Skyrim Guide: How To Join The Thieves Guild

Getting what you want is important in Skyrim. Maybe you don’t want to work for it, or pay for it. Maybe you just want to take it. If the life of a sneaky thief is the life for you, then you are in the right place. Here is our guide on how to join the Thieves Guild in Skyrim.

Thieves Guild Step One: Right Place, Right Time

Credit: Bethesda

Your first step is to head to Riften. If you haven’t been, you’ll be accosted by the guard at the gate. He will tell you there’s a toll you must pay in order to enter the city. No such toll exists, at least not in the eyes of the law- whatever law there may be in Riften. Persuade the guard that there is no toll, and let him know you’re on to his little scheme. He will shush you and hurry you inside.

Once inside the city, head toward the market in the middle of town. There you will be approached by Brynjolf. If it is nighttime when you arrive, he can be found at the Bee and Barb tavern. Speak with him, he will tell you the guard outside works for him, and that he is impressed with how you handled the guard’s extracurricular activities. He will also have a task for you.

Thieves Guild Step Two: Get Your Hands Dirty

Credit: Bethesda

Brynjolf is pretty cavalier about what he expects of you. He asks that you head to the market and steal a silver ring from a merchant called Madesi. Then, while Brynjolf causes a distraction, you are to plant the ring on Brand-Shei, framing him for the crime. Seemingly, Brand-Shei has crossed Brynjolf and his associates and this is how they seek to punish him. Provided you are any way capable of stealth and pickpocketing, this quest is fairly easy to complete.

Successfully steal the ring from Madesi and plant it on Brand-Shei will cause the guards to come and arrest Brand-Shei for theft. Brynjolf will be pleased, he will pay you and offer an invitation to join his organisation. However, if your conscience is uneasy at the thought of framing an innocent man, there is another way.

Step Two Point Five: Keep Your Hands Clean (For Now)

Credit: Bethesda

If, for some reason, you want to join the thieve’s guild but have an issue with this quest that involves, you know, thieving, there is another way. Regardless of whether you pull off this particular heist or not, Brynjolf will still invite you into the guild. He’ll be disappointed if you fail, and he won’t pay you, but he still sees potential in you.

Now, there are multiple ways to fail this quest. Getting caught and arrested would do it, but that is a bit excessive. Once Brynjolf begins his distraction, this is your opportunity to fail miserably. Entering any building during his distraction will ruin your opportunity and fail the quest. As said, Brynjolf will still invite you in, so not much harm done. This will keep Brand-Shei out of jail, so your conscience is clear and you keep a merchant available for later.

Thieve’s Guild Step Three: Into The Underworld

Credit: Bethesda

Once you are done with Brynjolf’s little job, he will ask you to meet him in the Ragged Flagon. This is a tavern under Riften accessible through the Ratway, and serves as home and headquarters for the Thieves Guild. Brynjolf is a member of the guild and is initiating you into it. Meet him there for your next job.

Getting to the Ragged Flagon isn’t exactly straightforward. Head into the Ratway through the door beneath the market. Head through the sewer and you will meet bandits, an orc looking for a fight, and even a ghost. Just past the room the ghost is in you’ll find another bandit in a room with a table, when you do you know you’re in the right place. Deal with him, then head through the next door to the Ragged Flagon to speak with Brynjolf.

Brynjolf will give you your next quest, called Taking Care of Business. This involves roughing up some business owners who owe the guild money, so I’m sure you’ll sleep well tonight! Complete this job to be inducted into the guild. Continue working with Brynjolf and the others to progress and work your way up the ranks of the guild.

That is our guide on how to join the Thieves Guild in Skyrim. For more tips and tricks on how to succeed in Skyrim, check out our guide to joining the Dark Brotherhood or The Companions, or since you’re here you would probably be interested in learning how to make money quickly. If a quieter life appeals to you, we also have guides for farming, fishing and so much more!

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Featured Image Credit: Bethesda