Unlocking the One With The Shadows achievement in Skyrim requires players to fully restore the Thieves Guild to its former glory across Skyrim. While completing the primary storyline involving Mercer Frey is a major step, full restoration involves expanding the guild's influence into four major hold capitals. Understanding how to manage side jobs efficiently will save you significant time during this lengthy questline.
Understanding the Requirements for Restoration
To begin restoring the Thieves Guild, you must first complete the primary story arc up through the quest Under New Management. Beyond the main story, the guild requires a strong financial presence in Whiterun, Windhelm, Solitude, and Markarth. Achieving this requires completing radiant side jobs offered by senior members in the Ragged Flagon.
Delvin Mallory and Vex offer various small jobs ranging from forgery and burglary to shakedowns. You must complete five successful small jobs in each specific city to trigger a special quest for that hold. Tracking your progress per city ensures you do not take unnecessary jobs in regions you have already secured.
Completing Small Jobs for Delvin and Vex
Choosing the right job types can streamline your progress significantly when targeting specific holds. Numbers jobs and forgery jobs are often the quickest to complete since they involve minimal risk and fast travel options. If you receive a job in a city where you have already fulfilled the requirement, you can quit the contract and request a new one without penalty.
Accepting jobs from both Delvin and Vex simultaneously allows you to complete two objectives in a single trip. Returning to Riften to turn in completed jobs immediately opens up new assignments for other locations. Consistency is key to unlocking the four critical city influence quests.
Executing the Special City Quests
After completing five jobs in a specific major city, Delvin will offer a unique special quest tailored to that region. These assignments include Imitation Amnesty in Whiterun, Sommerset Shadows in Windhelm, The Dainty Sload in Solitude, and Silver Lining in Markarth. Completing each mission establishes a powerful contact and brings new merchants to the Ragged Flagon.
These special quests feature unique narrative objectives that go beyond simple theft or vandalism. Successfully finishing a special quest increases the available gold of fence vendors across Skyrim, providing immense financial benefits. Securing all four holds fulfills the structural requirements for total guild recovery.
Becoming the Guildmaster in Riften
Once all four special city quests are completed and the main storyline is finished, return to the Ragged Flagon to speak with Brynjolf. A formal ceremony will take place in the central cistern to officially recognize you as the new Guildmaster. You will receive the Guildmaster Armor set along with the Tribute Chest Key as your reward.
Unlocking the One With The Shadows achievement marks the ultimate triumph for any stealth character in Skyrim. Restoring the guild provides long-term advantages, including higher merchant budgets and easier bribe options with hold guards. Proper planning makes this impressive milestone both achievable and highly rewarding.
