Table of contents
Complete Guide to the 'Containment' Quest in Skyrim
Introduction
The 'Containment' quest is a pivotal part of the Dawnguard expansion in Skyrim, where players find themselves dealing with the enigmatic vampire Lord Harkon and the ancient powers of the Soul Cairn. This quest is rich in lore and challenges, making it essential for any Skyrim player eager to explore the depths of the Dawnguard storyline. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough that will help you navigate through the various challenges and complete the quest effectively.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
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Starting the Quest
- To begin 'Containment', you need to have progressed sufficiently in the Dawnguard questline. You will receive the quest directly after completing 'A New Order'.
- Speak to Isran at Fort Dawnguard to get the latest mission details.
- He will inform you about preparations to capture a vampire and the need to explore the Soul Cairn.
- To begin 'Containment', you need to have progressed sufficiently in the Dawnguard questline. You will receive the quest directly after completing 'A New Order'.
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Heading to the Soul Cairn
- Once you have accepted the quest, you must travel to the Soul Cairn.
- You can reach the Soul Cairn by speaking to Serana, after which she will open a portal.
- Ensure you’re adequately prepared for the Soul Cairn environment—bring potions and equipment suitable for combat against undead and other foes.
- Once you have accepted the quest, you must travel to the Soul Cairn.
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Finding the Soul Gem
- Upon arrival at the Soul Cairn, your first objective is to locate the Soul Gem that is required for your plan.
- Follow the path and navigate through the ruins, carefully avoiding or defeating any hostile spirits.
- You will encounter various NPCs and souls that will provide clues about the Soul Gem's location.
- Upon arrival at the Soul Cairn, your first objective is to locate the Soul Gem that is required for your plan.
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Dealing with the Keepers
- As you proceed, you will encounter Keepers—powerful protectors of the Soul Cairn.
- Engage them with caution; they can deal significant damage.
- Focus on ranged attacks to keep your distance.
- Use your shouts and magical abilities to incapacitate them.
- Engage them with caution; they can deal significant damage.
- As you proceed, you will encounter Keepers—powerful protectors of the Soul Cairn.
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Finding the Portal and Entering the Soul Gem's Chamber
- After defeating the Keepers, locate the portal leading to the chamber where the Soul Gem is kept.
- Look for the structure that stands out; it typically has a distinctive glow.
- Use the portal to enter the chamber.
- After defeating the Keepers, locate the portal leading to the chamber where the Soul Gem is kept.
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Corrupting the Soul Gems
- Inside, you will find several Soul Gems. You need to corrupt one to use in the summoning.
- Interact with the gems carefully—the right one will trigger a cutscene.
- Choose the option to corrupt the Soul Gem when prompted.
- This will unleash the soul contained within, leading to a confrontation.
- Interact with the gems carefully—the right one will trigger a cutscene.
- Inside, you will find several Soul Gems. You need to corrupt one to use in the summoning.
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Confronting the Soul of the Keeper
- Engage in a boss fight with the corralled soul—this will be your biggest challenge.
- Use your best weapons and abilities to deal with the spirit.
- Take advantage of the environment; evade attacks and utilize cover.
- Once defeated, the soul will grant you access to the desired gem.
- Use your best weapons and abilities to deal with the spirit.
- Engage in a boss fight with the corralled soul—this will be your biggest challenge.
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Returning to Fort Dawnguard
- After acquiring the corrupted Soul Gem, you need to return to Fort Dawnguard.
- Travel back through the Soul Cairn and take the portal once again.
- Prepare for possible ambushes or challenges during your return journey.
- After acquiring the corrupted Soul Gem, you need to return to Fort Dawnguard.
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Setting the Trap
- Upon your return, speak to Isran and Serana to initiate the setup for capturing Harkon.
- Stand by during the cutscene as preparations are made.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by Isran to set the trap correctly.
- Upon your return, speak to Isran and Serana to initiate the setup for capturing Harkon.
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Confronting Harkon
- Once the trap is set, Harkon will appear. This is the turning point of the quest.
- Battle Harkon with your strongest strategies, utilizing the corrupted gem effectively.
- Be cautious of his attacks; healing spells and stamina potions will be invaluable in this fight.
- Once the trap is set, Harkon will appear. This is the turning point of the quest.
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Completing the Quest
- Upon defeating Harkon, a concluding scene will tie up the events of 'Containment'.
- Reflect on the storyline and your choices that impacted the outcome.
- You will officially complete the quest.
- Upon defeating Harkon, a concluding scene will tie up the events of 'Containment'.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the 'Containment' quest in Skyrim. This journey not only immerses you deeper into the complexities of the Dawnguard storyline but also tests your skill as a warrior. Continue your adventures in Skyrim, exploring the rich landscapes and engaging in more quests as you uncover the mysteries of Tamriel. Happy gaming!