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How to find the Ebony Warrior
The encounter becomes available at level 80 or higher. After reaching that level, visit a major city to meet the Ebony Warrior and begin the quest. You do not need to travel to Solstheim. The duel takes place at the Last Vigil in the Rift, high in the Velothi Mountains. Tolvald’s Cave or Fallowstone Cave can be convenient nearby destinations for fast travel. Prima Games’ Skyrim walkthrough and the quest entry list level 80 as the prerequisite.
At the Last Vigil, he does not attack immediately in the normal encounter. Use that pause to set up your opening, check your equipment, and move to a safer position before you begin.
Prepare for the duel’s biggest risks
Keep the cliff behind him
The Ebony Warrior can use Unrelenting Force. Because the Last Vigil is near steep drops, a shout can send you over the edge if you are positioned badly. Fight with the cliff edge behind him rather than behind you, and avoid backing toward the drop while dodging.
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Favorite a spare weapon
He can use Disarm, which may knock your equipped weapon from your hands. Favorite a backup weapon before the fight so you can equip it quickly if needed. Do not assume your preferred weapon will remain in hand throughout the duel.
Plan for both ranged and close combat
He uses a bow at range and a sword up close. Distance can help an archer or spellcaster manage the fight, but it is not automatically safe: his bow is dangerous too. A melee approach avoids a prolonged exchange of arrows but puts you within reach of his sword.
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Choose a tactic that fits your character
There is no single required build. The tactics below are options described in the Prima Games walkthrough; use the one that matches your character and available preparation.
| Approach | How to use it | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Strong opening or stealth | Use the non-hostile opening to apply buffs, then begin with your strongest attack. A sneak attack can make the first hit count if your character is built for stealth. | He can heal, so a weak opener may give him time to recover rather than ending the fight. |
| Destruction stagger | If you have the Impact perk, use stagger-capable spells to interrupt his attacks and limit chances to heal. | His defenses make elemental magic a tougher route. The walkthrough describes fire as marginally more favorable when he is not using his shield. |
| Poison | Apply a damage poison to a weapon to add pressure. Jarrin Root is a potent option if you saved it from the Dark Brotherhood quest. | This requires preparation and ingredients; poison is not a guaranteed quick kill. |
| Follower or summon | Bring a follower, companion, or summon to draw his attention while you attack from another angle. | He can use Command Daedra against Daedric summons, so consider non-Daedric support. |
| Ranged attacks | Use a bow or other ranged attack; a sneak opening from the stone promontory above the site is one possibility. | He also has a dangerous bow. Keep your position and escape route in mind rather than relying on distance alone. |
| Werewolf form | If you have Beast Form and relevant perks, use its knockdown pressure to disrupt him. | This is a build-specific option, not a general substitute for preparing your equipment and position. |
Start the fight on your terms
- Reach level 80 or higher and visit a major city to trigger the encounter.
- Travel to the Last Vigil in the Rift. A route from Tolvald’s Cave or Fallowstone Cave can be convenient.
- Before initiating the duel, favorite a spare weapon, apply any buffs you intend to use, and position yourself with the nearby cliff behind the warrior.
- Open with your best attack—for example, a sneak attack if your build supports it—then follow through with the tactic you chose rather than switching to an unprepared plan.
- Recover if Disarm leaves you unarmed: equip the favorited backup weapon and keep the fight away from the drop.
What you can loot afterward
Prima’s walkthrough lists an Ebony Bow of Winter, an Ebony Sword of the Vampire, enchanted ebony armor pieces, a shield, jewelry, gems, a Black Soul Gem, and crafting materials among the Ebony Warrior’s belongings after the fight. These are rewards for winning, not equipment you need in order to start the duel.
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Version and mod notes
The cited guides describe Skyrim generally and do not establish differences between editions or current patches. In modded games, combat behavior and the reliability of individual tactics may differ from the guides’ descriptions.
Quick Recap
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- EPIC FANTASY REBORN - Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.
- LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLD - Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.
- YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAY - Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.
- BATTLE DRAGONS - Battle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
- INCLUDED CONTENT - The Anniversary Edition includes the core game, pre-existing and new Creation Club content, plus all three official add-ons: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
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