LevelingVerified

Max Smithing in Minutes with the Follower Duplication Glitch

Gaming Exploits' method for hitting Smithing level 100 in under 10 minutes, using the classic Whiterun follower duplication glitch to stockpile crafting materials before spamming iron arrows at the forge. This relies on an item-duplication bug rather than an intended mechanic, confirmed still active as of the current Anniversary Edition build, though Bethesda could patch it out in a future update.

6 steps2 stagesUnder 10 minutes once the materials are stockedVerified against Anniversary Edition 1.6.1170

Before you start

  • Access to Riverwood and Whiterun, both available from the start of the game
  • Enough gold to buy iron ingots from the Whiterun blacksmith, ideally 10 to 20 for a fast run
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Gather the Duplication Materials

1

Chop at Least 20 Firewood in Riverwood

Grab the Woodcutter's Axe from the table by the mill in Riverwood, then use it at the wood chopping block just to the left of that table. Chop at least 20 pieces of firewood before moving on.

itWoodcutter's AxeitFirewood
2

Buy 10 to 20 Iron Ingots in Whiterun

Head to Whiterun and buy iron ingots from the blacksmith. One is technically enough to start, but buying 10 to 20 dramatically speeds up the whole process since it means fewer duplication passes later.

itIron Ingot
3

Recruit Uthgerd the Unbroken as a Follower

Find Uthgerd the Unbroken in the Bannered Mare in Whiterun. Beat her in the brawl to win the bet, and she'll join as your follower.

itUthgerd the Unbroken

Duplicate and Smith to Level 100

4

Drop Your Materials and Have Uthgerd Pick Them Up

Head to Whiterun's front gate and go left into the enclosed space there. Tell Uthgerd to wait, then drop your firewood and iron ingots on the ground one item type at a time. Order her to do something for you, then have her pick everything back up.

5

Leave and Re-Enter Whiterun to Double Your Stack

Run out through the gate, turn around, and come straight back to Uthgerd. The dropped items will still be sitting on the floor exactly where you left them, and trading with her now shows the same items in her inventory too, effectively doubling what you had. Repeat this cycle to stack up quickly, aiming for roughly 1,000 to 1,300 of each material.

6

Forge Iron Arrows Instead of Daggers Until You Hit Level 100

Head to the forge and craft iron arrows rather than the usual iron dagger. Arrows grant more experience per craft and consume fewer materials, so they burn through your stockpile more efficiently. Keep crafting until you run out of ingredients, which is enough to carry Smithing to level 100 in well under 10 minutes.

coIron Arrow

Source

Gaming Exploits