Guides / The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Solitude

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition guide · Arriving at the capital city

Solitude is the capital of Skyrim and the headquarters of both the Imperial Legion and High King Torygg's court in the Blue Palace. Upon first entering through the main gates, players witness the public execution of Roggvir for his role in Ulfric Stormcloak's escape. Visitors can join the Imperial Legion, enroll in the Bards College, trade with a wide variety of merchants, or investigate local troubles for Jarl Elisif the Fair.

Region: Haafingar
Getting there: Northwest across the stone arch ramp from Katla's Farm and the Solitude Stables
Connects to: Castle Dour, Blue Palace, The Winking Skeever, Bards College, Temple of the Divines
Related quests: Joining the Legion · Tending the Flames · The Mind of Madness · The Man Who Cried Wolf · Lights Out! · Bound Until Death
Services and people: General Tullius · Elisif the Fair · Legate Rikke · Viarmo · Radiant Raiment · Bits and Pieces · Angeline's Aromatics · The Winking Skeever

Achievements here

Bound Until Death MissableComplete the Dark Brotherhood quest "Bound Until Death" by assassinating Vittoria Vici during her wedding in Solitude.

Hero of SkyrimComplete the Civil War questline by capturing either Solitude for the Stormcloaks or Windhelm for the Imperial Legion.

Achievement guide and roadmap →

Items

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Unusual Gem: Jarl Elisif's bedroom inside the Blue Palace, resting on a tableUnusual Gem: In the master bedroom of Proudspire ManorAmulet of Talos: Looted from Roggvir's body immediately after his execution near the city gatesThe Wolf Queen, v6: On a shelf in the ground-floor living room of Proudspire ManorCatalogue of Armor Enchantments: On the table beside the arcane enchanter inside Radiant Raiment

Secrets

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If you jump down into the execution trench or check the Hall of the Dead catacombs under Solitude, you can find Roggvir's remains properly interred if you missed looting his Amulet of Talos.

Key fights

Battle for Solitude

Enemies: General Tullius, Legate Rikke, and Imperial Soldiers

Threats: Rikke uses two-handed power attacks, Shields up, and high physical damage; Tullius uses one-handed blades and heavy armor; Imperial Soldiers form shield walls and fire arrows

Weaknesses and resistances: Vulnerable to Frost, Shock, and Paralysis; high physical resistance from heavy armor

Tactics: Push through the exterior barricades and courtyard using Unrelenting Force to clear chokepoints, then focus down Legate Rikke first inside Castle Dour before cornering Tullius

Rewards: General Tullius' Armor, leveled Imperial gear, and Stormcloak control of Skyrim.

Enemies

Solitude Guard

Steal / drop Guard armor, Solitude Shield

Will arrest, fine, or attack the player if crimes are committed inside Haafingar hold.

Shops and people

Radiant Raiment: Fine clothes, enchanted rings, necklaces, circlets, and standard robes
Angeline's Aromatics: Alchemy ingredients, potions, and alchemy recipes
Bits and Pieces: General goods, clutter, crafting materials, and lockpicks
The Winking Skeever: Food, drinks, local rumors, and rentable beds
Solitude Blacksmith: Weapons, armor, ingots, and blacksmithing supplies
Sybille Stentor: Spell tomes, soul gems, scrolls, and Master-level Alteration training inside the Blue Palace

Tips

Investigate the Bards College early to gain passive bonuses, as finishing their introduction quest grants the Gift of the Gab power to level Speech faster.
You must assist citizens of Haafingar and complete quests for the Jarl before you are granted the right to purchase Proudspire Manor.

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Understone Keep

Castle Dour

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