How to Escape Bloodskal Barrow in Skyrim
Introduction to Bloodskal Barrow
Bloodskal Barrow is one of the most atmospheric and challenging dungeons introduced in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's Dragonborn DLC. Located on the western coast of Solstheim, players typically enter this ancient Nordic tomb as part of the quest "The Final Descent," given by Gratian Caerellius in Raven Rock. While entering the barrow is relatively straightforward, many players eventually find themselves trapped deep within the ruins, desperately trying to figure out how to escape Bloodskal Barrow.
If you have triggered the mysterious door puzzle and are struggling to find your way back out to the surface, you are not alone. This guide will walk you through solving the glowing red blade puzzle, defeating the final boss, and navigating your way to freedom.
How to Solve the Bloodskal Barrow Door Puzzle
The main obstacle keeping you from progressing and eventually finding an exit is the massive stone door with horizontal and vertical slots. Behind this door lies the inner sanctum of the barrow. To open it, you must acquire and master the unique weapon found nearby: the Bloodskal Blade.
Retrieve the Bloodskal Blade
Before you can interact with the puzzle door, you must locate the skeletal remains of Gratian Caerellius, which are found deeper in the chamber near the puzzle area. Search his body to retrieve the Bloodskal Blade, a unique two-handed sword that fires magical energy waves when you swing it.
Execute Power Attacks Correctly
Video: Skyrim: How to Escape Bloodskal Barrow
To manipulate the mechanisms on the stone door, you must fire energy waves from the Bloodskal Blade. Standard swings will not work; you need to perform power attacks.
- Horizontal Slashing: Stand still and perform a sideways power attack (holding the movement key left or right while power attacking) to launch a horizontal red wave.
- Vertical Slashing: Stand still and perform a standard forward power attack to launch a vertical red wave.
Look closely at the glowing red energy lines on the puzzle door. Match your power attack slashes to the direction of the glowing grooves. When done correctly, the glowing red beam will travel along the slot and unlock one of the locking mechanisms. Repeat this process for the remaining active grooves until all rings align and the door slides open.
Defeating the Boss and Finding the Exit
Once the door opens, you will enter a large burial chamber. Prepare yourself for a tough fight before you can think about how to escape Bloodskal Barrow.
- Face the Dragon Priest: As you approach the Word Wall to learn a new shout, the Dragon Priest Zahkriisos will burst from his sarcophagus. Keep your distance if you use melee, as his lightning spells deal devastating damage. Use cover to avoid his shock area-of-effect attacks.
- Loot the Body: Once Zahkriisos is defeated, loot his corpse to acquire the Zahkriisos Dragon Priest Mask, which grants strong resistance to shock magic.
- Read the Black Book: Approach the pedestal containing the Black Book: *Waking Dreams*. Reading this book will transport you to Apocrypha, the realm of Hermaeus Mora. This is a mandatory progression step for the Dragonborn DLC main questline.
How to Safely Escape Bloodskal Barrow
After finishing your business in Apocrypha, you will be returned to the main chamber of Bloodskal Barrow. Rather than turning around and trying to backtrack through the entire complex—which is tedious and often blocked by one-way drops—you can take a much faster, direct route to the surface.
Look to the left of the main puzzle door area. You will find a previously locked or hidden tunnel that leads upward. Follow this ascending pathway:
- Climb the spiral stone staircases carved into the ancient architecture.
- Defeat any remaining low-level draugr that may have respawned in your absence.
- Locate the final pull-chain or push-bar mechanism near the upper exit door.
- Activate the mechanism to lower the final stone gate, granting you direct access back to the exterior of Solstheim.
Once you step through the upper exit door, you will emerge outside into the ash wastes of Solstheim, completing your journey through the dungeon. You are now free to fast-travel back to Raven Rock to report your findings to the miners and claim your rewards.
