Who is the Best Wife for an Archer in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right spouse in Skyrim is a crucial decision, offering benefits ranging from companionship and role-playing opportunities to practical advantages like a steady income and a home-cooked meal. For an archer character, the ideal wife should complement their playstyle, providing support in combat, access to useful skills, or simply fitting the overall lore and aesthetic of a deadly marksman. While personal preference plays a significant role, Aela the Huntress undoubtedly stands out as the best wife for an archer in Skyrim.

Why Aela the Huntress is the Top Choice

Aela isn’t just a pretty face (or Nord warpaint, as it may be). She embodies everything an archer could want in a partner:

• Exceptional Archery Skills: As her title suggests, Aela is an accomplished archer herself. She is among the strongest archer NPCs in the game, and her proficiency will be invaluable in a fight, especially when facing multiple enemies or tough bosses.
• The Companion’s Benefits: Aela is a member of the Companions, one of Skyrim’s major factions. Marrying her grants you easy access to their headquarters in Whiterun, offering quests, training, and potential additional followers. Being part of the Companions also offers an interesting back story and more interaction, allowing for a deeper, more engaging marriage.
• Werewolf Transformation: Aela is a werewolf, following the teachings of Hircine. While you won’t directly gain werewolf abilities from marrying her (unless you become a werewolf yourself through the Companions questline), her affinity for this primal power adds a unique and intriguing dimension to your relationship. She also feels great pride over her true nature.
• Resourcefulness and Independence: Aela is not a damsel in distress. She’s a strong, independent woman who can hold her own in a fight. This makes her a reliable partner and a welcome addition to any adventurer’s life.
• Combat Support: Aela will be the perfect combat support. She will provide you with an extra set of hands to carry loot. Aela’s high combat skills make her an exceptional companion in difficult situations.
• A Sweetheart: Aela is without a doubt a fan favourite when it comes to Skyrim wives. She is the most popular wife in Skyrim for a reason!

Considerations When Choosing an Archer Wife

While Aela may be the top pick, other factors can influence your decision:

• Roleplaying: Do you want a wife who aligns with your character’s background, beliefs, or moral compass?
• Skills: Are you looking for someone who can train you in specific skills or provide useful services like enchanting or alchemy?
• Location: Do you prefer a wife who lives in a specific city or town that you frequent?
• Personality: Do you want a wife who is kind, assertive, or humorous?
• Availability: Aela does take a while to unlock. Keep that in mind!

Alternative Wives for an Archer Build

Even though Aela is the perfect fit, here are a few alternative wives that could be a great selection for an archer playthrough:

• Brelyna Maryon: Brelyna is an apprentice mage at the College of Winterhold. Marrying her means that your archer will have a helpful mage companion around. Brelyna has a sweet disposition.
• Mjoll the Lioness: Located in Riften, Mjoll is an undefeatable and powerful warrior. She is essential for extra support and protection. Mjoll is extremely reliable and trustworthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best race for an archer in Skyrim?

While any race can excel as an archer, Bosmer (Wood Elves) are often considered the best due to their +10 bonus to Archery at the start of the game. This provides an early advantage in leveling the skill. Races such as Dark Elf, Orc, Wood Elf in The Elder Scrolls Online also have strong passives related to Stamina, Damage, and Sustain, so they will also make for a powerful Archer Build with the right gear sets and buffs.

2. Are there any specific perks that benefit archers in Skyrim?

Yes! Essential Archery perks include Overdraw (increases bow damage), Eagle Eye (allows for zooming), Steady Hand (slows time while zooming), and Critical Shot (chance to deal critical damage). For a stealth archer, the Sneak skill tree is also critical, particularly the Assassin’s Blade perk. Stealth skills give significant boosts to damage, with the base sneak skill giving archery a two multiplier, and further skills increasing this to three times the bow’s damage.

3. What gear should an archer use in Skyrim?

Optimal gear for an archer includes a powerful bow (like the Dragonbone Bow or Daedric Bow), lightweight armor (like Dragonscale Armor or Glass Armor) enchanted with Archery and Stamina bonuses, and jewelry with similar enchantments. Players are better off crafting some Dragonscale armor for themselves as there are no unique armor, boots, or gauntlets with especially good benefits for archers.

4. How important is stealth for an archer build?

Stealth is incredibly beneficial for an archer build, allowing you to deal massive damage from a distance before enemies even know you’re there. Investing in the Sneak skill tree is highly recommended for a stealth archer playstyle. Of the many character archetypes players build into in Skyrim, the Stealth Archer is perhaps the most popular.

5. Can I still be effective as an archer without using stealth?

Absolutely! While stealth is powerful, you can still build a viable archer character focused on direct combat. In this case, focus on Archery perks that increase damage and critical hit chance, and wear heavier armor for better protection.

6. What is the best way to level up Archery in Skyrim?

The best way to level up Archery is to simply use a bow frequently in combat. Every successful hit grants you experience. Avoid shooting targets, as they do not grant experience.

7. Are there any archery trainers in Skyrim?

Yes, there are several NPCs who can train you in Archery, including Aela the Huntress (Expert), Faendal in Riverwood (Apprentice), and Niruin in Riften (Master).

8. What are some essential enchantments for an archer?

Key enchantments for archers include Fortify Archery (increases bow damage), Fortify Stamina (increases stamina for drawing bows), and Fortify Magicka (for using archery-related spells like Bound Bow).

9. Is archery a viable playstyle for the entire game?

Yes! A good archer can take down just about any enemy in Skyrim, up to and including dragons and giants. With the right perks, gear, and strategy, archery is a powerful and satisfying playstyle throughout the entire game.

10. What is the best bow in Skyrim?

Technically, the Dragonbone Bow is the strongest. However, Karliah’s Bow is one of the highest damage bows in all of Skyrim.

11. Are there any unique bows that are especially good for archers?

Yes, some unique bows worth seeking out include the Nightingale Bow (obtained during the Thieves Guild questline) and Zephyr (found in a Dwemer ruin).

12. What are the benefits of marrying someone in Skyrim?

Marrying an NPC in Skyrim provides several benefits, including a companion who can carry your burdens, cook meals, open a shop with gold for you to spend, and provide a place to sleep.

13. Can you get divorced in Skyrim?

Sadly, there isn’t a way to divorce anyone in Skyrim. Marriage is for life!

14. Besides combat, what else can Aela the Huntress offer as a wife?

Aela offers her expertise as an archery trainer (once you complete the Companions questline), and her connection to the Companions provides easy access to quests and resources. She also offers a unique and engaging personality.

15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics and lore of Skyrim?

For a deeper understanding of the game and its impact on learning and education, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization researches and promotes the educational potential of games.

Choosing the right wife for your archer character in Skyrim is more than just a practical decision. It’s about crafting a compelling story and enriching your gameplay experience. While many options exist, Aela the Huntress remains the top choice due to her exceptional archery skills, strong personality, and connection to the Companions. However, consider your own preferences and roleplaying goals to find the perfect match for your Dragonborn.