The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Dragon Shouts

Wield the Thu'um with our guide to Dragon Shouts in Skyrim. Master words of power like Unrelenting Force and Fire Breath for combat and exploration.

Dragon Shouts

As the Dragonborn, you possess the unique ability to wield the Thu'um, or Dragon Shouts. These powerful vocalizations are not mere spells but words of power that can bend the very fabric of reality to your will. Mastering Shouts is crucial for overcoming many of Skyrim's challenges, from battling Dragons to navigating treacherous dungeons.

Understanding Dragon Shouts

Each Dragon Shout is comprised of one to three Words of Power. The more Words you learn for a specific Shout, the more potent its effect becomes. However, each Word also increases the Shout's cooldown, meaning you'll have to wait longer before using it again. Experiment with single, double, and triple Word Shouts to find the balance that suits your playstyle.

To unlock a Word of Power and make it usable, you must first discover it at a Word Wall. These ancient stone carvings are often found in Dragon Lairs, Nordic Ruins, and other significant locations throughout Skyrim. Once a Word is learned, you must then "unlock" it using a Dragon Soul. Dragon Souls are absorbed automatically after defeating a Dragon. You can only unlock Words you have discovered.

Acquiring Dragon Shouts

The journey to becoming a master of the Thu'um begins early in the main questline. Here's a breakdown of how to acquire your first Shouts and continue your path:

  1. Unrelenting Force (Fus Ro Dah):
    • Word 1 (Fus): This is the first Word you'll learn. It's automatically granted to you during the main quest "Dragon Rising" after defeating the Dragon Mirmulnir outside Whiterun.
    • Word 2 (Ro): Discovered at the Word Wall in the Bleak Falls Barrow, a dungeon west of Riverwood. You'll visit this location during the main quest "Bleak Falls Barrow."
    • Word 3 (Dah): Found at the Word Wall in the Sky Haven Temple, accessible during the main quest "Alduin's Wall."
  2. Whirlwind Sprint (Wuld Nah Kest):
    • All Words: This Shout is taught to you by the Greybeards at the High Hrothgar during the main quest "The Way of the Voice." You'll learn all three Words simultaneously as part of your training. This Shout is invaluable for quickly traversing gaps or escaping danger.
  3. Elemental Fury (Su Grah Dun):
    • Word 1 (Su): Located at the Word Wall in Dragonsreach, Whiterun, specifically in the Jarl's Quarters.
    • Word 2 (Grah): Found at the Word Wall in the Statue of Meridia, west of Solitude. This is also the location for the Daedric Quest "The Break of Dawn."
    • Word 3 (Dun): Discovered at the Word Wall in the Northwind Mine, east of Windhelm.
  4. Marked for Death (Krii Lun Aus):
    • Word 1 (Krii): Located at the Word Wall in the Autumnwatch Tower, southeast of Ivarstead.
    • Word 2 (Lun): Found at the Word Wall in the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, accessible after joining the Dark Brotherhood.
    • Word 3 (Aus): Discovered at the Word Wall in the Forsaken Cave, northeast of Windhelm.

Strategic Use of Shouts

  • Unrelenting Force: Excellent for crowd control, knocking enemies off ledges, or interrupting powerful spellcasters. A single "Fus" can stagger, while "Fus Ro Dah" can send multiple foes flying.
  • Whirlwind Sprint: Essential for bypassing traps, quickly closing distances, or escaping dangerous situations. Use it to cross chasms or get behind enemies.
  • Elemental Fury: If you're a melee combatant, this Shout is a game-changer. It dramatically increases your attack speed. Note that it only works with unenchanted weapons.
  • Marked for Death: Ideal for taking down high-health targets like Dragons or powerful Draugr Death Overlords. It reduces their armor and health regeneration, making them much easier to defeat.

Remember to regularly check your "Shouts" menu to see which Words you've learned and how many Dragon Souls you have available to unlock them. Happy Dragon hunting, Dragonborn!