There is no shortage of warriors and creatures to be found across the lands ofSkyrim.While many smaller and regular-size enemies are plenty dangerous, they lack the intimidation factor of larger opponents. Some of the game’s bosses enjoy a significant height difference over the Dragonborn, and can be spotted from far away, making themeven more imposing to go up against.
Whether festering in a Nordic barrow, lying dormant in a Dwemer ruin, or simply roaming the wilderness, these towering enemies are some of the toughest opponents the Dragonborn will have to face. Here are the tallest bosses inThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, ranked.
7Ancano
High Elves are renowned for their height, with many Thalmor agents and Altmer across Skyrim being the tallest NPCs players will meet. Ancano, a Thalmor advisor and the main antagonist of the College Of Winterhold questline, is no different – he is one of the tallest in the college.
Along with his increased height comes an insufferable arrogance, evenmore than the typical Thalmor operative. This leads to him trying to harness the power of the Eye of Magnus to make himself invincible, which ultimately fails after he is defeated by the Dragonborn.
6Tsun
Encountered in Sovngardeduring the main quest line, Tsun is a beast of a warrior that guards the whalebone bridge to Shor’s Hall. While he may be friendly overall, he tests the mettle of everyone that seeks entry, and requires the player to defeat him before they are able to pass.
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Tsun is possibly the largest human that players will come across in the game, towering over even the tallest of Dragonborns. As such, it makes sense that the fight with him is a difficult one, but with enough perseverance, players should be able to prove their worth against this hulking Nord.
5Dragon Priests
Dotted around Skyrim and Solstheim, Dragon Priests reside deep in their ancient Nordic tombs, protected by legions of draugr. While considered average height if standing, these undead priests have been resurrected in lich form and hover above the ground, casting spells at the Dragonborn from afar.
Dragon Priests can be especially intimidating when awoken by the player, who watches as their tomb lid flies off and their lich form arises from centuries of slumber. Either way, the Dragonborn will have their work cut out for them when fighting any ofthe 13 Dragon Priests found in-game.
4Lord Harkon
The infamous vampire leader of the Volkihar Clan, Lord Harkon is the main antagonist of theDawnguardDLC and appears to be an average Nord at first glance. It is only when he transforms into a vampire lord that players get a sense of theimmense power he wields.
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This hulking gray form is not only taller than most races, but also possesses wings that allow him to hover above the ground much like Dragon Priests. Players will have to deal with this when fighting him during the quest Kindred Judgement, as well as his ability to teleport and cast powerful draining spells.
3Alduin
Dragons are massive creatures, and Alduin, the main antagonist of the game, is no exception. He first inadvertently rescues the player from execution in Helgen, before resurrecting his dragon kin and dueling the Dragonborn on the Throat of the World and in Sovngarde.
While more long than tall, Alduin still looms over the player when grounded, and the height difference increases much more when taking to the skies, forcing players to use ranged weapons or Dragonrend to bring him down. The same goes for all dragon bosses inSkyrimand its DLCs, including Paarthurnax, Odahviing, and Durnehviir.
2Centurions
Masterworks of dwarven engineering, centurions are found in Dwemer ruins all across the map, usually as the final boss of a dungeon. These mechanical monstrosities blast steam at their targets and launch powerful swings, making them tough opponents to beat.
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They are far taller than their sphere and spider cousins, and measure up to double the height of the Dragonborn. While Centurions may look rather intimidating, they are clunky and slow, and players can get the better of them byshooting them from a distanceor dodging their attacks.
1Karstaag
Many players will remember coming across giants for the first time, and subsequently getting catapulted into the air by these towering beasts. Karstaag is a frost giant, but poses even more of a threat as themost powerful boss in the entire game. He is level 90, and doesn’t scale to the player, meaning he’ll be a challenge for even late-game Dragonborns.
Karstaag’s many abilities include a damaging blizzard effect that ragdolls players, increased healing, the power to summon ice wraiths, and a bunch of different resistances. It makes for a very difficult battle, and Karstaag’s imposing height ultimately proves an accurate representation of his power.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimis available for PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and Nintendo Switch.
