Unveiling Skyrim's Overlooked Gem: A Fortune in Disguise

One of the great things about Skyrim was the wide range of play styles available to players. Whether you preferred a sneaky assassin, a magic-wielding one-handed user, or a tank with a shield and sword, the game allowed players to embody almost any character they could imagine. As a result, certain skills were often overlooked during playthroughs. For instance, a sneaky assassin probably wouldn't invest many points in the Two-Handed weapon skill tree.

However, there were some skills and features that were universally beneficial across all play styles, benefiting every Dragonborn regardless of their class. One such skill was the Alchemy skill, and the potions that came with it. Skyrim's potions were incredibly useful in numerous ways for any class, ranging from basic healing potions to potions that enhanced skill leveling when practicing a craft like smithing. Unlike in Oblivion, potions in Skyrim couldn't be made just anywhere; they required an Alchemy Lab to be created.

Skyrim's Potions are Ridiculously Lucrative

A highly valuable and sought-after potion in Skyrim can be crafted by combining Histcarp, Jazbay Grapes, and Salmon Roe. This particular concoction grants the drinker the abilities of Water Breathing, Fortify Magicka, Fortify Magicka Regeneration, and Restore Stamina. Despite its seemingly ordinary ingredients, when brewed with the appropriate perks, equipment, and enhancements, this potion can fetch a staggering price of over 10,000 Septims. Additionally, there is another potion in Skyrim that proves to be exceptionally useful for advancing the Alchemy skill. By utilizing Fly Amanita, Dragon's Tongue, and Scaly Pholiota, a four-effect potion can be created, which is particularly advantageous due to the availability of greenhouse and planters in the Hearthfire expansion.

Potions are More Than a Money-Maker in Skyrim

Potions in Skyrim serve as more than just a means to earn money or level up quickly; they are a vital component for any class in combat and for enhancing skills such as Smithing. With a wide range of potions available, each with its own unique effects, they have proven to be a lifesaver for many players in any situation the Dragonborn may encounter. This makes potions a formidable asset in Skyrim, worth investing in even if they are purchased from vendors rather than crafted.

One particularly valuable potion in Skyrim is the Blacksmith Potion, which grants the Fortify Smithing effect. While this potion does not directly impact the stats of armor or weapon crafting, it significantly enhances the process of improving them at a grindstone or workbench. When combined with enchanted gear, the effects of the potion stack, resulting in even greater improvements. Enhancing weapons and armor directly correlates to an increase in the Smithing skill, based on the strength of the enhancement made. Consuming a Blacksmith's Elixir enhances weapon and armor improvement by 50% for a duration of 30 seconds, which includes the time spent in the smithing process.

In The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, the Blacksmith Potion offers practical benefits as it enhances the Dragonborn's Smithing skill while significantly increasing the quality of improved items. To surpass the base improvement, the Dragonborn must possess the necessary perks in the Smithing skill tree and utilize the Blacksmith Elixir. With this combination, it becomes feasible to enhance Legendary items beyond their stat limitations. Skyrim is playable on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.