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How to Get the Strongest Sword in Skyrim

The quest for the strongest sword in Skyrim is a common pursuit for adventurers looking to dominate dragons, decimate draugr, and generally lay waste to anything that crosses their path. While the “strongest” sword is subjective and depends on your character build and preferred playstyle, Miraak’s Sword often tops the list for its high base damage and potent enchantments, though crafting a Madness Sword can yield an even stronger result. To obtain Miraak’s Sword, you must defeat Miraak during the “At the Summit of Apocrypha” quest, which is part of the Dragonborn DLC. Alternatively, with sufficient skill and resources, crafting and tempering can elevate other swords, like the Madness Sword from the Saints & Seducers Creation, to even greater heights.

Understanding “Strength” in Skyrim Swords

Before diving into specific swords, it’s crucial to define what makes a sword “strong” in Skyrim. Strength isn’t solely about base damage. Consider these factors:

Base Damage: This is the raw damage a sword deals before any modifiers. Higher base damage is always desirable.
Enchantments: Swords can be enchanted with effects like fire damage, frost damage, shock damage, or stamina and health absorption. These can significantly increase a sword’s overall effectiveness.
Tempering (Smithing): Improving a sword at a grindstone using smithing skills and materials can dramatically increase its damage.
Weapon Speed: Faster weapons allow for more attacks in a shorter period, potentially offsetting lower base damage.
Weight: Lighter swords are generally preferred as they allow for quicker movement and less stamina drain.
Availability: A sword’s strength is irrelevant if you can’t obtain it easily or early in the game.

Obtaining Miraak’s Sword: A Step-by-Step Guide

Miraak’s Sword is a unique one-handed scimitar obtained by defeating the titular antagonist of the Dragonborn DLC. Here’s how to get it:

Purchase and Install the Dragonborn DLC: This is essential as Miraak and Apocrypha are only accessible through the DLC.
Begin the Dragonborn Main Quest: The questline starts after completing the main quest “The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller” in Skyrim. You’ll be approached by cultists who worship Miraak.
Travel to Solstheim: After speaking with the cultists, travel to Windhelm and take a ship to Raven Rock on the island of Solstheim.
Follow the Main Questline: Complete quests like “Out of the Cold,” “The Temple of Miraak,” “The Gardener of Men,” and “The Seer.” These quests will lead you through Solstheim and eventually to Apocrypha, Hermaeus Mora’s realm.
Progress Through Apocrypha: Navigate the labyrinthine libraries and dangerous creatures of Apocrypha. You’ll encounter several Black Books that grant powerful abilities and unlock new areas.
Reach “At the Summit of Apocrypha”: This is the final quest in the Dragonborn main questline.
Defeat Miraak: Prepare for a challenging battle. Miraak can absorb the souls of dragons to heal himself, so be ready for a prolonged fight. Use potions, enchantments, and any other advantages you can muster. Magic resistance is highly recommended.
Loot Miraak’s Corpse: Once Miraak is defeated, you can loot his body, which will include his sword.

Crafting the Madness Sword: A Potentially Stronger Alternative

The Madness Sword comes from the Saints & Seducers Creation, and it holds the potential to surpass even Miraak’s Sword in terms of raw damage output. Here’s how to acquire and maximize it:

Acquire the Saints & Seducers Creation: This Creation Club content needs to be purchased and downloaded.
Start the “Restoring Order” Questline: This quest becomes available upon entering the Rift region of Skyrim.
Follow the Questline: The quest will lead you through several locations and battles, eventually culminating in the acquisition of Madness Ore.
Craft the Madness Sword: Use the Madness Ore at a forge to craft the Madness Sword. You’ll need the Rare Gifts perk to craft Madness items and the Ebony Smithing perk to smith it.
Temper the Madness Sword: This is where the Madness Sword truly shines. With high smithing skill, the right perks, and powerful smithing enchantments on your gear, you can significantly increase the Madness Sword’s damage output to outclass Miraak’s Sword.

Other Notable Swords in Skyrim

While Miraak’s Sword and the Madness Sword contend for the top spot, several other swords deserve mention:

Dragonbane: Excellent against dragons due to its bonus damage against them. Found during the Alduin’s Wall quest.
Dawnbreaker: A powerful one-handed sword that deals fire damage and is particularly effective against undead. Obtained from the Daedric Prince Meridia.
Chillrend: A glass sword with frost damage, found in the Thieves Guild questline.
Windshear: A scimitar with a high chance to stagger enemies. Found on the Katariah during the Hail Sithis! quest.
Bloodscythe & Soulrender: These dual swords from the Dragonborn DLC offer significant bonuses when wielded together.

Maximizing Your Sword’s Potential

Regardless of the sword you choose, here are tips to maximize its potential:

Improve Your Smithing Skill: This is crucial for tempering and upgrading your swords.
Invest in Smithing Perks: Perks like Arcane Blacksmith, Steel Smithing, Elven Smithing, Advanced Armors, and Ebony Smithing will unlock the ability to craft and improve better weapons.
Use Smithing Enchantments: Enchant gear with Fortify Smithing to further enhance your tempering abilities.
Drink Smithing Potions: Potions of Fortify Smithing will provide a temporary boost to your smithing skill.
Enchant Your Sword: Add enchantments like fire damage, frost damage, or health absorption to further increase its effectiveness.
Increase Your One-Handed Skill: This will increase your damage output with one-handed swords.
Choose the Right Perks: Perks like Armsman, Bladesman, and Fighting Stance will enhance your one-handed combat abilities.

Choosing the Right Sword for Your Playstyle

Ultimately, the “strongest” sword depends on your character build and playstyle. A mage might prefer Dawnbreaker for its effectiveness against undead, while a warrior might favor a heavily tempered Madness Sword for its raw damage. Experiment with different swords and enchantments to find what works best for you. Remember that your skills and perks will have just as much impact on your combat prowess as the weapon itself.

Remember, the world of Skyrim is filled with endless possibilities, where the most powerful build is the one that you enjoy the most. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights on game design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the absolute highest damage a sword can do in Skyrim?

The absolute highest damage a sword can do in Skyrim is achieved by maximizing your Smithing skill, using Fortify Smithing enchantments and potions, and tempering a high base damage weapon like a Madness Sword. With enough investment, you can reach damage numbers far exceeding those of unique, named weapons.

2. Is Dragonbane the best sword against dragons?

Yes, Dragonbane is exceptionally effective against dragons due to its unique enchantment that deals extra damage to them. It also includes shock damage, making it a solid choice even against non-dragon enemies.

3. Where can I find Daedra Hearts for upgrading Miraak’s Sword?

Daedra Hearts can be found in several locations, including:

Shrines of Mehrunes Dagon: Completing the “Pieces of the Past” questline will grant you access to a shrine that respawns Daedra Hearts.
Alchemy Shops: Occasionally, they will be available in stock at alchemy shops.
Enthir at the College of Winterhold: He often sells Daedra Hearts.
Killing Dremora: Dremora are guaranteed to drop Daedra Hearts.

4. What is the fastest swinging one-handed weapon in Skyrim?

The dagger is the fastest swinging one-handed weapon in Skyrim, although it deals the least amount of base damage.

5. What are the best swords to dual wield in Skyrim?

Bloodscythe and Soulrender from the Dragonborn DLC are particularly effective when dual-wielded, as their enchantments synergize when used together. Another popular choice is dual-wielding swords with elemental enchantments like fire and frost.

6. Is Windshear a good starting sword in Skyrim?

Yes, Windshear is an excellent starting sword due to its unique staggering effect. While it has low base damage, the constant staggering can make early encounters much easier.

7. How good is Dawnbreaker as a late-game weapon?

Dawnbreaker remains a solid weapon throughout the game, particularly against undead enemies. Its fire damage and chance to cause undead to flee make it a useful tool in many dungeons. However, its effectiveness against other enemy types is limited compared to a well-tempered and enchanted sword.

8. Is it worth investing in swords as a weapon choice in Skyrim?

Yes, swords are a viable weapon choice in Skyrim. They offer a good balance of damage and speed. With the right skills, perks, and enchantments, swords can be highly effective in combat.

9. What is the strongest heavy armor set in Skyrim?

Daedric Armor is generally considered the strongest heavy armor set in Skyrim due to its high armor rating.

10. What is the strongest light armor set in Skyrim?

The strongest light armor set is often considered to be the Deathbrand Armor, acquired through the Deathbrand questline on Solstheim, offered by the Games Learning Society. It offers not only a high armor rating but also several useful enchantments.

11. What is the most powerful build in Skyrim that uses swords?

A powerful build that utilizes swords is the Spellsword. This build combines one-handed weapons (swords) with spells from schools like Destruction, Restoration, and Alteration. It offers a balanced approach to combat, allowing for both melee and ranged attacks.

12. Where can I find the Elven Sword early in the game?

Unenchanted Elven Swords start appearing around level 19. They can be found in locations like Dragonsreach, Black-Briar Meadery, and Old Attius Farm.

13. How do I get the Chillrend sword?

Chillrend is located in the secret room under Riftweald Manor in Riften. You can find it during the Thieves’ Guild quest “The Pursuit,” inside an Expert level display case.

14. What makes Bolar’s Oathblade unique?

Bolar’s Oathblade is unique due to the stamina damage it deals and its fear effect on enemies of Level 12 and under.

15. Can I improve unique swords like Miraak’s Sword and Dragonbane?

Yes, unique swords can be improved at a grindstone using the appropriate materials (e.g., Ebony Ingots for Miraak’s Sword). You’ll need the Arcane Blacksmith perk to improve enchanted weapons. Increasing your Smithing skill and using Smithing enchantments will further enhance the improvement.

How do you get the strongest sword in Skyrim?