Dawnbreaker: Is This Holy Sword Actually Good in Skyrim?

Dawnbreaker. Just hearing the name conjures images of fiery explosions and Draugr scattering in terror. But is this iconic weapon truly as powerful as its reputation suggests in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim? The short answer is a resounding yes, especially for certain playstyles and specific stages of the game. Dawnbreaker excels against undead enemies and provides a decent damage output, making it a worthy addition to any adventurer’s arsenal, particularly during the early to mid-game.

The Dawnbreaker: A Deep Dive

Let’s break down what makes Dawnbreaker good, its drawbacks, and when it shines. It’s not the best weapon overall, but it fills a niche role spectacularly well.

Stats and Abilities

Dawnbreaker is a one-handed sword with a base damage of 12. That might not sound impressive compared to Daedric or Dragonbone weapons, but it’s the unique enchantments that elevate Dawnbreaker.

• Fiery Soul Trap: Deals 10 points of fire damage and traps the target’s soul if it dies within 3 seconds. This enchantment is always active and passively helps you keep your weapons charged if you use them or level up your enchanting skill.
• Meridia’s Retribution: When an undead enemy is killed, there is a 25% chance to trigger an explosion. This explosion deals fire damage to nearby undead and can cause them to flee or turn to ash. This is Dawnbreaker’s signature move and what makes it incredible against undead hordes.

Strengths

• Undead Annihilation: This is Dawnbreaker’s bread and butter. The explosion effect absolutely decimates dungeons filled with Draugr, skeletons, and other undead enemies. It can turn difficult encounters into trivial ones.
• Early to Mid-Game Viability: Dawnbreaker is obtained through The Break of Dawn quest, typically available fairly early in the game (level 10 and up is manageable, though the scaling boss becomes tougher the longer you wait). It provides a significant power boost at a time when you might be struggling to find comparable weapons.
• Unique Aesthetic: Dawnbreaker is undeniably one of the best-looking swords in Skyrim. Its radiant, golden design stands out and fits perfectly for characters who roleplay as holy warriors or protectors of the innocent.

Weaknesses

• Soul Gem Dependency: To keep the Fiery Soul Trap enchantment working, you need to regularly recharge Dawnbreaker with soul gems. This can be tedious, especially if you’re not focused on soul-trapping enemies.
• Limited Usefulness Against Non-Undead: While it deals fire damage, Dawnbreaker isn’t particularly effective against enemies who aren’t undead. Other weapons with higher base damage and better enchantments will outperform it in most situations.
• Serana’s Discomfort: If you travel with Serana, the area-of-effect explosion can inadvertently damage her, making her a less-than-ideal companion when wielding Dawnbreaker.
• Not Leveled: Dawnbreaker’s stats are fixed, regardless of when you acquire it. This means it will eventually be outclassed by weapons you can find or craft later in the game.
• Charging Cost: Dawnbreaker requires Grand Soul Gems for a full recharge.

When to Use Dawnbreaker

• Dungeon Crawls: Any dungeon known to be infested with Draugr is a prime location to equip Dawnbreaker. Places like Bleak Falls Barrow, Labyrinthian, or any Nord ruin are ideal.
• Early Game Power: If you’re struggling to find a decent weapon early on, tackling The Break of Dawn quest and obtaining Dawnbreaker can give you a significant advantage.
• Roleplaying: If you’re playing a character with a strong moral compass who hates the undead, Dawnbreaker is the perfect weapon to represent that.
• Dawnguard Questline: Early in the Dawnguard questline, the use of Dawnbreaker can be very helpful against all of the undead enemies you will face.

Is Dawnbreaker Good Late Game?

The consensus is usually no, as it will fall off and there are more powerful weapons that you can obtain.

Dawnbreaker FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Dawnbreaker, to give you a complete picture of its pros and cons.

1. At what level should I get Dawnbreaker?

The quest scales to your level, but Dawnbreaker itself does not. It’s best to grab it relatively early, around level 10-20, to maximize its impact. Waiting too long makes the final boss fight harder without any benefit to the weapon itself.

2. Can Dawnbreaker be upgraded to legendary?

Yes, Dawnbreaker can be upgraded through smithing using an ebony ingot. Achieving Legendary status requires a high smithing skill (around 82) and potentially the use of blacksmithing-enhancing equipment or potions to reach the necessary smithing level (168) with enchantments.

3. What do I do with Dawnbreaker in Skyrim?

Use it to clear out undead-filled dungeons. The explosion effect is devastating against Draugr, skeletons, and other undead creatures. Its soul-trapping ability also makes it useful for keeping your enchanting supplies stocked.

4. How powerful is Dawnbreaker, really?

Against undead, it’s incredibly powerful, especially in the early to mid-game. The fire damage and explosion effect can wipe out entire groups of enemies with ease. Against non-undead, it’s a decent weapon but outclassed by others.

5. Is Dawnbreaker leveled loot?

No, Dawnbreaker is not leveled. Its stats remain the same regardless of when you obtain it.

6. Does Dawnbreaker hurt Serana?

Yes. The area-of-effect explosion can damage Serana, making her an inconvenient follower when wielding Dawnbreaker. Consider using a different weapon when traveling with her.

7. What is the best weapon against Draugr in Skyrim besides Dawnbreaker?

A fire-enchanted silver sword is a good alternative, as Draugr are weak to both fire and silver. Fast-attacking weapons are generally more effective than slow-hitting ones.

8. How do you get two Dawnbreaker swords?

There’s a glitch involving the Unrelenting Force shout. At the end of The Break of Dawn quest, use Unrelenting Force on the pedestal holding Dawnbreaker. You can then pick it up from the ground and again from the pedestal. Be warned that this may be considered an exploit.

9. Is Dawnbreaker a Dwarven or Elven weapon?

Dawnbreaker is not Dwarven or Elven. It’s an Auroran sword, associated with the Daedric Prince Meridia. It is Daedric in origin.

10. Is Meridia a good Daedra?

Meridia is considered one of the few “good” Daedric Princes. Her goals often align with mortals, particularly her hatred of the undead and necromancers.

11. Who is the nicest Daedric Prince?

Meridia is often seen as one of the most benevolent Daedric Princes, as her actions often benefit mortals by combating the undead.

12. Why does the Dawnbreaker need so many soul gems?

The Fiery Soul Trap enchantment requires regular recharging, and the base enchantment requires a Grand Soul Gem to fully charge. Because of this, it can become soul gem intensive unless you have efficient soul capturing methods.

13. What is the strongest possible sword in Skyrim?

While Dawnbreaker is powerful, weapons like Dragonbane (effective against dragons) and swords with custom enchantments can surpass it in terms of raw damage output. Auriel’s Bow is often considered the most powerful weapon overall due to its range and damage potential.

14. What’s the coolest looking weapon in Skyrim?

This is subjective, but Dawnbreaker is consistently ranked among the coolest looking weapons in Skyrim. Its radiant design and association with Meridia make it visually striking.

15. What is the weakest sword in Skyrim?

The fork is the weakest weapon in the game, with a base damage of 1.

Final Verdict

Dawnbreaker is a fantastic weapon for its specific purpose: destroying undead enemies. While it may not be the most powerful weapon overall, its effectiveness against Draugr and its relatively early availability make it a valuable asset for any Skyrim adventurer. Just be mindful of its limitations and consider using it strategically for the best results. It’s a weapon that’s both beautiful and deadly, and it earns its place as one of Skyrim’s most iconic artifacts.

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