Unveiling Skyrim’s Deadliest Greatsword: A Deep Dive into Two-Handed Power

The quest for the ultimate weapon is a timeless pursuit in any RPG, and Skyrim is no exception. When it comes to raw, unadulterated damage with a greatsword, the Dragonbone Greatsword emerges as the undisputed champion. Boasting a base damage of 25, it surpasses all other standard greatswords in the game. This makes it the go-to choice for players prioritizing maximum impact with each swing. This also makes it a great tool for educational purposes, as learning about the best swords teaches you about the game’s programming and development. You can learn more about the field at the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Delving Deeper: Beyond Base Damage

However, the story doesn’t end with base damage alone. Several factors can influence a greatsword’s overall effectiveness, including enchantments, smithing improvements, and even unique weapon properties. Let’s explore these nuances to truly understand how to maximize your greatsword’s potential in Skyrim.

Smithing and Enchanting: Unleashing True Potential

The Dragonbone Greatsword’s 25 base damage is merely the starting point. Through dedicated smithing, you can significantly enhance its damage output. Achieving a Smithing skill of 100 and acquiring the Arcane Blacksmith perk are crucial steps. These will enable you to improve the Dragonbone Greatsword far beyond its initial stats, making it a truly devastating weapon.

Furthermore, enchantments can add elemental damage (fire, frost, shock), absorb health or stamina, or even paralyze your foes. Choosing the right enchantment depends on your playstyle and the enemies you frequently encounter. For example, adding fire damage can be highly effective against undead creatures.

Comparing Contenders: Other Notable Two-Handed Weapons

While the Dragonbone Greatsword reigns supreme in base damage, other two-handed weapons deserve consideration.

• Volendrung: This Daedric artifact also boasts 25 base damage but comes with a unique enchantment that absorbs stamina per hit. This allows for relentless power attacks, making it a formidable choice.

• Wuuthrad: A legendary Nordic battleaxe, Wuuthrad, also has 25 base damage. Its unique attribute is dealing extra damage against elves. If you’re facing a lot of Altmer or Dunmer enemies, Wuuthrad becomes a superior choice.

• Daedric Battleaxe: While falling slightly short of the Dragonbone Greatsword in base damage, the Daedric Battleaxe can be crafted with greater frequency. It’s also worth mentioning because of its iconic aesthetic appeal.

The Verdict: Dragonbone Greatsword for Raw Power

Ultimately, if your sole criterion is maximizing damage per hit with a greatsword, the Dragonbone Greatsword is the clear winner. However, remember that weapon choice involves more than just raw numbers. Consider your playstyle, the enemies you face, and the availability of crafting materials when deciding on your ultimate two-handed weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I temper the Dragonbone Greatsword?

Yes, you can temper the Dragonbone Greatsword at a grindstone using Dragon Bones as materials. Improving your Smithing skill and acquiring relevant perks will increase the improvement level.

2. How do I obtain the Dragonbone Greatsword?

You can craft it at a forge once you reach a high enough level and have the Dragon Armor perk in the Smithing skill tree. Alternatively, you may find it as loot in chests or on powerful enemies in high-level areas, especially after installing the Dawnguard DLC.

3. Does weapon skill affect greatsword damage?

Yes, your Two-Handed skill directly impacts the damage you deal with greatswords. Leveling up your skill and investing in relevant perks like Barbarian and Champion’s Stance will significantly boost your damage output.

4. What enchantments are best for a greatsword?

This depends on your playstyle and enemy types. Popular choices include enchantments that deal fire, frost, or shock damage, absorb health or stamina, or paralyze opponents. Experiment to find what works best for you.

5. How does the Ebony Blade compare to the Dragonbone Greatsword?

The Ebony Blade has a much lower base damage (11) compared to the Dragonbone Greatsword. However, it possesses a unique ability to absorb health, and its damage increases as you betray trusted companions. Despite this, the Dragonbone Greatsword delivers more consistent and higher damage overall.

6. Can the Dragonbone Greatsword be dual-wielded?

No, greatswords are two-handed weapons and cannot be dual-wielded.

7. Does race affect greatsword damage?

Some races have racial bonuses to specific skills, but none directly affect base weapon damage. For example, Orcs have a skill bonus to heavy armor, which can indirectly improve your survivability in combat.

8. How do I get my Smithing skill to 100 quickly?

Crafting iron daggers and improving iron armor are efficient ways to level up Smithing early on. Later, crafting gold rings with Transmute Mineral Ore and Dwarven bows are effective methods. Don’t forget to use resting bonuses and the Warrior Stone for increased skill gains.

9. Are there any unique greatswords with special effects?

Yes, weapons like the Bloodskal Blade (fires energy blasts with power attacks) and the Ebony Blade (absorbs health) offer unique effects that alter gameplay. However, they may not necessarily surpass the Dragonbone Greatsword in raw damage output.

10. How does the Dragonbone Greatsword compare to Daedric weapons?

The Dragonbone Greatsword trades blows with the Daedric Battleaxe, which is the damage king of the Daedric weapon. It also looks the part of a scary damage dealing weapon.

11. What is the best armor to pair with a greatsword?

Heavy armor, such as Daedric or Dragonplate armor, provides the best protection for melee combatants. Perks in the Heavy Armor skill tree will further enhance your defense.

12. Does stagger matter when using a greatsword?

Yes, staggering enemies can interrupt their attacks and create openings for your own. Some two-handed weapons, like battleaxes, have higher stagger values than greatswords.

13. What are some effective combat strategies with a greatsword?

Power attacks are crucial for dealing significant damage. Utilizing shouts like Unrelenting Force can stagger enemies, giving you an advantage. Don’t forget to block incoming attacks to mitigate damage.

14. How does the difficulty setting affect greatsword damage?

Higher difficulty settings increase the damage enemies deal to you and decrease the damage you deal to them. This makes strategic combat and optimized gear even more critical.

15. Can followers effectively use greatswords?

Yes, equipping your followers with high-quality greatswords and armor can significantly enhance their combat effectiveness. Followers with high Two-Handed skill are ideal for wielding greatswords. For example, when using the GamesLearningSociety.org techniques, you can learn how to program your follower to have a higher Two-Handed skill.