Stalhrim vs. Dragonbone: A Skyrim Smithing Showdown
The age-old question for aspiring Dragonborn smiths: Stalhrim or Dragonbone? Which material reigns supreme in the frigid lands of Skyrim? The answer, like most things in Skyrim, is nuanced and depends on your play style. Dragonbone generally offers superior base damage for weapons and comparable armor rating, making it the better choice for pure power. However, Stalhrim possesses unique frost enchantment bonuses and a lighter weight for armor, catering to specific builds and preferences. Let’s dive deep into the icy heart of Stalhrim and the fiery forge of Dragonbone to uncover which truly deserves a place in your Dragonborn’s arsenal.
Weapons: A Clash of Damage and Magic
Base Damage and Smithing
In terms of raw power, Dragonbone weapons edge out Stalhrim. A Dragonbone sword boasts a higher base damage compared to its Stalhrim counterpart. When both are improved to Legendary quality through smithing, this difference, while small, remains consistent. For players prioritizing maximum damage output, Dragonbone is the clear winner. The Dragonbone Mace, notably, is considered the most powerful craftable one-handed weapon in the entire game.
Enchantment Potential
Stalhrim’s strength lies in its magical properties. Weapons crafted from Stalhrim enhance the power of Frost enchantments. This means that any Frost Damage enchantment applied to a Stalhrim weapon will be significantly stronger than the same enchantment on a Dragonbone weapon. If you are building a character heavily reliant on Frost magic, Stalhrim weapons are invaluable. Moreover, Stalhrim weapons have a unique visual aesthetic that complements ice-based spells.
Daedric’s Place in the Equation
The article mentions that when comparing Daedric weapons (base damage 14 for a sword) to Stalhrim (base damage 13 for a sword) that if your enchanting isn’t powerful Daedric is a better choice. This provides the context that Dragonbone is still better than Daedric due to Dragonbone’s base damage of 15.
Armor: Weight vs. Protection
Armor Rating and Weight
Daedric armor has the highest base armor rating in the game (144), however it’s also the heaviest (96). When looking at Dragonplate Armor, it has a slightly lower base armor rating (136) but is lower weight (79), meaning it has a slightly higher armor/weight ratio. Stalhrim Armor has a base armor rating of 102 but weights only 59. Meaning it has a score of 1.73 armor per weight. The article states that there is only a 5% loss in overall defense when comparing it to Daedric. Stalhrim armor has the best armor points per unit weight.
Practical Considerations
The lighter weight of Stalhrim armor translates to increased mobility. This can be crucial for characters who prefer to dodge attacks or maintain a high movement speed. While the raw protection offered by Dragonplate may be slightly higher, the ease of movement afforded by Stalhrim can be a game-changer, particularly in prolonged battles.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Champion
Ultimately, the choice between Stalhrim and Dragonbone hinges on your character build and play style. If you prioritize raw damage and are less reliant on enchantments, Dragonbone is the superior choice. If you wield Frost magic and value mobility, Stalhrim offers unique advantages. Experiment with both materials and discover which best complements your Dragonborn’s journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Dragonbone always better than Stalhrim for weapons?
No. While Dragonbone boasts higher base damage, Stalhrim enhances Frost enchantments, making it superior for Frost-based builds.
2. Does Stalhrim armor offer better protection than Dragonplate armor?
No. Dragonplate armor has a slightly higher base armor rating. However, Stalhrim armor is significantly lighter, offering a better armor-to-weight ratio.
3. Where can I find Stalhrim in Skyrim?
Stalhrim deposits are primarily found in Solstheim, accessible through the Dragonborn DLC.
4. Do Stalhrim deposits regenerate?
Yes. Stalhrim deposits typically replenish after 30-35 days, similar to other ore deposits in Skyrim.
5. What smithing perk is required to craft Stalhrim armor?
The Ebony Smithing perk is required, even though Stalhrim armor can be crafted in both Heavy and Light versions.
6. Is there a “best” Dragonbone weapon?
The Dragonbone Mace is often considered the best one-handed craftable weapon, while the Dragonbone Greatsword is an excellent two-handed option.
7. Does Stalhrim have any unique visual properties?
Yes. Stalhrim has a distinctive icy blue appearance, setting it apart from other materials.
8. How does Daedric armor compare to Stalhrim armor?
Daedric armor has a higher base armor rating but is also significantly heavier. Stalhrim offers a better weight-to-armor ratio.
9. Are there any other benefits to Stalhrim besides Frost enchantment bonuses and weight?
Not really. Its primary advantages lie in those two areas.
10. Can Stalhrim be used to craft light armor?
Yes. Stalhrim armor can be crafted in both Heavy and Light versions.
11. Where can I find Dragonbone materials?
Dragonbone can be obtained by killing dragons and looting their remains. They can also be found on the Keepers in the Soul Cairn.
12. Which Daedric Prince is considered the most benevolent?
Meridia is often considered one of the more benevolent Daedric Princes due to her opposition to the undead.
13. What is the strongest Daedric Prince?
According to the provided article, Sheogorath is considered the strongest Daedric Prince.
14. How does Ebony armor compare to Stalhrim?
Ebony armor has a similar armor rating to Stalhrim but is heavier. Stalhrim offers a better weight-to-armor ratio.
15. What is the rarest armor in Skyrim?
The Aetherium Equipment is mentioned as one of the rarest armor sets in Skyrim.