Bethesda shipped Skyrim on 11 November 2011, and app 72850 is that original 32-bit release rather than Special Edition or Anniversary Edition. The last official patch was 1.9.32.0.8 in March 2013, which added Legendary skills and then stopped; Creation Club, Survival Mode and the later fishing content never touched this build. Mods here run on the 32-bit Skyrim Script Extender and inherit the memory ceiling a 32-bit process carries, so advice written for Special Edition does not transfer file for file. What you do get is a finished, heavily patched 2011 game with Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn sold as separate add-ons.
Resource management and crafting determine how quickly your power scales. This guide covers what to prioritize, where to farm, and how to avoid wasting resources on the wrong upgrades.
Crafting Priority List
The order you should invest resources:
| Priority | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary equipment | Biggest damage increase per resource spent |
| 2 | Core build gear | Enables your build's key combinations |
| 3 | Defensive upgrades | Survivability for boss fights |
| 4 | Secondary equipment | Situational options for specific content |
| 5 | Consumables | Temporary boosts for hard content |
Resource Farming by Area
Whiterun
Key resources: Breezehome for 5,000 gold, the Companions questline and werewolf option, the Whiterun forge, and the Bannered Mare as a free fast travel anchor Farming efficiency: Low value per run, but safe and consistent
Focus on gathering materials for Dragonbone Bow upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Solitude
Key resources: Proudspire Manor for 25,000 gold, the Bards College questline, Imperial Legion recruitment, and access to the Dark Brotherhood's final targets Farming efficiency: Good early-game farming spot
Focus on gathering materials for Dragonbone Bow upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Markarth
Key resources: Vlindrel Hall for 8,000 gold, the Dwemer Museum in Understone Keep, Nchuand-Zel below the city, and the Forsworn questline reward Farming efficiency: Best mid-game farming, worth revisiting
Focus on gathering materials for Dragonbone Bow upgrades here. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Riften
Key resources: Honeyside for 8,000 gold, the full Thieves Guild and Nightingale questlines, the Amulet of Mara, and Riften's fence for stolen goods Farming efficiency: High-value materials for late-game upgrades
This is where you farm materials for Daedric Greatsword max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Windhelm
Key resources: Hjerim for 12,000 gold, Stormcloak recruitment, the Blood on the Ice questline, and the boat to the Dragonborn content at Raven Rock Farming efficiency: Best resources in the game, requires strong build
This is where you farm materials for Daedric Greatsword max upgrades. See our maps guide for detailed area layouts.
Upgrade Path
Early Game (Whiterun to Solitude)
- Upgrade your starting equipment to functional level
- Craft basic defensive gear
- Save specialty materials, since you'll need them later
- Focus on Dragonbone Bow once accessible
Mid Game (Markarth)
- Push Dragonbone Bow to mid-level upgrades
- Start collecting materials for Daedric Greatsword
- Craft situational consumables for boss fights
- Upgrade build-specific gear pieces
Late Game (Riften to Windhelm)
- Max out Daedric Greatsword. This is your top priority
- Complete your build's core gear set
- Craft endgame consumables
- Optional: upgrade secondary equipment for variety
Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
- Spreading upgrades across multiple equipment: Focus one weapon to max before diversifying.
- Hoarding materials: Use them. The game provides enough if you farm efficiently.
- Upgrading the wrong gear: Check our builds guide before investing.
- Ignoring Markarth farming: This area has the best resource-to-time ratio in mid-game.
- Crafting consumables too early: Save specialty materials for late-game recipes.
Resource Efficiency Tips
- The nine holds are Whiterun, Eastmarch, The Rift, Haafingar, The Reach, Falkreath, Hjaalmarch, The Pale and Winterhold, and every one of them has a Jarl who becomes a housecarl and a house sale once you complete a favour chain. Doing the Whiterun and Riften favours early gives you two storage points before you own a horse.
- Farm Markarth during mid-game for the best return on time
- Check the walkthrough to know when each resource becomes available
- Match your farming route to your build. Some classes farm faster in certain areas
More The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guides
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Overview
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Best Builds
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Tier List
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Walkthrough
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Beginner's Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Tips & Tricks
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Weapons Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Combat Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Boss Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Maps & Locations
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Classes & Characters
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