What To Do With Dragon Bones Skyrim

What to Do With Dragon Bones in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding dragon bones in Skyrim is a common occurrence for any Dragonborn worth their salt. But what do you actually do with them once you've hauled them back to your humble abode (or overflowing cart)? This guide will delve into the various uses of dragon bones, from crafting powerful weapons and armor to simply adding to your ever-growing collection of loot. This comprehensive guide covers everything from beginner tips to advanced strategies for maximizing the value of your hard-earned dragon bones.

The Primary Use: Blacksmithing

The most obvious and arguably most valuable use for dragon bones is in blacksmithing. They are a crucial component in creating some of the most powerful weapons and armor in the game. You'll need a high smithing skill and the appropriate perks to fully utilize them. Specifically, you'll need the Dragon Smithing perk in the Smithing skill tree. This perk unlocks the ability to forge Dragonbone weapons and armor, significantly boosting your combat capabilities.

Crafting with Dragon Bones:

• Dragonbone Weapons: These are incredibly powerful and offer superior damage and durability compared to other weapon types. Expect to craft swords, axes, maces, and even bows from dragon bones.

• Dragonbone Armor: Similarly, Dragonbone armor provides excellent protection and is a significant upgrade over steel or even orcish armor. It's a top-tier armor set sought after by many players.

• Improving Existing Gear: While not as effective as creating entirely new dragonbone gear, you can still use dragon bones to improve existing equipment at a forge. This will enhance their stats and make them stronger.

Beyond Blacksmithing: Other Uses

While blacksmithing is the main purpose, dragon bones aren't entirely useless if you lack the smithing skills.

• Selling: You can sell dragon bones to merchants, although the amount you receive won't be substantial. It's better to use them for crafting, but it's a viable option if you're in dire need of gold.

• Collection: For those who appreciate the lore and aesthetics of the game, accumulating a large pile of dragon bones can be a satisfying achievement, providing a testament to your dragon-slaying prowess.

• Alchemy (Indirectly): Dragon bones themselves aren't used in alchemy, but dragon scales and dragon priests masks are, and those are often found near dragon bones. This makes finding bones a good secondary reason to explore areas where dragons are known to be found.

Finding Dragon Bones:

Dragon bones are often found near the skeletal remains of dragons you've slain. However, they can also be found in various dungeons and caves throughout Skyrim, sometimes even independent of dragon lairs. Exploration is key to discovering these valuable resources. Remember to always check thoroughly, as sometimes bones can be hidden in hard to reach areas within a dragon's lair or dungeon.

Maximizing Your Dragon Bone Usage:

• Level your Smithing: Invest in the Smithing skill to unlock the Dragon Smithing perk as quickly as possible to make the most of your dragon bones.

• Find the right gear: For maximum smithing potential, seek out gear and perks which increase your smithing skill. This makes the crafting process more efficient and less resource-intensive.

• Explore thoroughly: Don't rush through areas where you've slain a dragon; explore the surrounding area to find any hidden bones.

• Prioritize crafting: Selling dragon bones is a last resort; their true value lies in crafting powerful and durable equipment.

In conclusion, dragon bones are a valuable resource in Skyrim, providing the means to create some of the strongest weaponry and armor in the game. By understanding their various uses and implementing effective strategies, you can fully utilize your hard-earned loot and become a truly formidable Dragonborn.