Skyrim guilds and factions: where to start each major questline
Find the Companions, College of Winterhold, Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood in the original Skyrim base game.
Original 2011 PC base game with official patches. Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn, Special Edition, Anniversary Edition, Creation Club content and mods are outside this guide. Pictures come from the original Skyrim Steam listing.
Join the Companions in Whiterun
Visit Jorrvaskr in Whiterun and speak with the Companions about joining. Their opening assignments lead into a warrior-focused questline, although you still control your character’s broader build. You do not have to finish the main dragon story first. Bring dependable combat equipment and follow the current quest objective rather than assuming every hall conversation immediately starts a new assignment.
Enter the College of Winterhold
Travel to Winterhold and approach the College bridge. Faralda normally tests your ability to cast a spell before admitting you, with alternative entry dialogue available in particular main-quest circumstances. The College provides access to magic teachers and merchants. Admission does not instantly supply every spell or perk, so keep enough gold and magicka for the abilities you plan to use.
Find the Thieves Guild in Riften
Look for Brynjolf in Riften to begin the recruitment sequence. The questline introduces the Ragged Flagon and the Ratway below the city. Lockpicks, careful movement and attention to witnesses help with its early jobs. Ordinary stolen goods need a fence, and a red ownership prompt still matters even when the guild’s story encourages criminal activity.
Start the Dark Brotherhood and separate the war
Investigate the rumors around Aventus Aretino in Windhelm to begin the route toward the Dark Brotherhood. Its invitation unfolds through later events, so follow the journal rather than expecting a public headquarters interview. The Imperial Legion and Stormcloaks are separate civil-war choices. Joining ordinary guilds does not automatically enlist you on either side of that conflict.
Save before major faction decisions, especially when a quest offers an explicit choice to attack or spare a named character.
Picture details
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References
Covered edition: Original 2011 PC base game with official patches. Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn, Special Edition, Anniversary Edition, Creation Club content and mods are outside this wiki. Pictures come from the original Skyrim Steam listing.