The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a landmark RPG for a lot of reasons. Upon release nearly a decade ago, it had one of the largest open worlds in any game and its interconnected and ever-progressing storylines kept players wanting more and more.
Even players who think they've seen it all in Skyrim haven't encountered some of the game's most rare and most hidden enemies. Some enemies are notably rare for the small chance they appear in-game in general, like while roaming the wilderness. Others are rare for being out-of-the-way enemies most players wouldn't encounter.
10 Karstagg the Frost Giant
Karstagg, the Frost Giant, is a rare boss-like enemy only found in the Castle Karstaag ruins in Northwest Solstheim. He is an enemy encountered not only in Skyrim, but also in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, although he appears as a spirit in Skyrim.
Players must undertake a special related quest to even have the chance to spawn Karstaag and must find and use his to attempt the ritual.
9 Dremora, in General
Dremora were very common in the previous Elder Scrolls entry, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which largely took place in the Dremora-infested realm of Oblivion. They are much much more of a rare find in Skyrim, though.
In fact, Dremora can only be found at the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon, Shalidor's Maze, and Azura's Star, aside from summoned Dremora under the player's command.
8 Dragon Priests
Dragon Priests are end-game enemies that can be part of quests or found out in hidden locations around Skyrim. Morokei, for example, can be found during the College of Winterhold questline, while Krosis resides upon the top of a mountain.
There are very few Dragon Priests in the game, and they're all spread around in various locations throughout Skyrim. But be prepared for a fight when you come across one – they are no holds barred tough to take down.
7 The Reaper
The Reaper is a secret boss in Soul Cairn. To summon it, the player has to go to Reaper's Lair in Soul Cairn with three Reaper Gem Fragments – these are found under health-draining crystals throughout Soul Cairn.
Then, when the player places each of the four Reaper Gem Fragments onto an altar, a mysterious shaded figure wielding a battleaxe and wearing a hood shows up out of nowhere to fight – pretty spooky!
6 Wispmothers
Wispmothers are very rare creatures found out in the wilds of Skyrim. While adventuring in the many mountains of the Nordic homeland, you might come across a wisp in the air. Follow it, and you'll be taken to a Wispmother.
The wisps themselves won't attack the player, but the Wispmother will. The player should prepare for the Wispmother's frost-heavy attacks by crafting frost resistance potions before tracking down one of these elusive enemies.
5 Dwarven Centurions
Dwarven Centurions are very rare in Skyrim, you can almost count on one hand how many locations they appear in. Dwarven Centurions are gigantic steam-powered monstrosities capable of taking down just about any player, powerful or not.
They are usually found at the end of Dwemer ruins, and very rarely the Dragonborn will have to fight against two of these hulking machines. Upon defeat, they tend to drop good Dwemer items and scrap, as well as Soul Gems.
4 Hagraven
Hagravens are the Harpies of the Elder Scrolls universe. They're something between a bird and a black magic witch and they can typically be found tending to their tiny out-of-the-way huts out in the wildernesses of Skyrim.
However, Hagravens also randomly spawn in the forest in general, not close to any notable locations. If you hear a high-pitched bird-like shriek with a human twang, so to speak, you might have a Hagraven nearby.
3 Gargoyles
Gargoyles are only found in the Dawnstar expansion for Skyrim, but just like Dremora they can be summoned if having a gargoyle nearby is important to you. To find gargoyles out and about, head to Castle Volikhar or the Bloodlet Throne and walk up to a statue... it's not as still as you think.
Players can also choose to become a vampire to find a gargoyle, as one of the final abilities in the Vampire Lord tree is the ability to summon gargoyles.
2 "Milk Drinker!" Warrior
While adventuring on your own out in the wilds of Skyrim, the last thing you want to hear is somebody dishonoring your name. There is a random chance that any time the player is wandering the roads or staying at an inn, a warrior will come up to them and do just that.
The warrior walks up, calls you a milk drinker, and offers you a chance to respond. You can attempt to allay the situation, or choose the more fun option to beat him senseless.
1 Winterhold Frost Atronachs
Adventurers who make it all the way to Winterhold in the campaign (or while on their own adventure totally separate from the story) are very unlikely to commit any crimes in the cold, cold city. However, anyone who gets thrown in jail in Winterhold gets sent to The Chill, not a regular prison.
This outdoor prison is surrounded by Frost Atronachs who will attack anybody on sight who tries to escape the freezing cold waste. You can serve the time, but it's more fun to try to break out over and over again.