Skyrim: How To Power Level Sneak
Skyrim's Sneak skill will come in handy for any Dragonborn warrior, so here's our guide to power leveling it quickly and efficiently!
Whether you want to sneak attack or bypass enemies to avoid fighting, the Sneak skill will get you far in Skyrim. It’s incredibly versatile, and no doubt one of the best skills you can max out early game. And, luckily for you, it’s conveniently easy to power level Sneak right from the game’s very tutorial stage.
In this guide, you’ll find an explanation for how Sneak leveling works, as well as tips to power level your Dragonborn to level 100. In no time, you’ll be able to sidle past any NPC in broad daylight without getting spotted!
How Leveling Sneak Works
You mainly gain experience for the Sneak skill in two ways: for remaining undetected while in sneak mode (aka crouching) and for landing sneak attacks. Both will get you a decent amount of experience, but sneak attacks will grant you more based on the damage dealt. Additionally, sneaking near hostile NPCs will level you up even faster than sneaking around a friendly NPC.
Essentially, the fastest way to power level Sneak is by landing sneak attacks on invincible or high-HP NPCs. Or, of course, by taking advantage of exploits.
Easiest Ways to Power Level Sneak
Surprisingly, you can level up your Sneak skill to 100 before you even leave the game’s tutorial area, Helgen. While there are a few areas in Helgen to sneak around, the best moment is in the cave with the bear. Just crouch next to Ralof or Hadvar and continually sneak into the wall near the bear. Since the game considers the bear a hostile NPC, sneaking near it will grant you experience; if you sneak for a while, you can rack up enough to get to 100. While this method may be boring, it’s an easy way to start the game with the highest level of Sneak possible.
If you prefer a more active method, you could also take the opportunity to perform sneak attacks on Ralof and Hadvar while in this cave. Dual-wielding weapons like daggers and performing a double stab will give you way more experience than simply sneaking.
The good news is that Ralof and Hadvar will not become hostile, as they’re mainly tutorial NPCs. Wailing on them for a bit should quickly get you to level 100 with no issue. Though, if you decided to play as an Altmer (summer elf), your Fury spell could provoke them into attacking you.
Another easy set of NPCs to sneak attack is the Greybeards in High Hrothgar. Performing sneak attacks on them won’t trigger hostile actions from them, especially if you’re sneaking behind a kneeling Greybeard. If you’re nervous about any potential repercussions, just do a quicksave and continue leveling!
Lastly, areas like forts are full of Thalmor or bandits to practice sneaking around. NPCs like bandits will always be hostile to you, so gaining sneak experience around them should substantially increase your skill. The Goldenglow Estate area is full of hostile guards (if you left them alive during the Thieves Guild quest), making it a great place to practice your Sneak as well.
Those are our tips for power leveling Sneak! Be sure to check back here for more tips on power leveling other essential Skyrim skills.
Natalie Schmidt
@bynatalies
Natalie (She/Her) is a writer and game design enthusiast hailing from way-too-sunny Los Angeles. She loves to dissect game narrative and analyze mechanics, but she doesn’t even want to think about how many hours she’s spent playing D&D or The Witcher 3. Aside from triple-A adventures, she’s passionate about RPGs of all kinds and meaningful representation in games
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