How to Skip Quests in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Using Console Commands

In Skyrim, there is no universal “skip quest” code. The quest system is complex, with each quest having independent codes and multiple stages. You must use precise commands for specific quests.

⚠️ IMPORTANT WARNING: Abusing console commands to skip quests can cause serious problems!

• Game Progression Hangs: Subsequent quests may fail to trigger.

• Loss of Key NPCs or Items.

• Achievement System Disabled (even from entering a single command).

• Save File Corruption.
  Strong Recommendation: Only use this method if a quest has an unsolvable bug (e.g., NPC stuck, item vanished, door won’t open). Always create a manual save before using any commands.

I. The Core Step: Finding the Quest Code and Stage

This is the most crucial step and cannot be skipped.

1. Press the ~ key (key below Esc) to open the console.

2. Enter: help "Quest Name" 0.

   • For example, for the main quest: help "Dragon Rising" 0 or help "dragonrise" 0.

3. In the results, look for the line starting with QUST. That is the quest code.

4. Write down this quest code (e.g., the code for “Dragon Rising” is MQ106).

II. Two Primary Console Solutions

Solution A: Complete the Quest Entirely (Most Drastic)

• Command: completequest <QuestCode>

• Example: completequest MQ106

• Effect: All objectives for the quest are instantly marked as complete. You can proceed to the quest NPC for the final dialogue, receive the reward, and start the next quest.

• Pros: Clean and simple.

• Cons: You will miss all items, story, and exploration from the quest. If the quest has multiple outcomes, the game will choose one randomly.

Solution B: Advance the Quest to a Specific Stage (More Precise & Recommended)
This is the safer, more controlled way to “skip” past a stuck point to the next logical stage.

1. First, find the quest stage codes:

   • Command: player.sqs <QuestCode>

   • Example: player.sqs MQ106

   • Effect: The console lists all stage codes for the quest and shows which ones you’ve completed (marked with 1).

2. Choose a stage you want to jump to (usually the next logical stage after your current stuck point).

3. Use the advance command:

   • Command: setstage <QuestCode> <StageNumber>

   • Example: If you’re stuck talking to the Jarl in “Dragon Rising” and player.sqs shows the next stage is 200, enter: setstage MQ106 200

   • Pros: Can precisely bypass buggy points while preserving some quest progression and choices.

   • Cons: Requires you to judge which stage is correct.

III. Common Key Quest Codes and Stage Examples

If you don’t know the quest name, here are codes for some frequently bugged quests:

How to Use: For example, if stuck in “Diplomatic Immunity,” first enter player.sqs MQ201 to see stages, then choose a later stage (like 100) and enter setstage MQ201 100.

IV. Special Cases: Simple Commands to Skip Specific Objectives

Sometimes you don’t need to skip the whole quest, just a single stuck objective (e.g., “Talk to XXX,” but the NPC is dead).

1. Open the console and click on the stuck NPC or object (its code will appear on screen).

2. Enter: disable (makes it disappear), then enable (makes it reappear, reset). This can sometimes fix the issue.

3. For “Retrieve Item” objectives where the item is lost, use player.additem <ItemCode> 1 to add it directly to your inventory.

   • Find the item code using help "Item Name" 0.

Final Recommendations:

• SAVE YOUR GAME before trying any commands!

• Prefer using setstage over completequest.

• For complex quests, consult dedicated wiki sites like UESP Wiki or Elder Scrolls Fandom, which often have detailed stage tables and console fixes for specific bugs.

Hope this helps you overcome your obstacle and get back to enjoying your journey across Skyrim!