How to join: Travel to Winterhold and cast a demonstration spell for Faralda on the bridge.
Ends with: The Staff of Magnus, the Arch-Mage's Robes and quarters, and the title of Arch-Mage.
Skyrim's home of the magical arts. No high skill needed to enter — just the willingness to meddle with forces beyond mortal understanding.
Questline
- 1
First Lessons & Under Saarthal
Learn the basics with Tolfdir, then excavate Saarthal, where you uncover a mysterious orb — the Eye of Magnus — and awaken ancient guardians.
- 2
Hitting the Books
Retrieve the three books the apprentice Orthorn took from the Arcanaeum to Fellglow Keep, so Urag can research the orb.
- 3
Good Intentions & Revealing the Unseen
The Thalmor advisor Ancano grows dangerous. Recover the Staff of Magnus's lead from Mzulft and the Synod.
- 4
The Staff of Magnus
Delve into Labyrinthian, defeat the dragon priest Morokei, and claim the Staff — the only thing that can contain the Eye.
- 5
The Eye of Magnus
Ancano seizes the Eye's power. Use the Staff to break his shield and defeat him. With the College's leader gone, you're named Arch-Mage.
Labyrinthian also holds the Morokei mask for your Dragon Priest Masks collection. The College quest is the only way in.
Getting In & the Arcanaeum
- Faralda tests you on the bridge before letting you through: she asks for a demonstration of one of five spells picked at random — Firebolt, Conjure Flame Atronach, Fear, Healing Hands or Mage Light — though a high enough Speech skill can talk her past the test entirely.
- Tolfdir gives the Hall of the Elements lecture new arrivals sit through, then leads the trip to Saarthal.
- Urag gro-Shub, the Orc librarian of the Arcanaeum, hands out side quests to track down lost or stolen tomes — useful for picking up spell books and Black Books along the way.