Is Dragonplate Armor Good? A Skyrim Deep Dive
Yes, Dragonplate armor is good, especially for players focusing on a heavy armor build. It offers a great balance between protection and weight, making it a viable end-game option. While Daedric armor provides slightly better defense, Dragonplate‘s lighter weight contributes to better mobility and stamina management, allowing for sustained combat effectiveness. The choice between Dragonplate and other top-tier armors often comes down to personal preference and play style.
Dragonplate Armor: A Comprehensive Overview
Stats and Crafting
Dragonplate armor in Skyrim is renowned for its impressive armor rating and relatively manageable weight. The full set boasts an armor rating of 136 and a weight of 79. This balance is crucial for players who want substantial protection without being excessively encumbered.
Crafting Dragonplate armor requires a Smithing skill level of 100 and the Dragon Armor perk. Players will need dragon bones and dragon scales, both of which are obtained by defeating dragons. This makes the armor accessible relatively late in the game, but its power justifies the effort. You will also need to gather leather strips.
Advantages of Dragonplate Armor
- High Armor Rating: Offers excellent protection against physical damage.
- Lighter Weight Compared to Daedric: Enhances mobility and stamina regeneration.
- Easier to Obtain: Dragon bones and scales are more common than Daedra hearts, which are needed for Daedric armor.
- Craftable: Can be crafted and improved at a forge, allowing for personalized enhancements.
Disadvantages of Dragonplate Armor
- Lower Armor Rating than Daedric: Slightly less protection compared to the absolute best.
- Late-Game Availability: Requires high Smithing skill and dragon hunting, making it unavailable early on.
- Requires Dragon Encounters: Reliant on defeating dragons for materials, which can be challenging for some players.
Dragonplate vs. Other Armor Sets
When deciding on an end-game armor set, comparing Dragonplate with other options like Daedric, Ebony, and Dragonscale is essential.
- Daedric Armor: Boasts the highest armor rating (144) but is heavier (weight 96). Ideal for those prioritizing maximum protection and willing to sacrifice some mobility.
- Ebony Armor: Offers a decent balance with an armor rating of 128 and a weight of 76. Easier to obtain than Dragonplate but less protective.
- Dragonscale Armor: A light armor option that is very light and offers good protection for its weight. Best suited for players utilizing light armor perks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragonplate Armor
1. What is the base armor rating of Dragonplate armor?
The base armor rating of Dragonplate armor is 136.
2. How much does Dragonplate armor weigh?
A full set of Dragonplate armor weighs 79.
3. What Smithing level do I need to craft Dragonplate armor?
You need a Smithing level of 100 and the Dragon Armor perk to craft Dragonplate armor.
4. What materials are required to craft Dragonplate armor?
You need dragon bones, dragon scales, and leather strips to craft Dragonplate armor.
5. Is Dragonplate armor better than Daedric armor?
Daedric armor has a higher base armor rating than Dragonplate, but it also weighs more. The “better” armor depends on your play style and preference for mobility versus maximum protection.
6. Is Dragonplate armor heavy armor?
Yes, Dragonplate armor is classified as heavy armor in Skyrim.
7. How does Dragonplate armor compare to Ebony armor?
Dragonplate armor offers a higher armor rating but is harder to obtain compared to Ebony armor. Ebony armor is a more accessible mid-to-late game option.
8. Is Dragonplate armor better than Dragonscale armor?
Dragonplate armor (heavy armor) typically offers more protection than Dragonscale armor (light armor), but Dragonscale is significantly lighter. The choice depends on whether you prefer heavy or light armor perks.
9. Where can I find dragon bones and scales easily?
The best way to acquire dragon bones and scales is by hunting dragons. Dragons frequently spawn at specific locations throughout Skyrim, often marked on your map after completing main questlines.
10. Can I improve Dragonplate armor?
Yes, you can improve Dragonplate armor at a grindstone using dragon bones. Improving the armor increases its armor rating.
11. What perks affect Dragonplate armor?
The Heavy Armor skill tree perks, such as Juggernaut, Well Fitted, and Conditioning, directly affect the effectiveness of Dragonplate armor.
12. Is Dragonplate armor worth the effort to craft?
Yes, Dragonplate armor is worth the effort for players focusing on a heavy armor build. Its high armor rating and manageable weight make it a competitive end-game option.
13. What is the armor cap in Skyrim?
The armor cap in Skyrim is 567. Reaching this cap significantly reduces incoming physical damage. You can reach the cap using a variety of armor sets, including Dragonplate, through smithing, enchantments, and other buffs.
14. Does Dragonplate armor have any special enchantments?
No, Dragonplate armor does not have any inherent enchantments. You can add your own enchantments to customize it to your play style.
15. Where can I learn more about the meta-game and design principles behind games like Skyrim?
For an educational approach to game design and understanding the intricacies of game systems like the armor mechanics in Skyrim, consider exploring the resources and community at the Games Learning Society. They offer a wealth of information on the educational aspects of gaming and game design at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Dragonplate Armor – A Solid Choice
In conclusion, Dragonplate armor is a very good choice for Skyrim players prioritizing a strong defense without sacrificing too much mobility. While Daedric armor offers slightly higher protection, the lighter weight and easier accessibility of Dragonplate make it a compelling option for many adventurers. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses compared to other armor sets will help you make the best decision for your character and play style.