Skyrim: How to Get the Paralyze Spell

One of the most intriguing and mischievous spells in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is Paralyze, an Alteration spell that immobilizes its target for 10 seconds. The paralysis status effect renders the entity frozen in whatever position it was in when the spell was cast, causing an often comical, stiffened-ragdoll effect. As an Expert-level Skyrim incantation, Paralyze is quite costly to use, initially consuming 450 points of Magicka. However, proficient Skyrim wizards fitted with proper gear and well-equipped with high-tier Alteration perks can certainly cast this spell with ease.

While the Paralyze spell tome can be looted from random chests scattered across Skyrim, the probability that players will stumble across it are so low that it is unquestionably the least reliable method to learn the spell. Another way to acquire Paralyze is through trading with Morven Stroud, a ghostly merchant from High Rock found within the Soul Cairn. In exchange for 25 Soul Husks, he will readily provide the Dragonborn with a random weapon, piece of armor, or a spell tome. Because there’s no level restriction for the spellbook he sells, he may offer Paralyze. However, getting to this point in Dawnguard is quite arduous for a single spell.

The best way to acquire the Paralyze spell tome in Skyrim is by visiting the College of Winterhold and bartering with Tolfdir, a prominent tutor and master of Alteration magic. After passing Faralda’s test at the entrance to the college, Tolfdir can be found teaching in the Hall of the Elements. When he is not instructing his students, he prefers to remain on the lower level of the Hall of Attainment. Tolfdir will offer Master-level training in his arts and sell Alteration-based items to the Dragonborn. Such objects include jewelry, staves, mage robes, and spell tomes, including Paralyze.

How to Learn the Paralyze Spell in Skyrim

For the Skyrim Paralyze spell tome to appear in Tolfdir’s inventory, the Dragonborn must be at least Alteration Level 70. Attaining this feat is not an easy task, yet there is a non-immersion-breaking exploit to quickly level up this Skill. To perform this magical workout, players will need to learn the Adept Alteration spell Detect Life. This spell tome can spawn as loot in multiple locations or purchased from Tolfdir.

Players should enter a heavily populated area, such as a city in Skyrim, and begin casting Detect Life. To continuously cast this spell for a short period, it is recommended for players to complete the Dragonborn DLC quest, “Black Book: Filament and Filigree.” This quest will reward the player with Secret of Arcana, a power that allows players to cast spells for 30 seconds without using any Magicka. Players can repeatedly cast Detect Life to level up Alteration gradually to Level 70, which will then allow them to purchase the Paralyze tome from Tolfdir.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

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