Dragon Shouts are essential to any successful campaign in The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, but which are the most essential shouts?
In addition to innumerable combat abilities (from melee to magic), the Dragonborn has access to the actual words of power, or Thuum, that are employed by the Dragons. As these words have dwindled in terms of usage and historical memory, not many characters are shown to be able to wield them.
Including the Dragonborn and Dawnguard DLCs, there are a total of twenty-seven Dragon Shouts in Skyrim, most of which are hidden well and protected by a host of powerful entities. This doesnt, of course, mean that all of them are actually worth picking up by players. These are the most useful and useless Shouts of the bunch, and weve added a few more to this list to either unlock or steer clear of.
Updated on November 22nd, 2020 by Derek Draven: As mentioned in our updated intro, weve added a few more of Skyrims Dragon Shouts to this list that you should either pick up immediately or pay no attention to. Some are highly effective at upping your game, while others are just a waste of time and resources.
- 1 Fus Ro Dah (Unrelenting Force)
- 2 Lok Vah Koor (Clear Skies) …
- 3 Joor Zah Frul (Dragonrend) …
- 4 Feim Zii Gron (Become Ethereal) …
- 5 Krii Lun Aus (Marked For Death) …
- 6 Mul Qah Diiv (Dragon Aspect) …
- 7 Tiid Klo Ul (Slow Time) …
- 8 Rii Vaaz Zol (Soul Tear) …
11 Useless: Laas Yah Nir (Aura Whisper)
Nothing says “shout” quite like a whisper, and that makes Laas Yah Nir an automatic fail when it comes to Dragon Shouts. Sure, one can believe they are speaking in the ancient tongue of the Dragons and effecting some form of magic, but shouts are shouts for a reason.
At the end of the day, the ability to detect the life force of the creatures around you is rather gimmicky in nature, and its hard to picture most players using this Shout repeatedly, especially given the base games rapid leveling. Its better suited to players who mod Skyrim heavily, and who may choose a difficulty mod that drastically increases the challenge of the game. Everyone else, dont bother.
4 Learn Immediately: Joor Zah Frul (Dragonrend)
This Shout isnt absolutely essential, to be very honest, but the efficiency with which it brings Dragons down from the sky, so the player can attack them directly, cannot be denied.
Apparently, Dragonrend forces the Dragons to experience the bizarre concept of mortality, which is so different from their naturally undying state that it staggers them into temporary confusion. Another advantage is that Joor Zah Frul can be used to block the Dragons from completing their own Shouts, which is probably why it is granted the honorific, “Alduins Bane.”
14 Learn Immediately: Fo Krah Diin (Frost Breath)
Fighting in Skyrim can be a frustrating affair, especially since many enemies are practically impossible to run away from. While going toe-to-toe with one or toe might be feasible, a pack of enemies can quickly make mincemeat out of even a seasoned adventurer.
Frost Breath helps level the playing field by allowing the player to Shout a powerful blast of arctic cold at their opponents. Anyone caught in the blast suffers frost damage while their mobility is drastically reduced. This can either set up a good counter-attack or give an open window for a retreat.
FAQ
What’s the strongest shout in Skyrim?
What shout does the most damage?
What shouts do dragons use Skyrim?
