Shadowmere vs. Arvak: The Ultimate Skyrim Steed Showdown
For any Dragonborn worth their salt, a trusty steed is more than just transportation in Skyrim; it’s a companion, a protector, and sometimes, even a weapon. Two of the most iconic and readily available horses in the game are Shadowmere and Arvak. So, the burning question: Who is better? The clear answer is Shadowmere. Shadowmere boasts significantly superior stats in terms of health, stamina, and level, alongside a health regeneration bonus, making it a more robust and combat-ready mount. However, Arvak’s unique summoning ability and unkillable nature offer distinct advantages that might appeal to certain players, making the “best” choice dependent on individual play style and priorities.
Shadowmere: The Dark Brotherhood’s Loyal Charger
Strength in Numbers (and Stats)
Shadowmere isn’t just any horse; he’s practically a tank. Acquired during the Dark Brotherhood questline (“The Cure for Madness”), Shadowmere enters the Dragonborn’s service packing some serious heat. At level 50, he far outstrips most other horses in the game. His impressive stats, including a whopping 1637 health and 198 stamina, make him a formidable opponent in combat. He’s capable of soaking up damage that would send other horses running (or dying). And if, by some chance, he does fall in battle, Shadowmere respawns near the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary after a short time. His health regeneration is also a valuable asset, allowing him to recover from injuries more quickly than other mounts.
Shadowmere’s loyalty is unparalleled. He’ll fearlessly charge into battle alongside you, taking on wolves, bandits, and even dragons. His presence alone can significantly alter the course of a fight, making him an invaluable asset for players who prefer a more direct, combat-oriented approach.
Arvak: The Spectral Savior
Convenience and Undying Loyalty (of a Different Kind)
Arvak, on the other hand, is a horse of a different color—literally. This spectral steed is obtained by finding his skull in the Soul Cairn during the Dawnguard DLC. Once you return the skull to his owner, you learn the “Summon Arvak” spell. This spell allows you to summon Arvak anywhere, anytime, as long as you’re outdoors.
Arvak’s main advantage is his convenience. No need to worry about leaving him somewhere and forgetting where he is. He’s always just a spell away. Furthermore, Arvak is unkillable. If his health drops to zero, he simply disappears and can be resummoned. This makes him a good choice for players who are prone to accidentally leading their horses into dangerous situations.
However, Arvak’s stats are significantly lower than Shadowmere’s. He’s essentially on par with a basic stables horse. He has low health (289) and low stamina (106). He won’t be winning any races and he definitely won’t be taking down any dragons. In terms of raw power, Arvak simply can’t compete with Shadowmere.
Playstyle Considerations
The choice between Shadowmere and Arvak ultimately boils down to your individual playstyle.
- For the Warrior: If you’re a player who enjoys getting into the thick of combat, Shadowmere is the clear winner. His superior stats and combat prowess make him an invaluable ally on the battlefield.
- For the Explorer: If you prioritize exploration and convenience, Arvak is the better choice. The ability to summon him at will eliminates the hassle of having to track down your horse or worry about him dying.
- For the Completionist: Well, get them both! There’s no reason not to have both horses at your disposal. They each offer unique benefits that can enhance your Skyrim experience.
The Verdict
While Arvak offers unparalleled convenience and an ethereal aesthetic, Shadowmere’s superior stats and combat abilities make him the overall better horse in Skyrim. He’s simply more durable, more powerful, and more capable of handling the dangers of Skyrim. However, Arvak’s summonable nature and unkillable status should not be discounted, especially for players who value convenience and exploration above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I have both Shadowmere and Arvak at the same time?
Yes, you can acquire both horses. The key is understanding how the “main horse” mechanic works. The last horse you ride becomes your active horse.
2. Does summoning Arvak make me lose Shadowmere permanently?
No, summoning Arvak does not permanently remove Shadowmere from the game. Shadowmere will return to his pool near the Falkreath Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary if he is not your active horse, or if he dies.
3. Is Arvak affected by the Convenient Horses mod?
The behavior of Arvak with the Convenient Horses mod might be inconsistent. Since he’s a summoned creature, certain features of the mod might not apply to him in the same way as a standard horse. It’s recommended to test the mod’s features with Arvak to determine compatibility.
4. Is Shadowmere a male or female horse?
Interestingly, Shadowmere’s gender has been a point of debate. In Oblivion, he was referred to as male, but in Skyrim, Astrid refers to Shadowmere as female. Ultimately, Shadowmere’s gender is somewhat ambiguous.
5. What happens if Shadowmere dies?
If Shadowmere dies, he will respawn in the pool near the Falkreath Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary after a few in-game days.
6. Is Arvak the fastest horse in Skyrim?
No, Arvak’s speed stat is the same as a standard stables horse. While his speed is comparable to Shadowmere and Frost, his lower stamina means he can’t run as far without needing to rest.
7. What is the rarest horse in Skyrim?
Arvak is arguably the most unique horse due to his skeletal appearance and summonable nature, making him relatively rare because you must complete the requirements of the Dawnguard DLC to obtain him.
8. Where do I find Arvak’s skull?
You find Arvak’s skull on an altar in the Soul Cairn, which you access during the Dawnguard DLC questline.
9. Is Shadowmere essential?
No, Shadowmere is not technically an essential character, but he can respawn if he dies.
10. Is Shadowmere unkillable?
Shadowmere can be killed, but he will respawn after a few in-game days.
11. What level is Arvak?
Arvak is level 4, which is much lower than Shadowmere’s level 50.
12. Is Shadowmere worth getting?
Absolutely! Shadowmere’s high health, stamina, and combat ability make him an extremely valuable asset in Skyrim.
13. What are the best Skyrim mods for horses?
Mods like Convenient Horses greatly enhance the horse-riding experience by adding features such as horse armor, inventory management, and follower interaction. There are also mods that improve horse textures and animations.
14. How does Shadowmere compare to Frost?
Frost is a good horse, particularly for those who obtain him early in the game. Shadowmere is statistically superior in nearly every way, making him the better choice in the long run. Both are far superior to Arvak.
15. Are there any educational benefits to playing games like Skyrim?
Absolutely! Games like Skyrim can foster problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. The Games Learning Society, a non-profit dedicated to advancing the field of game-based learning, provides valuable resources and insights into the educational potential of games. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information.