Raven Rock is the chief settlement on Solstheim, the massive island between the island of Vvardenfell and Skyrim's mainland introduced in the Dragonborn DLC for Skyrim. It's the central hub for players taking on the Morrowind-themed expansion and features lots of unique characters, side quests, and other content that shouldn't be passed up.
The question isn't necessarily how to get to Raven Rock, but how to find a ship that will take a player to Solstheim. Although Skyrim is one of the largest RPGs ever made, it's not possible to swim across the Sea of Ghosts. To get to Raven Rock players will have to take a carriage to the oldest city in Skyrim, then find someone to take them across the water.
Updated February 27th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: Skyrim still continues to dominate the minds of gamers well after its release, with many flocking back to the game in a ritualistic fashion each year. Like Minecraft and other "come and go games," there is something therapeutic about starting another playthrough of Skyrim. The release of the Anniversary Edition helped to reignite many players' love for the release and some have come back to find even more quests and NPCs they missed in previous playthroughs. Those looking to tackle the Dragonborn DLC this time around will need to make their way to Raven Rock in Solstheim, but getting there can be a bit confusing. To better help players get to Raven Rock in Skyrim, the following guide has been updated with more information.
Solstheim, Morrowind, and Miraak
Solstheim is the main setting of the Dragonborn DLC, though some side quests take the player back to the Skyrim mainland for minor tasks. It's an island once controlled by the Nords that was philanthropically given to the Dunmer people after the destruction of Red Mountain and the ashen fallout that plagued Vvardenfell soon after.
In the Dragonborn DLC players are pitted against an ancient foe: Miraak, the first Dragonborn, a Dragon Priest, and champion of Hermaeus Mora. While the main quest is relatively short, other features unique to Solstheim (like the Telvanni Wizard Neloth and the recently-released creation Ghosts of the Tribunal) make the trip to the House Redoran-controlled Raven Rock worthwhile.
How to Get to Raven Rock and Solstheim
Upon defeating the dragon at the watchtower near Whiterun players hear the Greybeards beckon them to High Hrothgar. Continue the main questline until you have picked up "The Horn Of Jurgen Windcaller" after visiting the Greybeards for the first time. After this, there is a random chance for Cultists to appear and confront the Dragonborn anywhere in Skyrim. They are guaranteed to appear in Whiterun if you want to get straight to Raven Rock and the Dragonborn DLC. The Cultists should drop a note, which begins the first quest in Dragonborn.
After that, head to Windhelm (take a carriage with Survival Mode enabled) and go straight to the docks. Look for a Nord named Gjalund Salt-Sage, the owner of The Northern Maiden who can be typically found wandering the deck of his ship. Talk to Gjalund, ask him to take you to Solstheim, then either bribe, persuade, or intimidate your way into convincing him to make the journey again. After a short loading screen and introductory cutscene, you will arrive in Raven Rock!
What Can Players Find In Raven Rock?
Although Raven Rock is simply one small part of Solstheim, there are actually quite a few quests and points of interest for players to uncover there. Here's a look at some of the best quests that players may want to keep an eye out for when traveling to Raven Rock.
- An Axe to Find - Players should snag this quest from Glover Mallory as soon as possible if they plan on crafting any Stalhrim weapons or armor. The reward for this quest is an Ancient Nordic Pickaxe, which is require to mine the Stahlrim ore necessary to create these types of items.
- The Final Descent - Players interested in getting some great gear will want to immediately head to Crescius Caerellius at Raven Rock Mine and begin "The Final Descent." Players that complete this task are rewarded with the Bloodskal Greatsword, which can unleash a powerful energy blast, as well as a piece of the Dragon Aspect shout. They'll also be able to snag the Zahkriisos mask from a Dragon Priest, which helps increase both Shock resistance from enemies and Shock damage with personal spells.
- Served Cold - Captain Veleth will start players on the path towards completing "Served Cold," an important questline that will reward the Dragonborn with a hefty purse of gold and a residence to use as they see fit in Solstheim. Once players have completed the quest they'll receive up to 10,000 gold and also be given access to Severin Manor, their own personal home in the city of Raven Rock.
Aside from quests, there's also another follower for the Dragonborn to recruit while visiting Raven Rock. Teldryn Sero claims that he's the best swordsman in all of Morrowind and players can see the sellsword in action by hiring him for 500 gold. To snag the Dunmer and put him on their team, players will have to find him at The Retching Netch, Raven Rock's premier inn.
Skyrim Special Edition is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S