The Elder Scrolls V – Skyrim: How to Level Alchemy Quickly

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360, how quickly you gain skill points in Alchemy is based on the value of the potions you are creating. The higher value potion you’re making, the more skill point value you get, plain and simple.

Level Alchemy With Multiple Effect Potions & Poisons

First, you need to understand that the value of the potion does not equal the value of the ingredients used. Some of the most expensive potions are made from some of the cheapest ingredients, and some of the most expensive ingredients make some of the cheapest potions.

The value of the potion you create is based solely on the effect the potion makes. The more high quality effects you can have in one potion, the more value it will have and the faster you will level up your Alchemy skill.

For example, some of the highest value effects are Paralyze, Slow, Invisibility, and the majority of the Regenerate effects. Damage Regeneration effects are really good as well, especially Damage Regenerate Magic.

For example, here are some of the best combinations you can make in the game for high value potions:

Blue Butterfly Wing + Blue Mountain Flower + Giant’s Toe = Fortify Conjuration, Damage Magic Regeneration, Damage Stamina, Fortify HP
Bear Claws + Creep Cluster + Giant’s Toe = Fortify HP, Damage Stamina Regeneration, Fortify Carry Capacity
Blue Mountain Flower + Creep Cluster + Giant’s Toe = Fortify HP, Damage Stamina Regeneration, Fortify Carry Capacity

You’ll probably notice a pattern here, in that Giant’s Toe is used in some of the best combinations in the game.

Here are some two ingredient combinations that are really effective, since they have the most bang for your buck:

Bear Claws + Hanging Moss = Fortify HP, Fortify One Handed, Damage Magic Regeneration
Deathbell + Salt Pile = Slow
Dwarven Oil + Salt Pile = Weakness to Magic, Regenerate Magic
Luna Moth Wing + Vampire Dust = Invisibility, Regenerate HP

I especially like Deathbell + Salt pile, because you’ll notice in time the abundance of these two ingredients in the world of Skyrim.

Check out this tool to help you figure out the best combinations for the ingredients you have on hand.

Level AlchemyWith Pickpocketing

If you’re ok using a rather “cheap” method to level Alchemy extremely fast, then simply find an Alchemy skill trainer, buy a skill point, then pickpocket the money back. Arcadia in Arcadia’s Cauldron in Whiterun is an Alchemy trainer, and can teach up to the Expert level.

This trick is only effective up to 51 skill points unless you have a pickpocketing skill of 100, since after 51 skill points the cost is increased by 1000 gold, making pickpocketing much more difficult.