Despite being around for over a literal decade, The Elder Scrolls V continues to garner a massive player base even today. All Skyrim fans will agree that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition stands at the pinnacle of providing the ultimate RPG experience.

One of the best things about Skyrim is that you can build your character based on your playstyle preference. And over the years, players worldwide have come up with hundreds and thousands of unique builds to enjoy their gameplay experience to the fullest.

No matter which combat class you choose, a perfect build can help your character reach its full potential. So, we’ve got you covered whether you are just starting out in Skyrim or a seasoned fan who wants to try out all the best builds in the game.

Below are our picks for the 20 best character builds in Skyrim’s Special Edition.

20. Elemental Fury (Orc Berserker)

Next, we have the Elemental Fury build focused on creating an Orc Berserker. This build will utilize dual-wielding weapons and the Elemental Fury shout to ensure you can inflict the highest level of melee damage on your opponents.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Orc
• Skills:
  • Heavy Armor
  • Enchanting
  • One-Handed
  • Alchemy
  • Alteration
• Gear:
  • Dual Swords
  • Enchanted Armor
• Shouts:
  • Elemental Fury

Orcs have the Berserker Rage innate ability, which allows them to double the damage dealt to enemies and lower their damage intake by half for one minute. By learning the One-Handed skill, you can wield two weapons simultaneously.

This way, the damage you can inflict on your opponents is doubled since you learn to use both of your hands proficiently. Moreover, you can maximize the speed of your hits with the Elemental Fury shout. This will make you a deadly melee combatant.

19. Bare-Fisted Khajiit

To start off our list, we have the Bare-Fisted Khajiit – also known as the Khajiit Bruiser or the Unarmed Khajiit. This build focuses on relying on your own strength and fighting with your fist and Shouts instead of weapons.

The great thing about this build is that you don’t have to set out on a wild goose chase to find the best weapons in the game. Instead, you can work on your defense by equipping the best armor and increasing attack power through enchantments and shouts.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Khajiit
• Skills:
  • Heavy Armor
  • Enchanting
• Gear:
  • Enchanted Gear (Fortify Unarmed, Fortify Stamina Regen)
• Shouts:
  • Marked for Death
  • Unrelenting Force
  • Whirlwind Sprint

You must upgrade your Heavy Armor and Enchanting skill trees for this build. Investing in your Heavy Armor skill tree will allow you to equip the best heavy armor in the game to withstand even the hardest-hitting attacks from enemies. As for Enchanting, you must invest in Fortify Unarmed enhancements to boost the damage dealt from your punches and Fortify Stamina Regen to increase the rate at which your stamina regenerates.

As for Shouts, Marked for Death increases damage output, making defeating tougher enemies with your fists easier. Moreover, having the Unrelenting Force will allow you to knock enemies off balance. Lastly, you will need the Whirlwind Sprint to quickly close the distance between you and your opponents. It’s the best shout to pair with a fistfight.

18. Chaos Trickster

This chaotic build focuses on wreaking havoc on the battlefield by always keeping your enemies on their toes and playing illusions to confuse them. It is perfect for those of you who don’t like engaging in direct battles. By playing tricks on enemies, you can sneak up on them without them ever knowing what hit them.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any
• Core Skills:
  • Illusion
  • Destruction
  • Sneak
• Secondary Skills:
  • Speech
  • One Handed
  • Alchemy
• Gear:
  • Dual Daggers
  • Light Armor
• Shouts:
  • Aura Whisper
  • Throw Voice

For this build, you must invest in the Illusion skill tree and unlock skills such as Fury, Muffle, and Invisibility. Moreover, you’ll also need to learn Sneak skills such as Shadowstep, Backstab, and Assinate.

Furthermore, you will also have to combine your Illusion spells with destructive runes such as Fire, Frost, and Lightning runes to take down enemies without exposing yourself. You can place the runes at various choke points and patiently wait for enemies to fall for your trap.

If you choose an Orc for this build, you can use its Berserker Rage ability to unleash deadly two-handed attacks on your enemies. Moreover, you can also use the Fury spell on the more troublesome enemies.

17. Tank Conjurer

Being powerful on your own is great, but having some backup really does help. The Tank Conjurer build is focused on making you the strongest warrior and conjurer who can absorb the hardest hits and summon two Atronachs to fight for you at will.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any
• Core Skills:
  • Heavy Armor
  • Block
  • Conjuration
• Spells:
  • Dead Thrall
• Gear:
  • Daedric Heavy Armor
  • Shield
• Shouts:
  • Bend Will
  • Soul Tear

For this build, you must invest in your Conjuration, Block, and Heavy Armor skill trees. Equipping heavy armor and a shield will offer you the protection you need to withstand the toughest attacks. Moreover, investing in the Block skill tree will allow you to absorb damage greatly and help you win battles where sustainability is key.

As for the Conjuration skill tree, you must unlock the Twin Souls perk so that you are able to summon two Daedric creatures that will attack enemies on your command. Moreover, the type of elemental damage you inflict on enemies depends on the Atronachs you summon.

16. The Spellbreaking Paladin

This build focuses on creating the strongest paladin to obliterate enemies with his sword and destruction magic. Although you can use this build with any race, the ideal choice would still be Breton.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any (Preferably Breton)
• Core Skills:
  • Heavy Armor
  • Restoration
  • Destruction
• Secondary Skills:
  • Block
  • Conjuration
  • One-Handed
• Spells:
  • Bane of the Undead
  • Vampire’s Bane
  • Close Wounds
• Gear:
  • Heavy Armor (Preferably Enchanted)
  • One-Handed Weapon (Preferably Dawnbreaker)
• Shouts:
  • Dismay

The Spellbreaking Paladin build is perfect for those of you who want to inflict much damage by repelling enemy attacks with your Spellbreaker magic shield while slaying enemies with your sword. Moreover, you can wield your sword in one hand and cast magic with the other. 

For this build, you must invest in your Heavy armor skill tree to be able to equip the best heavy armor in the game. Secondly, you must unlock various perks from the Restoration and Destruction skill trees to cast restoration magic and elemental destruction magic like Flame.

Moreover, if you pick the Breton race, you can use their Dragonskin innate skill to absorb magic damage and replenish your Magicka. This will provide a constant source of mana required to cast expert-level destruction magic.

15. Shadow Blade

If you’re someone who loves fast-paced, swift combat, then this build is perfect for you. The Shadow Blade build focuses on creating a master assassin that uses dual daggers. Since Orcs have the Berserker Rage innate skill, they are the perfect choice for this build.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Orc
• Core Skills:
  • Light Armor
  • One-Handed
  • Sneak
  • Illusion
• Spells:
  • Frenzy
  • Invisibility
  • Muffle
• Gear:
  • Light Armor (Preferably with Muffle enchantments)
  • Dual Daggers
• Shouts:
  • Throw Voice
  • Aura Whisper

If you’re trying to create a master assassin that moves as swiftly as shadows, you must invest in the Light Armor skill tree. This will allow you to equip the best light armor in the game.

Moreover, unlocking the One-Handed skill tree allows you to use both of your hands proficiently. This will allow you to wield a dagger in each hand, with each hand being proficient enough to inflict the same level of damage. Furthermore, you can invest in the Illusion skill tree to confuse enemies and the Sneak skill tree to pass through enemy guards unnoticed.

Regarding spells, Frenzy, Invisibility, and Muffle are the perfect choice to get around unnoticed. Moreover, you can use shouts such as Throw Voice and Aura Whisper to detect and distract enemies faster.

14. Destruction Mage

The next build is for those wanting to become Skyrim’s most powerful magician. The Destruction Mage build focuses on creating an OP mage that can devastate enemies with their elemental destruction magic.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Dunmer (Dark Elf)
• Core Skills:
  • Light Armor
  • Destruction
  • Alteration
  • Conjuration
• Spells:
  • Summon
  • Fireball
  • Ice Storm
  • Lightning Storm
• Gear:
  • Light Armor (Preferably with Fortify Destruction enchantments)
  • Any weapon (as backup)
• Shouts:
  • Slow Time
  • Dragon Aspect
  • Drain Vitality
  • Fire Breath
  • Unrelenting Force

The Dark Elf is the perfect race for this build, as their innate ability includes boosting attack damage when their health is below 50%. As for skills, you’ll need to invest in the Light Armor skill tree to have the flexibility to move around freely. In addition, you will need to unlock various perks from the Destruction skill tree to cast elemental magic.

Moreover, you will also need to invest in the Alteration magic skill tree enough to unlock the Atronarch perk. Furthermore, you will also need to unlock the Atromancy perk from the Conjuration magic skill tree.

To get the most damage output from this build, you must use various elemental magic and summoning spells while your health is below 50%. In addition, using Shouts like Drain Vitality, which drains Magicka from enemies, and Unrelenting Force, which pushes enemies and objects out of your way, are great to have at your disposal.

13. Death Knight

Do you want to become an unholy knight who can slay enemies with their greatswords and perform Necromancy? If so, then this build may be perfect for you. To get this build, you must combine your knowledge of Conjuration, Destruction, and Alteration magic with the use of two-handed weapons.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any
• Core Skills:
  • Heavy Armor
  • Two-Handed
  • Destruction
  • Alteration
  • Conjuration
• Secondary Skills:
  • Smithing
  • Enchanting
  • Restoration
• Spells:
  • Dead Thrall
  • Volendrung
• Gear:
  • Heavy Armor (Preferably with Magicka enchantments)
  • Greatsword
• Shouts:
  • Bend Will
  • Dismay

This build is designed for those of you who want a tanky warrior with Necromancy magic. You can slay enemies with your two-handed sword and summon the fallen to fight alongside you. Since summoning the dead will deplete your Magicka, it is important to build up your defenses, so you’re not handicapped without magic.

That’s why you need to focus on your heavy armor skill tree, along with the two-handed skill tree, to be able to equip the strongest heavy armor and two-handed swords in the game. Moreover, you’ll also need to upgrade your Conjuration, Destruction, and Alteration skill trees to become a deadly magic user.

12. Bound Warrior

If you want your character to have a head start in the early game, then this build is for you. The Bound Warrior can summon Bound Weapons that deal devastating damage to enemies for one whole minute before losing effectiveness. In addition to the Daedric level gear, you can summon Dremora Lords to fight for you.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any
• Core Skills:
  • Light Armor
  • One-Handed
  • Conjuration
• Secondary Skills:
  • Alchemy
  • Enchanting
  • Speech
• Spells:
  • Bound Sword
  • Bound Bow
• Gear:
  • Fortified Magicka Gear
  • Bound Weapons
• Shouts:
  • Slow Time

Although short-lived, the Bound Weapons pack immense power. For instance, the Bound Sword is capable of slaying even the mightiest of foes. Moreover, the Bound Bow will also come with unlimited arrows and hit enemies over large distances.

If you’re using the Bound Bow together with the Slow Time shout, you’ll have an easier time landing hits on enemies. Not to mention, whenever you summon a bound weapon, your Conjuration skill also increases.

So, you can summon and control your Daedric warriors with ease. Moreover, you can upgrade your Bound Weapons to increase their effectiveness further. Having said that, this build is excellent at easily getting you through early and mid-game.

11. Vampire Nightblade

Both Nightblade build and Vampire builds are popular choices in Skyrim. But combining the two can elevate your gameplay experience to the next level. Nightblades are magic-using assassins with skills such as Destruction, Alteration, Alchemy, and Sneaking at their disposal. You can choose to become a vampire through Sanguinare Vampiris or be granted the ability by Harkon or Serana in the Bloodline quest from Dragonborn.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any (Preferably High Elf)
• Core Skills:
  • Illusion
  • One-Handed
  • Destruction
• Secondary Skills:
  • Alchemy
  • Sneak
  • Light Armor
  • Pickpocket
• Spells:
  • Invisibility
  • Frenzy
• Gear:
  • Light Armor
  • Dagger
• Shouts:
  • Aura Whisper

Although Vampires are typically weak to sunlight, there are several benefits to becoming a nocturnal lurker. The vampire race can replenish its health by drinking its enemies’ blood.

Moreover, the Vampire Nightblade is a fantastic combination of class and race because of the vampire’s Nightstalker’s Footsteps innate skill, which reduces the sound of your footsteps by 25%. Moreover, your illusion spells are also 25% more powerful due to the vampire’s Champion of the Night skill.

Furthermore, you can also close the distance between you and the enemy for a swift assassination with the invisibility spell. You can also throw your enemies in a chaotic rampage with the Frenzy spells so that they fight one other instead of attacking you.

10. Stealth Archer

If you are a ranged combat lover, this build is for you. The Stealth Archer has gained the reputation of being one of the most popular builds in Skyrim thanks to its high-level archery with stackable stealth damage.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any (Preferably Bosmer, aka Wood Elf)
• Core Skills:
  • Archery
  • Illusion
  • Sneak
• Spells:
  • Invisibility
  • Bound Bow
  • Muffle
  • Calm
• Gear:
  • Light Armor (Preferably with Fortified Sneak enchants)
  • Bows:
    • Bow of Shadows
    • Nightingale Bow
    • Dragonbone Bow
    • Muffled Boots
• Shouts:
  • Aura Whisper
  • Throw Voice

To get this build, you must invest heavily in the Sneak and Archery skill tree, unlocking essential perks like Critical Shot, Overdraw, Deadly Aim, Stealth, Assassin’s Blade, and Backstab. This will allow you to become a master assassin who takes down enemies unnoticed.

Moreover, you can trick them into attacking each other using skills such as Illusion. Not to mention, having shouts like Aura Whisper and Throw Voice will alert you about possible enemy encounters and push them off to gain some distance. This will be especially handy for a build that’s not made for close-range fights.

9. The Necromancer

This is a mage build that’s focused on defeating enemies with dark magic. This build is entirely based on summoning the undead to fight your battles. So it’s only best for passive players that do not like directly engaging in battle.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Dunmer (Dark Elf) / Breton
• Core Skills:
  • Conjuration
  • Alteration
  • Destruction
• Spells:
  • Flaming Familiar
  • Summon Frost Atronach
  • Dead Thrall
  • Ice Storm
• Gear:
  • Necromancer Robe (Preferably with Magicka enchantments)
  • Ice Staff / Raise Zombie Staff
• Shouts:
  • Bend Will
  • Dismay

Although Necromancy cannot be learned directly, you can get this build by investing in your Conjuration, Destruction, and Alteration skill trees. Since this is a summoner build, you must try to maximize the damage output of your spells. That’s why we recommend using the Dark Elf race, as its innate ability boosts attack damage when health drops below 50%. However, the Breton will do as well.

Investing in the Conjuration skill tree will allow you to summon various Daedric beings, such as Atronachs, who will fight enemies on your behalf. The type of elemental damage dealt on enemies depends on the type of Atronach you are summoning.

Moreover, you can also use Destruction magic that allows you to cast various elemental spells, such as fire spells, to burn down hordes of enemies at once. Lastly, you can use the Flaming Familiar spell to summon a Flaming Thrall that will swoop down on your enemies and explode, causing fire damage across a large area of effect.

8. The Master Artisan

The Master Artisan build is perfect for those with no particular preference regarding class or race. With this build, you can become a master of weapons by crafting the very best gear on your own.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any
• Core Skills:
  • Smithing
  • Alchemy
  • Enchanting
• Gear:
  • Fortified Smithing Gear/Fortified Alchemy Gear
  • Any weapon of choice (With appropriate enchantments)
• Shouts:
  • Any

Searching for the perfect weapons can be a struggle of their own. However, if you become a Crafter or Artisan, there is no need to go out of your way to hunt for the strongest weapons. Investing in the Smithing and Alchemy skill trees allows one to craft any weapon and potion in the game, as long as it is not a quest-exclusive item.

Moreover, if you become a master alchemist, you can craft your own potions with the best stat boosts in the game. The rest of the build is up to you, as you can choose any of the shouts or weapon types you feel comfortable using.

7. The Nordic Dual Wielder

The Nordic Dual Wielder build focuses on maximizing damage output and attack speed. You can create this build to become a Nordic warrior using Alchemy, Conjuration, Restoration, and Alteration magic.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Nord
• Core Skills:
  • Light Armor
  • Alchemy
  • Enchanting
  • One-Handed
• Secondary Skills:
  • Conjuration
  • Restoration
  • Alteration
• Spells:
  • Necromage
  • Summon Daedric Horse
• Gear:
  • Fortified Alchemy Gear/Fortify One-Handed Gear
  • Dual-Swords
• Shouts:
  • Any

You must invest in your Light Armor skill tree and the One-Handed skill tree for this build. Doing so will let you equip the best light armor in the game and be proficient with dual-wielding weapons.

Moreover, you will become a warrior who can cast Necromage magic and summon a Daedric Horse to travel around freely. Furthermore, you can use your Enchantment skills to cast enchantments on your armor and weapons. Lastly, you can also use Nord’s naturally bestowed archery abilities.

6. The Imperial Emperor

If you like the idea of making the undead do your bidding in battles, then this build might be perfect for you. This build focuses on becoming a “ruler” of the undead and changing the course of the battle with your strategies and tactics.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any
• Core Skills:
  • Heavy Armor
  • Conjuration
  • Enchanting
  • One-Handed
• Secondary Skills:
  • Illusion
• Stone:
  • Ritual Stone
• Spells:
  • Necromage
  • Summon Daedric Horse
• Gear:
  • Heavy Armor (fortified with enchantments)
  • Bound Sword
• Shouts:
  • Soul Tear
  • Battle Fury

First, you must invest in the Conjuration skill tree to summon Daedric allies who will fight on your behalf. Moreover, you can also use the Ritual Stone to summon the undead and command them at your will.

You will also need to unlock the Heavy Armor and One-Handed skill trees. Doing so will allow you to wear the best heavy armor in the game and protect you against hard-hitting enemies. Make sure to use enchantments to strengthen your defenses.

Moreover, you can also become proficient at using both hands individually so that you can use dual-wield weapons. This will allow you to switch between commanding your minions and engaging in the battle directly.

As for Shouts, you can use Battle Fury to boost your attack damage and speed. In addition to that, you can also use the Soul Tear shout to drain your opponent’s health.

5. The Enchanted Sword And Shield

This is another tanky build from this list that focuses on using enchantments to fortify your sword and armor and become truly unstoppable. While any race is fine, Orcs, High Elves, and Bretons work slightly better due to their innate skills and abilities.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any
• Core Skills:
  • Heavy Armor
  • Block
  • Enchanting
  • One-Handed
• Secondary Skills:
  • Smithing
• Spells:
  • Frenzy
  • Close Wound
  • Invisibility
• Gear:
  • Heavy Armor (fortified with enchantments)
  • Dragonbone sword (Preferably with Soul Trap enchantment)
  • Peryite shield (Preferably with Health Absorb enchantment)
  • Other wearables (Preferably with Fortify One-Handed enchantments)
• Shouts:
  • Aura Whisper
  • Throw Voice 

This build aims to maximize your attack and defenses with enchantments. Firstly, you must invest in the Heavy Armor skill tree and Block for this build to withstand and absorb all attacks. Then, you must unlock various enchantment perks from the Enhancement skill tree and fortify your gear.

Moreover, if you learn Smithing skills, you will be able to craft your own weapons and armor. If you pair your enchantments, skills, and shouts well, this build can become truly formidable.

4. The Windshear Stun Master

This build utilizes the rare “Windshear” scimitar that can only be obtained by completing the Hail Sithis quest for Dark Brotherhood. The first step to creating the Windshear Stun Master build is collecting the weapon from Katariah’s top deck. It is also important to note that Redguard is the best-suited race for this build.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Redguard
• Core Skills:
  • Light Armor
  • Destruction
  • Enchanting
  • One-Handed
• Secondary Skills:
  • Speech
  • Smithing
• Passive Skills:
  • Force Without Effort
  •  Seeker of Sorcery
• Spells:
  • Chain Lightning
  • Invisibility
• Gear:
  • Light Armor (with Fortify Stamina Regen enchantments)
  • Chain Lightning Staff / Valdr’s Lucky Dagger
• Shouts:
  • Elemental Fury
  • Storm Call
  • Unrelenting Force
  • Clear Skies

The Windshear is already famous for being one of the most overpowered weapons you can find in the game. That’s because this legendary weapon has a 100% chance of knocking down enemies.

With this build, you can create a character that specializes in rendering enemies defenseless. The battle technique for this build is first to stun enemies with your Chain Lightning staff, buying you time to close the distance between you and your opponent, and then finish them off with the Windshear.

Once you have stun-locked a target, you can unleash a chain of deadly attacks that can take down even the largest dragons like Alduin, Parthurnaax, and the Elder Dragon. However, using a dagger such as Valdr’s Lucky Dagger with Elemental Fury shout will be just as effective for smaller foes.

3. Shadow Master (Mage Assassin)

This build is perfect for those of you who like a combination of stealthy combat and elemental magic. The Shadow Master, or Mage Assassin, build utilizes destruction spells and Bound Daggers to finish off enemies without them ever knowing what hit them.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: High Elf
• Core Skills:
  • Illusion
  • Destruction
  • Sneak
  • One-Handed
• Spells:
  • Frenzy
  • Calm
  • Invisibility
  • Pacify
  • Bound Dagger
• Gear:
  • Fortify Sneak Armor
  • Muffled Boots
  • Daggers
• Shouts:
  • Aura Whisper
  • Bend Will
  • Soul Tear

For this build, you must focus on your Illusion, Sneak, Destruction, and One-Handed Skill trees. By choosing the High Elf as your character’s race, you will get up to a +5 bonus on your Illusion and Destruction skills.

The Illusion skill will allow you to play tricks on your enemies to turn them against each other. And because you have the Sneak ability, you can easily close up on enemies and take them out with your dagger. Moreover, you can also summon your Bound Daggers to deal devastating damage, even on armored enemies.

However, if you don’t want to get too close, you can also obliterate enemies over a large area with your Destruction Magic. Also, with the help of your Aura Whisper and Bend Will shouts, you can detect enemies from far away and manipulate their behavior.

2. The Werewolf

Since we have a Vampire build on this list, including one for the Werewolf also makes sense. The Werewolf is a powerful creature with incredible regenerative power. Although difficult to master, this can be one of the most powerful builds in Skyrim with a bit of practice.

Having said that, you can become a Werewolf by doing The Companions quests from Dragonborn and performing a ritual where you have to drink Aela the Huntress’s blood while she is in her beast form.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Any (preferably Orc)
• Core Skills:
  • Alteration
  • Destruction
  • Conjuration
  • One-Handed
• Secondary Skills:
  • Alchemy
  • Enchanting
  • Restoration
• Werewolf Perks:
  • Savage Feeding
  • Totem of Ice Brothers
  • Totem of the Moon
• Gear:
  • Ring of Hircine
  • Totem of Brotherhood
• Spells:
  • Flame cloak
  • Ebony flesh
  • Berserker rage
• Shouts:
  • Slow Time

The Werewolf is not a constant state but rather something you can transform into at will. That is why creating a character with skills and shouts best suited for your werewolf form is important.

In this build, you will be able to play as an Orc Berserker that can transform into a Werewolf with unparalleled melee attack power and constant stamina regeneration. Moreover, you can also summon two werewolves to fight alongside you while you are in your Werewolf form by using the Totem of Brotherhood.

Having said that, you can invest in the Werewolf skill tree to unlock the Totem of Ice Brothers perk to summon two ice wolves and the Totem of the Moon perk to summon two spectral wolves.

If you want to stick to your Werewolf form, then obtaining the Ring of Hircine is crucial, as it lets you switch to your Werewolf form at will. Overall, this build has no downsides, even if it takes time to curate.

1. Shadow Archer

Now, coming to the final and best build from this list, the Shadow Archer is an Archer-based build for long-range combat lovers. This build focuses on developing your archery skills while adding versatility to your long-range fighting abilities.

Below is a breakdown of what you need for this build:

• Race: Nord (Preferably with Vampiric abilities)
• Core Skills:
  • Archery
  • Illusion
  • Sneak
  • Conjuration
• Secondary Skills:
  • Restoration
  • Alteration
• Stones:
  • Ritual Stone
  • Atronach stone
• Spells:
  • Invisibility
  • Bound Bow
  • Muffle
  • Calm
• Gear:
  • Light Armor (Preferably with Fortified Sneak enchants)
  • Muffled Boots
• Bows (Preferably with Damage enchantments):
  • Bound Bow
  • Bow of Shadows
  • Nightingale Bow
  • Dragonbone Bow
• Shouts:
  • Slow Time
  • Become Ethereal
  • Marked for Death

This build focuses on creating an OP archer that can hit targets from a long range with their bows and use Conjuration skills to summon Daedric allies. In addition to the Archery and Conjuration skill tree, you must invest in the Restoration skill tree to unlock perks that can heal yourself and your party.

As for stones, you can use the Ritual Stone to summon the undead and command them at your will. This will come in especially handy in taking out tougher enemies. Moreover, you can also use the Atronach stone to regenerate your Magicka by 50%, which will allow you to use Conjuration and Restoration more freely.

Furthermore, you can also use the Bound Bow to inflict devastating damage to enemies, together with the Slow Time shout to increase its duration. Not only that, but you can also use the Become Ethereal Shout to give yourself an immunity to all types of damage for a few seconds. Lastly, you can use the Marked for Death to inflict constant damage to enemies across a large area of effect for a short duration.

The post 20 Best Skyrim Builds in 2024 appeared first on GameRiv.

As a stealthy rogue slinking through the shadows of Skyrim, you know that the right dagger can mean the difference between a flawless assassination and reckless folly. When closing in for the kill, you need a blade that strikes quick and true.

For us who stalk the shadows, daggers are more than tools of war; they are extensions of ourselves, whispers in the night, each strike a silent ode to the darkness. In this guide, I will count down the 5 most lethal blades that Skyrim has to offer.

Read More: Best Two-Handed Weapons You Can Get in Skyrim Special Edition

Whether you favor raw damage, unique enchantments, or simply a dagger with character, you’ll find a worthy companion for your adventures.

I’ve walked every treacherous trail, braved ancient tombs, and scaled icy peaks, all to bring you these instruments of lethal grace. Let’s begin the hunt for Skyrim’s ultimate daggers in Skyrim.

Top 5 Best Daggers in Skyrim Special Edition

5. Bloodthorn — A Vampiric Blade

• How to get Bloodthorn?
  • Seek out the altar atop Hag’s End, high in the snowy mountains southwest of Solitude. Cut through the vile coven that defends this place to claim Bloodthorn as your own. Once in hand, Bloodthorn’s secrets are yours to unlock.

As I stalk the wilds of Skyrim, few daggers have proved as valuable as the mysterious Bloodthorn. Many whisper of its powers, but few know the truth. I love this jagged steel fang because it draws power from blood, making it the perfect companion for a predator of the night. The moment I first grasped its leather-wrapped hilt, I could feel its thirst for life essence.

With each slash, Bloodthorn drains the very vitality from my foes, transferring it to my own dark soul. Even the magically resistant undead and enchanted constructs that haunt Skyrim’s ruins are not immune to its sinister power. But be warned, this weapon comes at a price — the Hagravens that once wielded it will fight you fiercely to reclaim it.

4. Valdr’s Lucky Dagger — An Assassin’s Best Friend

• How to get Valdr’s Lucky Dagger?
  • Seek out Valdr himself in the creature-infested tunnels of Moss Mother Cavern. Help the old hunter clear out the beasts; the dagger shall be yours. Once equipped, you’ll find arrows missing their mark and blows struggling to land. With Valdr’s Dagger, the shadows themselves conspire to keep you unseen until the moment your blade finds its destined mark. For an assassin, no enchantment is stronger than pure luck.

For those of us who live and die by the dagger, few items are as coveted as Valdr’s Lucky Dagger. Its owner, the legendary hunter Valdr, forged this blade in the fires of fate. The legend goes that Valdr made a pact with the divine spirit of luck, granting uncanny fortune to the wielder of his dagger.

The blade has led me to riches and aided in my deadliest assassinations, so it’s true. The Divines seem to favor quick deaths, and Valdr’s Dagger delivers. One slash of this dagger is all it takes to bring down the mightiest foe if fortune is on your side.

3. Blade of Woe — A Killer’s Calling Card

• How to get Blade of Woe?
  • Seek out the Brotherhood, bide your time, prove your lethality, and in the fullness of time, the Blade of Woe shall be your prize. Then your true work begins.

In my time stalking prey across Tamriel, no dagger has become so infamous as the Blade of Woe. Once wielded by the mighty Astrid, leader of Skyrim’s Dark Brotherhood, this wicked curved blade leaves no question about its wielder’s intentions. The Blade of Woe makes no distinction between commoner and king, man or mer, adult or child. All fall victim to its thirst.

Its jagged edges seem to choke the very life from its victims, transferring their essence to the wielder. To claim this weapon is to pledge allegiance to the Void and commit fully to murder. The road is long, requiring one to ingratiate oneself to the Brotherhood and rise high in their ranks. But for an assassin of my skill, the rewards justify the journey.

2. Mehrunes’ Razor — Dagger of the Dread Lord

• How to get Mehrunes’ Razor?
  • Seek out the shattered remnants of the blade, defeat the guardians of each, and offer the restored weapon as tribute upon Mehrunes Dagon’s unholy altar. This is not a road for the meek. Many have lost their lives pursuing the Razor. But for those relentless enough to bind their fate to this dark dagger, the ultimate power of the void awaits.

Though many legendary artifacts claim the souls of heroes, none have the insidious reputation of Mehrunes’ Razor. It has enchanted powers, unlike any other blade, thanks to a sliver of Mehrunes Dagon’s essence. Even a small cut from this weapon finds its way to the victim’s heart. But more frightening are the tales of Mehrunes’ Razor ripping through the very fabric of fate.

A well-placed slash from the Razor threatens to undo creation itself, unmaking the target from the pattern of reality. Power has a price, however, and winning Mehrunes’ Razor will put you at odds with the most ruthless Daedric Lord of them all.

1. Dragonbone Dagger — Legend Forged Anew

• How to get Dragonbone Dagger?
  • Seek out the ancient Nordic ruins where dragons once ruled, and their bones still remain among the rubble. Harvest your materials wisely and hone your talent at the forge to shape those bones into an enduring instrument of death. The road is long, but the Dragonbone Dagger is the ultimate reward for those with patience and dedication.

Every great assassin reaches a point when mundane weapons no longer satisfy their thirst for supremacy. Only a blade forged from legend itself will suffice to meet their lofty aspirations. For me, that time came when I first grasped the Dragonbone Dagger.

Painstakingly crafted from the bones of vanquished wyrms and unmatched in resilient strength, the Dragonbone Dagger represents the pinnacle of smithing prowess. Its razor edge can shear through the thickest armor, hide, and scale as though cutting silk. But be warned — forging the mythic Dragonbone requires mastery in the Smithing arts learned only through decades of practice.

If you want to kill enemies with ease, use these daggers, and you will find success every time.

Read More: Best Daggers in Skyrim: Special Edition for the Sneaky and the Quick

The post Top 5 Daggers That Will Surprise You in Skyrim appeared first on GameRiv.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an epic action-adventure game that debuted in 2011 and was later remastered into Skyrim: Special Edition in 2016. After enthralling gamers for more than a decade, the game has begun to show its age, particularly given the Xbox’s limited capabilities.

While the game’s visuals and mechanics may not rival those of modern titles, its huge community is always hard at work making their beloved game better with mods.

Read More: Best Skyrim Crafting Mods You Can Use in Skyrim Special Edition

Previously, Skyrim Mods were exclusive to the PC platform due to tech limitations. But now Xbox players have the golden ticket to explore a reinvigorated Skyrim, thanks to the relentless efforts of talented modders, who’ve brought overhauls and bug fixes to the world of consoles.

Due to a bigger player base, Xbox users can treat themselves to a wider selection of mods than other consoles.

This game is an absolute must-play even in 2024, and with a few of the mods we’ll list below, you can enhance your experience playing Skyrim: Special Edition on Xbox. This article applies to the Xbox One, One S, One X, and Xbox Series S and Series X.

How to Install for Skyrim: Special Edition on Xbox

We will briefly review how you can set up and start downloading and installing mods for Skyrim: Special Edition on Xbox. Do note that you cannot Mod the basic version of Skyrim. You need the 2016 Special Edition (SE). Most of these mods support Skyrim’s 2021 Anniversary Edition AE, but you should be on SE for the best compatibility.

• First, open up a free account on Bethesda.net and link your Microsoft account.
• Then, open up the game and scroll to the Mods section, where you’ll be prompted to log in to your Bethesda account.
• After doing so, you will be greeted with a selection of mods that you can simply choose and download.

For further details, check our guide on Skyrim: Special Edition – Modding Explained (Both PC and Console).

Best Xbox Mods in Skyrim Special Edition

Skyrim: Special Edition is a great game in its own right. However, the Mods discussed in this guide will enhance your gameplay experience to the next level. The Mods here are from the Official Bethesda webpage, which you can visit to get the full library of all the mods.

In this list, we have cherrypicked the very best from various categories, which will be all you need to get started Modding Skyrim: Special Edition on Xbox.

Simply go to the mod of your choice from the website and select “add to library.” You can find all your mods neatly arranged in a folder from within the game’s mod menu, which can be easily downloaded.

So, without further ado, let’s get started on the best Xbox Mods in Skyrim: Special Edition. To simplify this list, we have divided it into Five major sections: Bug Fixes/Quality of Life Improvements, Visual Overhaul, Combat Overhaul, and Gameplay Improvements/Immersion and Player/Follower Mods.

Bug Fixes/Quality of Life Improvements

1. Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch [USSEP]

Download Link: Bethesda

We have the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch to start our list. It is a mod dedicated to fixing every bug and glitch that was not officially addressed by the Bethesda developers in Skyrim: Special Edition on Xbox. This is the simplest mod that improves quality of life to a great extent; no more of those pesky, unpassable, bugged missions by Esbern!

2. Simple XP Buff – A Faster Skill Leveling Mod

Download Link: Bethesda

Simple XP Buff is a balanced leveling boost mod for Skyrim: Special Edition on Xbox. As fun of a game Skyrim is, once your stats reach the higher levels (around level 80-85), the time it takes to level them up is exponentially higher, making the game boring for some of you. This mod increases the leveling speed but in a very balanced way.

You can activate Standing stones, which will help level up your skills 40% faster, while other bonuses like Rested, Well-Rested, and Lover’s Embrace will also add a significant boost, respectively. It’s enough to make a difference, but not so much that it breaks the game.

3. Rich Merchants of Skyrim: Special Edtion

Download Link: Bethesda

Have a lot of loot that you want to get rid of and make coins in the process? Tired of the peasant traders of Skyrim who only carry scraps and can’t give you your loot’s worth? Try out the mod “Rich Merchants Of Skryim: Special Edtion.” This mod goes seamlessly with another mod discussed below in this list.

This simple mod increases the Gold capacity of the Merchants in Skyrim to over 10,000. Now, you can sell your items to your heart’s content. No more going through the tedious process of fast traveling to every nearby merchant per in-game day to sell a full inventory.

4. Trustinlies Price Overhaul

Download Link: Bethesda

While rummaging around the countless Chests and Containers across Skyrim, have you ever found the rewards lacking their worth? Well, this mod aims to change just that.

Trustinlies Price Overhaul increases the prices of hides, pelts, meats, silver items, and dwemer items to make them more balanced and immersive. The creature drops have also been tweaked to make Dungeoning more profitable. It also makes ingots 10x more valuable, and weapons/jewelry now sell for the total value of the materials used +10%.

5. A Quality World Map – Vivid with Stone Roads

Download Link: Bethesda

A Quality World Map – Vivid with Stone Roads adds a new perspective on Skyrim, boasting intricately crafted world map textures that even include most roads. The roads shown were artistically selected by the talented modder IcePenguin. Additionally, this mod includes a detailed map of Solstheim. The new realistic maps add spice to your Skyrim gameplay while making it more immersive.

This Mod includes the world map in 5 different types according to what kind of realism or immersion you are going for: Vivid with Stone Roads, Vivid with Flat Roads, Paper, Classic with All Roads, Classic with Main Roads, any of which you can choose from.

6. XP32 Maximum Skeleton+Realistic Ragdolls and Force

Download Link: Bethesda

This mod combines Realistic Ragdolls and Force by dDefinder and XP32 Maximum Skeleton- XPMS by XP32 and brings them over to Xbox. These mods together make animations smoother, more realistic, and immersive.

The XP32 Maximum Skeleton mod is a multi-purpose skeleton for animation in Skyrim that allows animators to animate body parts independently and removes incompatibility with other mods.

Realistic Ragdolls and Force reduce the extra force applied on ragdolls to a more reasonable level and replace ragdolls so that they bend and twist realistically and fall at a faster velocity. Increase friction to fix ice-like ragdoll sliding.

7. Ring of Increased Carry Weight

Download Link: Bethesda

Ring of Increased Carry Weight is a handy mod for all you treasure hunters and hoarders out there. Adding a ring that boosts your carry weight by 1000 is a simple quality-of-life improvement. Another ring adds 1000000 carry weight. Pick whichever ring you want! The Rings can be bought from Belethor’s General Goods in Whiterun for around 200 gold.

Say goodbye to that annoying ‘Over-encumbered’ warning and loot to your heart’s content.

Visual Overhaul

1. Graphics Pack

Download Link: Bethesda

Graphics Pack is the culmination of 61 of the best modders in the Skyrim Modding community. This mod completely overhauls all game textures, from Drapery Curtains to Dawnguard Metals and Torture tools. It also improves content across Solitude, Windhelm, Whiterun, Riften, Raven Rock, Skaal Village, and Fort Dawnguard.

The mods are also scaled to 1k resolution for optimized performance on Xbox.

2. Obsidian Weathers and Seasons

Download Link: Bethesda

From the Modders Dr. Megaloblast and Arindel, who are well known throughout the Skyrim Modding community for producing the best Lighting and Weather mods, comes Obsidian Weathers and Seasons.

This Mod brings Sharp, Ominous, and Atmospheric lighting and weather to the world of Skyrim. Obsidian Weather accentuates proximal detail while obscuring distant landscapes in mysterious rolling fogs and atmospheric scattering.

Obsidian is a collaborative work that combines artistic styles that enhance Skyrim for her beauty while preserving her dated modesty.

3. Wet and Cold

Download Link: Bethesda

Next on our list is Wet and Cold. As the name suggests, this mod adds special weather-dependent visual effects and NPC AI enhancements.

The player’s skin will be wet during and just after swimming, with dripping and light splash footstep sound effects. Raindrops will blur your vision while looking up; cold weather will cause your breath to become visible; snow will accumulate on your weapons and armor, etc.

During rain and blizzards, NPCs will return to their homes. Adults will walk briskly. Children will run. Argonians, beggars, and working-class NPCs will remain outside.

4. Lively Graphics Overhaul

Download Link: Bethesda

Next up on our list is Lively Graphics Overhaul for Xbox One. This graphics mod injects life, vibrancy, and renewed energy into the game. Say goodbye to the tired, washed-out visuals of the past.

Once you’ve experienced it, you won’t need a side-by-side comparison; the transformation will be instantly noticeable when you enter Skyrim’s world. Immerse yourself in Skyrim’s revitalized and more colorful realm and step up from the vanilla version.

5. Realistic Water Two

Download Link: Bethesda

Realistic Water Two adds crisp and vivid textures to Skyrim’s waters and fixes its interactions with the environment. After Skyrim SE was released, its water system was revamped to show the flow of water depending on the environment.

Although the rivers looked more immersive, the game added this flow to all bodies of water, including small ponds, which look bizarre. This mod fixes these issues by removing this flow effect from water bodies that shouldn’t have it and enhancing it for the ones that should.

6. Vivid Weathers Definitive Edition – a Weather and Visual overhaul for Skyrim SE

Download Link: Bethesda

Get ready to be amazed by this unique weather mod, Vivid Weathers. This extraordinary mod combines the best features from mods like COT, ESS, SS, Vivid Snow, Vivid Clouds and Fogs, Real Skyrim Snowflakes, and many more, resulting in a mesmerizing weather experience like no other.

With over 500+ weather effects and 150+ Cloud effects, Vivid Weathers transforms your Skyrim journey into a visual masterpiece. Furthermore, it adds adjustable interior brightness, and revamps the colors and atmospheric conditions of the game, resulting in breathtaking new effects. The best part is that you don’t even need ENB to experience its stunning visuals.

7. Enhanced Night Skyrim

Download Link: Bethesda

Created by CptJoker, Enhanced Night Skyrim is a mod ported to Xbox by Katarn343 that aims to beautify the night sky of Skyrim without affecting the game’s performance. The sky is adorned with stars featuring high-resolution textures, the Aurora Borealis, and nebulae.

Gameplay Improvements/Immersion

1. Immersive Citizens – AI Overhaul

Download Link: Bethesda

Next up on our list, we have Immersive Citizens – AI Overhaul [XB1]. This mod enhances the game’s overall immersion by significantly boosting the Artificial Intelligence of friendly citizens.

Citizens now boast a “Survival Instinct” feature, allowing them to assess danger and respond more authentically during attacks. Beyond combat, their day-to-day lives have been enriched with expanded non-combat behaviors, featuring improved schedules, occasional travel, and nuanced responses to the world. NPCs will now dynamically react to factors like weather, professions, and relationships, ensuring a diverse and evolving experience.

This improvement makes them behave and respond much more like real humans, adapting to their surroundings and reacting appropriately to threats.

The detailed list of changes can also be checked out here.

2. Immersive Movement

Download Link: Bethesda

Immersive Movement overhauls how your character, NPCs, animals, and creatures move in Skyrim, aiming for greater realism and immersion.

You’ll notice changes that make movement more natural, introduce a touch of challenge, and stay true to the game’s lore. Plus, it seamlessly integrates into your existing load order without conflicting with any other mods.

3. Realistic Conversations

Download Link: Bethesda

As great of a game as Skyrim is, the game’s AI is quite backdated. For example, NPCs seem to have a longer pause between sentences, and the tone and flow of sentences break immersion and overall sound robotic. The Realistic Conversations mod makes Skyrim’s NPCs talk more naturally and interact like real people.

They won’t shout greetings from afar or overdo it, making the world feel less robotic. NPCs are smarter too. They remember previous conversations and adjust their interactions accordingly.

Moreover, their expressions and emotions are enhanced, making them feel alive and making your gameplay experience more immersive.

4. Ordinator – Perks of Skyrim

Download Link: Bethesda

Ordinator – Perks of Skyrim takes Skyrim’s Perks to another level and increases the depth and fun of character-building. It’s a lightweight script that overhauls all perk trees and adds a total of 469 new balanced perks.

This mod goes seamlessly with another mod “50 pct More Perk Points” which is discussed later in this article.

5. 50 pct More Perk Points

Download Link: Bethesda

As the name implies, 50 pct More Perk Points simply increases the number of perk points you earn. You get a 50% bonus to earned perk points, which means you get an extra perk point at every odd Level up.

If this mod is installed while your character is at a higher level, it will still refund you the extra perk points that you missed.

6. Summermyst – Enchantments of Skyrim

Download Link: Bethesda

Summermyst – Enchantments of Skyrim adds over 120 new enchantments to all the existing weapons and armor. This also adds to the loot pool meaning you can find items already applied with the new enchantments, buy enchanted gear, and enchant them yourself.

The new Weapon enchantments can silence targets, steal their armor, throw them into the air with a stone spike, add insult to injury by changing their name, reset your shout cooldown when you kill enemies, reduce their Health percentage to yours, or ignite them with Oblivion’s fire, which explodes on a power attack.

The new Armor enchantments can warn you of nearby foes, reduce stagger from power strikes, earn gold every time you make a kill move, boost your chances of finding magical goods, or absorb the souls of dead enemies to prepare for a deadly soul burst.

7. Relationship Dialogue Overhaul – RDO

Download Link: Bethesda

Relationship Dialogue Overhaul – RDO includes over 5000 lines of fully voiced dialogue for NPCs in over 50 voice varieties, concentrating on friends, followers, spouses, and rivals. All conversation is spoken using the game’s original voices, created by re-adding old dialogue in new and appropriate locations and splicing multiple lines together to form brand-new dialogue.

Combat Overhaul

1. Phenderix Magic Evolved

Download Link: Bethesda

Phenderix Magic Evolved (PME) adds 170+ New Spells in an immersive and balanced method. It also adds New Elemental Archetypes, Summons, Legendary Enchanted Weapons, Staffs, Enchanted Artifacts, Elemental Unarmed Martial Arts, Boss Encounters, Loading Screens, Player Home and much more!
As your magic skills advance, vendors will offer more spell tomes for purchase. Unique tomes, though, are earned through defeating bosses. Alternatively, a cheat chest in Whiterun’s Dragonsreach provides swift access to all spells added by the mod. Your magical journey, your choice.

A Video guide to this mod can also be found here.

2. VioLens – A Killmove Mod SE

Download Link: Bethesda

VioLens – A Killmove Mod SE grants you unprecedented in-game control over your Ranged and Melee Killmoves.

The mod will allow you to customize finishers and kill move chances for melee combat, archery, and magic, as well as tweak camera angles, player kill move immunity, kill moves on dragons, decapitation requirements, decapitation chance, last enemy restrictions, and much more. With this mod at your disposal, you can truly tailor your Skyrim combat experience to suit your preferences.

Not only that, but this mod also tweaks Stealth combat and its kill moves and enables custom animations for assassinations on seated NPCs. On top of that, it also introduces kill moves for your werewolf form and performing kill moves on creatures.

3. BIG: More Kill Moves And Decapitations (A Better Improvement for Gameplay Mod)

Download Link: Bethesda

This mod combines several BIG (Better Improvements for Gameplay) mods into a single, hassle-free package. No need to remove your existing BIG mods or tinker with the load order.

When you activate this mod, here’s what happens: your Kill Move Chance jumps from 50% to 75%, and you can perform multiple Kill Moves in a single battle, even while detected in sneak attacks.

It adds missing Kill Moves for various creatures, including Dawnguard and Dragonborn additions. Plus, you can now decapitate foes before hitting Level 50; no perks are required, and your decapitation chance rises from 40% to 60%.

4. Enhanced Blood Textures

Download Link: Bethesda

Whether you’re swinging a greatsword or dual-wielding daggers, have you ever thought that there is not enough bloodshed? Look no further because this bonus mod is the perfect addition to complement any other mod from our list to make your combat experience even more immersive.

Enhanced Blood Textures overhaul enhances all the blood and gore textures in the game so you can bask in the glory of all your kills. This mod adds high-resolution blood textures and features such as kill-move animation spasms, low-health blood trails, damage-based blood spatters, blood pools, and green blood for spiders and oil for machines.

5. Apocalypse – Magic of Skyrim

Download Link: Bethesda

Apocalypse – Magic of Skyrim, which adds 155 new spells (31 per school) that are original, balanced, lore-friendly, employ high-quality custom visuals, and merge perfectly into the vanilla magic system. Scrolls and staves are also included for the new spells. The spells can be bought and looted like vanilla spells and are also balanced with the rest of the game.

A complete list of the new spells added can be found here.

6. Old Kingdom – Weapon Overhaul

Download Link: Bethesda

Old Kingdom – Weapon Overhaul is a mod containing weapons and textures from over 50 different mod Authors. It adds 60+ unique, highly detailed, and lore-friendly weapon textures.

Player/Follower Mods

1. Adorable Females

Download Link: Bethesda

Tired of the disheveled appearance of Skyrim’s denizens, with faces full of dirt, who are malnourished and possibly carrying a selection of diseases? Even though that would be lore-friendly, Shroudedlegacy‘s mod compilation swoops in like a beauty guru on a makeover spree to address this issue.

Who needs authenticity when you can slap on a face full of makeup, have porcelain skin, have teeth brighter than a floodlight, and have lips so full the Kardashians are looking for your cosmetic surgeon’s number? Download the mod “Adorable Females” today.

Because, clearly, your dragon-slaying journey should be nothing short of a runway strut.

2. True Faces (Males Only)

Download Link: Bethesda

True Faces is a mod that adds original, realistic faces to Tamriel’s male characters. This means that their faces now respond appropriately and organically to lighting, and their bone structures are well delineated. No more floating faces in the dark!
What is this? after a million mods

3. Natural Eyes

Download Link: Bethesda

Brings life to Skyrim’s inhabitant’s soulless gaze from robotic to radiant with Natural Eyes. This mod replaces all the vanilla textures with high-resolution ones to make them more realistic. Dive into a world where eyes tell stories, not just blank stares.

4. Apachii Sky Hair SSE main

Download Link: Bethesda

Stylize your character with Apachii Sky Hair with a choice of 42 new hairstyles for females, 21 for males, 5 for female Khajiit, and 2 for Male Khajiits. The new hairstyles are high-resolution and do not conflict with any other hair mods.

5. GET No More Dead Followers (A Game Environment Tweaks Mod)

Download Link: Bethesda

Do you ever hold back on powerful spells or epic bow shots because you’re afraid of accidentally taking out your loyal followers? Do you worry about taking them to high-level areas as you question their survivability? Well, worry no more!

GET No More Dead Followers (A Game Environment Tweaks Mod) grants immortality to all your followers, including animal companions. This mod makes followers drop to one knee as their HP is reduced to 1. They are immobile for a while and cannot be killed in this state. This mod marks the 65 potential followers along with animals and makes them immortal.

6. Marriage All

Download Link: Bethesda

A quite simple mod that increases the romance status of all females/males who are marriage candidates to the maximum and enables you to marry the one of your choosing at any time. You still need to complete their quests and have an Amulet of Mara.

Also enables Serana to be married. This complements another mod which is discussed below in this list.

7. Serana Dialogue Add-On [Xbox] Version 4.1

Download Link: Bethesda

“Serana Dialogue Add-On” is your go-to mod for making Serana a vibrant, deeply engaging companion. With over 8,000 completely spoken lines by Kerstyn Unger, this critically acclaimed addon does more than just “Add-On”; it transforms. Explore new storylines, learn new character qualities, and interact with smarter NPCs. Don’t allow Serana to be merely a follower; interact with her. Using the Marriage All mod above that enables you to marry her.

Who wouldn’t want a badass Vampire wife, daughter to the most powerful Vampire lord? Now you can finally converse beyond the 5 predetermined Vanilla voice lines.

Ah, if only this mod existed back in my day.

8. My Home is Your Home

Download Link: Bethesda

Created by Volek and ported by Allie1718, My Home is Your Home is a mod that lets you assign each of your followers their own home. Dismissed followers can be found at their new home and you can also assign them to player homes. While there, they act naturally with the environment: wandering, eating, and sleeping. You can also assign work/sleep/guard areas for up to 60 followers and can fast-travel to their homes via dialogue with them if they are adventuring with you. The mod supports up to 250 followers.

Now you can finally have the castle of your dreams with a loving spouse, adorable children, and a loyal army of Skyrim’s finest companions standing guard.

Bonus

1. Alternate Start – Live Another Life

Download Link: Bethesda

As timeless as the meme “Ah you’re finally awake” is, those who are returning players or making different playthroughs are going to get tired of it at some point. Live Another Life provides an alternative means to start the game for those who do not wish to go through the lengthy intro sequence at Helgen.

You will be able to choose your race and then a new life for your character to lead. A wide range of options will be offered. What you choose will have a long-term impact, so choose wisely or the gods may abandon you again!

2. Cheat Room

Download Link: Bethesda

The mod “Cheat Room” is a ‘room’ created for cheating or to assist players on their wild excursions. Cheat Room is a somewhat substantial cheat mod, and some consider it to be more than just a cheat mod.

This mod does not change anything from the original game; it is fully clean. It can be securely installed and uninstalled, with the limitation of remembering to unequip a cheat item like the “God Ring” and/or halt certain active spells that require the user to finish them.

So that’s it for our favorite picks regarding the Best Xbox Mods for Skyrim: Special Edition in 2024. It’s important to remember that this list is subjective, and your opinions might differ from ours.

Whether you’re a returning veteran or a first-time player, incorporating one or more of these mods into your game will elevate your combat experience playing Skyrim: Special Edition in 2024 on the Xbox.

Read More: Skyrim Special Edition – Top 10 Best House Mods (For Both PC and Console)

The post Top 35 Xbox Mods You Must Try in Skyrim Special Edition appeared first on GameRiv.

The life of a dragon born is full of adventures, quests, and defining the odds. Your journey throughout the landscape of Skyrim will present you with various weapon options, but one of the most versatile and effective options is the bow.

Read more: Best Interactive Maps for Skyrim Special Edition

There are a lot of bows that you will stumble upon during your playthrough. But if you want to find the best bows in the game, then you will have to take on side quests and explore different areas.

Like other games by Bethesda, you don’t need all the bows in the game to make your build effective, and that is where this guide comes in. In this guide, I will present you with the best bows in the game (based on their stats, usage & my personal opinion), along with instructions on where to find them.

So, let’s now waste any time and get right into the details, shall we?

Top 12 Bows in Skyrim

Here are the best bows you can obtain in Skyrim Special Edition, along with how to obtain them and the pros and cons of using them:

12. Ebony Bow

How To Obtain: Craft

Starting off the list at number 12 is the Ebony bow. This is a craftable bow that you will be able to obtain once you get to level 36. You will have to grind a bit of level before you can get your hands on this bow, but trust me, it is worth it.

The Ebony bow will allow you to easily tackle enemies and bosses in difficult levels. So, if you want a solid bow option that allows you to enchant it with any enchantment you want, then this is the bow you are looking for.

Pros

• Craftable weapon
• Open enchantment slots
• Good option for mid-game to endgame enemies & bosses

Cons

• Requires Dawnguard DLC
• Unlocks after players reach level 36

11. Stalhrim Bow

How To Obtain: Craft or Purchase from Specific Vendors

In no 11 is the Stalhrim bow. It offers stats similar to the Ebony bow but a unique appearance as it glows blue when in action. While there are open enhancement options, frost enhancement works best with this bow and also matches the outlook that comes with this weapon.

But you will have to invest in your smithing skills if you want to claim this bow for your own. Players will need to complete the quest: A New Source of Stalhrim to obtain the authority to use this weapon.

It can spawn in random loots but is also sold by Baldor Iron Sharper & Glover Mallory. They can be found in the Skaal Village and Raven Rock, respectively.

Pros

• Craftable weapon
• One of the most unique-looking bows in the game
• Open enchantment slots (best for Freeze enchantments)
• Can be utilized during the end game with proper enchantments

Cons

• Needs players to have the Dragonborn DLC
• Requires players to complete certain quests
• You will have to have level 80 smithing skills to craft it

10. Daedric Bow

How To Obtain: In Brood Cavern or Purchase from Specific Vendors

In no 10 is the Daedric bow. This is a better version of the Ebony bow as it offers more base damage. Similar to the Ebony, it also doesn’t have any enchantment attached to it, so you can put your preferred ones, which allows you to get some advantage over unique enchantment bows.

This bow is found in the loots from dragons or chests, especially around Brood Cavern, after you have reached level 47. You can also purchase it from Niranye & Tonilia.

Pros

• Good Base Damage
• Open enchantment slots
• Can be utilized during the end game with proper enchantments

Cons

• Not a very high stat difference from Ebony bow
• Random drops from loots
• Weight is higher than Ebony bow
• Unlocks after players reach level 47

9. Dragonbone Bow

How To Obtain: Craft

Nothing suits a Dragonborn the best without a weapon with the word ‘Dragon’ in it, right? Well, if you want to have a high base attack and a bow crafter with one of the most powerful materials in the game, then this is the bow you are looking for.

You will need max smithing skills to use this bow, but it is totally worth it. And the cherry on top is that you can put any enchantment that you like on this bow.

Pros

• Very High Base Damage
• Open enchantment slots
• Endgame weapon

Cons

• Players will have to max out their smithing skills to craft this weapon
• The Dawnguard DLC is required to obtain this bow
• Dragon bone is one of the difficult materials to find in Skyrim

8. Gauldur Black Bow

How To Obtain: Germund Hall drop

At number 8 is the Gauldur Black bow, one of the most unique bows you will find in Skyrim. This bow is built to play against mages and enemies that wield magic. This is due to the bonus effect of this weapon that allows the user to siphon 10-30 points of magic.

That is not all. The base damage also stacks on this bow, reaching up to 14. What’s more, you can pick this bow up quite early. Around level 19, to be exact.

You will get this weapon in Geirmund’s hall. It drops from Sigdis Gauldurson.

Pros

• Can be picked early at level 19
• Damage stacks from 8 Base Damage to 14 Base Damage (Max)
• Siphons upcoming magic attacks up to 30 hit points

Cons

• Not the best choice for endgame builds

7. Zephyr Bow

How To Obtain: Complete Lost to the Ages

Sitting at the 7^th place, Zephyr is for players who want to fast casting with their bows. The unique ability of the bow allows the players to fire 30% faster than other bows in the game.

But it comes with a low base damage of 12, which makes it a bad choice, especially when you are nearing the final bosses. It will clear normal mobs fast, but DPS-wise, it’s not the best choice out there.

You will find this bow in the Dwarven Ruins of Arkngthams after completing the quest: Lost to the Ages. The bow will be sitting at the edge of the chasm upon a log.

Pros

• Offers an extra 30% fire rate
• Allows you to use sharpshooter builds
• A good choice for early to mid-game

Cons

• Requires you to complete quests to unlock
• Very low base damage
• Not suitable as an endgame gear

6. Bow of the Hunt

How To Obtain: In Clearspring Tarn

Next in this list of the best bows in Skyrim is the Bow of the Hunt. This is one of the most beginner-friendly weapons that you can obtain early on in the game.

The base damage is very low for most enemies, but as the name suggests, against animals, this bow becomes lethal as animals will take an additional 20 damage if you use this bow to fire arrows.

You will find this bow inside the Clearspring Tarn, which is very close to Helen, one of the early starting areas of the game.

Pros

• Best for hunting animals
• Can be obtained very early in the game.

Cons

• Only good against animals

5. Glass Bow of the Stag Prince

How To Obtain: Ramshackle Trading drop from Falas Selvayn

On the 5^th slot, the Glass Bow of the Stag Prince is the updated and lethal version of Bow of the Hunt. This one is effective against animals and monsters altogether. It blesses the users based on their total animal kills. This increases your overall health and stamina. The max cap of this blessing is up to 80 animal kills.

With 16 base damage and up to 25 stat boosts in health and stamina, this bow is one of the best bows in Skyrim, without any doubt.

Getting the bow is difficult, to say the least. You will find the bow in the Ramshackle Trading Post, which is in Solstheim. The bow can be obtained from Falas Selvayn if you have the Misdirection perk. In short, you will have to steal it and replace it with a melee weapon. Then you will have to trigger him by attacking and then defeat him in combat to actually use the bow.

Pros

• Good Base Damage
• Improve both your health and stamina
• Can be utilized during the end game with proper enchantments

Cons

• A lengthy process to obtain
• Requires the Dragonborn expansion
• Using mods is recommended to get the bow

4. Auriel’s Bow

How To Obtain: Complete Touching the Sky

At 4^th is Auriel’s bow with a base damage of 13 but an additional 20 Sun Damage & 3x damage multiplier on Undead enemies. If you plan to take on the zombies, vampires, and other necro monsters in the game, this is the bow you should be vouching for.

If you are a vampire, then this bow will be quite effective as it will shroud the sun, making your gameplay much smoother. You will need to complete the Touching the Sky quest, which is one of the main quests in the Dawnguard DLC, so you will eventually have this weapon in your arsenal.

Pros

• Good Base Damage with additional damage multipliers
• Extremely helpful for Vampire Class
• One of the best Endgame options

Cons

• Requires Dawnguard DLC expansion
• You will have to finish a good chunk of story before getting your hand on the bow

3. Bow of Shadows

How To Obtain: Complete In the Shadows

The 3^rd place is occupied by the bow of shadows, one of the fastest bows in the game that allows you to have 20% fast draw time. But what makes it more effective is that it allows you to go completely invisible for 30 seconds upon shooting.

You will find this weapon in the Forgotten Vale during the first portions of the quest: In the Shadows.

Pros

• Good Base Damage
• Best for assassin build
• 20% fast draw speed
• Makes the user invisible for 30 seconds

Cons

• Not the best choice for boss battles

2. Black Bow of Fate

How To Obtain: In Kagrumez

You might think the low base damage of 13 makes this bow not equipped for 2^nd place in this list. But you won’t say that once you look into the 50% chance of health, stamina, and magicka absorption that it provides. This is the most broken enchantment for bows in the game and allows you to be invincible if you are able to make the right builds with this bow.

You will need to have the Dragonborn DLC to enjoy this weapon, which is found around Kagrumez beyond the Gem Gate.  

Pros

• Best enchantment in the game

Cons

• Low base damage
• Requires Dragonborn expansion

1. Nightingale Bow

How To Obtain: Complete Blindsighted Thieves Guild

Finally, at number 1 is the Nightingale Bow; it offers 19 base damage along with an enchantment that allows you to deal 10 to 30 Frost & 5 to 15 Shock Damage to your opponents. Not only that, but it will also slow the movements of hit targets for 3 seconds. If you ever want to be a magic-wielding ranger, then this is the bow for you.

You can obtain this bow quite early, but it is recommended to get this bow after Level 46 so that you don’t get any stat debuff. This bow will be given to you once you have completed the Blindsighted Thieves Guild quest.

Pros

• Very high Base Damage
• Extremely DPS-focused enchantment
• Can be obtained early

Cons

• Offers the best stats when unlocked after level 56 and beyond

Read more: Best Items For A Fighter (And How To Get Them) – Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

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It has been over a decade since the launch of the original Skyrim or Elder Scrolls V. Since its launch, Skyrim has been popular among players as many claim the game reinvented the RPG genre completely, and this statement proves to be right to this day as the Skyrim: Special Edition is still one of the most played video game titles out there.

Read more: Best Mods For Realistic Gameplay: Skyrim

One of the core reasons for players to return to their life as a Dragonborn is due to the infinite modding possibilities that you get in this game. From building your home & companions to creating your personal user interface – you can do almost anything in Skyrim if you load up the right mods.

In this guide, I will showcase some of the best Skyrim Utility mods you can use to enhance your gaming experience. Keep in mind that all of these mods are for the Elder Scroll V: Special Edition.

The modders community works tirelessly to find new and exciting ways to play the game. So, make sure to support them if you can when enjoying their mods. Without further ado, let’s dive into these mods, shall we?

Top 15 Best Skyrim Utility Mods

Keep in mind that the mods listed here are not ranked in any particular order. With that in mind, here are the best utility mods you can try in Skyrim:

Survival Control Panel

Download Link: Survival Control Panel

This mod allows you to customize your game with the features that are only available in the survival mode update. You will be able to use the HUD indicators that show temperature level, the cold, sleep & hunger penalties, and the items’ warmth values.

To level up, you will have to go to sleep and much more. This mod is aimed at those who want a more hardcore surviving experience in Skyrim.

Player Rotation in Show Race Menu

Download Link: Player Rotation in Show Race Menu

If you want to get a 360 view of your characters in Skyrim (of course you do), then this is the mode you are looking for. As the name suggests, you will be able to rotate your character when you are in the ShowRaceMenu. You’ll have to right-click and then drag your mouse to see your player character.

Lore Loading Screens

Download Link: Lore Loading Screens

Are you tired of seeing the original load screen when you boot up the game? Then, replace the boring loading screen with lore-friendly artwork while you wait for the game to fire up all your mods and designs with this mod. Keep in mind this mode is made for Full HD (1920x1080p) resolution only.

Base Object Swapper

Download Link: Base Object Swapper

With this mod, you will be able to swap base objects by using the config files. This means assigning different models to farmhouses in every region without facing any script issues.

RaceMenu High Heels

Download Link: RaceMenu High Heels

Want to bring more style and fashion with high heels in the lands of Tamriel? – then this mod will be your lifesaver. You will be able to add heel height based on your personal interests, and there are no restrictions.

EASYNPC

Download Link: EASYNPC

If you are using a lot of NPC overhauls and mods and suffering from bugs & script failures, then the EASYNPC mod will resolve all of your issues. It is quite simple. Just install the NPC mods and then create conflict-free ones with the help of this one.

Dynamic Distant Objects LOD

Download Link: Dynamic Distant Objects LOD

This mod allows you to load distant objects like trees, mountaintops, and fogs in a much more clear, enhanced version with a fast loading time.

Add Item Menu

Download Link: Add Item Menu

With this mod, you will be able to add any armor & object to your inventory through the ADDITEMMENU option when you pause the game. Just download the required item mod and then use this menu.

Animation Motion Revolution

Download Link: Animation Motion Revolution

Is the in-game animation getting bugged due to the sheer number of mods you’ve loaded? Then, welcome the next-gen graphics with this mod. You will experience a bug-free, smooth motion animation in your Skyrim once you’ve loaded this mod.

SSE Display Tweaks

Download Link: SSE Display Tweaks

This mod allows you to unlock the game framerate, fixes physics issues, and provides a borderless Fullscreen performance boost along with the option to limit frames. You will get an overhaul in the resolution department with this mode.

MCM Helper

Download Link: MCM Helper

This mod will simplify the creation of Mod Configuration Menus. It also includes new features, like persistent INI settings and hotkey registration. Mod authors will be able to write simpler, cleaner Papyrus scripts for their configs. Players will be able to spend less time on menus.

Dynamic Animation Replacer

Download Link: Dynamic Animation Replacer

Do you want your mods to function perfectly with the actor’s animations? – then this is the mod for you. With the help of this mod, you will be able to replace the animations dynamically based on various conditions.

Spell Perk Item Distributor

Download Link: Spell Perk Item Distributor

This mod allows you to customize your game to add spells/perks/items/shouts/packages/outfits/keywords/factions to every NPC in the game using config files.

Simple Custom Voiced Follower Plug N Play Script

Download Link: Simple Custom Voiced Follower Plug N Play Script

For those of you who created personal followers, you can now personalize more by adding unique voice and interaction calls and overall functionality with this mod.

BodySlide And Outfit Studio

Download Link: BodySlide And Outfit Studio

This mod enables the players to customize bodies and outfits with sliders and see real-time changes. This way, you are able to create custom body types of your preferred characters.

Read more: Skyrim Special Edition – Top 10 Best House Mods (For Both PC and Console)

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In the expansive world of Skyrim Special Edition, the pursuit of gold is an essential aspect of every player’s journey. Whether it’s upgrading equipment, acquiring crafting materials, or securing valuable potions, a substantial stack of Gold is indispensable.

Read More: Top 50 Best Skyrim Special Edition Mods (2023)

However, the conventional methods of gold accumulation are often time-consuming and require considerable effort. Fear not, as this guide unveils a glitch-based approach on how to get one million gold at level one without the need for mods.

In Skyrim Special Edition, players are typically equipped with basic gear at level one, making the need for gold crucial for obtaining superior weapons and armor. While quests, dungeon raids, and stealing offer conventional avenues for gold, this guide introduces a glitch that expedites the process, allowing players to amass one million gold in just a few hours.

Keep in mind that you won’t be utilize this glitch if the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch is not installed.

Step-by-Step Gold-Generating Glitch

Follow these steps to accumulate one million gold in Skyrim Special Edition:

Location Matters

Start by heading to Whiterun after escaping Helgen. Once in Riverwood, follow the road to Whiterun’s city gates. The glitch also works in Markarth, which can be reached by talking to the carriage driver outside Whiterun.

Executing the Glitch in Whiterun

Go outside Whiterun, position yourself near the city gates, and locate a barrel in the alcove. Now jump on the barrel, face the gate wall, and initiate a sneak mode run to clip through the wall.

Then navigate to Dragonsreach keep and find a chest underneath Eorlund Gray-Mane’s work area. Open the chest while falling, looting gold and items. Fast travel to Whiterun and sell the items to merchants.

Alternative Chests for Greater Gains

Outside Markarth: Find a chest near a bridge near Salvius Farm and sell the looted items to blacksmiths and general goods merchants.

Outside Solitude: Locate a chest outside Solitude’s city gates and repeat the glitch to acquire valuable items for selling.

Near Dawnstar Mine: Uncover a hidden chest near the mine entrance in Dawnstar and sell the looted items to the Khajiit caravan in town.

At The Blue Palace: Inside Solitude’s Blue Palace, exploit a glitch to access a chest with mage-oriented items, selling them for additional gold.

Players can rake in up to 60,000 gold per cycle by leveraging these glitches and strategically looting alternative chests. With diligence and some finesse, one can become a millionaire in Skyrim Special Edition within a few short hours. Happy gold hunting, fellow Dragonborn!

Read More: Skyrim Special Edition – Top 10 Best House Mods (For Both PC and Console)

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Bethesda’s Skyrim is known for its massive exploration and RPG mechanics. One of the key aspects of the game is for players to explore the world to find new items and craftables to improve their journey. However, hunting for the same materials can be quite repetitive and boring.

Read More: Best Two-Handed Weapons You Can Get in Skyrim Special Edition

That’s why many players, especially veterans who are trying new builds, tend to duplicate items in the game using mods and glitches. If you are planning the same and wondering how to duplicate any item in Skyrim without the help of mods, then this guide is for you.

In this guide, I will describe to you the most common glitch that you can use in the latest patch to duplicate the items in your inventory without needing the help of a third party. Keep in mind that this is an in-game glitch so sometimes the result might not be 100%.

How to Duplicate Any Items in Skyrim

Here are the steps that you need to follow if you want to duplicate items in Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition:

Step #1: Get a Companion

This is the most important part of the process; you will need to have a companion with you if you want to perform this glitch. There isn’t any specific companion you need to get, just any of the followers in the game and you are good to go.

Step #2: Go to the Whiterun

Once you have your follower/companion, you will travel to Whiterun, specifically to the city gates. You will need to go outside for the glitch to work so, this is the only location where you’ll be able to duplicate.

Step #3: Select the Items You Want to Duplicate

Now, select and drop the items you want to duplicate in front of the city gate. After you are done, tell your companion to pick up the items you dropped.

Step #4: Perform the Glitch

As soon as your companion has picked up the items, get outside of the city gates and then get back in. You need to be very fast, and if you have done this right, then you will see the items that you’ve asked your companion to pick are still on the floor inside the city gates.

Now, interact with your companion and ask them if you need to trade with them, and you’ll see the duplicated items in the inventory. Do this as much as you like until you have filled your item requirement.  

This is how you can use glitch to duplicate items in Skyrim. Otherwise, you will just have to download a mod that does this for you.

Read More: Best Skyrim Crafting Mods You Can Use in Skyrim Special Edition

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Skyrim is an open-world action RPG and has remained massively popular since its initial release in 2011 and subsequent rereleases. Throughout its lifecycle, the player base has continuously come up with ways to break the game and its systems.

Read More: Top 8 Best Items If You Are A Thief in Skyrim

Skyrim’s combat focuses less on your actual skill with the game and more on your gear and stats. There are a myriad of ways to acquire weapons and enchant and upgrade them to maximize your damage output. Furthermore, the game has a number of items, such as potions, that can further increase your damage output.

You can make potions stronger than what the game offers through the alchemy skill. As a matter of fact, to maximize your character’s potential, you will have to do a substantial amount of smithing and alchemy, rather than relying on shopkeepers and loot drops. You can push your damage to One Million through the enchantment and alchemy system.

This guide focuses on creating a weapon that deals One Million Damage, and what items and skills you’ll need for it.

The Potions

To make a weapon that deals One Million Damage, you’ll need to make a number of potions;

• 30 Potions of Fortify Restoration,
• 6 or 7 Potions of Fortify Enchanting
• 6 or 7 Potions of Fortify Alchemy

Below is a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this potion.

Potion of Fortify Restoration

• Salt Piles
  • Salt Piles can be found pretty easily throughout the game in dungeons, the pockets of dead mages, and whatnot. The most reliable way is simply buying them from an alchemy vendor. However, most vendors will carry substantially less than the amount you need. Instead of going to multiple vendors, you can try this exploit:
    • Buy all the salt piles from a vendor’s inventory
    • Save your game
    • Kill the vendor
    • Immediately load your game
    • This will reset the vendor’s inventory.

• Cyrodilic Spadetail / Abecean Longfin
  • These can be found in most bodies of water throughout Skyrim. Here are some locations where they can be commonly found:
    • The barrels in the kitchen of the Bannered Mare
    • The lake west of Riverwood
    • The barrels on the Riften docks
    • The Lake west of Riften

Potion of Fortify Enchanting

• Snowberries
  • These can be commonly found in snowy areas such as the area around Dawnstar or Winterhold. Look for bushes containing these red berries.

• Blue Butterfly Wings
  • They can be found in grassy areas, especially in the farms outside Whiterun.

Potion of Fortify Alchemy

• Blisterworts
  • These mushrooms can be found in most caves and can also be bought from alchemy vendors
• Glowing Mushroom / Spriggan Sap
  • You can find the mushrooms in the areas outside Bleak Falls Barrow. Spriggan Sap can be bought from alchemy merchants. You can use either to make Fortify Alchemy Potions.

Grand Soul Gems

You can buy filled Grand Soul Gems from court wizards, you’ll need 6-7 of these. Alternatively, you can also fill Empty Grand Soul Gems. To do this, you’ll need to kill NPCs of level 38+ after casting the Soul Trap spell on them. Below is a list of NPCs that can fill an Empty Grand Soul Gem:

• Ash Spawn Immolator
• Dragon Priest
• Draugr Death Overlord
• Draugr Deathlord
• Falmer Warmonger
• Falmer Shadowmaster
• Frost Giant
• Mammoth
• Riekling Charger

You will use the soul gems to enchant your gear.

Fortify Alchemy and Fortify Smithing Enchantments

First, you’ll need at least 50 Alchemy, as well as the Benefactor Perk. To level your Alchemy skill, simply combine ingredients to make potions. It doesn’t matter what potions you’re making, just keep combining random ingredients. You can also go to an alchemy trainer.

Next, you’ll need to learn the Fortify Alchemy and Fortify Smithing enchantments. Simply buy any gear containing these enchantments. They can be commonly found in shops, and disenchant them to learn the enchantment.

You’ll also need some gear that you can enchant, at least four equippable items. These can be helmets, gauntlets, shoes, armor, rings, etc. Using your Grand Soul Gems, enchant your gear with Fortify Alchemy and Fortify Smithing.

Using the potions

Equip the enchanted gear and make a Fortify Restoration potion. Drink the potion, unequip and equip your enchanted gear. This will make the enchantment stronger. Repeat the process again until your Alchemy reaches the million range.

While your Alchemy is fortified, make a Fortify Enchanting potion. Drink the potion and enchant some gear with Fortify Smithing. Also, enchant a gear with Fortify Alchemy, this will allow you to make these potions without going through the entire process again.

Finally, craft a Fortify Smithing potion.

Making the Weapon

Equip the gear enchanted with Fortify Smithing, drink the Fortify Smithing potion, and improve your weapon of choice at a grindstone. This can be any weapon, whether one that you crafted or one that is bought or looted. However, it cannot be a unique weapon such as the Mehrune’s Razor, Nettlebane, etc.

Alternatively, you can forgo the Smithing, enchant your gear with Fortify Enchanting, drink a Fortify Enchanting Potion, and simply enchant your weapon to have elemental damage of the same game-breaking numbers.

Read More: Best Skyrim Crafting Mods You Can Use in Skyrim Special Edition

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim opens up a massive world for players to explore, one that is filled with fearsome monsters, including dragons, demons, vampires, draugr, trolls, etc.

Read More: Top 8 Best Items If You Are A Thief in Skyrim

To take on these foes, players have access to a wide arsenal of weapons, including Swords, Greatswords, Battleaxes, Maces, Bows, and even Katanas. Furthermore, you can use various destructive spells to take down your foes.

Therefore, the humble dagger seems to be only a starter weapon when compared to all these choices. While it is true that in terms of base damage, daggers are the weakest weapons. Their quickness makes them perfect for dual wielding, allowing the right setup to dish out very high damage and frequently dealing critical hits. Additionally, they are the weapons of choice for stealth builds.

Furthermore, daggers can be used as off-hand weapons, making other one-handed weapons even more dangerous.

This guide looks at the most powerful daggers in the game. Should you decide to build a character that utilizes quickness or stealth, you will want to consider these weapons.

Best Daggers

Before we get into the list, let’s look into the ranking criteria. Each weapon is ranked by their:

• Damage output, taking into account their base damage and speed.
• Utility, mostly provided by their enchantment.
• Their effectiveness relative to when you acquire them in the game.

Lastly, while unique weapons bring powerful effects to the table, the best weapons in Skyrim are ones that can be crafted and extensively upgraded, whether with enchantments or at the grindstone. Perfect examples of these are Daedric and Dragonbone Weapons.

10. Bloodthorn

• Base Damage: 5
• Weight: 2.5
• Enchantment: If the target dies within 3 seconds, it fills a soul gem. (Also has a health absorb enchantment not shown in the game description).

Pros:

• Great Burst Damage
• Great Utility

Cons:

• Weak Base Damage

Bloodthorn is a steel dagger that allows players to deal quick damage due to its low 2.5 weight. Though it only has a meager 5 base damage, players can use its quickness to dish out quick bursts of damage. Furthermore, it has great utility, as Bloodthorn produces a soul gem if its user kills a target within three seconds of being attacked.

How to Get Bloodthorn

It can be found on the balcony of Hag’s End, which is located to the Northeast of Markarth and to the west of Solitude.

9. Blade of Woe

• Base Damage: 12
• Weight: 7
• Enchantment: Absorb 10 points of health

Pros:

• Highest base damage for a dagger
• Quick

Cons:

• Weak Enchantment
• Enchantment only has six base charges,

The Blade of Woe’s high damage output and enchantment, which absorbs 10 points of health from the enemy with each hit, makes it an exceptionally strong weapon. However, the dagger’s enchantment has only six base charges. But you can reduce the amount of charge each strike uses by investing in the Destruction skill. Furthermore, it is possible to use the enchantment without losing any charge by equipping four items with a 25% Fortify Destruction effect for a total of 100% reduction.

How to Get Blade of Woe

The Blade can obtained as a reward for completing the quest “Death Incarnate.” Alternatively, you can loot it off Astrid in the Abandoned Shack.

8. Keening

• Base Damage: 8
• Weight: 4
• Enchantment: Has a chance to absorb 10 Points of Health, Magicka, and Stamina on strike.

Pros:

• Great Enchantment
• High damage for a dagger
• Great for leveling skills due to being able to absorb health, magicka, and stamina

Cons:

• Enchantment cannot be recharged

How to Get Keening

You can get the Keening during the quest “Arniel’s Endeavor” at one of these radiant locations:

• Autumnshade Clearing
• Broken Helm Hollow
• Cragslane Cavern
• Cragwallow Slope
• Cronvangr Cave
• Darklight Tower
• Darkwater Pass
• Faldar’s Tooth
• Gallows Rock
• Lost Knife Hideout
• Mara’s Eye Den
• Mistwatch
• Morvunskar
• Pinepeak Cavern
• Redwater Den
• Tolvald’s Cave
• Treva’s Watch
• Uttering Hills Cave

7. Mehrunes’ Razor

• Base Damage: 11
• Weight: 3
• Enchantment: Hits have a small chance to kill instantly

Pros:

• Second highest base damage for a dagger
• Very quick, allowing for a lot of chances for the enchantment to activate
• Useful for any kind of build
• Great as an off-hand weapon.

Cons:

• Enchantment can be reflected by the Ebony Warrior
• Cannot be improved past flawless quality without boosting the Smithing skill over 100.

One of the fastest weapons in the game, Mehrunes’ Razor dishes out damage very quickly. Though it has lower damage than the Dragonbone Dagger, it is significantly faster.

Furthermore, its enchantment sets it apart from other weapons. Each of its hits has 1.98% chance to kill almost any opponent instantly. Furthermore, the Razor has infinite charges, therefore it will never require recharging with a soul gem.

However, Mehrunes’ Razor does come with a unique effect. It has a 1.98-percent chance of killing the enemy in one hit. Unlike other daggers, Mehrunes’ Razor only comes with 3 Weight, making it much lighter than other powerhouse daggers. Using this weapon with the Dual Flurry Perk can make for some incredibly fast stabbing.

How to Get Mehrunes’ Razor

Mehrunes’ Razor is unlocked after completion of the quest “Pieces of the Past.” You can only get it if you choose to kill Silus Vesuius.

6. Skyforge Steel Dagger

• Base Damage: 8
• Weight: 2.5

Pros:

• High damage for a dagger
• Very quick

Cons:

• Cannot be upgraded at the grindstone due to a bug
• Very rare

How to Get Skyforge Steel Dagger

There are several ways to get this dagger.

First, it can be chosen as a reward for completing the quest “Proving Honor”

Second. it can be found on Skjor’s corpse during the quest “The Silver Hand”

Lastly, it can be acquired through Brill, Tilma the Haggard, Katria, and Aela the Huntress of the Companions. This dagger can be pickpocketed from all of them except Aela. To acquire the dagger from Aela, you must have her as a follower, after which you take it from her inventory.

5. Ebony Dagger

• Base Damage: 10
• Weight: 5

Pros:

• High damage for a dagger
• Can be extensively upgraded
• Can be crafted
• Can be found as common loot

Cons:

• Not quite as strong as other custom daggers such as Daedric and Dragonbone

How to Get Ebony Dagger

It can obtained relatively easily throughout the game. Once you reach level 36, the base weapon will start appearing as random loot in chests and as world items, wielded by various enemies, and can be bought from blacksmiths and general good merchants.

Enchanted Ebony Daggers will start appearing after you reach level 37.

Furthermore, with a high enough Smithing level, 80, and the Ebony Smithing perk, you can craft it by using these materials:

• 1 x Leather Strips
• 1 x Ebony Ingots

Furthermore. the following NPCs also carry it:

• Dark Brotherhood Initiates
• Cicero during “The Cure for Madness” quest.
• Neloth, who can be pickpocketed.
• Esbern, who can be pickpocketed.

4. Daedric Dagger

• Base Damage: 11
• Weight: 6

Pros:

• Second highest damage of all daggers
• Can be extensively upgraded
• Can be crafted
• Can be found as common loot

How to Get Daedric Dagger

While lore may suggest otherwise, Daedric Daggers can be found through means other than those that involve Dremora. Base Daedric Daggers appear at level 46, while Enchanted Daedric Daggers appear after level 47.

They can be bought from blacksmiths, general good merchants, random loot in chests, or dropped by Revered or Legendary Dragons.

Furthermore, with a high enough Smithing level, 90, and the Daedric Smithing perk, you can craft it at a blacksmith’s forge by using these materials:

• 1 x Daedra Heart
• 1 x Leather Strips
• 1 x Ebony Ingots

It can also be crafted at the Atronach Forge using these materials:

• 1 x Daedra Heart
• 1 x Ebony Dagger
• 1 x Centurion Dynamo Core
• 1 x Black Soul Gem 

3. Stalhrim Dagger

• Base Damage: 10
• Weight: 4.5

Pros:

• High damage for a dagger
• Quick
• Can be extensively upgraded
• Can be found as common loot
• Can be crafted
• Stalhrim weapons boosts Frost Damage

Cons:

• Requires Stalhrim to upgrade, which can be rare.

How to Get

As it is not a unique weapon, the Stalhrim Mace can be obtained through various means.

It is sold by Baldor Iron-Shaper in the Skaal Village, by Glover Mallory in Raven Rock, and can even be found as random loot.

Furthermore, with a high enough Smithing level, 80, and the Ebony Smithing perk, you can craft it by using these materials:

• 1 × Stalhrim
• 1 × Leather Strip.

However, you’ll have to finish the quest “A New Source of Stalhrim” before you can forge anything made of Stalhrim.

2. Dragonbone Dagger

• Base Damage: 12
• Weight: 6.5

Pros:

• Highest base damage for a dagger
• Quick
• Can be extensively upgraded
• Can be crafted

Cons:

• Cannot be found as loot
• Requires a high smithing level to craft
• Requires rare resources to upgrade

Dragonbone gear is some of the strongest gear in the game, and this dagger is no exception. It boasts great damage and low weight, allowing it to deal very quick bursts of damage, giving it one of the highest DPS in the game.

How to Get Dragonbone Dagger

With a high enough Smithing level, 100, and the Dragon Armor perk, you can craft it by using these materials:

• 1 x Dragon Bone
• 1 x Leather Strip

1. Valdr’s Lucky Dagger

• Base Damage: 5
• Weight: 2.5
• Enchantment: 25% chance of a critical hit.

Pros:

• Great Burst Damage
• Crits very frequently
• Great as a backstab weapon for stealth builds
• Low requirements to upgrade at a grindstone
• The additional effect isn’t actually considered an enchantment in-game. So it works in tandem with the “Elemental Fury” shout.
• Relatively easy to acquire

Cons:

• Weak Base Damage

Another dagger that boasts quick damage and great utility. While sharing Bloodthorn’s 5 base damage and 2.5 weight, it has the added effect of a 25% chance of a critical hit. Combined with the speed with which the dagger attacks, that’s a lot of critical hits.

Moreover, critical hits also stagger the enemy. The damage output can be further increased by upgrading its base damage by improving it on the grindstone and having a high one-handed skill. Furthermore, it makes an excellent weapon for stealth, as its critical hit chance combined with the Backstab and the Assassin’s Blade perks makes it a near-instant kill weapon.

How to Get Valdr’s Lucky Dagger

Valdr’s Lucky Dagger can be found quite easily. You can get this from Valdr by finding him in Moss Mother Cavern, which is located southwest of Whiterun and north of Falkreath.

Read More: The Best Mods to Improve Combat in Skyrim Special Edition

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Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was originally released back in 2013. Since then, players have returned to its world over and over again due to its immense replayability.

This replayability is further enhanced by Skyrim’s extensive modding support. Like Bethesda’s other titles, Skyrim enjoys a prominent modding community and is one of the hallmarks of how mods can vastly improve the experience of a game.

Read More: Best Mods For Realistic Gameplay: Skyrim

Since its release, modders have contributed to Skyrim’s experience significantly. From small tweaks, improvements, and bugfixes, to complete overhauls of the game’s systems. As Skyrim tries to achieve many things at once, some of its mechanics may not be as fleshed out as those of its contemporaries.

However, modders have done their due diligence to make the game an even more complete experience, including improving the romance mechanics. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best romance mods available for Skyrim.

Best Romance Mods for Skyrim SE

Below are my picks for the top 15 Romance Mods for Skyrim: Special Edition

15. Khajiit Will Follow

Pros:

• Fleshed out characters and romance

• Good amount of content
• Fully voiced

If you’ve ever felt your options for romances are too limited in Skyrim, there are plenty of mods to fix that.

Khajiits are loved by fans of The Elder Scrolls universe and have some of the best interactions throughout the series. This mod adds four fully-voiced and romanceable Khajiits for you to recruit. Of course, Each of them has their own unique personalities, backstories, and quests.

14. Improved Follower Dialogue – Lydia

Pros:

• Overhauled dialogue

• Fully amplified personality and romance
• Fully voiced
• Adds interactions with other characters

Lydia is one of the first companions you meet in the game, and is also one of the most iconic characters in the game. Which is ironic, considering interactions with her are not very deep, which extends on the romance you can develop with her. Thankfully, this mod fixes all of that and transforms Lydia into a main supporting character.

It adds new voice acting, and dialogue which actually feels organic. Which is to say that she will initiate conversation on her own, both with you and other characters. Furthermore, her romance is fleshed and is even tied to the main questline.

13. I’m Glad You’re Here

Pros:

• Adds a new animation

• Variety of new interactions and dialogue options
• Overhauls a great number of characters

As stated before, the romance in Skyrim is somewhat bland when compared to games of the same genre. This mod adds plenty of new interactions with followers, lovers, and spouses in the form of new dialogue and a simple hug animation. Furthermore, a lot of the mods listed here which add new characters are also compatible with this mod.

12. Skyrim Romance

Pros:

• Fleshed out characters and romance

• Good amount of content
• Fully voiced
• New locations

You might have noticed that there there aren’t many male characters you can romance. This mod aims to fix that, adding four romanceable characters inspired by Neverwinter Nights 2. It includes the most fleshed-out romances of any mod or game, ballrooms, and all included. Additionally, it includes the integration of over a hundred NPCs and 30-plus hours of gameplay.

11. Anna’s NPCs

Pros:

• Great addition in number of romanceable characters

• Lots of interaction and dialogue options
• Fully voiced
• Good amount of content

Another huge mod, Anna’s NPCs, adds ten followers, each with deep interactive options. All ten are fully voiced, and have their own character arcs, quests, romances, and even their own unique weddings. Furthermore, each NPC feels organic instead of functioning like a decoration. They comment on quests, characters, and events and even do their own thing while traveling.

10. Casavir Romance: A Paladin’s Tale

Pros:

• Highly interactive characters and romance

• New questline and locations
• New music
• Fully voiced
• Good amount of content

This mod is yet another companion mod and includes a plethora of content, including a new interactive questline, new locations, new music, and a fully voiced romantic interest with a fleshed-out romantic arc.

9. Raven of The Reach

Pros:

• New questline and locations

• New monsters and boss battles
• New animations
• Fleshed out characters and romance
• Fully voiced

This mod lets you join the Forsworn, a cultish tribe composed mainly of Bretons. Another massive mod, Raven of the Reach, includes new locations, characters, quests, monsters and creatures, boss battles, new music, and even new animations. However, like Casavir, the mod’s main focus is on the fleshed-out romance you can develop with Cael, a Chieftain of the Forsworn.

8. Viconia DeVir for Skyrim

Pros:

• Fleshed out dialogue and romance

• New questline with a good amount of content
• Fully voiced
• Has unique follower Ai and doesn’t add to follower count

Yet another companion mod, this one adds Viconia DeVir and her romance from Baldur’s Gate 2. It includes new fully voiced dialogue and of course, a fully fleshed-out romance and questline, which includes a total of 82 stages. Furthermore, Viconica has her own follower AI, which means she won’t follow the usual follower logic of Skyrim, and won’t count towards your number of followers.

7. Kaidan 2

Pros:

• Well diversified dialogues and romance

• New questline with a good amount of content
• Fully voiced

Kaidan 2 adds a new companion who can be a follower or a lover for your Dragonborn. The mod is notable for its writing, and Kaidan is reactive to quests and the player’s choices. This mod is a must-have if you’re looking for a fleshed-out male romance option. It features over 1200 new lines of dialogue, new quests, and a custom home.

6. Serana Dialogue Add-On

Pros:

• Overhauled dialogue

• Fully fleshed-out personality and romance
• Fully voiced
• Adds interactions with other characters

Another mod that fleshes out the dialogue and romance of existing characters, this time focusing on Serana, introduced in the Dawnguard DLC. It adds over 7,000 new fully voiced lines of dialogue, including commentary on quests, the gear you give her, etc., new story arcs, new interactions, and new traits, transforming Serana into an engaging and interactive character.

5. Interesting NPCs 

Pros:

• Adds over 250 fully voiced NPCs

• Well-diversified dialogues and roleplay.
• New quests
• New marriage options
• New followers

If you’ve played a lot of Skyrim, you’ll notice that the NPCs of Tamriel are very bland and somewhat repetitive. This mod aims to fix that by adding 250+ fully voiced NPCs, each offering extensive dialogue and roleplay choices. It includes 25+ followers, 15+ marriage NPCs, and 50+ quests.

4. Amorous Adventures

Pros:

• New animations

• Plethora of content
• Allows the option to install without NSFW scenes.
• Fully voiced

This extensive mod adds fully voiced dialogue, and quests focused on romance for vanilla NPCs such as Lydia, Serana, Elisif, etc. Additionally, this mod includes fully animated romance scenes, which you can skip if you download the clean version.

3. To Have And To Hold

Pros:

• Fully fleshes out the marriage mechanic

• Adds new dynamic events

You might have noticed that marriage isn’t a very deep mechanic in Skyrim, in that your partners don’t really have much in the way of standards and are ready to marry you over a single favor.

This mod fixes none of that but does add polygamy to the mix. It also includes the ability to divorce and remarry your spouse as much as you’d like, in addition to the ability to have up to 11 spouses. Furthermore, it enhances the wedding ceremony, including dynamic events that change with the player completing specific quests. In essence, this mod strives to make the marriage a fleshed-out and dynamic feature instead of being a static addition.

2. Legend of The Blue Dragon

Pros:

• Post-game content

• Fully voiced
• New questline

Cons:

• Mod is not completed

Here’s a rarity, a mod that adds content to the post-game of Skyrim. It features a questline that starts after the death of Alduin, and a fully voiced romanceable character, J’a the Blue Dragon.

1. Relationship Dialogue Overhaul

Pros:

• Fleshes out existing characters and romance

• Adds a large amount of new dialogue and interactions
• Fully voiced
• Restores cut dialogue

This mod enhances the otherwise weak dialogue of Skyrim’s NPCs and followers. It adds over 5,000 lines of completely voiced dialogue for NPCs using their original voices. It includes new lines of dialogue and interactions for followers, spouses, rivals, and other NPC. Furthermore, it fixes dialogue bugs and restores cut dialogue.

Read More: Skyrim Special Edition – Top 10 Best House Mods (For Both PC and Console)

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