The world of Skyrim is filled with legendary weapons, each offering unique abilities and combat advantages. Whether you prefer swift one-handed strikes, devastating two-handed power attacks, or deadly ranged assaults, choosing the right weapon can define your playthrough. This guide covers the most powerful weapons in Skyrim, including base game and DLC content, detailing where to find them and how to acquire them.
Best One-Handed Weapons
Dragonbane
- Type: Katana
- Base Damage: 14 (plus bonus damage against dragons)
- Location: Sky Haven Temple
- How to Obtain: Found in the armory during the main quest Alduin’s Wall.
A must-have for dragon slayers, this katana deals extra damage to dragons and is essential for late-game encounters.
Chillrend
- Type: Glass Sword
- Base Damage: 15
- Effect: Frost damage and chance to paralyze
- Location: Riftweald Manor, Riften
- How to Obtain: Pick the expert-level lock or progress through the Thieves Guild questline.
Perfect for crowd control, Chillrend’s paralysis effect makes it one of the best one-handed weapons for mages and warriors alike.
Daedric Sword (Legendary Tier)
- Type: Sword
- Base Damage: 14 (can be significantly upgraded)
- How to Obtain: Craft at a forge with the Daedric Smithing perk or loot from high-level enemies (level 46+).
With high base damage and strong enchantment potential, the Daedric Sword remains a top choice for end-game warriors.
Best Two-Handed Weapons
Volendrung
- Type: Warhammer
- Base Damage: 25
- Effect: Absorbs 50 points of stamina per hit
- How to Obtain: Complete the Daedric quest The Cursed Tribe from Chief Yamarz in Largashbur.
Ideal for stamina-heavy builds, Volendrung ensures you never run out of power attacks.
Bloodskal Blade
- Type: Greatsword
- Base Damage: 21
- Effect: Fires energy blasts with power attacks
- Location: Bloodskal Barrow (Dragonborn DLC)
- How to Obtain: Retrieve during The Final Descent quest in Raven Rock Mine.
This unique greatsword offers ranged capabilities, making it a versatile weapon for melee fighters.
Best Bows & Ranged Weapons
Auriel’s Bow
- Type: Bow
- Base Damage: 13
- Effect: Deals sun damage; special effects with Sunhallowed/Bloodcursed arrows
- How to Obtain: Complete Touching the Sky (Dawnguard DLC).
A top-tier bow for vampire hunters, Auriel’s Bow excels when paired with its unique arrows.
Zephyr
- Type: Bow
- Base Damage: 12
- Effect: 30% faster draw speed
- Location: Arkngthamz (Dawnguard DLC)
- How to Obtain: Found during Lost to the Ages.
The fastest bow in the game, Zephyr is perfect for archers who favour rapid-fire combat.
Best Enchanted & Utility Weapons
Mace of Molag Bal
- Type: Mace
- Base Damage: 16
- Effect: Drains stamina and magicka, soul traps enemies
- How to Obtain: Complete The House of Horrors in Markarth.
A brutal weapon for spellswords, the Mace of Molag Bal weakens foes while keeping your soul gems full.
Mehrunes’ Razor
- Type: Dagger
- Base Damage: 11
- Effect: 1% chance to instantly kill
- How to Obtain: Complete Pieces of the Past (accessible at level 20 via the Mythic Dawn Museum).
Though its instant-kill chance is low, this dagger is lethal in the hands of an assassin.
Best Weapon by Playstyle
- Stealth Builds: Mehrunes’ Razor (for assassination potential)
- Tank Builds: Volendrung (stamina sustain + raw power)
- Versatile Builds: Chillrend (crowd control + elemental damage)
From dragon-slaying katanas to soul-devouring maces, Skyrim offers a weapon for every warrior. Whether you’re crafting, looting, or completing quests, these legendary arms will give you the edge in battle. For even more variety, consider modding your game with weapon overhauls to expand your arsenal further. Now, go forth and conquer Tamriel with the best tools at your disposal!
