Flying a dragon in Skyrim is an exhilarating feature introduced in the Dragonborn DLC. Here’s a detailed guide on how to fly a dragon and control it in flight.
Acquiring the Bend Will Shout
To ride a dragon in Skyrim, you must first acquire all three words of the Bend Will shout through the Dragonborn main questline. Once you have them, you can use the shout on a dragon, taming it temporarily.
Preparing for Dragon Riding
- Find a dragon in the open world of Skyrim or at a Dragon Lair.
- Use the Bend Will shout on the dragon. The dragon will comply and land near you.
- Interact with the dragon to board it. The dragon will automatically take to the skies.
Key Commands for Dragon Control
While riding a dragon, you do not have direct control but can issue several commands:
- Lock Target: Lock onto any enemy using sight. The dragon will continuously attack this target.
- Switch Target: Change the targeted enemy to any visible target.
- Attack: Command the dragon to attack the locked target.
- Land: Order the dragon to land. This command can be given during combat as well.
You can also fast travel on a dragon using the world map as you normally would. However, you cannot fast travel to major holds or between Solstheim and Skyrim using a dragon.
Combat While Riding a Dragon
Combat from a dragon’s back involves issuing commands and using spells or shouts:
| Spell Types | Allowed | Restricted |
|---|---|---|
| Destruction | Allowed | Area of Effect spells restricted |
| Restoration | Allowed | None |
| Alteration | Allowed | None |
When engaging in combat, the dragon will execute an aerial attack pattern and can attack both from the air and the ground. The dragon’s movement speed requires precise timing for spellcasting. Be mindful of the terrain and the enemy’s position.
Dragon’s Response to Commands
Dragons have unique dialogues when they receive commands:
- “Zu’u fent aam. I am at your command.” – After using Bend Will.
- “Mu fen krif.” – When issued an attack command.
- “I will look for a spot to land.” – Upon receiving a land command.
- “Zu’u ni zaamiil. You cannot command me forever.” – When dismounting.
Additional Considerations
- Stay vigilant as your dragon can be killed in combat. If this happens, you will fall to the ground.
- Some named dragons like Alduin, Sahloknir, and Paarthurnax cannot be tamed or ridden.
- Familiarize yourself with the spells and shouts you can use from the dragon’s back.
Troubleshooting and Bugs
Several bugs can occur while riding a dragon, such as getting stuck or the game crashing. Some known fixes include:
- Reloading a previous save.
- Using an Elder Scroll to reset the camera view.
- Removing conflicting mods from the Skyrim/data path.
Riding a dragon adds a new dimension to traveling and combat in Skyrim. Mastering the commands and understanding the mechanics will enrich your gaming experience.
