Unlocking the Ebony Blade’s Full Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Max Damage
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.
The Ebony Blade, a Daedric artifact in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is a weapon shrouded in mystery and power. Its allure lies not just in its dark aesthetic but also in its unique mechanics, particularly its damage scaling based on betrayal. So, what is the Ebony Blade’s maximum damage? With ten successful betrayals (killing NPCs who consider you a friend) and all One-Handed skill perks maxed out, the Ebony Blade can reach a base damage of 70-80. Furthermore, it will absorb 30 points of health per hit, making it a formidable weapon against even the toughest foes.
Delving Deeper: Understanding the Ebony Blade
The Ebony Blade isn’t your typical Skyrim weapon. It’s not about smithing upgrades or enchanting; it’s about a darker, more morally ambiguous path. Let’s break down the specifics:
-
Base Damage: The Ebony Blade’s initial base damage is quite modest, starting at 13, making it a fairly unimpressive weapon until its true potential is unlocked.
-
Scaling Mechanic: For every two NPCs you kill who consider you a friend, the Blade’s Drain Health enchantment increases by 2 points, up to a maximum of 30. This enchantment is what truly makes the blade powerful.
-
No Smithing Improvements: Unlike many weapons in Skyrim, the Ebony Blade cannot be improved at a grindstone. Its power comes solely from its enchantment.
-
One-Handed Skill Perks: While the Ebony Blade is wielded with two hands, it benefits from One-Handed skill perks, which can significantly increase its damage output.
-
Absorbing Health: The ability to absorb health with each strike adds another layer of survivability, especially crucial in difficult encounters.
The Price of Power: The Moral Cost
The unique way to increase the weapon’s power involves killing friendly NPCs, and the Ebony Blade comes with a moral cost. Mephala, the Daedric Prince associated with the blade, will comment after every two kills, offering cryptic encouragement and solidifying the player’s pact with her. This mechanic forces players to make difficult choices, weighing the potential power of the weapon against their own moral compass. The game does not give you any feedback other than Mephala’s dialogue. You must keep track of how many friends you have killed.
Mastering the Blade: Tips and Strategies
To truly maximize the Ebony Blade’s potential, consider these strategies:
-
Choose Your Victims Wisely: Not all NPCs are created equal. Select characters you can afford to lose, such as mercenaries you’ve hired or NPCs from minor quests.
-
Maximize One-Handed Skill: Invest heavily in the One-Handed skill tree to boost the weapon’s damage output. Every perk counts.
-
Embrace the Drain Health: Use the Blade’s health absorption to your advantage. Engage in protracted battles and let the Blade sustain you.
-
Consider Roleplaying: The Ebony Blade is a fantastic weapon for characters with a dark or morally gray alignment. Embrace the roleplaying opportunities it provides.
-
Use Dead Thrall Wisely: Although the article suggests using Dead Thrall, killing friendly NPCs outright is more straightforward and eliminates the need for necromantic magic.
Is the Ebony Blade Worth It?
Ultimately, the Ebony Blade is a powerful and unique weapon that offers a compelling gameplay experience. It’s not for everyone, but for players willing to embrace its dark nature, it can become an invaluable asset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Ebony Blade to further enhance your understanding:
How many kills are required for max Ebony Blade?
You need to kill ten NPCs who consider you a friend to fully power up the Ebony Blade’s Drain Health enchantment to 30 points.
What is the base damage of the Ebony Blade before any upgrades?
The Ebony Blade’s base damage starts at 13.
Can the Ebony Blade be upgraded through smithing?
No, the Ebony Blade cannot be improved at a grindstone. Its power comes solely from killing friendly NPCs.
What NPCs count as “friends” for the Ebony Blade?
Any NPC whose dialogue changes after you complete a quest for them, anyone who challenges you to a fist fight and loses, characters you have done a favor for or hired mercenaries count as friends. Basically, anyone with a positive disposition towards you.
How do I know when the Ebony Blade is maxed out?
Mephala will say “At last, my blade is returned to its full glory.” when you kill your tenth friend. And the enchantment will display 30 points.
Does the Ebony Blade benefit from One-Handed or Two-Handed skill perks?
The Ebony Blade is wielded with two hands but benefits from One-Handed skill perks.
Does the Ebony Blade’s enchantment run out of charges?
No, the Ebony Blade’s Drain Health enchantment is an innate effect and doesn’t require charging.
What level do I need to be to start the Ebony Blade quest?
You need to be at least level 20 before the quest leading to the Ebony Blade becomes available.
Is the Ebony Blade considered a Daedric artifact?
Yes, the Ebony Blade is a Daedric artifact associated with Mephala.
Can I accidentally kill someone who doesn’t count as a “friend”?
Yes. Be careful not to kill essential NPCs or characters who haven’t formed a positive relationship with you.
Are there any alternatives to killing NPCs to power up the Ebony Blade?
No, killing friendly NPCs is the only way to increase the Ebony Blade’s Drain Health enchantment.
How powerful is the Ebony Blade compared to other Daedric artifacts?
The Ebony Blade’s power is unique. It excels at sustaining the player in combat due to its health absorption, but it may not have the raw damage output of some other Daedric artifacts like the Daedric Warhammer or Volendrung.
Can the Ebony Blade cut through everything?
While the Ebony Blade is incredibly powerful, it’s not invincible. It can’t cut vibranium.
Is the Ebony Blade related to the Necrosword from Marvel comics?
No, the Ebony Blade and the Necrosword are unrelated weapons from different fictional universes. The Ebony Blade is from The Elder Scrolls, while the Necrosword belongs to the Marvel universe.
Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning and society?
You can learn more about the positive impact of games on education and society by visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.