Skyrim, a classic action RPG from The Elder Scrolls series, has a wide range of powerful one-handed weapons. These weapons fit different playstyles, from the quick strikes of daggers to the strong blows of war axes and maces. This guide will show you some of the top one-handed weapons in Skyrim, including unique rewards, craftable items, and enchanted blades.
Weapons like Bloodthorn and the Dragonbone War Axe highlight Skyrim’s combat depth. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses. This means you need to pick the right weapon for your playstyle. Whether you’re sneaky, spell-casting, or a frontline fighter, there’s a one-handed weapon for you.
Key Takeaways
- Skyrim offers a wide range of one-handed weapons, including daggers, swords, war axes, and maces.
- Unique quest rewards like Dawnbreaker and Miraak’s Sword are some of the most powerful one-handed weapons in the game.
- Crafting your own weapons, such as Dragonbone and Stalhrim items, allows for customization and high damage output.
- Choosing the right weapon depends on your playstyle, with daggers excelling in stealth, swords offering versatility, and war axes and maces providing raw power.
- Enchantments and unique effects can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your chosen weapon.
Unique One-Handed Weapons in Skyrim
Skyrim has many unique one-handed weapons with special enchantments. These weapons give players special advantages in fights. Miraak’s Sword, Bloodscythe and Soulrender, and Dawnbreaker are some of the most wanted.
Miraak’s Sword
Miraak’s Sword is the strongest one-handed weapon in the game. You get it after beating Miraak in the Dragonborn DLC. It takes stamina from enemies with each hit, great for those who like power attacks.
Bloodscythe & Soulrender
Bloodscythe and Soulrender are two blades that work well together. Bloodscythe takes health from enemies, while Soulrender takes magicka. Bloodscythe also deals more damage than a regular scimitar and can weaken enemy armor.
| Weapon | Base Damage | Enchantment |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodscythe | 11 | Absorbs health and sunders armor |
| Soulrender | 11 | Absorbs magicka and casts spells on opponents |
Dawnbreaker
Dawnbreaker is a Daedric artifact from Meridia. It’s great for fighting undead. It does extra fire damage and makes undead explode, harming others nearby. It’s perfect for battles against draugr, skeletons, and vampires.
- Deals 10 points of fire damage
- Causes undead to explode for 10 points of damage in a 15-foot radius
- Undead have a 50% chance to flee for 10 seconds when struck
Choosing a unique one-handed weapon in Skyrim depends on your playstyle and enemies. Miraak’s Sword is good for its damage and stamina absorption. Bloodscythe and Soulrender are great for draining enemy resources. Dawnbreaker is the best for undead fights with its fire damage and explosion effect.
Crafting the Best One-Handed Weapons
In Skyrim, you can find unique weapons, but making your own is rewarding. With the right materials and perks, you can create one-handed weapons as good as legendary ones. Dragonbone and Stalhrim are the best materials for this.
Dragonbone Weapons
Dragonbone weapons are the best for damage. They have the highest base damage of any craftable one-handed weapon in Skyrim. To make them, you need to be level 100 in Smithing and have Dragon Bones. You can get these by killing dragons or finding their remains.
| Weapon | Base Damage | Weight | Base Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragonbone Sword | 16 | 17 | 1500 |
| Dragonbone War Axe | 16 | 18 | 1700 |
| Dragonbone Mace | 17 | 21 | 1800 |
| Dragonbone Dagger | 12 | 6 | 800 |
Stalhrim Weapons
Stalhrim weapons are great for one-handed weapons in Skyrim, thanks to the Dragonborn DLC. They have less base damage than Dragonbone but get a 25% bonus to frost damage enchantments. This makes them very effective against cold-sensitive enemies.
To make Stalhrim weapons, you need to finish the quest “A New Source of Stalhrim” on Solstheim. After that, you can craft them at any blacksmith’s forge with the right Smithing perks.
| Weapon | Base Damage | Weight | Base Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stalhrim Sword | 14 | 15 | 1200 |
| Stalhrim War Axe | 14 | 16 | 1400 |
| Stalhrim Mace | 15 | 19 | 1500 |
| Stalhrim Dagger | 10 | 5 | 650 |
Both Dragonbone and Stalhrim weapons can be improved with smithing upgrades and enchantments. This lets you make one-handed weapons that are better than most unique finds. Whether you like Dragonbone’s power or Stalhrim’s frost bonus, making your own weapons adds a new level of fun to Skyrim.
Choosing the Right One-Handed Weapon
When picking a one-handed weapon in Skyrim, think about how you play and your character’s build. Each type of one-handed weapon suits different playstyles. This lets you fight better by choosing the right weapon for you.
Daggers for Stealth Builds
Daggers are great for sneaky players. They have quick attacks and deal a lot of damage when you sneak up on enemies. The Dragonbone Dagger and the Blade of Woe are top picks for stealthy characters.
Mehrunes’ Razor is also a good choice. It has 11 damage and a small chance to instantly kill your target.
Swords for Versatile Playstyles
Swords are good for many playstyles because they balance speed and power. Swords like Dawnbreaker and Chillrend are great for warriors and those who use magic. They offer special perks and can deal a lot of damage.
Miraak’s Sword is another excellent choice. It has 16 damage and can absorb stamina, making it versatile in combat.
Maces and War Axes for Heavy Hitters
Maces and war axes are for those who like to deal massive damage. They might be slower, but they pack a punch. The Mace of Molag Bal and the Rueful Axe are top picks for heavy-hitting builds.
These weapons are perfect for characters who want to crush their enemies with brute force.
FAQ
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Source Links
- https://gamerant.com/skyrim-best-one-handed-weapons-guide/
- https://www.dualshockers.com/skyrim-best-one-handed-weapons/
- https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Unique_Weapons_(Skyrim)
- https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Unique_Weapons
- https://gamerant.com/skyrim-anniversary-every-unique-weapon-guide/
- https://screenrant.com/skyrim-best-one-handed-swords-location-unlock-guide/
- https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/One-Handed_(Skyrim)
- https://exputer.com/guides/best-one-handed-weapons-skyrim/
- https://screenrant.com/skyrim-most-powerful-weapons-find-tips/
- https://www.eurogamer.net/skyrim-best-weapons-ranked-best-bow-sword-dagger-and-more
