Step 1: Prepare for the Battle

Before starting the quest to defeat Ancano, equip yourself with the right armor and weapons. Ensure your character has enough health potions, magicka potions, and any necessary enchanted items. Having a follower as backup can also be helpful.

Step 2: Begin the “Eye of Magnus” Quest

The battle with Ancano occurs during the College of Winterhold questline. After completing the “Containment” quest and speaking with Tolfdir, you will trigger the “Eye of Magnus” quest.

Step 3: Enter the College of Winterhold

Head towards the College of Winterhold and battle your way through barriers of magic anomalies surrounding it. You may also need to deal with any Thalmor agents or enemy mages before reaching the college.

Step 4: Find Tolfdir and Quaranir

Once inside the college, locate Tolfdir and Quaranir in the Hall of Elements. Have a conversation with them, and they’ll inform you that Ancano is attempting to use the Eye of Magnus for his own purposes.

Step 5: Break Ancano’s Barrier

Secure the Staff of Magnus by defeating enemies within Labyrinthian or by purchasing it from merchants. Use this staff to break down Ancano’s protective barrier around the Eye of Magnus inside the Hall of Elements. Approach the barrier slowly while continuously casting spells or using the Staff of Magnus until it dissipates.

Step 6: Engage Ancano in Combat

With Ancano’s barrier down, he will emerge and initiate combat. Be prepared for an intense battle as he’ll use powerful spells to attack you. Avoid his attacks by staying on your guard and utilizing healing potions when necessary.

Step 7: Drain Magicka from Eye of Magnus

While engaging in combat with Ancano, remember that he is invulnerable as long as the Eye of Magnus is open. Use the Staff of Magnus on the Eye when it starts to glow, draining magicka from it and making Ancano vulnerable. This will not fully defeat Ancano; you must use your weapons or spells to subdue him while he is weakened.

Step 8: Finish the Battle

Once Ancano is defeated, he will collapse and die. Tolfdir and the Psijic Order monastic will approach you to discuss the outcome. The monastic will declare you have proven yourself, and the questline will be completed. During this conversation, the Eye of Magnus will be taken away for safekeeping.

Congratulations! You have now successfully defeated Ancano in Skyrim, demonstrating your prowess as a mage and defender of Tamriel’s mystical knowledge.