Is There a Soul Trap Shout in Skyrim? Unveiling the Secrets of Soul Tearing
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, there is indeed a soul trap shout in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, specifically added with the Dawnguard DLC. It’s called Soul Tear, and it’s far more than just a way to fill soul gems. This shout is a formidable weapon, combining damage, soul trapping, and even temporary reanimation of corpses. Mastering it requires venturing into the Soul Cairn and forming an unlikely alliance with an undead dragon named Durnehviir. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this powerful shout and answer some frequently asked questions about its mechanics and acquisition.
Understanding the Soul Tear Shout
The Soul Tear shout, at its full strength, is a terrifying display of necromantic power. It has three distinct effects that trigger simultaneously:
- Soul Trap: It casts Soul Trap on the impacted foe, allowing you to harvest their soul upon death (if you have an empty soul gem in your inventory, of course).
- Health Drain: It deals a significant amount of health damage, specifically 300 points on impact.
- Reanimation: If the target dies within 2 seconds of being hit by the shout, their corpse is reanimated to fight for you for a full minute.
Keep in mind, though, that the Soul Tear shout only affects the first target it hits. This is important for crowd control and strategic planning in combat.
Acquiring the Soul Tear Shout: Durnehviir’s Gift
Unlike most shouts which are learned from word walls scattered across Skyrim, Soul Tear is taught to you by Durnehviir, an undead dragon dwelling in the Soul Cairn. The Soul Cairn, a plane of Oblivion filled with lost souls, is a key location in the Dawnguard DLC.
Here’s how you obtain the words for Soul Tear:
- Summon Durnehviir: Once you have learned the Summon Durnehviir shout (which is obtained from a word wall in the Soul Cairn and requires three dragon souls to unlock), you must summon him in Tamriel (i.e., outside the Soul Cairn).
- Listen and Wait: Each time you summon Durnehviir, he will teach you one word of the Soul Tear shout.
- Repeat: After he teaches you a word, wait for two in-game hours before summoning him again. Repeat this process three times to learn all three words and fully unlock the shout.
This process requires patience, but the power of the Soul Tear shout makes it well worth the effort.
FAQs About Soul Tear and Related Topics
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Soul Tear shout, the Soul Cairn, and general shout mechanics in Skyrim:
1. How do I get the Summon Durnehviir shout?
The Summon Durnehviir shout is obtained from a word wall within the Soul Cairn. It’s worth noting that this shout uniquely requires three dragon souls to unlock its full potential.
2. Is there a word wall in the Soul Cairn other than the one for Summon Durnehviir?
Yes, there is a secret word wall hidden in the Soul Cairn. Its location is obscured by rubble, making it easy to miss. The shout associated with this word wall is unknown, even to many seasoned adventurers.
3. What are the words of power for Soul Tear?
The three words of power for the Soul Tear shout are: Rii Vaaz Zol.
4. What is the most powerful shout in Skyrim overall?
Many consider Marked for Death to be the most destructive offensive shout. It significantly reduces an enemy’s armor and deals damage over time, making it extremely effective against tough opponents.
5. Is Soul Tear worth using, considering the effort to obtain it?
Absolutely! Soul Tear is incredibly useful, offering a potent combination of damage, soul trapping, and temporary reanimation. It’s a fantastic tool for both offense and crowd control. The Games Learning Society often explores complex game mechanics such as shouts and their impact on player strategy, linking in-game actions to learning experiences. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more insight into the educational aspects of gaming.
6. Where can I find soul trap if I can’t learn it?
The Soul Trap spell can be found as random loot in boss chests. However, the easiest way to acquire it is by purchasing it from mage NPCs such as Falion in Morthal or Nelacar in The Frozen Hearth.
7. How many dragon shouts are there in Skyrim including DLCs?
There are a total of 27 dragon shouts in Skyrim after the release of the three DLCs (Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn). Each shout has three words of power to discover.
8. What is the cooldown time for Soul Tear?
The cooldown time for the Soul Tear shout is relatively long compared to other shouts, especially when fully powered. The exact cooldown is influenced by skills and perks.
9. Can Durnehviir be summoned anywhere in Tamriel?
Yes, Durnehviir can be summoned in most locations throughout Tamriel. However, some interior cells or heavily restricted areas might prevent his summoning.
10. Who is the hardest hitting enemy in Skyrim?
Many consider Dragon Priests among the toughest enemies in Skyrim. Others are Karstaag, Miraak, and Legendary Dragons. They all pose unique challenges with powerful spells and abilities.
11. What is the scariest enemy in Skyrim?
This is subjective, but many players find the Chaurus to be the most terrifying due to their unsettling appearance and behavior. Other contenders include Hagravens, Draugr Death Overlords, and Falmer.
12. Can you ride dragons in Skyrim?
Yes, with the Dragonborn DLC, you can learn the Bend Will shout, which allows you to temporarily control a dragon and ride it.
13. Is Soul Tear affected by perks that improve shouts?
Yes, perks that reduce shout cooldown time or increase shout power can affect the Soul Tear shout, making it even more effective.
14. What happens if I use Soul Tear on a creature that doesn’t have a soul?
If you use Soul Tear on a creature that doesn’t have a soul (e.g., a Daedra), the soul trap portion of the shout will fail, but the damage and reanimation effects will still occur.
15. Are there any enemies resistant to the effects of Soul Tear?
Some enemies with high magic resistance or immunity to soul trap effects might be more resistant to certain aspects of the Soul Tear shout. However, the direct damage component will still affect them.
Mastering the Thu’um: More Than Just Shouts
The Soul Tear shout is a prime example of how the Thu’um, or Dragon Voice, can be harnessed for incredible power in Skyrim. From simple pushes to devastating elemental attacks and even manipulating the very fabric of life and death, shouts offer a wide array of tactical options for players. Understanding the nuances of each shout, their cooldowns, and the specific effects they inflict is crucial for mastering combat in the game.
Learning shouts also provides valuable insights into the lore and history of Skyrim. Each word wall you discover tells a story, often revealing ancient secrets and forgotten conflicts. By seeking out these words of power, you not only become a more powerful Dragonborn but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and complex world that Bethesda has created.
So, embrace the power of the Soul Tear shout, explore the depths of the Soul Cairn, and become a true master of the Thu’um. Your journey through Skyrim will be all the more epic for it.