Skyrim: Best Quests For Earning Gold Fast In Vanilla

Hey guys! So, you're diving into the world of Vanilla Skyrim and aiming to hit that sweet six-digit gold mark, huh? Awesome! It’s definitely achievable, and I’m here to guide you through the quests that will line your pockets faster than you can say "Fus Ro Dah!" Forget grinding for hours – let’s get you rich quick with some smart questing. You mentioned finishing the Dark Brotherhood questline, which is a great start, but trust me, there's more gold to be made. Let's dive into the best quests in Vanilla Skyrim that will significantly boost your gold reserves.

High-Paying Questlines in Skyrim

To maximize your gold earnings, it’s crucial to focus on questlines known for their substantial rewards. These aren't just your run-of-the-mill fetch quests; they are elaborate storylines that offer significant payouts upon completion. Beyond the immediate gold rewards, these quests often lead to valuable items and opportunities to further increase your wealth through selling loot.

Thieves Guild

The Thieves Guild questline is a gold mine – literally and figuratively! While the initial payouts might seem modest, the real money comes from the repeatable radiant quests and the final reward. As you progress, you'll be tasked with various larceny-related missions in different holds, increasing your influence and, more importantly, your income. Successfully restoring the Thieves Guild to its former glory isn't just a matter of pride; it's a lucrative business venture. These quests usually involve stealing, pickpocketing, or planting items, which might seem small individually, but they add up quickly. Remember to always fence your stolen goods through the Thieves Guild fence to maximize your profits and improve your standing within the guild. The final quest grants you access to the Guild Master's Chest, which replenishes with a hefty sum of gold regularly. Plus, the additional perks and resources you gain access to make this questline a must for any aspiring millionaire in Skyrim. Don't forget to invest in the Speech skill tree, particularly the 'Fence' perk, which allows you to sell stolen goods to any merchant. This will significantly increase your ability to offload valuable items and convert them into cold, hard cash.

The Companions

While the Companions questline might initially seem focused on combat and camaraderie, it offers a surprising amount of financial gain. As you rise through the ranks, you'll receive increasingly generous rewards for your heroic deeds. These quests often involve clearing out dungeons, slaying fearsome beasts, and retrieving valuable artifacts, all of which come with substantial payouts. Completing the Companions questline not only enhances your combat skills but also provides numerous opportunities to loot valuable items and sell them for a profit. Many of the dungeons you explore are filled with treasures, rare ingredients, and valuable weapons and armor, all ripe for the taking. Additionally, you gain access to skilled trainers who can help you improve your combat abilities, making you an even more formidable and efficient gold-earning machine. As a bonus, you might even become a werewolf, which, while having its drawbacks, can be a powerful tool for quickly clearing out bandit camps and looting their valuables. So, if you're looking to combine adventure with financial success, the Companions questline is an excellent choice.

Side Quests with Significant Rewards

Beyond the major questlines, Skyrim is packed with one-off side quests that offer surprisingly generous rewards. These quests are often shorter and more straightforward than the main storylines, making them a quick and easy way to boost your gold reserves. Keep an eye out for these hidden gems as you explore the world, and don't hesitate to take on any seemingly simple task – it might just lead to a treasure trove of gold.

"In My Time of Need"

This quest, started by speaking to Kematu outside Whiterun, involves intrigue and a decent payout. You'll have a choice to make, and siding with Saadia rewards you with a good chunk of gold. Though, there is a moral decision to make, so consider that as well. Either way, it's a relatively quick quest that can pad your wallet nicely. The reward is not just about the gold; it's also about the experience of navigating complex moral choices, a hallmark of Skyrim's rich storytelling. Depending on your choice, the quest can also lead to other opportunities and encounters, further enhancing your gameplay. So, keep an open mind and be ready to make a tough decision – it could be worth more than just the gold.

"The Forsworn Conspiracy" and "No One Escapes Cidhna Mine"

This questline in Markarth is a bit longer but extremely rewarding. It starts with a murder in the marketplace and leads you down a rabbit hole of political intrigue and prison breaks. Completing this questline can net you a significant amount of gold and valuable equipment, especially if you side with Madanach. This questline is not just about the gold; it's a deep dive into the political and social conflicts within Markarth, offering a compelling narrative and challenging moral choices. Navigating the complex web of alliances and betrayals will test your skills and decision-making abilities. The rewards, both financial and experiential, make this questline a must-play for any Skyrim adventurer seeking wealth and intrigue. Plus, the unique setting of Cidhna Mine adds a thrilling and immersive element to the gameplay, making it a memorable experience.

Tips for Maximizing Your Gold

Alright, so now you know which quests to prioritize, but let's talk about some general tips to really rake in the gold in Skyrim. These are simple strategies that, when combined with the right quests, will have you swimming in septims in no time.

Loot Everything

Seriously, everything. Get into the habit of looting every container, body, and shelf you come across. Even seemingly worthless items can be sold to vendors for a small profit, and those small profits add up over time. Plus, you never know when you might find a valuable gem, enchanted weapon, or rare ingredient that can fetch a high price. Train yourself to be a meticulous looter, and you'll be amazed at how quickly your inventory fills up with valuable items. Don't be afraid to invest in the 'Extra Pockets' perk in the Pickpocket skill tree to increase your carrying capacity and make looting even more efficient. Remember, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and in Skyrim, even the most mundane items can be turned into gold.

Sell Smart

Don't just sell everything to the first vendor you see. Different merchants offer different prices for different items, so it pays to shop around. General goods stores are good for selling basic items, while blacksmiths will offer better prices for weapons and armor. Alchemists will pay more for ingredients and potions, and so on. Take the time to visit different merchants in different cities and compare their prices before selling your loot. Also, consider investing in the Speech skill tree to unlock perks that improve your bartering skills. The 'Merchant' perk, for example, allows you to sell any type of item to any merchant, while the 'Investor' perk allows you to invest in a merchant's store, increasing their available gold and making them more likely to offer better prices. Selling smart is just as important as looting smart, so take the time to optimize your sales strategy and maximize your profits.

Alchemy and Enchanting

Leveling up your Alchemy and Enchanting skills can be incredibly lucrative. Potions and enchanted items can sell for a substantial amount of gold, especially if you know which ingredients and enchantments are most valuable. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to discover new and powerful potions, and learn which enchantments are most sought after by buyers. Invest in the relevant skill trees to unlock perks that increase the potency of your potions and the strength of your enchantments. Alchemy and Enchanting are not just useful skills for enhancing your own abilities; they are also powerful tools for generating wealth. With a little practice and experimentation, you can become a master alchemist and enchanter, churning out valuable products that will make you rich beyond your wildest dreams.

So, there you have it! Follow these quests and tips, and you'll be well on your way to amassing a fortune in Vanilla Skyrim. Happy questing, and may your pockets always be full!