How Many Shouts Are In Skyrim And How To Collect Every Dragon Shout
Mastering the Voice is one of the most defining gameplay mechanics in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Dragon Shouts allow players to manipulate the battlefield using powerful ancient magical words derived from the dragon language. Understanding how many shouts exist across the northern realm and its expansion content helps players systematically collect every single word wall.
Total Number of Shouts in Skyrim
In the original base game of Skyrim, players can discover a total of 20 unique Dragon Shouts. Expanding the experience through official downloadable content like Dawnguard and Dragonborn increases this number significantly, bringing the complete total to 27 distinct shouts. Each shout consists of three individual words of power, meaning adventurers must locate a total of 81 word walls to fully unlock every ability.
While some shouts are designed strictly for offensive power, others offer crucial utility such as slowing down time or clearing severe weather conditions. Tracking down every single word requires visiting ancient Nordic ruins, dragon lairs, and story-locked locations scattered across Tamriel.
How Word Walls and Dragon Souls Work
Acquiring a new shout involves a two-step process that begins at a word wall. Upon approaching these glowing stone structures, your character automatically absorbs the ancient runes carved into the rock face. However, learning the word is not enough to immediately cast the ability during combat encounters.
To activate a newly learned word, players must spend a collected dragon soul inside the magic menu. Dragon souls are obtained by defeating wild dragons that spawn around mountain peaks or attack open settlements. Once unlocked, each additional word added to a shout increases its power and prolongs its cooldown duration.
Finding Word Walls Across the Map
Many word walls are uncovered naturally while completing main story quests and guild storylines. For example, essential abilities like Unrelenting Force and Whirlwind Sprint are awarded through progression with the Greybeards at High Hrothgar. Other specific shouts require joining faction storylines such as the College of Winterhold or the Companions.
To locate hidden word walls in the open world, players can speak with Arngeir at High Hrothgar to receive directions to locations of power. Alternatively, shouting in public spaces inside major cities can prompt a mysterious Letter from a Friend, revealing precise map markers for undiscovered walls.
Tips for Completing Your Collection
Systematically collecting every Dragon Shout demands thorough exploration of Skyrim's deepest dungeons and isolated mountain peaks. Some locations are locked behind long side quests, so completing regional quest lines is often required to access restricted chambers. Keeping a organized checklist of learned words ensures that no solitary tomb is left unexplored during your journey.
Managing your dragon soul balance is equally crucial when expanding your magical arsenal. Prioritize spending souls on versatile shouts that complement your character build before unlocking situational abilities. With patience and persistent exploration, the Dragonborn can master every ancient word available throughout Skyrim.