Hew's Bane Skyshards are rare Dwemer artifacts scattered across the region of Hew's Bane in Morrowind, introduced in the Tribunal expansion. This guide explains where each shard is located, how to reach them, the loot they reward, and efficient routes for farming them. Because the shard locations are fixed and do not respawn, they function as persistent, repeatable resources once collected. Treat this as an evergreen reference for completionists, loot-focused players, and explorers who want a clear, reliable plan for securing every Hew's Bane Skyshard.
Quick facts at a glance
Fast summary table
Use this compact overview to compare locations, access method, and typical loot for all six Hew's Bane Skyshards.
| Shard # | General area | Access notes | Visible marker | Typical loot value (early game) | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Gash, near Ebonheart | Surface ruins, light armor/stealth paths | Yes | Gold, Dwemer scrap, valuables | Most accessible; good early fetch |
| 2 | Vvardenfell border foothills | Ruins structures, light traps | Yes | Gold, potions, lockpicks | Visible from common travel routes |
| 3 | Northern volcanic ridge | Moderate climb, fire resistance helpful | Yes | Gold, rare crafting mats | Exposed to fire damage; plan gear |
| 4 | Ashlands plateau | Ruins interior, key or lockpick required | Yes | Gold, enchanted items | Check containers; watch for ambushes |
| 5 | Western canyons, near obsidian fields | Outdoor trek, high altitude | Yes | Gold, Dwemer artifacts | Remote; fast travel preferred if available |
| 6 | Hidden summit behind bandit camp | Stealth or combat-heavy approach | Yes | Gold, rare valuables | Lair quality; clear hostiles before searching |
What are Hew's Bane Skyshards?
Hew's Bane Skyshards are Dwemer relics that appear as collectible items in the Tribunal expansion's Morrowind region of Hew's Bane. Functionally, they resemble standard skyshards: glowing, retrieveable objects that award gold, items, and sometimes rare gear when interacted with. They are not quest items, do not unlock main story content, and are entirely optional. Because there are six fixed locations and no respawn, players can collect each shard only once per save, making them a finite completion checklist rather than a repeatable resource.
Where to find each Hew's Bane Skyshard
1) The western ridge near Ebonheart
The first shard sits on a ruined terrace west of Ebonheart, among scattered Dwemer scaffolding and rubble. Surface ruins mean you can reach it without complex lockpicking, though light armor or sneaking helps avoid wandering foes. Expect common valuables and modest gold in containers here.
2) The foothills east of the Nerevarine's first stronghold
From your starting stronghold, travel east along the ridgeline to find a bandit-occupied watchtower with the shard visible on an upper balcony. You can bypass stealth-heavy routes by clearing the structure room-by-room; typical loot includes gold, potions, and lockpicks.
3) The volcanic ridge north of the Ghostgate region
A short but steep climb leads to a narrow ridge with Dwemer ruins perched above lava flows. Fire resistance is helpful; bring potions or gear that reduces flame damage. Loot here skews toward rare crafting materials and mid-tier gold.
4) The ashlands plateau beneath a ruined spire
This interior site requires entering a partially buried ruin. A locked gate or trapped chest often guards the shard, so a lockpick or key is useful. Ambushes by ash creatures are common, so keep a healing kit nearby. Expect enchanted items in addition to gold.
5) The western canyon near obsidian fields
High altitude and sparse cover make this one of the more exposed locations. Fast travel to a nearby settlement if available, then approach along the ridgeline to minimize exposure. Loot frequently includes Dwemer artifacts and consistent gold rewards.
6) The hidden summit behind a bandit camp
The most combat-intensive shard sits above a fortified bandit outpost. You can either sneak through perimeter patrols or eliminate the camp and then search the summit ruins. Loot tends to be higher-value here, with rare valuables and gold.
Efficient farming and completion strategy
Route optimization
Plan your path to minimize backtracking: start near Ebonheart, move east to the foothills, then north toward the volcanic ridge. Descend into the ashlands spire, cross to the western canyon, and finish at the bandit camp summit. Collecting all six shards in one trip reduces travel time and encounter risk.
Loadout tips
- Light armor or acrobatics for ruins navigation
- Lockpicks or a key for locked doors in ashlands ruins
- Potions for fire resistance and healing in volcanic areas
- Spells or bows to deal with patrols before reaching shard markers
Loot value and endgame relevance
While Hew's Bane Skyshards are not essential for main quests, they provide a steady source of early gold and occasional rare items. Completionists benefit from the sense of closure that comes with collecting the full set, and players who enjoy exploration find them a structured way to traverse Hew's Bane. Because the locations do not change, they remain useful reference points for future playthroughs.
Common questions and clarifications
Do skyshards respawn after collection?
No. Once you collect a Hew's Bane Skyshard, it does not respawn. This makes each shard a one-time pickup per save file.
Are skyshards required for any quest or achievement?
No. They are entirely optional and do not unlock quests, trophies, or achievements beyond general completion milestones you set for yourself.
Can I reach all skyshards without advanced gear?
Yes. While some locations are more dangerous, careful route planning, potions, and modest equipment are sufficient to reach every shard without endgame gear.
Is fast travel available to shard locations?
Fast travel may be available near some shrines or settlements, but you must still approach the shard marker on foot. Check the local waypoint and plan the final approach carefully.
How does this compare to other skyshard types in Morrowind?
Hew's Bane Skyshards follow the same rules as mainland skyshards: one-time pickup, fixed locations, and similar loot profiles. Their main distinction is their concentrated placement within a single regional quest area, which can make farming more efficient.