Skyrim is a vast game with many different activities to complete and rewards to achieve. In addition to the game’s in-depth Blacksmithing and Item Enchantment, Skyrim also has a large and robust Alchemy section, complete with various flowers, roots, and numerous other items, each with their alchemical reaction when combined.
In the Elder Scrolls game, Alchemy is the method by which one combines various ingredients to create potions and poisons to aid you in battle. In this guide, we will go over some of the better potions you can create and some of the Alchemical basics in the game so that you can easily move through the game and become an Alchemical genius.
So, without much further ado, let’s begin.
Brief Overview on the Basics
When it comes to understanding the basics of Alchemy, the first thing that you should know is that Alchemy can only be performed at an Alchemy Station. Similar to a Blacksmith’s Forge or an Enchanter’s Table, Alchemy can only be done at a specified area throughout the world of Skyrim. These Alchemy Stations are found in all major cities and some towns, local apothecaries, Court Mage’s Chambers, and even some Inns. These stations can also be added or included in various homes for the Dragonborn.
In terms of ingredients, nearly everything you will be using will be plant-based, with a few exceptions. If you are farming an area, one thing to keep in mind is the various respawn mechanics. Forests and outdoor locations, once picked, require you to leave the area for 10 in-game days before returning. For dungeons, once you clear the Boss, the area instead requires you to wait 30 in-game days before it has fully respawned. It is essential to have multiple areas to harvest ingredients from as waiting for a singular area to respawn can take a considerable amount of time on its own. Apothecaries and merchant shops will require 2 in-game days before they can restock their supply.
Now that you know some of the basics surrounding Alchemy let’s get started on several potions you’ll want to add to your collection, as well as the ingredients and where to find them.
Invisibility Potion
A fun, if a bit uncommon, the Invisibility Potion is an excellent option for Thieves and Assassins and those looking to escape danger immediately.
- Chaurus Eggs: These eggs are found in Falmer-heavy caves and Dwemmer ruins in pits generally guarded by the fully matured Chaurus creature and their Falmer masters. One excellent place to locate them is in an area called Chillwind Depths. It is west of Morthal and south of Dragon Bridge.
- Luna Moth Wings: Found in the warmer, southern forests of Skyrim, Luna Moths can be found between 8 and 11 PM. While there are no concrete locations, an excellent place to be on the lookout is Bloated Man’s Grotto, a cave north of Falkreath.
- A word of warning: Luna Moth Wings and Charurus Eggs, while an effective way of making Invisibility, will also result in making a Damage Magicka potion, which will temporarily lower your maximum Magicka amount.
- Nirnroot: A noisy, water-attracted plant is found near any river, stream, or coastal area. A place mainly that they can be found is at Sarethi Farm located in the Rift between Iverstead and Riften.
Resist Magic
An effective potion that helps protect you against hostile magic spells, reducing the damage taken by a maximum of 85%. This is excellent against enemy Mages as well as Dragon Priests and even Dragons themselves.
- Nirnroot: As explained earlier, this plant is found in shaded areas and near water. You can find it along various watery coasts and Sarethi Farm, where it can be harvested every 10 in-game days.
- Bleeding Crown: A reasonably common mushroom found in many caves across Skyrim. One place, in particular, is the aforementioned Chillwind Depths.
- Tundra Cotton & Lavender: These two plants are widespread throughout the plains of Skyrim’s open fields. In particular, they can most readily be found in and around the city of Whiterun.
Restore Stamina
A valuable, if a bit basic, potion that all Alchemists can create, Restore Stamina, will reduce the player’s fatigue immediately upon consuming, allowing them to sprint or fight for more extended periods.
- Purple Mountain Flowers: A widespread plant that is found throughout Skyrim. If you are ever in doubt as to where they may be located, walk along any paved road and you will see eventually see them growing along the path.
- Mudcrab Chitin: Another similarly common ingredient, if a bit dangerous to retrieve, the Mudcrab Chitin comes from the aggressive Mudcrab. While they can be found throughout some of the warmer lakes and rivers in Skyrim, one place in particular worth looking is in Hjaalmarch swamp between Solitude and Morthal.
- Torchbug: Small bugs that spawn around various open areas throughout Skyrim during 8 and 11 PM. They can most often be found in Bloated Man’s Grotto just above Falkreath.
- A word of warning: When mixed with Purple Flower, while the potion will produce a Restore Stamina effect, it will also have the added impact of Linger Damage Magicka, a negative magicka burning effect that can be reasonably debilitating to Mages and Spellswords.
- Orange Dartwing: Found in the Hjaalmarch Swamp, the Orange Dartwing is most commonly found near lakes and inland bodies of water.
Restore Magicka
Like Restore Stamina, Restore Magicka instantly heals your Magicka reserves to continue casting spells. These are vital for Mages, Summoners, and Spellswords and definitely should be stocked upon.
- Red Mountain Flower: Like the Purple Mountain Flower, the Red Mountain Flower is a reasonably common plant found most often near paved or open roads.
- White Cap: Another prevalent mushroom plant, the White Cap can be found in many caves throughout Skyrim. One area, in particular, is the earlier mentioned Chillwind Depths.
- Mora Tapinella: Like White Cap, this mushroom is also commonly found throughout the Skyrim province and is very easy to come across, particularly along stumps and logs in forested areas. One place to look is in Riverwood, just south of Whiterun.
- Grass Pod: Found along the coasts of Solitude, Grass Pod is a bit of a seafaring plant found all along the coastal lines of Skyrim. While not as plentiful as the other herbs, it’s relatively abundant to look in the right places.
- A word of warning: Do not combine Red Flower, Grass Pod, and White Cap under any circumstances as this will result in an added and contradictory effect of Ravage Magicka. This effect not only counteracts the Restore Magicka effect but actively reduces your maximum amount of Magicka as well.
- Creep Cluster: A strange red root found throughout Eastmarch, Creep Cluster is common throughout various places of Skyrim.
Restore Health
The Restore Health Potion falls in line with both the Restore Stamina and Restore Magicka potions. When consumed, the elixir immediately and instantaneously revitalizes your health to a certain level. Unlike the Stamina and Magicka potions, however, as Restore Health directly correlates to your overall life, it is something that all adventurers should carry large amounts of, no matter their class or profession.
- Blue Mountain Flower: Like the Red and Purple Mountain Flowers, the Blue Mountain Flower is incredibly common to find along your path throughout Skyrim. They can be located along most roads in the province.
- Swamp Pod: Swamp Pods are another plant that is found all around the swamps of Skyrim. In particular, you can find them previously referenced Hjaalmarch Swamp, though they are readily enough found in any swampy area.
- Wheat: Found in nearly all farms, towns, and cities, Wheat is a very plentiful ingredient that you should have no trouble finding. If you want a place you can find immediately, check out the farm in Rorikstead.
- A word of warning: When creating a potion, never combine Wheat with Swamp Pods. While the combination will create a Restore Health potion, it will also have Linger Damage Magicka’s added effect. Though this will not significantly affect those who are not Mages, it can still be a frustrating combination to deal with each time consumed.
- Butterfly Wing: Found particularly near Bloated Man’s Grotto, Butterfly Wings are a readily available commodity that can often be found in open plains near Falkreath and Whiterun.
And there you have it, folks. While there are several different and varied potions you can make throughout the Skyrim province, these five are an excellent foundation to make any player’s experience better. Remember, as with every other aspect of the game, the Alchemical world is varied and rife for exploration. Be sure to mix and match and find the perfect potion for you.
