Read the book Lost Legends, which can be found in a variety of places around Skyrim. (For example: The Bard's College in Solitude, located on a bookshelf upstairs).
Players that are looking for a long-winded quest that feels like an epic journey should appreciate the quest Forbidden Legend. It's easy to overlook this sidequest for anyone who isn't interested in joining the College of Winterhold and although it isn't necessarily "hidden," there are many non-magical players who have been through Skyrim without stepping foot into the iconic university. Thankfully, there is another way for players to begin this questline without having to be a spell slinger, but that method is a bit RNG-related for anyone who doesn't know what to look for.
The quest itself will see the Dragonborn traveling all over Skyrim in search of multiple pieces of a specialized amulet. It's a lengthy quest, filled with loot and fairly challenging in the early game.
15 The Ebony Warrior
- How To Find: Enter any city at level 80 or above
One of the better-known hidden quests in Skyrim is the Ebony Warrior. However, what makes him rare is the fact that a lot of casual players might never reach the required level of 80 to face off against him.
The Ebony Warrior is a mysterious warrior who has faced many challenges in his time. Now, he's looking for the final challenge and wants the Dragonborn to fight him. He can be encountered in any city once the Dragonborn is level 80.
14 Bromjunaar Sanctuary
- How To Find: Near the entrance to the Labyrinthian, to the east of it
Before entering the infamous Labyrinthian dungeon, players can head to the east side of the entrance and find a smaller sanctuary known as Bromjunaar and start a secret quest. They'll find a strange altar, on which they must place all the dragon priest masks from the defeated priests of Skyrim.
There's a hint to this as well. When players first arrive at the scene, they'll be able to spot a Wooden Mask on the ground. Wearing it will reveal events of the past that took place in Bromjunaar. If all masks are placed on the shrine, players will be able to access the final mask, Konahrik.
13 Angi's Archery Training
- How To Find: South of Falkreath, high up in the mountains
Given that stealth archery is one of the more popular choices in the game, this unmarked quest located deep in the southern mountains of Skyrim is a must. Head over to Angi's Camp and complete a quick little archery challenge on the field.
As a reward, Angi will offer her bow. It's nothing special, but for early game characters, any help is welcome. Angi will also provide archery training for any aspiring stealth archers.
12 Delayed Burial
- How To Find: At the Loreius Farm located in the Pale, northern side of Whitewatch Tower
Cicero, the controversially loved and hated character in Skyrim, makes a quick little appearance in a small hidden quest before players even have the chance of joining the Dark Brotherhood. It's possible to find him loitering around Loreius Farm.
Players can choose to either help or report Cicero, who's lugging along a suspicious cart carrying the body of Night Mother herself has been broken down. No matter what path players choose, they will be rewarded with a bit of gold.
11 Forgotten Names
- How To Find: Underneath the College of Winterhold, in Midden Dark
The Midden is the underground area found underneath the College, accessible during one of the College's main quests. If players head deep enough into Midden Dark, they'll come across a strange gauntlet standing on a pedestal.
Players must pick up a report and a key nearby to begin the quest, which will have them fetch the rings the gauntlet is missing. This will summon a Daedric creature the player must slay or banish, for a small reward.
10 The Pale Lady
- How To Find: Walk to the entrance of Frostmyre Crypt, located southwest of Dawnstar
When walking past Frostmyre Crypt for the first time, players may end up in the middle of a battle between Elsa Blackthorn and a group of bandits who have turned against her. After learning that her leader stole a sword from the crypt players can begin the quest to investigate the massacre within.
After reaching Frostmyre Depths, players will find a room with an altar and a Wisp Mother called The Pale Lady, who will attack players until they either kill her or place the Pale Blade back on the pedestal. The blade itself can be taken as a quest reward and is unique for having both an Ice and Fear enchantment on it.
9 The Man Who Cried Wolf & The Wolf Queen Awakened
- How To Find: Speak with Falk Firebeard in Solitude's Blue Palace
Falk Firebeard will give the Last Dragonborn the task of investigating a series of disappearances around Wolfskull Cave.
Upon clearing the dungeon of its necromancer inhabitants and preventing their ritual from being completed, players can return to Falk for their reward as well as the second part of this questline, The Wolf Queen Awakened. This is a much longer quest that sends players to multiple locations, culminating in a confrontation against Potema, the titular Wolf Queen.
After completing the quest, players will be rewarded with the Shield of Solitude, a unique leveled shield that blocks additional damage and grants magic resistance, with the most powerful version obtained after level 40.
8 Totems of Hircine
- How To Find: Speak with Aela The Huntress in Whiterun after marriage or becoming Harbinger of Companions
Before the Dawnguard DLC introduced the werewolf skill tree and the Dragonborn DLC brought several rings that improve their combat capabilities, the werewolf form was fairly underwhelming. However, players can also do a side quest for Aela, called Totems of Hircine that further improve the werewolf form.
Each totem grants a blessing to the werewolf form that gives it different abilities, such as Detect Life, summoning Wolf Spirits, or a Fear effect, all of which can be further improved through the werewolf skill tree. The location of each totem is radiant, however, and may cause the player to be sent to many different dungeons.
7 Kyne's Sacred Trials
- How To Find: Speak with Froki, southwest of Riften
After talking with Froki in his shack he will task players with hunting down several spectral animals, including a giant Mudcrab and a spectral Mammoth, in order to prove that the player is a great hunter.
After completing each hunting trial, the player is rewarded with Kyne's Token, a unique necklace with the same design as the Gauldur Amulet and increases Bow damage by 5% while decreasing damage taken from animals by 10%. The enchantment may not be all that powerful, but it is a neat combination of enchantments that isn't seen on many items in Skryim.
6 Salt For Arcadia
- How To Find: Speak to Farengar in Dragonsreach
Although this quest in Whiterun is incredibly short, as the player is only tasked with taking delivering Arcadia a pile of Frost Salts from Farengar, players do get some neat potions for the deal.
After asking Farengar if there are any other magic practitioners in Whiterun, he will give players the salts to deliver to Arcadia, who claims that she needs them to make a love potion. As a reward for the player's hard work, they will be given a Potion of Brief Invisibility, Potion of Enhanced Stamina, and Potion of Illusion.
5 The Ghost of Old Hroldan
- How To Find: Head to the Old Hroldan Inn found between Markarth and Rorikstead
At the Old Hroldan Inn, the player can encounter the ghost of Old Hroldan by spending the night at the inn. When confronted, the ghost asks them to find Hjalti's Sword and bring it back to them, with the sword itself being found in one of a few radiant locations that are usually full of Forsworn and Hagravens.
When the sword is retrieved and returned to Old Hroldan, the player is granted a level in both Block and One-Handed, making it a quest worth completing for any warrior build.
4 The Raid & Supply and Demand
- How To Find: Speak to Wujeeta in Riften
This questline can be started by talking to Wujeetain Riften, who is struggling with a Skooma addiction and needs the player's help to kick the habit. After bringing information on Skooma smuggling to the Jarl's attention, they will send the player to eliminate those responsible, which will then trigger the second quest after defeating the leader of the organization.
After finding a note on Sarthis' body and returning it to the Jarl, the player is then sent to the primary production facility of the Skooma smuggling business and tasked with eliminating everyone inside. After completing this quest, the player is given a random enchanted weapon, making it a good way to reset for a particular enchantment such as Absorb Health.
3 Unfathomable Depths
- How To Find: Speak to From-Deepest-Fathoms at level 14 in Riften
Also beginning in Riften, the player can receive a quest once they have reached level 14 or higher from a quirky Argonian called From-Deepest-Fathoms, who tasks the player with returning the Lexicon to a nearby Dwemer ruin. The dungeon is fairly standard among other Dwemer ruins, though the player is also given some back story on the last expedition to Avanchnzel that resulted in From-Deepest-Fathoms going mad.
After returning the Lexicon to its pedestal, the player obtains the Ancient Knowledge power, which increases their armor rating when wearing full Dwarven Armor, though also has the tendency to glitch and increase the armor rating of all armor except Dwarven.
2 The Book Of Love
- How To Find: In Riften, speak to a Priestess of Mara
The side quest can be started in Riften, though the quest itself will take the player around most of Skyrim in the process of completing it. After talking to one of the Priestesses of Mara, the quest sends the player around the world to solve various problems of the heart, usually involving some kind of open gesture by one of the parties.
After finishing the quest, players are rewarded with an Amulet of Mara and the Agent of Mara power, which permanently increases magic resistance by 15% and is one that no build can do without.
1 Lost Relic
- How To Find: Speak with Florentius Baenius in the Dawnguard faction
Taking place during the Dawnguard questline, Lost Relic is a repeatable quest that tasks the player with exploring Skyrim to find various relics from the Dawnguard's past for Florentius Baenius.
The quest itself is given three times at random and may require the player to complete other radiant quests between each outing, but completing each quest will reward the player with the Dawnguard Rune Shield, Dawnguard Rune Hammer, and Dawnguard Rune Axe. Each of these items is particularly devastating against undead enemies and is very useful in the Dawnguard storyline.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was released on November 11, 2011, and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia.