Master the Blade: A Comprehensive Guide to One-Handed Training in Skyrim
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So, you’re looking to become a whirlwind of steel, a blur of blades, a true master of one-handed combat in Skyrim? Excellent choice! Mastering the one-handed skill opens up a world of possibilities, from wielding a trusty sword and shield to dual-wielding for maximum damage. But raw talent only gets you so far. You’ll need training, and luckily, Skyrim has some capable instructors willing to share their knowledge (for a price, of course).
In short, you can find One-Handed trainers in the following locations:
- Amren in Whiterun: Offers Adept level training.
- Athis in Whiterun: A member of the Companions who provides Expert level training.
- Burguk in Dushnik Yal: Located in the Orsimer strongholds, he is a Master level trainer.
Now, let’s delve deeper into each trainer, how to maximize your training, and answer some burning questions you might have.
Training with the Masters: A Breakdown
Amren: The Whiterun Adept
Amren is perhaps the easiest trainer to access early in the game. He resides in Whiterun, typically found wandering the streets or within his home. He offers Adept level training, meaning he can train you up to a skill level of 50.
To unlock Amren as a trainer, you need to complete his quest, “Amren’s Family Sword.” It’s a simple retrieval quest that involves finding his family sword in a nearby bandit camp. Once returned, he’ll gladly impart his knowledge… for a fee.
While his training level is limited, Amren is an excellent starting point for new characters who want to focus on one-handed combat. Plus, completing his quest gives you a bit of extra experience and loot.
Athis: The Companion’s Expert
Athis is a Dark Elf warrior and a member of the Companions in Whiterun. He’s usually found in Jorrvaskr, the Companions’ mead hall. Athis offers Expert level training, allowing you to reach a one-handed skill of 75.
Joining the Companions is relatively straightforward. You can simply walk into Jorrvaskr and speak to Kodlak Whitemane or any of the other leaders to initiate the questline. However, be warned: the Companions questline involves some morally questionable choices.
Athis provides a significant boost in training level compared to Amren. However, becoming a member of the Companions is required to access his services. As a follower and a trainer he offers unique benefits. This is because the Dragonborn can have him as a follower after finishing The Glory of the Dead quest.
Burguk: The Orsimer Master
Burguk is the Master level trainer for one-handed combat. He resides in Dushnik Yal, an Orsimer stronghold in The Reach. Reaching Burguk can be tricky, as Orsimer strongholds are generally hostile to outsiders.
There are two primary ways to gain access to Dushnik Yal:
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Become Blood-Kin: The easiest method is to complete a quest for the stronghold’s chief, gaining their trust and becoming Blood-Kin. This allows you to freely enter any Orsimer stronghold.
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Pay the Fee: Alternatively, you can pay a fee to be allowed entry. However, this only grants temporary access and doesn’t make you Blood-Kin.
Burguk can train you up to a one-handed skill of 90, making him essential for those aiming for true mastery. Keep in mind that Orsimer strongholds often present challenging encounters, so be prepared for a fight.
Maximizing Your Training Efficiency
Now that you know where to find the trainers, let’s talk about how to get the most out of your training sessions:
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Money Matters: Training costs gold. The higher your skill level, the more expensive each training session becomes. Save up before visiting a trainer to maximize the number of levels you can gain.
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Level Up: You can only train a maximum of five times per level. After that, you’ll need to level up your character again before you can receive further training.
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Pickpocketing (Optional): If you’re feeling mischievous, you can attempt to pickpocket the gold you spent on training back from the trainer. This is a risky strategy, as failure will result in a bounty and potential hostility. However, if successful, it can significantly reduce the cost of training.
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Combine Training with Skill Usage: Don’t rely solely on training to level up your one-handed skill. Actively use one-handed weapons in combat to gain experience naturally. This will help you save gold and level up faster.
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Fortify One-Handed: Using enchantments or potions that fortify your One-Handed skill can provide a temporary boost, impacting your training speed and effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the fastest way to level up One-Handed in Skyrim?
While training is efficient, actively using one-handed weapons in combat is crucial. Find challenging enemies and practice your techniques. Dual-wielding can increase your attack speed and thus your experience gain.
2. Can I train other skills besides One-Handed?
Yes, Skyrim has trainers for all skills. Each skill has its own set of trainers with varying levels of expertise.
3. What is the level cap for skills in Skyrim?
The level cap for all skills in Skyrim is 100.
4. Are there any books that increase the One-Handed skill?
Yes, several books scattered throughout Skyrim will permanently increase your One-Handed skill. Search for titles like “The Book of Circles,” “2920, Morning Star, v1,” and “King.”
5. Does race affect One-Handed skill progression?
Yes. Redguards start with a bonus to One-Handed, giving them a slight advantage at the beginning of the game. However, any race can become a master of One-Handed with enough training and practice.
6. What are the best perks for a One-Handed build?
Essential perks include “Armsman” (increased damage), “Fighting Stance” (reduced stamina cost), and “Bladesman/Hack and Slash/Bone Breaker” (specialized effects based on weapon type).
7. Can I reset my skill points in Skyrim?
Yes, you can reset your skill points by completing the “Dragonborn” DLC questline and obtaining Dragon Souls to refund perk points.
8. What is the difference between swords, maces, and war axes?
- Swords offer a balance of speed and damage.
- Maces deal the most damage but are the slowest.
- War Axes fall in between, with a chance to cause bleeding damage.
9. Is dual-wielding viable in Skyrim?
Yes! Dual-wielding can be incredibly powerful, allowing for rapid attacks and high damage output. However, it consumes more stamina.
10. Can followers train One-Handed?
No, followers cannot train your skills. Only designated trainers like Amren, Athis, and Burguk can provide training. However, you can improve Athis’s skills to level 25 to take him with you on your adventures.
11. Can I marry Athis after training with him?
Yes, you can marry Athis after completing the “Glory of the Dead” quest from The Companions questline.
12. What is the strongest One-Handed weapon in Skyrim?
The Dragonbone Mace has the highest base damage for craftable weapons. The Mace of Molag Bal is another excellent choice due to its enchantment.
13. What is the fastest One-Handed weapon?
Daggers are the fastest One-Handed weapons, sacrificing damage for attack speed.
14. Does sneaking affect One-Handed combat?
Yes. You can use sneak attacks with One-Handed weapons to deal significant bonus damage. Certain perks in the Sneak skill tree further enhance sneak attack damage.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the educational value of games?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is an excellent resource for those interested in the intersection of games and learning. They offer insights into game design principles, educational game development, and the potential of games as powerful learning tools.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the one-handed skill in Skyrim requires dedication, practice, and the guidance of skilled trainers. By utilizing the resources available to you and understanding the mechanics of combat, you can become a formidable warrior and conquer any challenge that comes your way. Now go forth, Dragonborn, and hone your skills!