Hello, I'm completely new to Elder Scrolls, or any kind of videogame like this...basically, the only games I've ever played are Super Mario and Halo.

I have played for I think 45 minutes now, and to tel you the truth, I am completely lost, and have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing.

To start off, I chose my race as a Nard, as I could at least make it look like me. Some dragon attacked, and then after some stuff I'm following some guy to some place called Riverwood.

I just want to know what am I supposed to be doing? I'm just really confused.

The simple answer is do whatever you want. If you explore and talk to the people you find, you will begin having more than enough things to do.

You are a member of a radical greenpeace splinter group and intent to nourish the animals of skyrim with your body. Go forth and feed the multitude.

You could try wandering around and exploring. Get into random hyjinx, talk to things, follow items on your compass or map.
Though, if those sound like a waste of time, you could just push through with the main quest until you get some inspiration.

This is assuming you know the basic controls, how to check your map and quest log, yadayada disclaimer.


Elderscrolls is weird like that. It's like SimCity. But with dragons and swords.

Short answer: Whatever you're doing is what you're supposed to be doing. Just live in the world. Talk to people, listen to conversations going on, look around the world. Earn gold to pay for things you need. Weapons, food, shelter. If you do things for people, they'll like you more. That's just for starters....get used to it and don't grind skills...take it slow. It'll all happen. It's a huge game and there's a lot of things you can do. Welcome to the forums. Have a http://images.uesp.net//c/c4/Fishystick.jpg

To get your barings.. Talk to everyone.
Use your journal. You can activate quests which give you markers where you have to go.
Follow the MQ first, it will give you a general idea of how to play the game.
Read wiki's ...but be prepared to be spoiled.
However UESP.net has some great artikles on builds and leveling and even has a page dedicated to first time players.
http://uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:First_Time_Players

open J to open the Journal

Not to worry...You're doing exactly what you're supposed to do.

As a sandbox-style Role-Playing Game, Skyrim is decidedly non-linear. It favors exploration, and rewards curiosity. Really, you're kind of SUPPOSED to feel a little bit lost. Think of it less like a "Get from Point A to Point B" kind of a game (which is what platform games like Mario usually are), and more like Billy's wandering, dotted path from the "Family Circus" cartoons.

The best thing you can do is to talk to the non-player characters (NPC's). They're everywhere, and they're excellent sources of information. Talk to Millers, Blacksmiths, Innkeepers...Anyone you can find. They may even give you stuff to do. Failing that, if you literally just head out into the HUGE world, pick a direction, and start wandering around, adventure has a way of finding YOU, and you'll naturally settle into a play-style in response to that.

Honestly, unlike a lot of games where you can refer to a walkthrough to get past a particularly tricky bit you seem to keep screwing up, there is literally no way to play Skyrim "wrong." It can be a challenge getting used to the pacing, but truly...You're doing just fine, and you have nothing to worry about. I can understand being overwhelmed...Hell, I've been a gamer my entire life, and even I'M sometimes blown away by how big Skyrim is, and how much there is to do. But you can determine your own path, and your own pacing here, and it's all perfectly valid.

No two people play this game the same way twice, so really...The only mistake you can make would be not to continue.

be a badass and just fight everything (NOT PEACEFUL NPC'S!)
only fight the ones that pick a fight
and go exploring alot
if you see a marker on your map that looks like a dragon head you can try to kill it but its hard at a low level like 5+ for dragons
and if you see a skull with tusks just walk the other way its a giant and wooly mammoth camp dont go there you WILL get owned well
i hope this helps

"go [censored] crazy!!!!!!!!" just do whatever you want (going crazy is a favored choice of mine )

Have a http://www.uesp.net/wiki/General:Fishy_Stick to start.

Now the simple thing is create whoever you want and play however you want there is no right or wrong way to play.
Just choose what you think will be fun experiment with some things you would like to try.
You do not have to follow a set path in this game, you make your own.

Just walk in any direction and you will eventually reach a cave/ruin/city etc.
Do exactly what you feel like, don't think.

The dragon attacking you in Helgen was your tutorial to show you how to use the controls and stuff.If you are in Riverwood you're on your own.Talk to people and they will give you quests to do.Walk around and gather plants so you can make potions.Pick up anything edible to eat until you can make your own potions.Make your way to the college in Winterhold.They will give you a room to store things until you can buy a house.SAVE OFTEN.Every quest you get will be in your journal and locations will be on your map.You can't fast travel until you have been there,but walking is more fun.Come here often for hints and info.Most of the time we're very friendly.Most of all just have fun.There is no right or wrong way.Just remember to save before you try anything and when you finish so you don't have to do it All again if something happens.Welcome!

can i have a fishy stick?
oh and yeah there is no boundries do whatever you want
crazed pyschopath
murderer
knight
scout
hunter
explorer
the possibilities are endless!

There are a thousand paths to take in this game. The mistake a lot of new players make is choosing a goal and going after it. But exploring the towns and cities and getting involved in peoples' personal business, for lack of a better term, will round out your character and you will learn about the 'world' you're living in.

Then you will see all the paths open to you.

First off:
-Isn't Nard..Is Nord.
-Don't worry,i had the same problem playing fallout 3.You will learn quickly.
-The Dragon is part of the main quest ,and thus massive spoilers.
-Read some start's Guides.
-You must Go to Riverwood.Talk to Alvor.Then go ahead Dragonsreach.
-Unlikely some other games.Skyrim is a free-explore world.I mean super... free.You can do anything you want(except kill children)And thus have consequences.So be carrefull with what you do.

You're implying that he wants to do the main quest right away?

oh and ignore us, it is your game so you go crazy in it instead of doing what we say only listen to us if you really need help on something


here is a dramatic http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq328/PaulSouthron/Fishy%20Sticks/Altaiir.jpg

Go talk to the trader. He has a quest for you, finding the golden claw.

Go to that dungeon, There's a tower with some bad guys before you get to the dungeon, kill them, pickup up loot.
kill things,
pick up loot
sell loot in town,
go back to dungeon
get more loot,
sell more loot
make more money
etc.

Also, get more quests, level up your character. Put perk points in those skills you want to increase - depending on the character you're playing.

When you left Helgen, did you stop by the 3 little stone towers? Again, pick depending on your character.

Early on, wear whatever armor you find, use whatever weapons you find. Then slowly, start assembling/using stuff that your character uses/needs most.

Warriors - heavy armor, 2H weapons, 1H weapon and shield. Mages, bow, spells, light armor that you enchant with magicka, regeneration, etc. Assassin - most picked third character I think - light armor, enchants that improve sneak, probably bow as main weapon. You'll also need lockpicking as most containers are locked.

Take enchanting on all 3 characters - improve armor, weapons, etc. Level this slowly. Alchemy if you want to make your own potions. Requires going out and finding herbs, lots of herbs, or purchase them in Inns. Assassin and maybe others, sneak sneak and more sneak. Archery, sneaking also increases bow damage.

Skill points - again depends on your character. Some advice, don't spreak your perks around too much - you'll do a lot of things not really good.

In my case, a new game, I use my first character as a test to see what's available, what places to put points in, etc. There's a bit of learning to do, but it will come together for you. I really didn't start playing good until I rolled my second character.

Realize there's no time limit you have to obey. You can dungeon crawl all day (think there are 150 dungeons), you can quest all day and do whichever quest you want - or not. You can go hunt animals and mine ore all day if your character makes/improves his own weapons/gear (requires points in smithing).

That's the great thing about TES games - no pressure to do anything, except what you want to do.

If you're into role playing, your choices will, of course, be influenced by that. Don't be surprised if you go through 2 or 3 characters before you'll finally feel comfortable with everything - that's normal.

GOod luck

This is why Skyrim has been "dumbed down"... or lordy lord..!!!

Hey...That's not so very nice. It's easy to be a jaded hardcoe gamer, and roll your eyes at "teh n00bz," but honestly. The more people get into this game and appreciate it for what it is, the better off we ALL are. It serves no purpose to be harsh on someone who approaches it with an open mind, and a genuine desire to get the most out of their gaming experience.

Without killing the first Dragon you will be unable to have "point markers" to other quests.And yes...probaly.

I was once like you with Oblivion. You just need to take your time, explore, and don't be afraid to try new things. As you play the story will unfold, and you will learn to use the features of the game. Just stick with it you'll be glade you did.

I must admit; I do giggle whenever a progamer bashes any of the supernumerous starcraft commentators out there. As long as Bethesda gets its 60 bucks, I suppose. Who knows; they tend to reinvent themselves for both the better and worse.

1. Ignore the (very few) [censored] in these forums.

2. Play it as if it were real life. You've just gotten out of Helgen. You don't know where you are. So you followed the guy who helped you escape to Riverwood. Now- talk to people. Your character, just like you, is trying to get his bearings. The people in the town will be able to help you, and soon they'll give you all the directions you need to start off.

3. Have fun and do what you want.

The first hour or two is the most confusing. Get over the bump. You'll soon be swimming in awesome.