Should I Use One-Handed or Two-Handed Weapons in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
Deciding between one-handed and two-handed weapons in Skyrim is a pivotal choice that significantly impacts your gameplay experience. There’s no single “best” option; rather, the ideal choice hinges on your preferred playstyle, character build, and desired level of challenge. The short answer is: it depends. One-handed weapons excel in versatility and speed, allowing for dual-wielding or shield use, while two-handed weapons deliver devastating power and range at the cost of speed and defensive options. This article delves into the nuances of each weapon type to help you make the perfect choice for your Dragonborn.
One-Handed Weapons: Speed and Versatility
The Advantages of One-Handed Combat
One-handed weapons in Skyrim are characterized by their speed and adaptability. They have an attack speed of around 1.1 per second, generally faster than their two-handed counterparts. This speed allows for more frequent attacks and the potential to interrupt enemy actions. More crucially, one-handed weapons allow for two major tactical advantages: dual-wielding and shield usage.
- Dual-Wielding: Equipping two one-handed weapons dramatically increases your damage output, particularly with the relevant perks. However, this approach eliminates any defensive capabilities and relies solely on offensive power.
- Shield and Sword: Pairing a one-handed weapon with a shield provides a balanced approach, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities. Shields are essential for blocking incoming attacks, mitigating damage, and even stunning enemies with a well-timed shield bash.
The popularity of one-handed weapons stems from this flexibility. They cater to a wide range of playstyles, from agile, dual-wielding warriors to steadfast sword-and-board protectors.
The Drawbacks of One-Handed Weapons
Despite their versatility, one-handed weapons do have some drawbacks. Their lower per-hit damage means that they generally perform less well than two-handed weapons on a damage-per-second basis. This can become noticeable when fighting enemies with high armor or large health pools. Additionally, one-handed weapons have limited range, placing you in closer proximity to enemies and increasing your vulnerability.
Two-Handed Weapons: Power and Range
The Advantages of Two-Handed Combat
Two-handed weapons are the powerhouses of Skyrim, designed to deliver devastating blows. While their attack speed is slower, at around 0.9 per second, their damage output per hit is significantly higher than one-handed weapons. This makes two-handed weapons ideal for dispatching enemies quickly, especially in burst damage scenarios.
- Superior Damage: Two-handed weapons inflict significantly more damage per hit than one-handed weapons, often doubling the base damage.
- Power Attack Bonuses: Power attacks with two-handed weapons cost 25% less stamina. Additionally, standing power attacks have a chance to decapitate enemies and deal 25% bonus damage.
- Range Advantage: Compared to one-handed weapons, two-handed weapons have a greater reach, allowing you to engage enemies from a safer distance and keep them at bay.
The two-handed approach is perfect for players who enjoy crushing enemies with brutal, impactful hits.
The Drawbacks of Two-Handed Weapons
The main drawback of two-handed weapons is the lack of defensive options. You cannot use a shield, which leaves you more vulnerable to attacks. The slower attack speed can also be a disadvantage, especially against faster enemies or those who can easily interrupt your attacks. Another disadvantage is that they are more costly on stamina, leaving you at risk of being exhausted if you do not pace your attacks.
Choosing Your Path: One-Handed vs. Two-Handed
The “best” choice depends heavily on your playstyle:
- For the Versatile Warrior: If you enjoy the flexibility of different tactical options, such as dual-wielding or employing a shield and sword, one-handed is your best bet.
- For the Brutal Damage Dealer: If you prioritize maximum damage per hit and enjoy the feeling of crushing foes, two-handed weapons will be more satisfying.
- For Players Who Value Defense: If your playstyle favors defensive options and sustained combat, then the ability to wield a shield with a one-handed weapon will be essential.
- For Players Who Value Reach: If you prefer to keep enemies at a distance, two-handed weapons have a slight edge on range.
Consider also the specific perks associated with each weapon skill tree. The one-handed skill tree offers perks that enhance dual wielding and critical damage, while the two-handed tree emphasizes power attacks and stamina management. Also be sure to note the racial bonuses as well. Redguards start with a bonus to one-handed, while Orcs and Nords start with a bonus to two-handed.
Ultimately, experimenting with both weapon types is the best way to find what you enjoy most. Skyrim offers ample opportunities to respec your skills, allowing you to switch between one-handed and two-handed builds as you explore and develop your character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does attack speed matter much?
Yes, it does. Although two-handed weapons deal more damage per hit, the faster attack speed of one-handed weapons can lead to higher damage-per-second (DPS) output, especially when dual-wielding. However, the speed of one-handed is somewhat negated by the higher burst damage and stagger potential of two-handed weapons.
2. Are two-handed weapons viable on legendary difficulty?
Yes, two-handed weapons are highly viable on legendary difficulty, especially given their high damage output and range. Their ability to quickly eliminate enemies is crucial when the player’s health is severely reduced at higher difficulties.
3. What is the most powerful two-handed weapon?
Many consider Auriel’s Bow to be the most powerful, but it is a bow and not a melee weapon. Among the two-handed melee weapons, the Dragonbone Battleaxe and Daedric Battleaxe are among the highest damage weapons. There are also unique weapons with special effects that can make them even more potent, such as Volendrung or Wuuthrad.
4. What is the most powerful one-handed weapon?
The Dragonbone Mace is the strongest craftable one-handed weapon. However, like with two handed weapons, some unique weapons may outperform this in some circumstances.
5. Is dual-wielding better than two-handing?
Not universally. Dual-wielding can dish out tremendous damage, but it sacrifices defense. Two-handed weapons offer less DPS but have better range, burst damage and crowd control. Dual wielding can often get shut down when facing armored foes. It ultimately depends on the specific encounter.
6. Is using a shield better than dual-wielding?
Yes, for survivability. A shield provides the defensive capabilities lacking in dual-wielding. However, dual-wielding will typically do more damage overall. If your goal is to not die often, then using a shield is superior.
7. Do one-handed perks affect dual wielding?
No. One-handed perks only apply when wielding a single weapon and nothing in the off-hand. For dual-wielding, you need to unlock specific dual-wielding perks in the one-handed skill tree.
8. What is the best race for one-handed builds?
Redguards have a starting bonus in one-handed combat. They are a good starting race for new players looking to try one handed combat.
9. What is the best race for two-handed builds?
Orcs and Nords are commonly recommended for two-handed builds due to their racial bonuses in the two-handed skill.
10. Does one-handed affect unarmed combat?
No, one-handed perks do not affect unarmed combat. Unarmed combat is only enhanced by specific perks in the Heavy Armor, Vampire Lord and Restoration skill trees.
11. Which one-handed weapons swing the fastest?
Daggers have the fastest swing speed among one-handed weapons.
12. What is the most fun two-handed weapon in Skyrim?
This is subjective, but many players enjoy unique weapons like the Bloodskal Blade, The Longhammer, Volendrung, and Wuuthrad. Each offers unique effects.
13. Does it matter which side I pick in the Skyrim civil war?
From the perspective of combat gameplay, no. It can affect which NPC are friendly or not, and the political landscape of Skyrim, but the choice does not affect the combat effectiveness of your character.
14. What are the best weapons to dual wield?
Hatchets are often recommended as one of the best weapons to dual wield in Skyrim. They have a good speed to damage ratio.
15. What is the rarest weapon in Skyrim?
Several unique items are very rare, such as The Notched Pickaxe, Wind-Shear, and The Giant’s Club.
In conclusion, both one-handed and two-handed weapons offer distinct advantages in Skyrim. The best choice depends on your preferred combat style and strategic approach. Experiment, adapt, and find the weapon that best suits your Dragonborn’s path.