Should I Legendary My Skills in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: it depends on your playstyle and goals. Legendary skills in Skyrim are a powerful mechanic, allowing you to reset a skill back to level 15 (or whatever your base skill is if it’s higher) after reaching level 100, refunding all perk points spent in that skill tree. This allows you to gain additional character levels beyond the initial level cap and continue to improve your character’s stats. However, it also means temporarily weakening yourself in that specific area. The decision of whether or not to legendary a skill requires careful consideration of the pros and cons.
The Allure of Legendary Skills: Why Reset?
The primary benefit of making a skill legendary is the ability to level up infinitely. Without this mechanic, you’re capped at level 81, severely limiting your potential. With legendary skills, you can theoretically reach any level, though the XP requirement per level increases dramatically as you progress.
Another advantage is the refund of perk points. This allows you to reallocate points to other skill trees, potentially experimenting with different builds and playstyles. Maybe you initially invested heavily in Smithing to craft powerful armor, but now you’re more interested in mastering Enchanting. Legendary skills provide the flexibility to shift your focus.
Finally, leveling a skill from 15 (or higher) to 100 can be relatively fast and easy, especially with optimized strategies. This provides a consistent source of experience, especially in the later game when quest rewards become less impactful. You can continue to grow and learn new skills and perks.
The Downside: Temporary Weakness
The most significant drawback of making a skill legendary is the temporary loss of power. Resetting a combat skill like Archery or One-Handed can make you significantly weaker in combat, especially on higher difficulties. You’ll need to readjust your tactics and potentially rely more on other skills or followers until your legendary skill is back up to par.
Also, the initial levels can feel tedious, especially if you’re accustomed to playing with a maxed-out skill. Leveling a legendary skill requires patience and a strategy.
Making the Right Choice: Consider Your Playstyle
Ultimately, the decision to legendary a skill depends on your playstyle:
- Power Gamers: If you’re aiming for maximum character level and build versatility, legendary skills are essential. Just be prepared for the initial drop in power.
- Roleplayers: Consider whether the legendary skill mechanic fits your character’s story. Does it make sense for your warrior to suddenly become a novice swordsman again?
- Casual Players: If you’re happy with your current power level and don’t feel the need to optimize further, there’s no need to engage with the legendary skill system.
FAQs: Legendary Skills in Detail
Here are some frequently asked questions about legendary skills to help you make an informed decision:
1. How do I make a skill legendary?
Once a skill reaches level 100, you can open the Skills menu, select the skill, and press the designated button (usually Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox, or R on PC) to make it legendary. This will reset the skill to 15 (or higher, depending on any skill buffs you have) and refund all perk points.
2. Do legendary skills level faster?
No, legendary skills do not level faster. It takes the same amount of experience to level a skill from 15 to 100 whether it’s your first time or your tenth time making it legendary. The XP requirement per level is static and do not change for leveling skills up.
3. Should I make archery legendary?
It depends. If you rely heavily on Archery for combat, making it legendary will significantly weaken you in ranged engagements until you level it back up. Consider your build. If you are relying heavily on your ranged attack. Consider other options before making archery legendary.
4. How many times can I legendary a skill in Skyrim?
There is no limit to how many times you can make a skill legendary. You can repeat the process indefinitely, allowing you to achieve incredibly high character levels.
5. Can you max out all perks in Skyrim?
No, it is impossible to max out all perks in Skyrim. Even if you max out all skills to 100 without making them legendary, you’ll only reach around level 81, which is insufficient to acquire all 251+ perks.
6. What happens when I legendary a skill?
When you make a skill legendary, it resets to level 15 (or the base value for that skill if it’s higher than 15). You also get all perk points you invested in the skill refunded.
7. Can you get level 100 in every skill in Skyrim?
Yes, all characters level up their skills at the same speed with use, and as such you’re able to, eventually, reach the maximum level of 100 in every skill tree. You can get to level 100 in every skill.
8. Does making a skill legendary make it stronger?
No, legendary skills level up normally and have no added benefits compared with non-Legendary skills. The purpose of making a skill Legendary is to allow it to contribute to increasing character level again. Legendary skills do not gain any additional boosts or effects compared to non-legendary skills.
9. Is Legendary the highest upgrade in Skyrim?
Legendary is the highest level. But the stats can be raised even higher through potions, smithing enchantments, and exploits. Using exploits or in-game items can give you higher stats and improvements on your character and equipment.
10. What is the max level in Skyrim without legendary?
If you don’t make any of your skills legendary, the cap is level 81. However, with legendary skills enabled, there is no limit. So you can be virtually any level as long as you are willing to grind!
11. Which skills should I make legendary?
Skills that are easy to level and don’t significantly impact your core combat abilities are good candidates for legendary status. Examples include:
- Smithing: Crafting items is a quick and easy way to level Smithing.
- Alchemy: Making potions can be automated with certain mods or strategies.
- Illusion: Spells like Muffle or Harmony can be cast repeatedly to quickly level Illusion.
- Alteration: Telekinesis is an easy spell to level up the skill.
12. What is the fastest skill to legendary in Skyrim?
Alteration is often cited as the fastest skill to legendary. Using Telekinesis and holding an object from a distance is a commonly used tactic.
13. Is Skyrim Legendary difficulty too hard?
Legendary difficulty is the hardest setting in Skyrim. Enemies hit harder and have more health. It requires strategic gameplay, careful resource management, and optimized builds to survive.
14. Do skills level slower on legendary Skyrim?
Yes and no. It depends on the skill. On average one does NOT level faster on Legendary, and might even level a bit slower.
15. What are the best perks in Skyrim?
Some of the most powerful perks in Skyrim include:
- Extra Effect (Enchanting): Allows you to apply two enchantments to a single item.
- Power Shot (Archery): Staggers almost all enemies with a bow.
- Assassin’s Blade (Sneak): Does fifteen times sneak damage with daggers.
Conclusion: Legendary or Not?
Legendary skills are a powerful tool for character progression in Skyrim, but they’re not for everyone. Consider your playstyle, your goals, and the potential drawbacks before making a skill legendary. If you’re looking to maximize your character’s potential and don’t mind a temporary dip in power, then embrace the legendary path. If you are happy with your current character and stats, then you don’t need to worry about legendary status.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment and see what works best for you. Skyrim is a game about exploration and freedom, so don’t be afraid to try new things and discover your own optimal path.
For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Gaming allows us to learn and grow in innovative ways. You can also learn new skills playing games like Skyrim. It gives you the ability to explore yourself in different situations and improve your gameplay skills.