In the frostbitten realms of Skyrim, where dragons soar and ancient evils stir, few weapons command respect like a mighty two-handed sword. Whether you’re a battle-hardened warrior cleaving through draugr or a Dragonborn seeking the ultimate arsenal, these colossal blades deliver devastation with every swing. From raw, bone-crushing force to enchanted fury, here’s your guide to Skyrim’s finest greatswords, and where to claim them.
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:
Whether you crave the raw might of dragon bone or the spectral slashes of the Bloodskal Blade, Skyrim’s greatswords turn the tide of battle. Forge your legend, one earth-shaking swing at a time.
