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Darkness Returns achievement in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Darkness Returns

Complete "Darkness Returns"

Darkness Returns0
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How to unlock the Darkness Returns achievement

  • The Dawn of DonThe Dawn of Don
    06 Feb 2017 06 Feb 2017 24 Oct 2023
    This achievement is for completing the final quest in the Thieves Guild quest line. I was going to create a solution for this achievement, but I used the solution made by Zulghinlour for the Xbox 360 version when I got stuck at the end of this questline on Xbox One. Since any solution I create would have used most of Zulghinlour's work, and I am not the type of person to take credit for others work, I am linking and posting a quote of Zulghinlour's solution below.

    I encourage everyone to go give Zulghinlour's solution a thumbs up. You can give me a thumbs up if you want, but I prefer that you leave no vote at all since I am just directing you to the solution I used.

    BTW, if anyone gives me me a thumbs down or reports this solution because you think I committed plagiarism, you clearly do not know the definition of plagiarism.

    The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimDarkness ReturnsThe Darkness Returns achievement in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim worth 15 pointsComplete "Darkness Returns"

    Only thing I will add, and was mentioned in the comments, is make a save before the final quest so you can get this achievement and revert to that save so you can keep the Skeleton Key as you will have it removed to complete the quest.

    Zulghinlour Xbox 360 Solution for Darkness Returns
    Darkness Returns is the last quest in the main Theives Guild questline.

    - A Chance Arrangement
    - Taking Care of Business
    - Loud and Clear
    - Dampened Spirits
    - Scoundrel's Folly
    - Speaking with Silence
    - Hard Answers
    - The Pursuit
    - Trinity Restored
    - Blindsighted
    - Darkness Returns

    You must journey to the Twilight Sepulcher and return the Skeleton Key to Nocturnal.

    The Twilight Sepulcher is in the southwest corner of the map. I took a carriage ride to Falkreath and ran west past Cracked Tusk Keep to get there. Once inside you'll meet a Nightengale Sentinel who you should speak with. He mentions looking for Nystrom's Journal which you can find on a corpse just to the west of the Sentinel. It explains the Pilgrim's Path in a way (the quotes below are from the journal).


    "Shadows of their former selves, sentinels of the dark. They wander ever more and deal swift death to defilers."

    As you move through the area you'll find other Nightengale Sentinels that will be aggressive towards you, kill them and make your way to the next area.


    "Above all they stand, vigilance everlasting. Beholden to the murk yet contentious of the glow."

    You will enter an area that is very dark, and very bright. Stick to the darkness, as the light will hurt you. There are a bunch of wire traps throughout the darkness that result in arrows being shot at you. Be wary and take it slow.


    "Offer what She desires most, but reject the material. For her greatest want is that which cannot be seen, felt or carried."

    You will arrive at a statue of a woman with two birds (Nocturnal) and the corpse of a bandit in front of it. Behind her is a door that is activated by pulling the chains on the far side of the dragon heads flanking her left and right side. Pull both chains and the door will open and you can proceed.


    "Direct and yet indirect. The path to salvation a route of cunning with fortune betraying the foolish."

    The next section has swinging axes, I waited and used my Whirlwind Sprint shout to jump through. When you go to open the door a battering ram will try to strike you so open it and move back. Make your way through to the doors of the Twilight Sepulcher Inner Sanctum.


    "The journey is complete, the Empress's embrace awaits the fallen. Hesitate not if you wish to gift her your eternal devotion."

    Follow the path all the way until you find a long drop into a well. Jump down and while you're waiting check out Anders corpse and grab the treasure and note. A few moments later you will automatically hold up the Skeleton Key and the floor will change beneath you. Replace the Skeleton Key in the Ebonmere Lock, and listen to what Nocturnal has to say. Talk with Karliah and learn about the Agents of Nocturnal (Strife, Subterfuge, Stealth) and the quest will be complete.
    Showing both comments. Leave a comment.
    Boris l3Nice1 Don. Thanks. Love your work ☺️
    Posted by Boris l3 on 30 Mar 21 at 05:25
    E vee dub. 24 May 2022
    .
    NOTE : Completing this quest removes the awesome MASTER KEY from your inventory, and you have to revert to using regular, breakable LOCKPICKS.
    Posted by E vee dub on 24 May 22 at 08:57
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