What’s the Best Class to Play in Skyrim?

The question of the “best” class in Skyrim is deceptively complex. Unlike many RPGs, Skyrim doesn’t actually have a class system in the traditional sense. You’re not locked into a pre-defined archetype. Instead, you’re free to develop your character by leveling skills and choosing perks as you see fit. That said, some approaches are undeniably more powerful and efficient, especially for newcomers. The most effective path, especially for a beginner, is to focus on crafting skills first, specifically Smithing and Enchanting, often referred to as the “Artificer” approach. This is not a typical “class”, but a method of character development that allows you to create the most powerful gear, essentially overshadowing the effects of any specific combat or magical build.

However, if you’re looking for a traditional archetype, then a Stealth Archer is often touted as the most straightforward and potent “class” early and mid-game. It’s forgiving for new players, relatively easy to master, and incredibly powerful. However, its single-minded approach can get stale quickly, making the Illusion Assassin a better late-game option once you are comfortable with the mechanics and are looking for a more unique experience. Magic users, especially Destruction Mages and Conjurers, also pack a serious punch, but have a steeper learning curve and are more vulnerable early on.

In essence, there isn’t a single “best” class. However, for a powerful and smooth start, the “Artificer” followed by either a Stealth Archer or Illusion Assassin is hard to beat. Your choice will heavily depend on your play style and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand why:

The Power of the Artificer: Smithing, Enchanting, and Alchemy

Why Crafting Skills Dominate

The combination of Smithing, Enchanting, and Alchemy, often called the “Artificer” build, is arguably the most potent approach in Skyrim. It’s not a combat style in itself, but it allows you to forge, enhance, and brew items that drastically amplify the power of any other playstyle you choose. The benefits include:

• Superior Equipment: Smithing allows you to create weapons and armor with higher base damage and defense than you can find in the world, especially as you improve your skill.
• Powerful Enchantments: Enchanting lets you imbue your gear with potent effects like increased damage, improved magic, or resistances. This can stack to absurd levels if you utilize the alchemy to make “fortify enchanting” potions.
• Game-Breaking Potions: Alchemy provides you with a source of potent stat boosting potions, healing, and poisons, making you able to take down enemies normally out of your league and to significantly enhance your Smithing and Enchanting.

Getting Started with the Artificer

Focus on leveling your Smithing skill by crafting items as frequently as possible. Start by mining ores, smithing them into ingots, and then crafting iron daggers, as these are readily available and easily farmed. As your Smithing improves you can work your way into higher tier armor and weapons. For enchanting, disenchant any enchanted gear you find to learn their enchantments and then craft and enchant iron daggers. Alchemy can be leveled by picking up ingredients and mixing various potions, which will also help you throughout your adventures.

The true power of the Artificer lies in the synergistic loop, which allows you to exponentially increase your effectiveness: you create potent gear, enchant it, and then use alchemy to create fortifying potions to make the gear even more powerful. This system ensures you are powerful no matter your playstyle.

Stealth Archers and Illusion Assassins: The Efficient Killers

The Stealth Archer: A Classic for a Reason

The Stealth Archer build is incredibly powerful because it allows you to deal massive damage from a distance, often one-shotting enemies before they can even reach you. This build emphasizes:

• High Damage Output: With sneak attacks, bows, and archery perks, the damage you inflict will be extraordinary.
• Safety and Control: The range and stealth aspect of the archer style means you can often pick off enemies without ever being attacked yourself.
• Easy Learning Curve: It’s relatively simple to pick up and play, making it ideal for new players.

The Illusion Assassin: A Master of Subterfuge

While also relying on sneak, the Illusion Assassin builds upon the Stealth Archer by adding powerful illusion spells. This approach is:

• Control and Chaos: Use spells like invisibility and frenzy to control the battlefield, often turning enemies against each other.
• High Single Target Damage: Pair illusion spells with deadly sneak attacks for guaranteed critical damage.
• Challenging and Rewarding: It can be more complex to master than the stealth archer, but it offers a much more engaging and strategic gameplay experience.

How to Start with Stealth Builds

Focus on leveling your Sneak and Archery (for a Stealth Archer) or Illusion (for an Illusion Assassin) skills early. Find light armor to improve your mobility, and upgrade your bow whenever possible. For the Illusion Assassin, practice casting spells and finding opportunities to use sneak attacks.

Magic Users: Destruction Mages and Conjurers

Destruction Mages: Wielding Elemental Power

Destruction Mages are masters of elemental magic, capable of dealing massive damage through spells like fire, frost, and lightning. They are:

• High Damage Output: Destruction magic, when properly perked, can obliterate enemies in a very short time.
• Versatile Attack Styles: Use a variety of spells to target different weaknesses and crowd control situations.
• Potentially Vulnerable: Early game mages are squishy, requiring good positioning and spell selection.

Conjurers: Commanding the Undead and Daedra

Conjuration magic focuses on summoning creatures to fight alongside you, making you a powerful force with a strong group of allies. Conjurers are:

• Versatile Combatants: Use summoned creatures to act as tanks, deal damage, or provide crowd control.
• Powerful Allies: Dremora Lords, once you acquire them, are extremely powerful allies.
• More Forgiving: Summoned creatures can act as tanks, protecting you from damage.

Getting Started with Magic

Focus on leveling your chosen school of magic. Equip magic enhancing gear when possible, or enchant gear yourself through the Artificer loop. Utilize magicka potions, and use your magic often to help level up.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the “best” class in Skyrim is the one that best suits your playstyle and preferences. However, starting with the Artificer approach, you will be the most powerful in the game and able to use any style at it’s full potential. Then, branching out into a Stealth Archer, Illusion Assassin, Destruction Mage, or Conjurer, you’ll be able to enjoy a powerful and engaging experience. Experiment, explore, and find what makes you feel like the Dragonborn!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does race matter when choosing a class in Skyrim?

While race provides initial bonuses to skills and abilities, it does not significantly impact how you develop your character. Any race can become powerful in any build. However, some races do have advantages for certain playstyles. For example, Bretons have a strong magic resistance, making them ideal for magic classes, while Orcs can double their damage and defense.

2. Can I change my “class” in Skyrim?

Skyrim does not have classes, per se. You develop skills independently and can change your approach anytime. There is no point in the game that will prevent you from switching styles.

3. Is it a bad idea to try out multiple playstyles?

Absolutely not! Part of Skyrim’s appeal is its freedom. Feel free to experiment with different skills and see what you enjoy the most. You can start as a stealth archer and eventually become a powerful mage, all on the same character.

4. What skills should beginners focus on?

For a beginner, Smithing, Enchanting, and Alchemy (Artificer) are highly recommended. After that, Archery, Sneak, One-Handed, and Restoration are all excellent starting points.

5. What’s the easiest class to start with?

The Stealth Archer is often the easiest to pick up due to its ranged capabilities and stealth advantages. It’s very forgiving for new players.

6. Is it possible to be a jack of all trades in Skyrim?

Yes! With enough time and effort, you can level all skills in Skyrim. It might not be the most efficient approach, but it is certainly doable.

7. Are there any “must-have” skills?

There are no “must-have” skills, but Smithing and Enchanting are essential for creating powerful gear. Also, Restoration is useful for all builds for healing.

8. Should I follow a build guide?

While build guides can be helpful, it is more enjoyable to experiment on your own. Using a general outline is good but you should always find a style you find enjoyable.

9. How important is armor in Skyrim?

Armor is incredibly important for reducing damage. Light armor is ideal for stealth builds, while heavy armor provides more protection for melee fighters. However, the best armor is created and improved through Smithing.

10. How do I get better at magic?

Practice using your magic often, equip magicka boosting items, and look for perks in the magic skill trees that boost your abilities. Using potions to regenerate magicka in fights is also extremely important.

11. What is the best race for magic users?

High Elves and Bretons are strong choices, thanks to their magicka bonuses and resistances. The racial ability of High Elves allows for a quick restoration of their magicka pool, while Bretons have natural magic resistance.

12. Is it possible to be a good vampire in Skyrim?

Absolutely! Dark Elves are great choices due to their stealth and magical capabilities, making them ideal vampires.

13. How do I become more powerful than others?

Focus on leveling your Smithing, Enchanting, and Alchemy skills, and then utilize those skills to make potent armor and weapons. Using the Artificer loop will exponentially increase your power.

14. How do I maximize sneak damage?

Invest in sneak perks, find gear that enhances your stealth, and utilize spells like invisibility. Positioning and a higher sneak skill will also make a difference.

15. What is the most popular build in Skyrim?

The Stealth Archer is by far the most popular build due to its ease of use and power, but an Artificer followed by an Illusion Assassin is the most powerful approach.