Forging Your Destiny: Unveiling the Best Smithing Trainer in Skyrim

So, you’re looking to become a legendary blacksmith in Skyrim? Excellent! The path to crafting dragonbone armor and Daedric weapons isn’t forged in a day. You’ll need skill, dedication, and, crucially, the guidance of a master smithing trainer. While several characters offer their expertise, one stands out as arguably the best: Eorlund Gray-Mane of Whiterun.

Why Eorlund Gray-Mane? A Master’s Touch

Eorlund isn’t just any blacksmith; he’s a Master level smithing trainer. This means he can train you up to level 90 in smithing. This is crucial because higher-level trainers offer more efficient skill gains. He also possesses several qualities that make him an outstanding mentor:

• Accessibility: Eorlund is conveniently located in Whiterun, a major city players will visit early in their game. His Skyforge is hard to miss.

• Expertise: Eorlund’s skill isn’t just numerical. He’s renowned as one of the best blacksmiths in all of Skyrim, a testament to his practical knowledge. He crafts weapons and armor for the Companions, and you can see the quality of his work firsthand.

• Knowledge: Eorlund can teach you valuable tips and insights into smithing techniques beyond just leveling up your skill.

• Resources: While not directly selling materials, being close to Whiterun’s vendors ensures easy access to resources for your training.

While Gunmar in Fort Dawnguard also provides Master level training, accessing him requires owning the Dawnguard DLC and progressing through its storyline. Balimund in Riften, being only an Expert trainer, caps your training potential far earlier. Therefore, for pure accessibility, skill, and the level of training available, Eorlund Gray-Mane is the premier choice for budding blacksmiths in Skyrim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Smithing in Skyrim

1. Who are all the Smithing trainers in Skyrim?

Skyrim has three notable smithing trainers:

• Balimund (Riften): An Expert level trainer who can train you up to level 75.
• Eorlund Gray-Mane (Whiterun): A Master level trainer, but training is restricted to members of the Companions. He can train you up to level 90.
• Gunmar (Fort Dawnguard): A Master level trainer (Dawnguard DLC required) who can train you up to level 90.

2. What’s the fastest way to level up smithing in Skyrim?

The fastest way involves crafting items at a forge. The experience gained depends on the item’s value. The “Iron Dagger” method is a popular early-game choice, eventually transitioning to “Dwarven Bows” once you unlock the Dwarven Smithing perk.

3. What items give the most Smithing XP?

While high-value items generally offer more XP, the material cost often outweighs the benefit. The efficiency of crafting Dwarven Bows, particularly after improving them, often provides a balance between XP gain and material expenditure. Experimenting and calculating XP per ingot will reveal the most efficient method for your playstyle and resource availability.

4. How do I get to Smithing level 100 quickly?

The most common path involves these steps:

1. Obtain the Warrior Stone (and the Lover Stone with the Aetherial Crown for an even faster boost) for increased experience gains.
2. Rest to gain a rested bonus.
3. Craft Iron Daggers until Smithing level 30.
4. Switch to crafting Dwarven Bows using smelted Dwarven Metal Ingots until you reach Smithing level 100.

5. What happens when I reach 100 Smithing?

Reaching Smithing level 100 allows you to craft the best armor and weapons in the game (Daedric and Dragonbone). You also unlock the “Legendary” perk, allowing you to reset the skill to 15 and re-level it, gaining perk points.

6. Is it worth it to level Smithing to 100?

Absolutely! Smithing provides powerful gear, increases your character’s strength, and can be a lucrative source of income through selling crafted items. A character without properly leveled smithing skill is missing a valuable advantage.

7. What Stone helps the most with Smithing leveling?

The Warrior Stone increases the experience gained for combat skills, including Smithing, by 20%. The Lover Stone increases all skill gains by 15%. Using the Aetherial Crown to equip both provides the best overall boost.

8. Can trainers train you to level 100 in Smithing?

No, trainers can only train you up to level 90. The final 10 levels must be gained through crafting and improving items yourself.

9. How many Dwarven Bows do I need to craft to get to level 100 Smithing?

The exact number varies depending on your starting level, any active skill boosts (Standing Stone, Well Rested, Enchantments), and whether you improve the bows at a grindstone. However, approximately 100-200 Dwarven Bows is a good estimate.

10. Is there a way to improve Smithing beyond level 100?

While your skill can’t go above 100, you can continue to improve weapons and armor by using Fortify Smithing enchantments on gear and by drinking Fortify Smithing potions. This will allow you to exceed the base quality improvement available at smithing level 100.

11. Where can I find a lot of gold in Skyrim to train with Eorlund?

The Riverwood Trader is known for having a substantial amount of gold. Selling valuable items there before training will let you buy back training in the same session.

12. Do any NPCs sell smithing materials?

Yes! General goods merchants, blacksmiths (like Adrianne Avenicci in Whiterun), and mine owners typically sell ores, ingots, and leather. Visiting multiple locations and checking their inventories regularly is a good strategy. Also, don’t forget to mine ore yourself!

13. What are some essential perks for a Smithing build?

• Steel Smithing: Allows you to craft Steel armor and weapons.
• Dwarven Smithing: Allows you to craft Dwarven armor and weapons (crucial for the Dwarven Bow leveling method).
• Arcane Blacksmith: Allows you to improve enchanted weapons and armor.
• Advanced Armors: Allows you to craft Scaled and Plate armors.
• Dragon Armor: Allows you to craft Dragonplate and Dragonscale armor, some of the best in the game.
• Daedric Smithing: Allows you to craft Daedric armor and weapons, among the most powerful.

14. What is the best armor to craft in Skyrim?

The “best” armor depends on your playstyle and build. Dragonplate and Daedric armor offer high armor ratings, making them good defensive choices. However, Light Armor can be improved greatly with the right perks, and allows you to move faster, not to mention costing less to create.

15. Can smithing be fun outside of simply getting better gear?

Absolutely! Many players enjoy the role-playing aspect of being a blacksmith, crafting custom gear, and selling their wares. Others find satisfaction in mastering the crafting system and optimizing their leveling process. Engaging with the community and sharing your creations can add another layer of enjoyment. Explore the different styles, experiment with enchantments, and create unique items to truly personalize your Skyrim experience.

Understanding how skills are learned and used is just one component of the rich experience that Skyrim and similar games offer. To learn more about how games provide unique learning experiences, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org today.