Gearing Up for Glory: The Best Early Archer Gear in Skyrim
The snowy peaks and dragon-infested landscapes of Skyrim are unforgiving. An archer, however, armed with the right gear, can become a silent predator, eliminating threats before they even know you’re there. For a budding archer, starting strong is crucial. The absolute best early archer gear in Skyrim combines accessibility, effectiveness, and a blend of stealth and damage. This means focusing on acquiring the best bows, armor, and supportive items obtainable within the first few hours of gameplay without extensive grinding. Let’s delve into what you need to become a formidable force with a bow.
Essential Early-Game Archer Gear
The best early game bow is arguably the Long Bow, and it’s readily available. You can find it in numerous locations, often on bandits or in early-game dungeons. Alternatively, you can purchase it from most blacksmiths or general goods merchants.
For early-game armor, the Leather Armor set offers a good balance of protection and weight. Its lightweight nature complements the agile playstyle of an archer. Look for pieces in chests, on bandits, or purchase them from merchants. While not specifically designed for archery, it’s a practical, accessible option until you acquire specialized gear.
The key early supportive items are arrows, healing potions, and ingredients for basic poisons. Iron arrows are cheap and plentiful and can be found almost anywhere. Crafting or purchasing simple healing potions will keep you alive during tougher encounters. Finally, experimenting with alchemy to create basic poisons like Weak Poison of Slow can give you an edge in combat.
Bows: Starting Strong
The Long Bow
As mentioned, the Long Bow is your bread and butter early on. Its damage output is respectable for the early game, and its ubiquity makes it easy to acquire and upgrade. Improving it at a grindstone using iron ingots further enhances its effectiveness.
Hunting Bow
A step up from the Long Bow is the Hunting Bow. While its base damage is slightly lower, its faster draw speed can be advantageous for a more aggressive archer. Check general goods merchants or search bandit camps to locate one.
Optional: Imperial Bow/Nordic Bow
If you choose to follow Hadvar at the start of the game, you’ll get Imperial Armor and potentially an Imperial Bow. If you chose Ralof instead, you’ll get Nordic Armor and possibly a Nordic Bow. These are comparable to the Hunting Bow in terms of effectiveness and accessibility.
Armor: Balancing Protection and Agility
Leather Armor Set
The Leather Armor offers a basic level of protection without weighing you down significantly. It’s cheap to purchase or craft (using leather and leather strips), and it allows for greater mobility, crucial for staying out of melee range.
Optional: Fur Armor Set
Another early armor set is the Fur Armor set, which you can obtain immediately at the beginning of the game if you follow Ralof. While it provides a similar amount of protection to Leather Armor, it’s less aesthetically pleasing to some players.
Key Armor Enchants to Look For
Focus on finding armor pieces with enchants that boost archery skill, stamina regeneration, or sneak skill. Even minor enchantments can significantly improve your early-game capabilities. Check vendors frequently, and consider enchanting your own gear once you level up your enchanting skill.
Supporting Items: The Archer’s Arsenal
Arrows
Iron Arrows are your primary ammunition source early on. They are incredibly common, cheap, and effective against most early-game enemies. Buy them in bulk from vendors or collect them from fallen foes.
Potions
Healing potions are essential for survival. Purchase them, find them in dungeons, or craft your own using ingredients like Blisterwort and Wheat. Stamina potions are also helpful for maintaining steady aim.
Poisons
Experimenting with alchemy to create poisons can drastically improve your damage output. Some excellent early-game poisons include:
- Weak Poison of Slow: Slows enemy movement, making them easier to hit.
- Damage Health Poisons: Provides additional damage over time.
Rings and Amulets
Keep an eye out for rings and amulets with enchantments that boost archery skill, stamina, or sneak. These items can provide valuable passive bonuses to your character.
The Importance of Skills and Perks
While gear is essential, your character’s skills and perks play an equally important role. Invest perk points into the following skills early on:
- Archery: Overdraw (increases bow damage) is your priority.
- Sneak: Stealth is essential for maximizing damage with sneak attacks.
- Light Armor: Improves armor rating and provides additional benefits as you level up.
- Alchemy: Allows you to craft more potent potions and poisons.
Leveling Up Quickly as an Archer
The fastest way to level archery early is to simply use your bow in every combat encounter. Even if you miss a few shots, the experience gained from each attempt adds up. Seek out low-level enemies like wolves or mudcrabs and practice your aim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best race for an archer in Skyrim early game?
The Bosmer (Wood Elf) is often considered the best race for an archer due to their starting bonus in archery. However, any race can be a successful archer, as skills can be developed regardless of racial bonuses.
2. Is stealth archery viable in the early game?
Yes, stealth archery is extremely viable and powerful from the very beginning. Investing in the sneak skill and using quiet bows like the Hunting Bow allows you to eliminate enemies before they even detect you.
3. Where can I find a reliable archery trainer early on?
Faendal in Riverwood is a valuable early-game archery trainer. Complete his quest to make him a follower, granting you access to free archery training.
4. What’s the best way to improve my aim in Skyrim?
Practice makes perfect! Experiment with different sensitivity settings, focus on leading your targets, and utilize the zoom function (if available) to steady your aim.
5. Should I focus on heavy or light armor as an archer?
Light armor is generally preferred for archers due to its lower weight and increased stamina regeneration, allowing for greater mobility and more frequent power shots. However, heavy armor is viable for tankier builds.
6. What enchantments are most useful for archers?
Fortify Archery, Fortify Stamina, and Fortify Sneak are among the most valuable enchantments for archers. Also, consider resist magic and resist disease for additional survivability.
7. How do I craft poisons in Skyrim?
To craft poisons, you need to find an alchemy lab (present in most major cities) and combine ingredients with specific effects. Experiment with different combinations to discover new poison recipes.
8. What is the best secondary weapon for an archer?
A dagger is an excellent choice for an archer, especially if you are playing a stealth build. If you’re spotted, a sword or axe offers more direct damage.
9. How do I deal with dragons as an archer?
Dragons can be challenging, but with patience and preparation, they can be defeated. Use cover to avoid their breath attacks, aim for their head or wings, and utilize poisons to inflict additional damage. Consider summoning a follower or using ranged magic spells for extra support.
10. What is the best early game follower for an archer?
Faendal is a good early game follower, as he can train you in Archery. After his personal quest you can recruit him as a follower and have him train you in Archery, then take the gold that you paid him back out of his inventory.
11. How important is smithing for an archer build?
Smithing is highly beneficial, as it allows you to improve your bows and armor, increasing their damage and protection. Investing in the smithing skill is particularly useful if you want to use advanced bows later in the game.
12. Is it worth joining the Thieves Guild as an archer?
Yes, joining the Thieves Guild can provide access to valuable stealth-related perks, gear, and quests that can significantly enhance your effectiveness as an archer.
13. What is the best way to earn gold quickly in Skyrim?
Alchemy and Smithing can generate good income if you sell crafted products. Completing quests, exploring dungeons for valuable loot, and selling items to merchants are also reliable ways to earn gold.
14. Can I dual wield bows in Skyrim?
No, you cannot dual wield bows in Skyrim.
15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics of Skyrim?
You can learn more about the mechanics of Skyrim and gaming in general at the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Equipped with this knowledge, you’re now ready to embark on your journey as a skilled archer in Skyrim. Remember to adapt your strategies, experiment with different gear combinations, and always stay one step ahead of your enemies. Happy hunting, Dragonborn!