While exploring the world of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, players will likely encounter a variety of different dragons who mean to do the Dragonborn harm. Most of the dragons roaming the world are pretty ordinary, but some feature unique names and can only be encountered by following certain steps.
Blackreach is arguably one of the most mysterious places in all of Skyrim. Found below Dwemer Ruins, it is a desolate area, void of all sunlight and crawling with dangerous foes, so players are likely to feel a little nervous while exploring it for the first time. To make matters worse, Blackreach is also home to Vulthuryol, a unique dragon who will attack the Dragonborn if they summon it.
How To Get To Blackreach
While progressing through the main story, players will eventually gain access to the "Discerning the Transmundane" quest, wherein they will be tasked with transcribing a Lexicon. During this quest, players can also complete the "Elder Knowledge" main quest by uncovering the hidden Elder Scroll in The Tower of Mzark.
If players are currently pursuing these quests, they can follow the quest markers through Alftand and gain access to Blackreach at the end of the Alftand Cathedral; if players have already completed these quests and wish to return to Blackreach, the fastest way to get back is to fast-travel to The Tower of Mzark and use the elevator. Upon leaving the elevator, players can proceed past the Lexicon puzzle and continue into the next room to find an elevator that leads directly to Blackreach.
How To Summon Vulthuryol, The Dragon
If players have traveled to Blackreach via The Tower of Mzark, they should proceed northeast toward the Silent City, a Falmer-infested ruin, above which a large glowing orb can be seen.
Upon reaching the Silent City, all the player needs to do is aim up toward the glowing orb and use Unrelenting Force. If the Shout collides with the orb, a chime will echo across Blackreach, awakening Vulthuryol. The dragon will then fly above the Silent City before landing outside.
How To Beat Vulthuryol, The Dragon
Vulthuryol is a Level 50 dragon, so under-leveled players will likely find the battle quite challenging if they attack the beast head-on. Thankfully, there is a way to easily defeat Vulthuryol without ever getting hit, so long as the Dragonborn relies on ranged attacks.
When Vulthuryol lands outside the Silent City, the shape of stairs leading inside will prevent the beast from reaching the Dragonborn. Thanks to this, the Dragonborn can remain at the top of the stairs and consistently shoot the beast with their bow, while staying out of Vulthuryol's range. The time it takes to defeat Vulthuryol will vary depending on the Dragonborn's strength and Archery skills, but the dragon will eventually fall once it has taken enough damage.
Once Vulthuryol has been defeated, players will not be able to summon him again.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available for PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.