Visiting orc strongholds in Skyrim is a great way to learn about them, grab some Orichalcum to craft their weapons and armor, and overall have some interesting interactions. There’s a specific way to gain entry to them, which we’ll cover as well. Here are all orc stronghold locations in Skyrim.
Every Orc Stronghold Location in Skyrim
Let’s start with all orc stronghold locations in Skyrim and then move on to how to enter them and what you can do inside. These are all of them:
- Narzulbur: This one is in the northeast part of Skyrim. As you can see in the picture below, you can find it southeast of Windhelm. Another way to orient yourself is Kynesgrove since Narzulbur is just to the east of this settlement. You’ll recognize Narzulbur by its dark wooden walls surrounded by snowy trees.
- Largashbur: You’ll find Largashbur in the southeast region of Skyrim. Look to Riften for this one since Largashbur is across the river southwest of Riften and the Goldenglow Estate. There’s a scripted fight here in front of the stronghold where a giant attacks the settlement.
- Dushnikh Yal: On the other side of the world, in the southwest of Skyrim, you’ll find Dushnikh Yal southeast of Markarth. It’s just below the Reachwind Eyrie tower.
- Mor Khazgur: Lastly, in the northwest region of Skyrim, you’ll find Mor Khazgur. It’s southwest of Solitude. I went through the mountains west of Dragon Bridge and Solitude. Alternatively, if you’re near Markarth, you can go straight north, and you’ll eventually reach it, as in the picture below.
If you’re an orc, you’ll be welcome in all orc strongholds. You can even ask any guard about other orc strongholds, and they’ll tell you their locations if you’re missing any. However, if you’re not an orc, you’ll have to become an orc blood kin to gain entry.
How to Enter All Orc Strongholds in Skyrim
If you’re not an orc, you won’t be allowed entry into an orc stronghold, and I don’t recommend trying to fight your way in. This is because the entire stronghold will become hostile. Instead, ask how you can get in to receive The Forgemaster’s Fingers quest. Completing this quest gains you entry to all future orc strongholds.
That said, you can also complete certain side quests for orcs and become a blood-kin, thus gaining entry to all strongholds. These quests are started by talking to specific orc NPCs at the following locations:
- Markarth: Talk to either Moth gro-Bagol or Ghorza gra-Bagol at the Blacksmith.
- College of Winterhold: Talk to Urag gro-Shub in the library.
- Fort Dawnguard: While you meet Durak earlier, talk to him at Fort Dawnguard to start the Prophet quest, which grants you entry to orc strongholds.
- Left Hand Mine: Talk to the orc miner Gat gro-Shargakh.
- Karthwasten: Talk to the orc miner Lash gra-Dushnikh.
- Shor’s Stone: Talk to the orc miner Grogmar gro-Burzag.
- Largashbur: While the other orcs will tell you to leave, find Gularzob in the settlement to start a blood-kin quest.
Now that you know all orc stronghold locations and how to enter, here are some things you can do there.
What Can You Do in Orc Strongholds in Skyrim?
Here are some unique encounters and things to do in orc strongholds:
- Ask About Other Strongholds: You can ask any orc guard in a stronghold about the locations of other strongholds.
- Loot: Talk to the orc chief of each stronghold and ask for a brawl. Brawls must be fought barehanded but you can wear armor, and I would use health potions if you’re struggling since these are also allowed. Winning a brawl means that you can take any item from the stronghold without it counting as theft.
- Trade: There are many merchants around a stronghold that you can trade with.
- Orichalcum: Strongholds like Mor Khazgur have mines where you can gather Orichalcum. You can then sell it for a lot of money to orcs or use it to craft orcish gear.
- Follower: In Mor Khazgur, you can find and meet Borgakh the Steel Heart. She’s a tanky melee-oriented follower that you can also marry.
Other than these mechanical features of orc strongholds, you can also learn a lot about orc culture and their way of life. That concludes my guide on all orc stronghold locations in Skyrim. For more Skyrim guides, check out how to get rid of vampirism .
