The Elder Dragon is the point where Skyrim’s dragons stop being a fun distraction and start being a genuine threat. They have far more health and deal much more damage than the basic dragon and the Frost Dragon, and each one breathes either fire or frost. They sit in the middle of the dragon hierarchy: the generic dragon is the weakest, while the top spot belongs to the Legendary Dragon once Dawnguard is installed. Other dragon types you will meet include the Blood Dragon, Ancient Dragon and Revered Dragon.
Appearance
Elder Dragons are larger than the dragons that come before them and look noticeably meaner. Their bodies are a distinctive bronze, dotted with black spots. Instead of a sail or a ridge of spines along the back, they have a line of bony bumps, but they make up for it with an angular, pointed face crowned by two huge curved horns. The spade-tipped tail is the same as on the generic and Frost dragons.
Variants
- Elder Dragon (Fire Breath) – uses the Fire Breath shout.
- Elder Dragon (Frost Breath) – uses the Frost Breath shout.
There is no fixed element for the type, so you cannot tell which breath an Elder Dragon uses until it opens its mouth.
Where to find them
Elder Dragons spawn out in the open world rather than at fixed lairs, anywhere wild dragons can appear. According to the source they can show up when the player is as low as level 22 and keep appearing up to level 50.
Notes
Slaying an Elder Dragon lets the Dragonborn absorb its dragon soul. The remains are also a rich source of crafting material: dragon bones and dragon scales are the key components for the best dragon equipment.
