The Definitive Guide to Skyrim’s Deadliest One-Handed Weapons

So, you want to cleave through Skyrim’s draugr hordes and bandit camps with maximum efficiency? You’ve come to the right place. The question of the “best” weapon is always subjective, depending on your build, skills, and even personal preference. However, if we’re strictly talking about raw, unadulterated damage, the answer is fairly straightforward, but with a few interesting nuances.

The Dragonbone Mace: A King Amongst Commoners

For craftable weapons, the Dragonbone Mace reigns supreme. With a base damage of 17, it outclasses all other one-handed craftable options. Its weight of 22 is significant, so stamina management is crucial, but the sheer power it delivers more than compensates. However, unique weapons and DLC additions change the game.

Understanding Damage Types and Skyrim’s Combat

Before we dive into the weapon list, it’s critical to grasp how damage is calculated in Skyrim. Base damage is just the starting point. Factors like your One-Handed skill level, relevant perks (like Armsman), enchantments, smithing improvements, and even weaknesses of your enemies all contribute to the final damage output.

Factors Affecting Weapon Damage

• Skill Level: Increases overall damage.
• Perks: Armsman and other perks significantly boost damage.
• Enchantments: Add elemental or magical damage.
• Smithing: Improving weapons at a grindstone increases damage.
• Enemy Weaknesses: Some enemies are vulnerable to certain damage types (fire, frost, shock).
• Difficulty level: The damage you deal and receive is modified by the difficulty setting.

The Contenders: Skyrim’s Top One-Handed Damage Dealers

Let’s break down some of the top contenders for the title of Skyrim’s most damaging one-handed weapon, considering both base damage and unique properties:

1. Dragonbone Mace: As mentioned, the Dragonbone Mace has the highest base damage among readily craftable weapons. Requiring Smithing level 100 and the Dragon Armor perk, it’s a late-game weapon but well worth the investment.

2. Daedric Sword: While not the top in base damage, the Daedric Sword (base damage 14) is still a formidable choice. More importantly, it is easier to obtain earlier in the game than the Dragonbone Mace, and players can start finding it in loot or at merchants as early as level 46 (or level 47 for merchants).

3. Miraak’s Sword: (DLC required) The Miraak’s Sword is special because after level 60, it has a base damage of 16. Plus, its unique enchantment that absorbs 15 points of stamina and health makes it incredibly valuable, especially for survivability in tough fights. Upgrading the sword is no easy task.

4. Windshear: (Unique Scimitar) Windshear is not about base damage but about utility. Acquired during the Dark Brotherhood questline, its unique effect of staggering enemies with every hit makes it extremely powerful for crowd control. Many consider this weapon one of the most powerful due to its utility.

5. Chillrend: Another unique weapon, Chillrend, deals both physical and frost damage. It’s a strong contender due to its additional magical damage and unique look.

6. Madness Sword: (Creation Club content required) The Madness Sword, craftable after completing the Saints & Seducers questline, has a high base damage. This sword, which is from Creation Club, is also enchantable.

The Verdict: It Depends!

Ultimately, deciding on “the best” comes down to your playstyle and the situation.

• Highest base damage: The Dragonbone Mace offers the most.
• Best overall utility: Windshear‘s stagger effect is invaluable.
• Best combination of damage and sustain: Miraak’s Sword provides health and stamina absorption.

Don’t underestimate the power of enchantments and smithing. A well-enchanted Daedric Sword can easily outperform a base Dragonbone Mace in certain scenarios. Experiment, find what works best for your character, and remember that the most fun weapon is often the one you enjoy using the most!

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Skyrim’s One-Handed Weapons

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Skyrim’s one-handed weapons, providing even more insights into the game’s combat mechanics:

1. What is the fastest way to level up One-Handed skill in Skyrim? The quickest method involves attacking a target that can sustain damage without dying, such as Shadowmere or Hadvar/Ralof at the start of the game. Focus on the base damage of your weapon rather than the damage received by the target.

2. Which is faster, a sword or a mace? Swords are generally faster than maces, resulting in higher damage per second (DPS), while maces deliver more raw damage per hit.

3. Is dual wielding better than using a one-handed weapon with a shield? Dual wielding provides a higher DPS but sacrifices defense. A shield offers better survivability and tactical options like blocking and bashing.

4. What is the best enchantment for a one-handed weapon? It depends on your build and enemy type. Common choices include fire damage (especially against undead), shock damage (against mages), and absorb health (for sustain).

5. How does Smithing affect weapon damage? Improving weapons at a grindstone significantly increases their base damage, making Smithing a crucial skill for any warrior build.

6. Can I temper unique weapons like Windshear? Yes, unique weapons can be tempered using the Arcane Blacksmith perk and the appropriate materials.

7. What are the best perks in the One-Handed skill tree? Armsman (increases damage), Fighting Stance (reduces power attack stamina cost), and Savage Strike (chance to decapitate) are all excellent choices.

8. Do different races have advantages with one-handed weapons? Orcs have the Berserker ability, which doubles their damage output for a short period, making them powerful warriors. Redguards also have Adrenaline Rush, which regenerates stamina quickly.

9. Where can I find Daedric weapons early in the game? While rare, Daedric weapons can sometimes be found in chests or purchased from Dremora Merchants summoned with the Conjuration skill.

10. What’s the difference between a sword, axe, and mace in Skyrim? Swords have a balanced attack speed and damage. Axes have a chance to cause bleeding damage. Maces ignore armor.

11. How does armor penetration work in Skyrim? Maces ignore a percentage of the target’s armor rating, making them effective against heavily armored foes. Some perks and enchantments can also provide armor penetration.

12. Are daggers viable as main weapons? Daggers are typically used for stealthy characters and assassins because of the damage bonus from sneak attacks, but they have the fastest attack.

13. What is the best armor to pair with a one-handed weapon build? It depends on your playstyle. Heavy armor provides more protection, while light armor offers greater mobility and stamina regeneration.

14. Can enchantments stack on a weapon? You can only apply one enchantment directly to a weapon through enchanting. However, you can combine it with perks and other effects for increased power.

15. What are some good alternative one-handed weapons if I can’t find a Dragonbone Mace? Daedric Swords, Dragonbane (if fighting dragons), and unique weapons like Chillrend are all viable alternatives.

Whether you prefer the raw power of a Dragonbone Mace or the utility of Windshear, Skyrim offers a plethora of one-handed weapons to suit your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. The world of Skyrim is vast and full of danger, so be sure to learn as much as you can along the way! To expand your understanding on the effects of games, consider learning more at the Games Learning Society: GamesLearningSociety.org.