The Ultimate Skyrim: Mastering The Jagged Crown Quest Guide

In The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, one of the central storylines revolves around the civil war between the Empire and the Stormcloaks. During the opening sequence, players are required to select a side, but regardless of their initial choice, they have the opportunity to join either faction later on. They can do so by either traveling to Solitude and speaking with General Tullius or going to Windhelm and conversing with Ulfric Stormcloak.

After completing the initiation quest, players are then tasked with finding the legendary Jagged Crown, an item that carries significant importance for both factions. This quest, titled "The Jagged Crown," remains largely the same regardless of whether players align themselves with the Imperials or the Stormcloaks. It serves as the final opportunity for players in Skyrim to make a decisive choice regarding their allegiance.

Getting Started

After completing their initiation quest, whether it be clearing out a fort for the Imperials or defeating an ice wraith for the Stormcloaks, players will return to find the faction leaders discussing the importance of obtaining the Jagged Crown in order to gain favor with the Jarls of Skyrim. Galmar Stone-Fist will lead the Stormcloaks' expedition to Korvanjund, while Legate Rikke will lead the Imperials. Regardless of the faction chosen, both leaders will seek the assistance of the Dragonborn.

Players are responsible for finding their own way to Korvanjund, but the quest marker will not guide them to the ruins directly. Instead, it will lead them to a group of soldiers located just north of the ruin, where Galmar or Rikke will be waiting. If players aligned themselves with the same faction they initially chose in Helgen, Hadvar will be present as part of the Imperial force, or Ralof will join the Stormcloaks.

Either way, the other faction has arrived at Korvanjund ahead of

Korvanjund Entrance

Upon entering the initial grand chamber, the leader of the expedition will issue instructions for the troops to quietly approach and launch an attack upon his signal. However, it should be noted that players have the freedom to disregard these instructions and proceed forthrightly. Regardless of the chosen course of action, the player faction will effortlessly overpower any opposition encountered.

In the adjacent room, the most viable route appears to be a narrow staircase. Anticipating an ambush, the leader will direct the Dragonborn to seek an alternative path to surprise the attackers. Prior to doing so, it is advisable to thoroughly search the burial urns in the room for gold, jewelry, and potions. To progress, players can ascend the stairs and follow the upper path along the room's edges, leading to a corridor aligning with the staircase.

The subsequent chamber is adorned with suspended lanterns and oil puddles. Discreet players can topple a lantern, instantly dispatching an enemy soldier. Once engaged in combat or detected, the expedition leader will enter and eliminate the remaining adversaries. They will then proceed straight up the stairs and into the following chamber, where they and their soldiers will congregate around a deceased draugr, engaging in a discussion about the undead. The doorway to the succeeding area lies just ahead.

However, players should backtrack before proceeding any further. Within the spacious chamber adorned with numerous lanterns, there lies a staircase that ascends towards a colossal chest. While the chest itself is disappointingly vacant, nestled beside it awaits Jornibret's Last Dance, a skill book dedicated to Light Armor proficiency. Furthermore, occupying a corner of the room is a smaller chest, conveniently placed near the entrance to the draugr-infested chamber.

Korvanjund Hall

Continue battling through a small group of enemy soldiers until players come across a swinging pendulum trap on the left. Skillfully evade the swinging pendulums in order to access a chest containing valuable loot. Be cautious and disable the trap by operating the nearby lever.

Beyond the trap lies a lengthy corridor known as the Hall of Stories, leading towards a claw-shaped door at the opposite end. Fortunately, the enemy faction has discovered the Ebony Claw, essential for unlocking the door, and it is conveniently placed next to a deceased soldier beneath the door. Players can easily identify the correct combination by observing the symbols on the claw or by examining the item in their inventory. The proper alignment consists of the Fox, Moth, and Dragon symbols. Once these symbols are correctly arranged on the door, the Ebony Claw can be utilized to activate the button and open the door.

Upon passing through the door, players will enter another expansive chamber. However, progress is hindered by a gate blocking the way forward. The expedition leader will advise the group to split up and search for a means to unlock the gate. Once again, it will be up to the player to unravel this conundrum.

Start by proceeding straight ahead and then turning right to locate a corridor that will guide you to the upper level. Seek out a table along the way, where a dagger can be found. You have the option of either acquiring the dagger or relocating it in order to raise a weighted panel, thus unlocking a concealed door. Although this door does not lead to your intended path, it does grant access to a sizable chest brimming with valuable treasures. Prior to opening it, ensure that you carefully disarm the trap situated on the left side of the chest.

The switch for the gate is located beyond the dagger door. Proceed along the upper path, cross the bridge, search the chest, and then examine the wall to the left of the bridge to discover the switch and an additional burial urn. Activating this switch will awaken the draugr in the room, causing them to emerge from their sarcophagi and attack, so be prepared for a battle.

Beyond the Korvanjund Halls lies the Korvanjund Crypt. Players will find themselves in a room filled with bookshelves, with a throne and a draugr just beyond. The Jagged Crown rests upon the head of the draugr, but players must defeat it and two more powerful draugr to claim the crown. Either Hadvar, Ralof, or a soldier will spot the crown and attempt to seize it, initiating the fight, although players can opt for a sneak attack to begin the encounter if they wish.

Once all the draugr have been defeated, players can retrieve the Jagged Crown from the deceased king. The leader of the expedition will then instruct the player to bring it back to their faction. However, before doing so, it is advisable to thoroughly search the chest located behind the throne and acquire the "Time" Shout word from the Word Wall positioned at the rear of the chamber. Adjacent to the Word Wall, a shortcut can be found which leads back up to the entrance of Korvanjund. By unlocking a barred door, players can swiftly exit the barrow.

What to Do with the Jagged Crown

Players will now be directed to their chosen faction's headquarters with the quest marker for "The Jagged Crown." However, unbeknownst to them, a hidden opportunity arises for one final chance to change allegiances. By bringing the Jagged Crown to either General Tullius or Ulfric Stormcloak, leaders of the opposing faction, the Dragonborn will be pardoned for their previous affiliation and granted permission to switch sides.

Regardless, this decision will solidify the Dragonborn's allegiances. Although players are not obligated to progress further in the Civil War narrative, they will only have the opportunity to undertake missions and achieve victories for the faction in possession of the Jagged Crown.

The highly acclaimed game, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, can be enjoyed on various platforms, including PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.