Guides

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Blacksmithing Tutorial Guide

Learn the basics of blacksmithing in Skyrim with Alvor in Riverwood. Follow this tutorial to craft and temper an Iron Dagger, make Leather, and forge a Hide Helmet.

Summary

In Riverwood, the Dragonborn can talk with Alvor. By asking him to use his forge, you can prompt a tutorial. This will have Alvor go over the basics of forging and tempering both weapons and armor in Skyrim.

Location

Riverwood Blacksmithy

Walkthrough

Talk to Alvor about helping at his Forge

Asking Alvor if he needs help at his Forge

You need to find and talk with Alvor in Riverwood. Find and talk with Alvor. Ask Alvor if he needs any help around the Forge. Alvor will pass the Dragonborn some supplies and ask them to make an Iron Dagger.

Craft an Iron Dagger

Trying to use the Blacksmith Forge while Alvor attempts to

Go over to the Blacksmith Forge. If Alvor is using it, just interact with it a few times to kick him off it.

Once you can access the Blacksmith Forge, cycle over to the Weapons tab. Most of the weapons will be grayed out. But the simple Iron Dagger will be in white. Choose this option and the Dragonborn will craft their first weapon: an Iron Dagger

Bring an Iron Dagger to Alvor

Presenting Alvor the crafted Iron Dagger

Go over to Alvor. Talk with him once again. This time, tell him about the Iron Dagger you just forged. He will remark its a bit dull. He’ll pass you some more supplies and remark you should use the Grindstone nearby to sharpen the Iron Dagger.

Temper an Iron Dagger

Sitting down at the Grindstone to improve the Iron Dagger

Head over to the Eastern side of the Forge area. Just next to the table with all the items on it, you can find a Grindstone. Simply interact with it to have the Dragonborn sit down at it.

Improving the Iron Dagger to Fine Quality

All your present weapons will be displayed in this menu. Select the “Iron Dagger” and choose to Temper it. It will consume the Iron Ingot that Alvor gave you.

Bring a Tempered Iron Dagger to Alvor

Once again, find and talk with Alvor. Talk to him about the Iron Dagger that you tempered. He will remark on the improved quality of it.

Craft some Leather

The Tanning Rack sits just behind the Dragonborn in the smithy

Your next task from Alvor is to craft some leather. He will give you a piece of Elk Hide. Go over to the Tanning Rack sitting in the Northern side of the work area.

Interact with the Tanning Rack to get the option to craft the Leather. Confirm your choice and you’ll be given the Leather.

Bring the Leather to Alvor

Head back over to Alvor. Talk with him about the Leather. He’ll give you some more materials and ask you to make armor.

Craft a Hide Helmet

Time to go back to the Forge. Interact with the forge and go to the Armor tab. Select the Hide Helmet from the available options. It will be one of the few that is white. Confirm the Helmet choice to craft it.

Bring a Hide Helmet to Alvor

Go back to Alvor. Talk to him about the Hide Helmet you crafted. He has a different task for you now: Tempering. This is the process you can use to improve your weapons and armor with the right skills and materials.

Temper a Hide Helmet

Once again, Alvor will pass you the materials you need for this. Turn to the Workbench next to the stairs up into the forge. Interact with the Workbench and select the Hide Helmet. Confirm your choice and the armor rating will improve, as will the quality of the Helmet.

Bring a Tempered Hide Helmet to Alvor

Again, turn to Alvor. Talk to him about the tempered Hide Helmet. He’ll give modest praise to your work. He just asks that you remember him when you’re making Skyforge Steel.