Many players exploring the vast world of The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim eventually search for how to obtain the ancestral sword Skyrim offers through specific quests and storylines. This unique weapon is more than just another blade in your inventory–it carries lore, faction connections, and role-playing value that makes it especially appealing to completionists and immersion-focused players. Whether you are playing as a stealthy assassin, a proud warrior, or simply someone who enjoys collecting rare gear, understanding the correct steps to acquire the ancestral sword in Skyrim will help you avoid missing this memorable reward.
What Is the Ancestral Sword in Skyrim?
In Skyrim, the term ancestral sword usually refers to a quest-related weapon tied to family heritage or faction duties, most commonly associated with the Dark Brotherhood questline. Unlike generic weapons, the ancestral sword has narrative significance. It is typically connected to a character’s lineage and is obtained through a specific mission rather than random loot.
Because of its story importance, many players specifically look up how to obtain the ancestral sword Skyrim provides during faction quests. Missing the dialogue options or quest steps can sometimes prevent players from acquiring it easily.
Why Players Want the Ancestral Sword
- Unique role-playing value
- Connection to Skyrim lore
- Quest-related significance
- Collector appeal
- Faction immersion
While it may not always be the strongest weapon statistically, its narrative importance makes it highly desirable.
Which Quest Gives the Ancestral Sword
To obtain the ancestral sword in Skyrim, players usually need to progress through the Dark Brotherhood questline. The key mission commonly associated with this objective is a contract involving retrieving an heirloom weapon for a client.
This type of contract appears after you have already joined the Dark Brotherhood and begun receiving assassination assignments from Nazir inside the Falkreath Sanctuary.
Prerequisites Before You Can Get It
- Join the Dark Brotherhood
- Complete the early Brotherhood initiation quests
- Gain access to Nazir’s contracts
- Reach the specific contract involving the ancestral sword
If you have not progressed far enough in the faction storyline, the quest will not appear.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain the Ancestral Sword Skyrim
Following the correct sequence is important to ensure you successfully acquire the weapon. The process is straightforward once you know where to look.
Step 1 Join the Dark Brotherhood
First, you must trigger the Dark Brotherhood questline. This usually begins by completing the Innocence Lost quest in Windhelm and then resting to receive the mysterious visitor. After finishing the initiation at the abandoned shack, you will gain access to the Falkreath Sanctuary.
Step 2 Speak With Nazir
Inside the sanctuary, Nazir provides optional assassination contracts. Continue completing his assignments until you receive the contract involving retrieval of an ancestral weapon.
Pay attention to the contract details, as the target location may vary depending on your progression.
Step 3 Travel to the Target Location
The quest will direct you to a specific NPC who possesses the ancestral sword. Travel to the marked location on your map. Preparation is recommended, as the target may be guarded or located in a hostile area.
Step 4 Eliminate the Target
Complete the assassination using your preferred playstyle
- Stealth attack
- Direct combat
- Ranged strike
- Poison strategy
After the target is defeated, search the body carefully.
Step 5 Loot the Ancestral Sword
The weapon should be found on the target’s inventory. Make sure you manually loot it before leaving the area. Some players miss the item by forgetting to fully search the corpse.
Step 6 Return to Nazir
Go back to the Falkreath Sanctuary and report completion. You will receive your gold reward, and the ancestral sword will remain in your possession if you looted it.
Tips to Avoid Missing the Weapon
Many players searching obtain the ancestral sword Skyrim do so because they accidentally skipped the item. Here are practical tips to prevent that mistake.
Important Reminders
- Always fully search the target’s body
- Do not rely only on quest markers
- Save before completing the assassination
- Check your inventory after looting
- Avoid leaving the area too quickly
These small habits can save you from replaying parts of the questline.
Is the Ancestral Sword Worth Using?
From a pure combat perspective, the ancestral sword in Skyrim is usually comparable to mid-tier weapons. Its true value lies more in immersion and collection rather than raw damage output.
Pros
- Unique quest item
- Good for role-playing builds
- Lightweight weapon
- Easy to obtain once unlocked
Cons
- Not endgame-tier damage
- No powerful unique enchantment (in most cases)
- Can be replaced by crafted gear
Players focused on min-max combat may eventually upgrade, but collectors usually keep it.
Best Builds to Use the Ancestral Sword
If you want to role-play effectively after you obtain the ancestral sword Skyrim provides, certain character builds fit especially well.
Recommended Playstyles
- Dark Brotherhood assassin
- Stealth dual-wielder
- Light armor rogue
- Lore-focused role-play character
These builds emphasize immersion rather than pure damage optimization.
Common Questions Players Ask
Because this item is tied to faction content, many players share similar concerns.
Can You Miss the Ancestral Sword?
Yes. If you fail to loot the target or complete the quest improperly, you may lose the opportunity without reloading a save.
Can You Upgrade It?
In most playthroughs, you can improve it at a grindstone depending on your Smithing level, though it will not become top-tier gear.
Is It Unique?
It is considered semi-unique due to its quest association and limited acquisition method.
Learning how to obtain the ancestral sword Skyrim offers through the Dark Brotherhood contracts adds another layer of satisfaction to your playthrough. While the weapon may not dominate late-game combat, its narrative connection and collectible appeal make it worthwhile for many players. By carefully following the quest steps, fully looting your target, and progressing properly through Nazir’s contracts, you can secure this memorable blade without frustration.
For players who enjoy immersive storytelling and faction rewards, the ancestral sword remains a small but meaningful treasure hidden within Skyrim’s expansive world. With the right preparation and attention to detail, adding it to your inventory is a smooth and rewarding experience.