Bounties in Skyrim can be a major headache, especially if you’re trying to avoid conflict with the guards. If you’ve accidentally murdered someone or committed another crime, you’ll need to find a way to clear your name and get rid of your bounty. There are a few different ways to do this, and the best method for you will depend on your circumstances.
One way to get rid of a bounty is to simply pay it off. You can do this by talking to the guard captain in the hold where you committed the crime. The amount of the bounty will vary depending on the severity of the crime, but it’s usually a few hundred gold. If you don’t have enough gold to pay off your bounty, you can try to negotiate with the guard captain. They may be willing to reduce the amount of the bounty if you agree to do a favor for them, such as helping them track down a criminal.
Another way to get rid of a bounty is to serve your time in jail. This is not a very appealing option, but it is the only way to completely clear your name. The length of your sentence will depend on the severity of the crime, but it’s usually a few days or weeks. While you’re in jail, you’ll be able to work off your debt by doing chores around the prison. Once you’ve served your time, your bounty will be cleared and you’ll be free to go.
Identifying Bounties and Their Consequences
Identifying Bounties
A bounty is a fine imposed upon the Dragonborn for committing crimes within Skyrim. These crimes can range from petty theft to murder, and the severity of the crime will determine the size of the bounty. Bounties can be accumulated in any of Skyrim’s nine holds, and the total amount of bounty placed on the Dragonborn will be displayed in the Crime menu.
There are several ways to identify whether a bounty has been placed on the Dragonborn. One method is to check the Crime menu, which can be accessed by opening the Character menu and selecting the “Stats” tab. The Crime menu will list all of the crimes the Dragonborn has committed, as well as the associated bounties. Another method is to speak to a guard. Guards will often inform the Dragonborn if they have a bounty on their head, and they will also provide information on how to pay the bounty or clear the crime.
Consequences of Bounties
Having a bounty can have several negative consequences for the Dragonborn. One consequence is that guards will become hostile towards the Dragonborn and will attempt to arrest them. This can make it difficult to travel and explore Skyrim, as guards are stationed throughout the land. Another consequence is that merchants may refuse to do business with the Dragonborn, and they may even report the Dragonborn to the authorities. This can make it difficult to obtain goods and services, and it can also lead to the Dragonborn being arrested.
| Crime | Bounty |
|---|---|
| Petty Theft | 100 gold |
| Murder | 1000 gold |
| Assault | 500 gold |
| Trespassing | 100 gold |
Paying Off Bounties at Hold Guards
If you prefer a more straightforward approach, you can settle your outstanding bounties directly with the guards at any hold’s keep. This option involves physically visiting the guard captain or any guard standing at the entrance and engaging in a conversation.
Upon initiating contact with a guard, select the dialogue option related to bounties. The guard will inform you of the total amount you owe and present you with payment options. You can choose to pay the full amount, which will clear your bounty immediately. Alternatively, you can opt to pay a reduced fine by selecting the “Can I pay a reduced fine?” dialogue option. The guard will consider your circumstances and determine whether you qualify for a reduced fine.
Paying off bounties at hold guards has several advantages. Firstly, it is a direct and efficient method of settling your debts with the law. Secondly, you can potentially negotiate a reduced fine, which can save you gold if you are budgeting carefully. However, it is important to note that guards may not always be willing to accept a reduced fine, especially if your crimes are particularly severe.
| Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Full Bounty | – Clears bounty immediately – No persuasion required | – Can be expensive, especially for high bounties |
| Pay Reduced Fine | – Potentially cheaper than paying full bounty – Can negotiate with guards | – May not be available for all crimes – Requires persuasion skills |
Clearing Your Bounty by Serving Time
Serving time is a surefire way to clear your bounty in Skyrim. It’s not the most pleasant experience, but it’s the most effective. To serve time, you need to find a guard and surrender. They will arrest you and take you to the local jail. You will then be given the option to serve your sentence or pay your fine.
If you choose to serve your sentence, you will be taken to a cell and locked up. You will not be able to leave until your sentence is complete. You will also lose all of your items, so be sure to store them somewhere safe before surrendering.
The length of your sentence will depend on the severity of your crime. Minor crimes will result in shorter sentences, while major crimes will result in longer sentences. You can also reduce your sentence by completing tasks for the guards. For example, you can clean the cells or help out in the kitchen.
Serving time can be a long and boring process, but it is the most effective way to clear your bounty. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of your bounty, you should consider paying your fine instead.
Things to Keep in Mind When Serving Time
Here are a few things to keep in mind when serving time in Skyrim:
- You will lose all of your items when you are arrested. Be sure to store them somewhere safe before surrendering.
- The length of your sentence will depend on the severity of your crime.
- You can reduce your sentence by completing tasks for the guards.
- Serving time can be a long and boring process, but it is the most effective way to clear your bounty.
Table of Sentence Lengths
| Crime | Sentence Length |
|---|---|
| Minor crime | 1-3 days |
| Major crime | 4-10 days |
| Severe crime | 11-30 days |
Using a Restoration Potion or Spell
Using a Restoration potion or spell is another effective way to remove bounty. These items can be purchased from alchemists or found as loot throughout the game. Restoration potions restore your health, which also reduces your bounty by a small amount. Restoration spells can also be used to remove bounties, but they require more magicka to cast than potions.
Restoration Potions
Restoration potions can be purchased from alchemists or found as loot throughout the game. They come in various strengths, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your level.
Restoration Spells
Restoration spells can be learned from trainers or found as scrolls. They require more magicka to cast than potions, but they can also remove larger bounties.
| Potion | Effect |
|---|---|
| Minor Healing Potion | Restores 25 health, reduces bounty by 5 |
| Major Healing Potion | Restores 50 health, reduces bounty by 10 |
| Superior Healing Potion | Restores 75 health, reduces bounty by 15 |
| Ultimate Healing Potion | Restores 100 health, reduces bounty by 20 |
Casting the Calm Spell
Casting the Calm spell is a simple and effective way to temporarily pacify a guard who is pursuing you. To cast the Calm spell, you will need to have the Illusion skill at level 15. Once you have the required skill level, you can purchase the Calm spell from any Illusion trainer or find it as loot in various locations throughout Skyrim.
To cast the Calm spell, simply equip the spell in your left hand and press the corresponding button to cast it. The spell will affect any nearby guard who is pursuing you, causing them to become temporarily passive. This will give you time to escape or talk to the guard to clear your bounty.
The duration of the Calm spell is determined by your Illusion skill level. At level 15, the spell will last for 30 seconds. For each additional level in Illusion, the duration of the spell will increase by 5 seconds. This means that at level 100, the Calm spell will last for 80 seconds.
It is important to note that the Calm spell will not work on guards who are in combat with other enemies. Additionally, the spell will be less effective on guards who have a higher level than you. If you are having trouble casting the Calm spell on a particular guard, you may need to level up your Illusion skill or find a different way to avoid them.
| Illusion Skill Level | Calm Spell Duration |
|---|---|
| 15 | 30 seconds |
| 20 | 35 seconds |
| 25 | 40 seconds |
| 30 | 45 seconds |
| 35 | 50 seconds |
| 40 | 55 seconds |
| 45 | 60 seconds |
| 50 | 65 seconds |
| 55 | 70 seconds |
| 60 | 75 seconds |
| 65 | 80 seconds |
Joining the Thieves Guild
Joining the Thieves Guild is a great way to get rid of a bounty in Skyrim. Once you join the guild, you will be given access to the guild’s sanctuary, which is a safe place where you can hide from the guards. You will also be able to receive quests from the guild, which can help you earn money and level up your skills. To join the Thieves Guild, you must first find and speak to Brynjolf in Riften. He will give you a quest to steal a ring from a merchant. Once you have completed this quest, you will be inducted into the guild.
Once you are a member of the Thieves Guild, you can use the guild’s sanctuary to store stolen items and hide from the guards. You can also receive quests from the guild, which can help you earn money and level up your skills. The Thieves Guild is a great way to get rid of a bounty in Skyrim and make some money on the side.
Benefits of Joining the Thieves Guild
There are many benefits to joining the Thieves Guild, including:
- Access to the guild’s sanctuary, which is a safe place to hide from the guards
- The ability to receive quests from the guild, which can help you earn money and level up your skills
- The ability to fence stolen goods at the guild’s secret market
- The ability to learn new skills, such as lockpicking and pickpocketing
- The ability to make new friends and allies
How to Join the Thieves Guild
To join the Thieves Guild, you must first find and speak to Brynjolf in Riften. He will give you a quest to steal a ring from a merchant. Once you have completed this quest, you will be inducted into the guild.
| Rank | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Novice | Complete the quest “A Chance Arrangement” |
| Apprentice | Reach level 25 and have a speech skill of 50 |
| Journeyman | Reach level 50 and have a sneak skill of 75 |
| Expert | Reach level 75 and have a lockpicking skill of 100 |
| Master | Reach level 100 and have a pickpocketing skill of 100 |
Completing the Diplomatic Immunity Quest
The Diplomatic Immunity quest offers a convenient solution to eliminating your bounty in Skyrim. To initiate this quest, approach Thorald Gray-Mane outside the Blue Palace in Solitude. He’ll inform you of an Thalmor embassy party being held in the city.
Infiltrating the Embassy
To infiltrate the embassy, don a Thalmor uniform found at the Abandoned Shack east of Solitude. Once inside, avoid detection by guards and make your way to the party’s location in the main hall. Here, you’ll find Elenwen, the Thalmor leader, who will task you with obtaining a document from Legate Rikke.
Acquiring the Document
Approach Rikke and request the document. Obtain it through persuasion, bribery, or force. Return to Elenwen with the document, and she’ll grant you amnesty for any crimes committed against the Thalmor.
Paying Off the Bounty
With Elenwen’s amnesty, your bounty in Solitude will be cleared. However, bounties from other holds will still need to be paid. Visit the Jarl’s steward or local guards to settle these additional charges.
Additional Considerations
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Eliminates bounty in Solitude | Potentially requires combat or deception |
| May grant access to unique dialogue options | Involves dealing with the Thalmor |
| Can be completed at any level | May require additional travel to clear bounties in other holds |
Using Console Commands (PC only)
Before using console commands, ensure that the player character is not in combat or in a menu. Open the console by pressing the tilde key (~) and enter the following command.
player.paycrimegold 0
This command will clear any bounty that is currently active.
If a specific bounty needs to be cleared, use the following command:
paycrimegold [amount]
Replace [amount] with the bounty amount that needs to be paid.
The following table includes console commands to clear bounties in specific holds:
| Hold | Console Command |
|---|---|
| Falkreath | paycrimegold 0 0002517D |
| Haafingar | paycrimegold 0 00025185 |
| Hjaalmarch | paycrimegold 0 00025187 |
| The Pale | paycrimegold 0 00025189 |
| The Reach | paycrimegold 0 0002518B |
| Rift | paycrimegold 0 0002518D |
| The Reach | paycrimegold 0 0002518F |
| Whiterun | paycrimegold 0 00025191 |
| Winterhold | paycrimegold 0 00025181 |
Avoiding Bounties by Using Stealth and Illusion
If you want to avoid bounties, using stealth and illusion magic can be incredibly effective. Here’s how to do it:
Stealth
By using stealth, you can avoid detection and prevent witnesses from reporting your crimes. Here are some tips:
- Sneak around whenever possible, even when you’re not trying to avoid bounties.
- Use the Sneak skill to level up and increase your stealthiness.
- Use potions or enchantments that increase your Sneak skill.
- Avoid wearing heavy armor, as it can make you more noticeable.
Illusion
Illusion magic can be used to manipulate the minds of others, making them forget about your crimes or even fight on your side.
- Use the Muffle spell to reduce the noise you make while sneaking.
- Cast the Calm spell on witnesses to make them forget about your actions.
- Use the Frenzy spell on enemies to make them attack each other instead of you.
- Learn the Illusion perk that allows you to cast spells on multiple targets at once.
| Spell | Effect |
|---|---|
| Muffle | Reduces the noise you make while sneaking. |
| Calm | Makes witnesses forget about your actions. |
| Frenzy | Makes enemies attack each other instead of you. |
By using stealth and illusion effectively, you can avoid detection and prevent bounties from being placed on your head.
Resetting Bounties Through Cheats or Exploits
Utilizing console commands or exploiting game mechanics can effectively remove bounties. Be aware that these methods may compromise the integrity of your game or prevent certain achievements from being obtained.
10. Exploiting the Jail System
Allowing yourself to be arrested and serving your sentence will reset your bounties. However, this method requires time and may result in the loss of some items.
Console Command for PC Users
Open the console with the tilde (~) key and enter the following commands to reset your bounty:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| player.paycrimegold 0 | Pays off all bounties |
| player.setcrimegold 0 | Resets the bounty on the current hold |
| coc qasmoke | Teleports you to a secret location where you can reset bounties |
How To Get Rid Of Bounty In Skyrim
If you’ve been caught committing crimes in Skyrim, you’ll likely have a bounty on your head. This can make it difficult to travel and interact with other characters, as guards will be after you. There are a few ways to get rid of a bounty in Skyrim, including:
- Pay It Off: You can pay off your bounty at any guard tower or city gate. The amount you have to pay will depend on the severity of your crime.
- Escape: If you’re caught committing a crime, you can try to escape from the guards. If you’re successful, your bounty will be removed.
- Surrender: You can surrender to the guards at any time. This will result in you being taken to jail, but your bounty will be removed.
People Also Ask
What Happens If I Don’t Pay Off My Bounty?
If you don’t pay off your bounty, the guards will continue to pursue you. They may also confiscate your belongings and arrest you.
Can I Get Away With A Bounty On My Head?
It is possible to get away with a bounty on your head, but it can be difficult. You’ll need to avoid being caught by the guards, and you’ll need to be careful not to commit any more crimes.
How Can I Avoid Getting A Bounty?
The best way to avoid getting a bounty is to not commit any crimes. However, if you do commit a crime, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of being caught:
- Don’t Wear Incriminating Clothing: If you’re wearing clothes that are associated with a particular crime, you’re more likely to be stopped by the guards.
- Avoid Being Seen Committing Crimes: If you’re going to commit a crime, try to do it in a secluded area where you won’t be seen.
- Use Stealth: If you’re good at sneaking, you can use it to avoid being caught by the guards.
