Is The Savior’s Hide Worth It? A Deep Dive into Skyrim’s Daedric Armor
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, the Savior’s Hide is worth it, especially for certain character builds and playstyles in Skyrim. While its defensive capabilities might be surpassed by heavily enchanted armor later in the game, its early to mid-game utility is undeniable. The key lies in its readily available magic resistance and poison resistance, two stats that can significantly improve survivability against mages, dragons, and pesky poison-wielding enemies. The Savior’s Hide offers a unique blend of early accessibility and practical benefits, making it a valuable asset for any Dragonborn seeking to conquer the harsh lands of Skyrim.
Savior’s Hide: A Closer Look
The Savior’s Hide is a unique piece of light armor obtained as a reward for completing the Daedric quest “Ill Met by Moonlight” involving the Daedric Prince Hircine and the werewolf Sinding. The armor provides a base armor rating, along with the following enchantments:
- 15% Magic Resistance: Reduces incoming damage from magical sources by 15%.
- 50% Poison Resistance: Halves the damage taken from poison.
These enchantments are inherent to the armor and do not require spending enchantment slots, making it particularly useful early on when players have limited enchanting skills or soul gems. It’s a lightweight armor piece which is crucial to consider, especially when determining your encumbrance level throughout the game.
Early Game Advantage
In the early stages of Skyrim, finding reliable sources of magic resistance can be challenging. Mages can quickly overwhelm unprepared characters, and even basic poison can drain health rapidly. The Savior’s Hide provides a readily available solution, allowing players to withstand magical attacks and shrug off the effects of poison with relative ease.
Mid-Game Transition
As you progress through the game, your enchanting skills will likely improve. With the right perks and soul gems, you can create custom armor pieces that offer superior enchantments, including magic resistance, elemental resistances, and other powerful effects. This is where the Savior’s Hide’s usefulness starts to diminish, as custom-enchanted armor can provide better overall protection. It can be further upgraded with Leather, provided that you have the Ebony Smithing perk.
Niche Uses and Synergies
Despite being outclassed in the late game, the Savior’s Hide still has niche uses. For instance, it can be a valuable asset for characters who are resistant to magic but weak against poison. Its light weight also makes it ideal for stealth-based characters who want to minimize encumbrance. It also counts as a Daedric Artifact which is very useful to consider when thinking of completing the Oblivion Walker Achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get the Savior’s Hide?
To obtain the Savior’s Hide, you must complete the “Ill Met by Moonlight” Daedric quest. To do this, you must first find the body of a girl outside of Falkreath. When you investigate you will be prompted to seek out the town’s guard, whom will ask you to find a man named Mathies. When he is located he will direct you to the Barracks, where you’ll find Lod, who will tell you about a dog he found. When the dog has been located he will tell you to follow him. The quest will prompt you to meet with Sinding in the Bloated Man’s Grotto. You must choose to kill Sinding and then skin his hide, then Hircine will appear to you and reward you with the Savior’s Hide.
2. Is the Savior’s Hide considered a Daedric artifact?
Yes, both the Ring of Hircine and the Savior’s Hide count as Daedric Artifacts for the Oblivion Walker achievement.
3. Can I get both the Ring of Hircine and the Savior’s Hide?
Yes, it is possible. You must first agree to spare Sinding, kill the hunters with Sinding, talk to him to complete the quest, and then exit the Grotto and talk to Hircine to be rewarded with the Ring of Hircine. Then, re-enter the Grotto and kill Sinding, then skin him. When you exit once more, Hircine will appear and reward you with the Savior’s Hide.
4. What are some good armor pieces to wear with the Savior’s Hide?
Good complementary armor pieces include hide boots and bracers, or the non-armor Fur Lined Boots. Kyne’s Token (a necklace) is a great addition, and the Diadem of the Savant is a good headpiece.
5. How do I upgrade the Savior’s Hide?
The Savior’s Hide can be improved with Leather at a workbench, but you need the Ebony Smithing perk to maximize its effectiveness.
6. Is the Ring of Hircine better than the Savior’s Hide?
It depends on your playstyle. The Ring of Hircine grants unlimited werewolf transformations, which is useful for werewolf builds. The Savior’s Hide provides magic resistance and poison resistance, which is more beneficial for general survivability, especially if you’re not a werewolf.
7. Can I use the Ring of Hircine without being a werewolf?
No, the Ring of Hircine only works if you are already a werewolf. It grants extra transformations per day, not the ability to become a werewolf.
8. How do I become a werewolf in Skyrim?
The primary way to become a werewolf is by joining The Companions in Whiterun and completing their questline.
9. What does the Savior’s Hide do exactly?
The Savior’s Hide provides 15% magic resistance and 50% poison resistance, blunting magical damage and halving poison damage.
10. Is Hircine good or bad in Skyrim?
Hircine is a Daedric Prince of the Hunt. While not inherently evil, his domain revolves around the predator-prey dynamic, which can be seen as cruel. He adheres to the nature of ecosystems within Tamriel.
11. What happens if you defy Hircine?
If you attempt to defy Hircine during the “Ill Met by Moonlight” quest, he will still acknowledge your actions, viewing it as turning the hunters into the hunted. He will then uncurse the Ring of Hircine for you.
12. Should I side with Hircine or Sinding?
The choice depends on your priorities. Siding with Hircine grants you the Savior’s Hide. Siding with Sinding allows you to keep the Ring of Hircine, provided you spare him and complete the quest that way.
13. What is the rarest artifact in Skyrim?
Determining the absolute rarest artifact is subjective and depends on the context (e.g., difficulty to obtain, uniqueness). Some contenders include the Crown of Barenziah, the Notched Pickaxe, and certain unique items acquired through obscure quests.
14. Do I need all 15 Daedric artifacts at once for the Oblivion Walker achievement?
Yes, the Oblivion Walker achievement requires you to collect all the Daedric artifacts (excluding the Skeleton Key) in a single playthrough.
15. Can you be a werewolf and a vampire in Skyrim?
While you can become both, the game will prioritize lycanthropy (werewolf form) over vampirism. You cannot simultaneously possess both sets of abilities.
Conclusion: A Valuable Addition to Your Arsenal
In conclusion, the Savior’s Hide is a valuable piece of armor, particularly in the early to mid-game. Its easily accessible magic resistance and poison resistance provide a significant boost to survivability. While it may be surpassed by custom-enchanted armor later on, its unique benefits and synergy with certain builds make it a worthwhile addition to any Dragonborn’s arsenal.
The strategic choices players make throughout Skyrim can be seen as valuable examples of the Games Learning Society‘s efforts to promote the value of gaming and digital media. To find out more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.