Two handed swords in Skyrim sit in a satisfying space. They are slower than one handed builds, less flashy than dual wielding, but when built properly they hit like a Nordic longship at full sail. In 2026, with Anniversary Edition content baked into most playthroughs and survival modes more common, greatswords remain one of the most reliable ways to turn enemies into polite red stains on the floor.
This guide focuses on the best two handed swords in Skyrim, where to find them, and why they still matter for modern builds. No gimmicks, no cheese exploits, just blades that earn their reputation.
What Makes a Great Two Handed Sword in 2026
Before diving into named weapons, it is worth grounding expectations. Raw damage still matters, but modern Skyrim playthroughs lean more towards efficiency and flexibility.
Key traits to look for:
- High base damage that scales well with perks
- Enchantments that stay relevant into late game
- Reasonable weight for stamina management
- Upgrade potential through smithing
- Accessibility without absurd quest chains
A sword that looks impressive but drains stamina like a leaking mead barrel will not survive long on higher difficulties.
Bloodskal Blade
Few weapons in Skyrim feel as theatrical as the Bloodskal Blade, and thankfully it backs up the drama.
Why it still holds up
- Launches red energy waves with power attacks
- Allows ranged pressure while staying melee focused
- Unique effect that cannot be replicated by enchanting
Where to find it
You obtain the Bloodskal Blade during the quest The Final Descent in Raven Rock Mine on Solstheim.
Build synergy
This sword shines for battlemage hybrids or players who like controlling space. It also pairs nicely with stamina regeneration enchants since power attacks are mandatory.
Personal note: it is wildly impractical in tight corridors, but when it works, it feels brilliant.
Ebony Blade
The Ebony Blade is the closest Skyrim gets to a cursed mythic weapon, and yes, it is still absurdly good.
Why it is powerful
- Absorbs health on hit
- Enchantment never needs recharging
- Scales as you progress the questline
Where to find it
Unlocked during the quest The Whispering Door in Whiterun, tied to Daedric Prince Mephala.
The moral issue
To fully power it, you need to betray NPCs who trust you. Some players love the dark roleplay angle, others politely pretend it does not exist.
From a pure mechanics standpoint, infinite life steal remains one of the strongest survivability tools in the game.
Nord Hero Greatsword
Simple. Clean. Brutally effective.
Why players overlook it
- No flashy enchantment
- Looks understated compared to Daedric or Dragonbone gear
Why they should not
- Excellent base damage for its tier
- Can be freely enchanted
- Lightweight for a greatsword
Where to get it
Upgrade a Skyforge Steel Greatsword using Ancient Nord weapons after completing the Companions questline.
This is the sword for players who value control over spectacle. Enchant it properly and it will outperform many named weapons.
Daedric Greatsword
Still one of the hardest hitting swords in the game, and still deeply impractical to obtain early.
Strengths
- Extremely high base damage
- Scales brilliantly with smithing perks
- Looks intimidating enough to solve arguments pre combat
Weaknesses
- Heavy
- Requires high smithing or rare loot drops
Where to find or craft it
Craftable at high smithing levels or found as late game loot.
In 2026, this sword is best suited for players committing fully to heavy armour and stamina focused builds. Subtlety is not part of the design brief.
Dragonbone Greatsword
If Daedric is intimidation, Dragonbone is dominance.
Why it tops raw damage charts
- Highest base damage of any greatsword
- Exceptional upgrade scaling
- Flexible enchanting options
Where to get it
Requires Dragon Smithing perk and access to dragon bones and scales.
This is the endgame sword for players who want numbers, not lore. It does exactly what it promises and nothing more.
Best Enchantments for Two Handed Swords
Named weapons are fun, but custom enchantments still win in flexibility.
Top enchantment choices:
- Absorb stamina for sustained power attacks
- Chaos damage for raw output
- Paralysis for crowd control
- Fiery Soul Trap for resource efficiency
Avoid overly niche enchantments. If it only works once per fight, it is not worth the slot.
Best Perks to Support Two Handed Swords
A great sword without perks is just an expensive stick.
Priority perks:
- Barbarian for raw damage scaling
- Champion’s Stance to reduce stamina cost
- Sweep to control multiple enemies
- Deep Wounds for bleeding damage
Do not neglect block perks either. Two handed defence is slower but far more punishing when timed correctly.
Top 7 Two-Handed Swords in Skyrim
| Name | Base Damage | Weight | Special Effect | How to Obtain | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragonbone Greatsword | 25 | 27 | Highest base damage | Craft with Dragon Smithing perk (3 Dragon Bones, 2 Ebony Ingots) or loot (Dawnguard DLC). | Pure strength builds |
| Daedric Greatsword | 24 | 23 | Demonic aesthetic, high critical hit chance | Craft with Daedric Smithing perk (1 Daedra Heart, 3 Ebony Ingots) or loot (level 46+). | Dark, intimidation-focused warriors |
| Bloodskal Blade | 21 | 18 | Energy Arc: Power attacks fire a 30-damage wave | Complete The Final Descent quest in Raven Rock Mine (Dragonborn DLC). | Crowd control & ranged strikes |
| Ebony Greatsword | 22 | 22 | Early access to high-tier damage | Craft with Ebony Smithing perk or loot from level 36+ enemies/chests. | Mid-game power spikes |
| Stalhrim Greatsword | 23 | 23 | Frost Boost: +25% to frost enchantments | Craft with Stalhrim Smithing perk (3 Stalhrim, 2 Leather Strips) (Dragonborn DLC). | Frost mage hybrids |
| Wuuthrad | 25 | 25 | Elf Bane: +1.2x damage to elves (Altmer, Bosmer) | Complete the Companions’ questline in Whiterun. | Anti-elven crusaders |
| Champion’s Cudgel | 24 | 26 | Chaotic Strike: 50% chance of fire/frost/shock | Loot from General Falx Carius at Fort Frostmoth (Dragonborn DLC). | Elemental chaos enthusiasts |
Which Greatsword is Best for You?
| Category | Winner | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Damage | Dragonbone Greatsword | Unmatched base damage (25) for obliterating foes. |
| Best Unique Effect | Bloodskal Blade | Energy waves slice through groups, ideal for dungeons. |
| Early-Game Power | Ebony Greatsword | Accessible at lower levels with formidable damage (22). |
| Anti-Elven Specialist | Wuuthrad | Devastates elves, perfect for Thalmor-hunting. |
| Elemental Flexibility | Champion’s Cudgel | Random elemental bursts keep enemies guessing. |
Pro Tips for Dominance
- Smithing Perks: Boost damage further with the Arcane Blacksmith perk (improve enchanted weapons).
- Enchantments: Pair Stalhrim Greatsword with Frost Damage for a 37.5% total boost (base 25% + 12.5%).
- Shouts: Use Elemental Fury with non-enchanted blades (e.g., Dragonbone) for lightning-speed strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I dual-wield two-handed swords?
A: No, but the Dual Savagery perk (Two-Handed skill tree) increases power attack damage by 100%.
Q: Is Wuuthrad better than Daedric against elves?
A: Yes! Wuuthrad’s 1.2x multiplier vs. elves outpaces Daedric’s raw damage in those fights.
Q: How do I get Daedra Hearts?
A: Buy them from alchemists, loot Mehrunes Dagon’s shrine, or slay Dremora in the Atronach Forge.
How to get Dragonbone weapons:
Two handed swords in Skyrim reward patience and positioning. They are not about speed or style spam. They are about timing, commitment, and the quiet satisfaction of ending fights in fewer swings.
In 2026, they remain one of the most reliable ways to play Skyrim on higher difficulties without leaning on exploits or novelty builds. Pick the sword that fits your rhythm, not just your damage spreadsheet.
