Unbound

1. The Cart to Helgen

You begin bound in a cart rolling toward the village of Helgen, captured alongside Ulfric Stormcloak, the rebel Ralof, and a horse thief. Let the opening dialogue play out — there are no choices to make yet. When the cart stops, you'll be led toward the executioner's block.

When your name isn't on the Imperial list, Captain Falx will order your execution anyway. Step up to the block when prompted.

2. Character Creation

As you approach the block, the game opens the character creator. Your race is the only mechanically important choice — it sets starting skill bonuses and a racial power.

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  Pick for your build

  Nord (warrior/frost resist), High Elf/Altmer (mage, +50 Magicka), Wood Elf/Bosmer or Khajiit (stealth archer). See our Races & Builds guide for the full breakdown.

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  Appearance is free to change later

  You can edit your face any time in Riften via the Ragged Flagon, so don't overthink it.

3. Alduin Attacks

Just as the axe is about to fall, Alduin — the black World-Eater dragon — descends on Helgen. In the chaos you're free. Follow either survivor:

Sprint into the Keep to escape the dragon's fire breath. Along the way, grab gold and potions from the burning buildings if you like.

4. Escaping the Keep

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  Free your hands & gear up

  Your companion cuts your bindings. Loot the fallen soldier for light or heavy armor to match your build, and pick up a weapon.

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  The torture room

  Further in you'll find a torturer and cages. One cage holds a dead mage with gold and a spell tome — lockpick it if you can. Grab the coin purses on the tables.

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  The cave & sneak tutorial

  You reach a natural cave with a few frostbite spiders, then a sleeping bear. This is the game's stealth tutorial — crouch (Sneak) and slip past, or take it down with a bow for early XP. Follow the light to the exit.

5. Chapter Complete

You emerge into the wilderness near Riverwood. Your companion suggests visiting their relative there. From Riverwood, the road to Whiterun — and your destiny as the Dragonborn — begins.