Okay, let's talk cheating in Skyrim. Not the shady kind, but the console command magic that every PC player discovers eventually. You know that moment when you're stuck because a quest item glitched? Or when you just want to try out that shiny sword without grinding for hours? That's where the Skyrim give item command becomes your best friend. I remember when I first used it – my game had bugged out during "A Daedra's Best Friend" and Clavicus Vile's axe just vanished. Two minutes with the console saved me from restarting the quest.
Getting Started with Skyrim Console Commands
Opening the console is simpler than brewing a healing potion. Just press the ~ key (it's below Esc on most keyboards). That black box popping up? That's your gateway. Now here's the golden rule: always save before typing anything. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally spawned 500 cabbages inside Breezehome.
The basic format for the Skyrim give item command is:
Where:
- player targets your character
- additem is the command
- [ItemID] is the item's unique code (always 8 digits)
- [Quantity] is how many you want
Simple, right? But finding those ItemIDs? That's where things get tricky.
Finding Item Codes Without Losing Your Mind
Bethesda didn't exactly give us a manual. You've got three main options:
Method | How It Works | Best For | Downsides |
---|---|---|---|
In-Game HELP Command | Type "help [itemname] 4" in console (e.g., help ebony 4) |
Immediate results No alt-tabbing |
Floods screen with unrelated results No item categorization |
Online Databases | Sites like elderscrolls.fandom.com | Visual item browsing Extra details |
Requires switching applications Possible spoilers |
CSV Lists | Download spreadsheets of all IDs | Offline access Ctrl+F searching |
Massive files (30,000+ items) Overwhelming for beginners |
Honestly? For everyday use, I keep a browser tab open with the UESP wiki. Their tables are cleaner than most. But when my internet's down, I suffer through the HELP command. Pro tip: add "WEAP" or "ARMO" after your search term to filter weapon/armor results.
Personal Hack: Name your saves before using console commands. Something like "PRE-CHEAT_Level32" so you know where to backtrack if things break.
Essential Skyrim Give Item Command Examples
Let's get practical. Here are the commands I've used more times than I've climbed the Throat of the World:
Must-Know Item Codes
Item Type | Sample Item | ItemID | Typical Command |
---|---|---|---|
Currency | Gold Septims | 0000000F | player.additem 0000000F 1000 |
Weapons | Dragonbone Sword | 0001CB36 | player.additem 0001CB36 1 |
Armor | Daedric Armor Set | 0001396B (chest) 0001396A (boots) 00013969 (gauntlets) 0001396C (helmet) |
player.additem 0001396B 1 player.additem 0001396A 1 (etc.) |
Consumables | Grand Soul Gem (filled) | 0002E504 | player.additem 0002E504 10 |
Quest Items | Elder Scroll (Dragon) | 0002CF6C | player.additem 0002CF6C 1 |
Notice how weapon and armor codes are specific to pieces? That tripped me up my first week. Also, quest items like the Elder Scroll have multiple versions - get the wrong one and it might not trigger quest progression.
For arrows, always include the quantity unless you want just one. player.additem 000139C0 100 grants 100 Daedric Arrows. But be warned: adding 10,000 arrows crashes weaker systems. Ask me how I know.
Beyond Basic Items
Where the Skyrim give item command gets wild is with non-physical stuff:
- Lockpicks: player.additem 0000000A 50
- Perk Points: player.addperk [PerkID] (e.g., 000581F7 for Armsman)
- Dragon Souls: player.modav dragonsouls 5
- Carry Weight: player.modav carryweight 500
My controversial opinion? Using commands for perk points ruins progression. But when you're level 78 and need that final smithing perk to upgrade your gear? Yeah, I've done it.
Warning: Adding unique items (like Mehrunes' Razor) when you already have one duplicates them and can corrupt save files. Happened to my first character.
Power Moves: Advanced Item Command Techniques
Once you've mastered basics, try these game-changer tactics:
Mass Adding Items
Separate multiple commands with spaces:
To spawn items directly into the world? Use:
Fix Broken Quests
When scripts fail, Skyrim give item command can salvage playthroughs:
- Missing Diplomatic Immunity documents: player.additem 000E49C2 1
- Stuck on "Return to Esbern": setstage MQ203 200
- Blood on the Ice glitch: prid 0001B127; enable; moveto player
Last winter, the Jagged Crown disappeared during my playthrough. Without console commands, I'd have abandoned that save.
The Dark Side: Risks of Using Skyrim Item Commands
Console commands aren't all sweetrolls and sunshine. After 2000+ hours in Skyrim, here's what I've learned the hard way:
Game-Breaking Consequences:
- Achievements Disabled: Permanent for that save file
- Script Corruption: Adding quest items prematurely breaks progression
- Save Bloating: Excessive item spawning increases save file size
- NPC Reactions: Equipping unearned gear triggers guard dialogue
Seriously – if achievements matter to you, install SSE Engine Fixes mod first. Otherwise, waving goodbye to those Steam achievements stings. Also, adding overpowered gear early ruins game balance. My level 5 character with Daedric armor? Got boring faster than a Frostbite Spider fight.
When NOT to Use Give Item Command
- First Playthroughs: Experience intended progression
- Survival Mode: Commands disable challenges
- Modded Quests: May conflict with custom scripts
- Multiplayer Mods: Usually cause instant bans
Fun story: I once added 500 wheels of cheese "for fun." My game's physics engine hasn't recovered.
Your Skyrim Console Questions Answered
Let's tackle common questions I get about Skyrim give item commands:
Can I use these on Xbox/PlayStation?
Nope. Console commands are PC-exclusive. Sorry console players – you'll need mods instead.
Will commands disable achievements?
Yes, for that playthrough. Achievement enabler mods fix this.
What's the command for Daedric artifacts?
Here's a quick reference:
Artifact | ItemID | Notes |
---|---|---|
Mehrunes' Razor | 000240D2 | Don't add mid-quest |
Mace of Molag Bal | 000233E3 | Leveled version exists |
Wabbajack | 0002AC6F | Pure chaos |
How do I remove unwanted items?
Use player.removeitem [ItemID] [Quantity]. To completely erase an item from existence? markfordelete after clicking it in console.
Why isn't my Skyrim give item command working?
Common fixes:
- Ensure ItemID has 8 digits (add leading zeros)
- Check for typos (it's "additem," not "add item")
- Verify base ID vs. reference ID
- Disable mods conflicting with items
Final Wisdom from a Console Command Veteran
After a decade of using Skyrim give item commands, here's my philosophy: use them minimally to enhance fun, not replace gameplay. Spawning health potions during a tough dragon fight? Reasonable. Giving yourself every Daedric artifact at level 1? You'll quit from boredom in 5 hours.
The magic happens when you use commands to fix Skyrim, not break it. Resurrect essential NPCs killed by vampires. Restore lost relics. Skip bugged objectives. But let yourself earn gear through combat and exploration - that's where the real satisfaction lives.
Oh, and one last tip? Always backup saves before major console experiments. Unless you enjoy replaying 50 hours because a typo deleted your inventory...
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