Mountains of treasure and great equipment, unexpected plot twists and turns and dangerous opponents – all this can be found in dungeons that many players miss. Some have their own amazing history and NPCs, while others are so well hidden that not everyone can notice the entrance.
There are dozens of dungeons scattered across the map of Skyrim, but players might not have seen half of them. However, these 10 locations deserve special attention.
The open world of Skyrim is littered with hundreds of quests and interesting locations. Despite the age of the game, there are a shocking number of dungeons that players haven’t explored. Due to their remoteness or lack of quests, some places are rarely visited and therefore underestimated by the community. These can range from small forts to entire Dwemer dungeons hidden behind many cave systems. Here are ten underrated dungeons in Skyrim that most players miss.
Kurgan Iron
At first glance, the Iron Barrow is a fairly ordinary dungeon. There are no unique mechanics or special boss fights, but it is one of the most memorable places in Skyrim thanks to its two NPCs.
Outside the dungeon, players can find Argonian and Redguard arguing with each other. Their names are Bim-Jha and Salma, respectively. Players can convince both of them to forget about their arguments and go to the barrow. This will give the player two companions who will fight side by side until they defeat a unique Draugr boss named Gathrick.
And this is where the plot begins! Bim-Jah’s true motive for entering the dungeon was to consume Gathrick’s power. To do this, he must kill the player and Salma. It’s an interesting turn of events that makes this ordinary dungeon unforgettable. Travel southwest of Winterhold to complete this challenge yourself.
The Liar’s Retreat
To the east of Kartwasten, players can find a dungeon called Liar’s Refuge. At the very entrance, the protagonist will meet the Falmer and bandits who fight each other with swords. As players make their way through the location, they end up encountering frosty spiders and corus. This is the perfect dungeon for leveling up your skills by killing dozens of small but well-fed opponents.
Kagrenzel
Kagrenzel can be found on the eastern border of Skyrim to the right of Ansilvund. Few players visit this place due to its remotenesswhich is very sad considering how unique these Dwemer ruins are.
An ominous glowing sphere will guide the hero through most of the dungeon. She first leads the players to a trap that sends them down a long shaft. Gamers will need to fight their way back in order to complete the passage of the dungeon. The vertical structure and guiding sphere of Kagrenzela will leave an unforgettable experience.
Tower of Light
The Tower of Light is a unique dungeon southwest of Riften, where the fantastic quest “Repentance” begins. In it, players help an Imperial mage named Illia kill her mother. What starts off as a typical dungeon turns into a bay of witches and sacrificial ceremonies. Players also get good rewards for their efforts.
Arkntamz
If players have the Dawnguard DLC installed, they may stumble upon a quest called Lost in Ages. In it, the Dragonborn helps a ghost named Katria open the Forge of Aetherium.
Arkntamz is closely connected with this place. To find one of the key fragments of the forge, players will need to explore this dungeon full of Falmer and Dwemer. Some of the best items in the game, like the Marshmallow bow, can be found here. Players interested in history will certainly appreciate Katria’s backstory and her knowledge of the Forge of Aetherium.
Ansilwund
Following the northern path from Shore’s Stone in Eastmarch, you will enter one of Skyrim’s most underrated dungeons, Ansilvund. In it, players will have to defeat a necromancer named Lu’a, who is determined to resurrect her dead husband. An interesting love story is told here, which is revealed in diaries and small hints. Also, players who want to get as much loot as possible will be able to get the fantastic Phantom Blade in this dungeon, and another one of the Stones of Barenziah.
Frostmere Crypt
Boss fights are rarely the forte of The Elder Scrolls, but there is a big exception associated with the battle with the Pale Lady in Frostmere Crypt. Facing this unique creature will first require players to resolve the internal conflict between the bandit group. One of the participants stole the Pale Lady’s sword, so the player must return the blade to its rightful owner.
This is something that most players will not and should not do. Instead, grab the blade from the bandit’s corpse and fight the Pale Lady in an equal battle. She has some of the most unique attacks in the game, which range from cloning herself to shooting ice spikes. The reward for all this trouble is the Pale Blade, one of the best swords in the game. This is a boss fight to survive.
Sheer Cliff Towers
The Sheer Cliff Towers are part of the Sheer Cliff Cave dungeon northeast of Markarth. The cave itself is the usual meeting place with the Outcasts, but after entering the Tower, things get really interesting.
Inside the Towers of Sheer Cliff is a caged witch named Melka. She states that the entire dungeon once belonged to her until the Outcasts arrived and locked her up. With the player’s help, Melka can escape from her prison cell and accompany us throughout the entire dungeon during the quest “The Fun of the Wizards”. Chalk will fight side by side with the hero throughout the entire passage, and this will allow you to better learn about the deeds and abilities of the wizards.
Inconspicuous hideout
To the west of Azura’s shrine near Winterhold are the most underrated Dwemer ruins in all of Skyrim. The entrance to them, called the Inconspicuous Shelter, is located next to an empty bandit camp. Players enter this dungeon through a hole in the ground and must jump down to begin their exploration. Because of this, only high level players have to complete this dungeon.
Inside, it is a typical cave filled with spiders. But research quickly reveals that the hero actually stumbled upon a forgotten Dwemer dungeon taken over by the Falmer. Further exploration of its depths will lead Dovahkiin to the Temple of Zrib, a massive Falmer camp filled with treasures.
Frost lighthouse
Unlike Inconspicuous Hideout, Rime Beacon does not rely on grandiose visuals or great transitions to differentiate itself from other locations. Instead, this lighthouse and basement are packed with stories that immerse the player deeply in the mysterious atmosphere of the world of Skyrim.
To the west of Winterhold is an abandoned lighthouse filled with blood and traps. The troubling past of this place becomes immediately apparent to any observant player, as the diary entries from the first lines begin to describe the strange creature hiding under the house. Players must find the monster below, kill it, and then burn the family’s ashes at the top of the lighthouse. No quest or location in Skyrim tells a story as well as this underrated lighthouse.