Mastering Magic on Metal, Cloth, and Bone
Enchanting in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim can really transform the game. A well-enchanted weapon can decimate dragons, while a finely-tuned suit of armour can turn your Dragonborn into a silent ghost or magical juggernaut. Whether you’re a stealth archer, two-handed brute, or mage in robes, understanding Skyrim’s strongest enchantments and how to craft them efficiently can tilt the world in your favour.
How Enchanting Works in Skyrim
To enchant gear, you need to:
- Disenchant existing magical items to learn their effects
- Use a filled soul gem (the stronger the soul, the better)
- Apply the enchantment at an Arcane Enchanter
- Improve effectiveness by increasing your Enchanting skill and using potions
Perks in the Enchanting skill tree (particularly Extra Effect) are vital if you want to double up enchantments on a single piece of gear.
Best Weapon Enchantments in Skyrim
1. Chaos Damage
Effect: 50% chance for each fire, frost, and shock to deal extra damage
Why it’s strong: Potential for three simultaneous elemental effects on one swing
Where to find: Nordic weapons from the Dragonborn DLC (e.g. Solstheim)
2. Paralyze
Effect: Renders an enemy helpless for several seconds
Why it’s strong: One of the few status effects that completely disables enemies
Best use: Daggers or fast weapons; perfect for stealth builds
Disenchant from: Glass or elven weapons with the Paralyze effect
3. Absorb Health
Effect: Steals health from enemies with each hit
Why it’s strong: Sustains your health during combat and works on almost every enemy
Best paired with: Absorb Stamina for long fights
Disenchant from: Drainheart Sword, Steel weapons found in Nordic ruins
Best Armour Enchantments in Skyrim
1. Fortify Archery / One-Handed / Two-Handed
Effect: Increases damage with specific weapons
Why it’s strong: Directly boosts your primary combat style
Stack it on: Gloves, helmet, ring, necklace
Disenchant from: Gear worn by bandit leaders, Forsworn, or Thalmor
2. Fortify Destruction + Magicka Regen
Effect: Reduces spell cost while speeding up magicka recovery
Why it’s strong: Essential for mage builds focused on constant casting
Get the most from: Clothing or robes with both effects and high-tier soul gems
Disenchant from: Master robes, enchanted hoods
3. Fortify Sneak
Effect: Makes you harder to detect
Why it’s strong: Lets you land sneak attacks even in plain sight
Best combined with: Muffled movement boots or Muffle enchant
Disenchant from: Thieves Guild or Dark Brotherhood gear
Most Powerful Utility Enchantments
1. Muffle
Effect: Silences your movement
Why it’s strong: Completely negates movement noise
Combine with: Fortify Sneak and Invisibility for near total stealth
Disenchant from: Muffled boots, typically from thieves
2. Waterbreathing
Effect: Breathe underwater indefinitely
Why it’s strong: Niche but invaluable in Blackreach or treasure hunting
Disenchant from: Unique helmets or jewellery found in underwater ruins
3. Resist Magic / Elemental Resistance
Effect: Reduces damage from magic, fire, frost, or shock
Why it’s strong: Crucial for survival at higher levels or on harder difficulties
Stack it on: Shields and jewellery
Disenchant from: Dragon Priest masks, necromancer robes, enchanted rings
How to Maximise Enchantment Strength
1. Use Fortify Enchanting Potions
Brewed with ingredients like Snowberries, Blue Butterfly Wings, and Spriggan Sap. These temporarily boost enchantment strength.
2. Wear Fortify Alchemy Gear
Before crafting your enchanting potion, equip items that improve alchemy. This creates a feedback loop where better potions let you create stronger enchantments, which lead to better potions again.
3. Use the Seeker of Sorcery Buff
If you’ve completed the Dragonborn DLC, visit the Sallow Regent Black Book and choose this buff to enhance enchanting by 10%.
4. Choose the Right Soul Gems
Use Grand or Black Soul Gems with Grand Souls to reach maximum effect. Human souls always count as Grand when captured in Black Soul Gems.
Dual Enchantment: The Game Changer
Unlocking the Extra Effect perk at the top of the Enchanting tree allows you to apply two enchantments to a single item. Some devastating combinations include:
- Paralyze + Absorb Health on a sword
- Fortify Destruction + Magicka Regen on robes
- Fortify Archery + Muffle on boots
This one perk alone turns average gear into god-tier equipment.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Skyrim’s enchantment system rewards experimentation, but a properly crafted setup can make your Dragonborn almost untouchable. Whether you’re freezing dragons mid-air or backstabbing a whole fortress undetected, the strongest enchantments aren’t just about numbers. They’re about choosing combinations that fit your build and playstyle. And with the right potions, perks, and patience, even a humble iron dagger can become a Daedra-slayer.
If you’re planning to explore late-game content, start building your enchantment loop early. The rewards are more than worth the grind.
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