Unlocking Skyrim’s Armories: Who Sells the Best Weapons?
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The question of who sells the best weapons in Skyrim isn’t as straightforward as a simple name and location. The truth is, no single blacksmith consistently stocks the absolute best weapons ready for purchase. Skyrim’s itemization leans heavily on crafting, looting, and quest rewards. However, certain blacksmiths stand out as excellent options, primarily because of their high-quality base items and valuable training services. Eorlund Gray-Mane in Whiterun is arguably the best starting point. He’s a Master Smithing trainer, and sells a wide array of high-level weapons and armor, although the selection is randomized and he doesn’t consistently sell unique weapons. Your best bet is to find a blacksmith that you like and save/reload after checking his inventory.
Blacksmiths of Note: More Than Just Salesmen
While expecting to find Dragonbone Greatswords casually stocked is unrealistic, here’s a breakdown of blacksmiths worth visiting, considering their potential inventory, training abilities, and overall accessibility:
Eorlund Gray-Mane: The Skyforge Master
- Location: Whiterun, Skyforge
- Strengths: Master Smithing Trainer (requires Companions membership). His proximity to the Skyforge itself suggests a higher probability of quality weapons and armor appearing in his inventory. He sells steel, Nordic, and (at higher levels) Elven and Advanced Armory items.
- Considerations: His inventory is still randomized. Don’t expect to find god-tier weapons every time you visit. You need to join the Companions to fully leverage his training services.
Balimund: Riften’s Burning Talent
- Location: Riften, near the Marketplace
- Strengths: Expert Smithing Trainer. A great option if you prefer Riften. He also sells a wide selection of ingots and other crafting supplies. His inventory is comparable to Eorlund’s, though you may see more iron and steel items than Eorlund.
- Considerations: Only an Expert trainer.
Gunmar: Dawnguard’s Armorer
- Location: Fort Dawnguard (requires Dawnguard DLC)
- Strengths: Master Smithing Trainer. Excellent source of Steel weapons.
- Considerations: Requires the Dawnguard DLC. His inventory is tailored towards the needs of the Dawnguard faction.
General Goods Merchants: The Dark Horses
While not strictly blacksmiths, merchants like Belethor in Whiterun or the Riverwood Trader can occasionally stock surprising finds. Their inventory is heavily randomized, but they offer accessibility and convenience. Remember that the Riverwood Trader is also the only merchant who will be carrying over 4000 gold.
Beyond the Blacksmith: Acquiring the Best Weapons
Ultimately, relying solely on blacksmiths for the best weapons in Skyrim is a losing strategy. Here’s a more effective approach:
- Crafting: Invest in the Smithing skill tree. Crafting your own weapons is the most reliable way to obtain powerful, customized gear. Smithing combined with enchanting is where the strongest weapons come from.
- Looting: Explore dungeons, ruins, and bandit camps. High-level areas are more likely to contain rare and powerful weapons. Some locations have guaranteed high-level loot.
- Quest Rewards: Many quests offer unique and potent weapons as rewards. Focus on completing main quest lines, Daedric quests, and faction quests.
- Enchanting: This enhances any weapon, making even a common sword formidable. Smithing alone isn’t enough; mastering enchanting is key.
- Mods: Numerous mods significantly increase the variety of available weapons, including unique designs that you won’t find in the base game.
The Importance of Skill Level and Perks
Your character’s level and perk allocation significantly impact the quality of weapons you encounter (both for sale and in loot). Investing in perks like “Steel Smithing,” “Arcane Blacksmith,” and “Daedric Smithing” unlocks the ability to craft superior weapons and improve existing ones at a grindstone. The higher your skill level, the better weapons will become.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Skyrim Blacksmiths and Weapons
1. What level do I need to be to see the best weapons in blacksmith inventories?
It depends on the specific weapon type. Daedric and Dragonbone weapons won’t appear until you reach level 46-47, but Elven and Glass weapons start showing up much earlier (around level 20+). Remember, perks in the Smithing tree further influence what you can craft and improve.
2. Is there a way to reset a blacksmith’s inventory?
Yes! Save your game before speaking to a blacksmith. Check their inventory. If it’s not what you want, either attack them or load the previous save, and they should have a new inventory.
3. How can I increase a blacksmith’s available gold so I can sell more to them?
The “Merchant” perk in the Speech skill tree allows you to sell any item to any merchant. Investing in Speech, crafting high-value items, and using Fortify Barter potions can improve your selling prices. You can invest in Merchants which raises their gold limit by 500.
4. Are there any unique weapons sold by blacksmiths?
Not consistently. Blacksmiths primarily sell common weapon types. Unique weapons are typically found as loot or quest rewards. The one exception here are the items sold in Fort Dawnguard, assuming you have the DLC.
5. Does my race affect the types of weapons I find in blacksmith inventories?
No. Race primarily impacts your starting skills and racial abilities, not the items available for purchase.
6. What’s the best type of weapon to craft if I want to make money?
Dwarven Bows, or Iron Daggers are highly effective for leveling Smithing quickly. Leveling Smithing is the best way to make gold because, at higher levels, weapons will sell for much higher amounts.
7. Can I improve enchanted weapons at a grindstone?
Yes, but you need the “Arcane Blacksmith” perk in the Smithing tree to improve enchanted weapons.
8. What’s the best Smithing skill level to craft high-quality weapons?
Aim for 100 Smithing. This allows you to unlock all Smithing perks and craft the most powerful weapons. It is possible to get to 100 Smithing very quickly, but you should keep in mind that this might affect which weapons are appropriate for your level.
9. How do I get Daedric Smithing?
You need 100 Smithing and the preceding perks in the heavy armor branch of the Smithing skill tree (Steel Smithing -> Dwarven Smithing -> Orcish Smithing -> Ebony Smithing -> Daedric Smithing).
10. What’s better: crafting weapons or finding them?
Crafting allows for customization and guaranteed access to specific weapons, while looting offers the chance to find unique items with pre-set enchantments. Both are valuable. A good strategy is to save money by looting instead of buying, and using smithing to get items you aren’t able to find.
11. Does enchanting a weapon increase its value when selling to a blacksmith?
Yes! Enchanted weapons are worth significantly more. Combine Smithing and Enchanting to maximize profits.
12. How do I find the Aetherium Forge?
The Aetherium Forge is accessed through the “Lost to the Ages” quest, which starts by reading the book The Aetherium Wars.
13. What’s the most powerful craftable weapon in Skyrim?
The Dragonbone Mace has the highest base damage among craftable one-handed weapons. For two-handed weapons, the Dragonbone Greatsword reigns supreme.
14. Is there a limit to how much I can improve a weapon at a grindstone?
Yes. The maximum improvement is based on your Smithing skill level and relevant perks. Smithing potions and apparel can temporarily boost your Smithing skill, allowing you to further improve weapons.
15. Can I learn more about the mathematics of game balancing?
Absolutely! Game balancing is a fascinating intersection of mathematics, psychology, and design. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers resources and research on the educational and cognitive aspects of games, including areas relevant to understanding game balance and mechanics. This can provide valuable insights into how games like Skyrim are designed to challenge and reward players.
Ultimately, mastering Skyrim’s armories requires a combination of exploring, crafting, enchanting, and leveling your character effectively. While blacksmiths offer a starting point, the true power lies in your own hands!