It never hurts to have a little extra HP going into a fight, especially in a world fraught with dragons and draugr. To make their Dragonborn a little stronger as they face the dangers ofSkyrim, players can whip up potions of Fortify Health, keeping their legendary hero hale and hearty.

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Alchemy inSkyrim, though, can appear a little intimidating to newcomers. With dozens of ingredients and tons of overlapping effects, it’s tricky to keep track of what brews work best. To that end, here’s a quick guide to the game’s Fortify Health alchemical ingredients, and the best ways players can combine them.

The Fortify Health Effect

InSkyrim, Fortify Health potionstemporarily increase the drinker’s maximum HP, making them vital in fights against enemies that hit hard. The player’s level in the Alchemy skill determines how great this increase is; a higher level means a bigger increase in HP.

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Skyrim Fighting A Giant

Players can increase their Alchemy level by grinding out potions, or by purchasing training from certain NPCs. Additionally,theThief Stone’sbonusmakes all Thief skills, including Alchemy, level 30% faster.

Ingredients

Any alchemical adventure inSkyrimstarts withthe right ingredients. The following items (except the DLC-exclusive ingredients) can all be purchased or stolen fromalchemy shops in towns throughout the realm. However, those who wish to save coin (or jail time, if they choose to steal) may consider tracking down the following reagents on their own.

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Compatible Effects

Restore Healthis one of the best effectsto combine with Fortify Health. As luck would have it, bothBlue Mountain Flower and Wheatbear this effect; combine the two for an invigorating brew. Magically inclined players can also addlavenderto this mixture to achieve aFortify Conjurationeffect.

Meanwhile, archers and power attackers can take advantage ofRestore Stamina. CombineBear Claws, Glowing Mushroom, and Purple Mountain Flowerto add this effect to a Fortify Health potion.

Blue Mountain Flower, Glowing Mushroom, Hanging Moss, Wheat

Skyrim Hooded Player Performing Alchemy