Daedric vs Dragonbone Armour: Which Reigns Supreme?

In the world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the two most iconic heavy armours are Daedric and Dragonbone. Each represents the pinnacle of smithing mastery, and both have distinct advantages. But which one truly holds the crown? To settle that, we must look beyond simple stats and dig into craftsmanship, availability, aesthetics, and overall performance in combat.

Crafting and Accessibility

Daedric armour requires a Smithing skill of 90 and the Daedric Smithing perk. It can only be forged with rare Daedra Hearts and Ebony Ingots, making it significantly harder to craft early on. Daedric pieces also appear infrequently as high-level loot, typically beyond level 48.

Dragonbone armour, introduced with the Dawnguard DLC, also needs Smithing at level 100 with the Dragon Armour perk. Materials include Dragon Bones and Dragon Scales, which players naturally accumulate while progressing through the main questline by slaying dragons. While Dragonbone requires maximum smithing skill, its ingredients are arguably more common.

Winner: Dragonbone for practicality in sourcing materials, though Daedric is available earlier as loot.

Armour Rating and Protection

Here’s how the two compare in terms of raw stats:

Daedric edges out Dragonbone in total armour rating by a single point. It’s negligible in practice, especially once the armour cap of 567 is considered (which can be reached with perks and tempering in both sets). Still, on paper, Daedric holds the top spot.

Winner: Daedric, by the slimmest of margins.

Aesthetics and Presence

Daedric armour has an intimidating design. Its black, jagged form with glowing red accents gives it an unmistakable demonic presence. It looks like something forged in Oblivion, and that’s the point. It’s menacing, mysterious, and brimming with dark power.

Dragonbone, on the other hand, has a more rugged, organic aesthetic. Constructed from the bones of slain dragons, it carries a primal authority. It appears less malevolent but feels ancient and powerful in a more grounded, natural way.

Winner: Subjective. Daedric is darker and more sinister; Dragonbone is primal and noble. Both are visually striking.

Weight and Stamina Efficiency

Weight impacts stamina usage during combat. Daedric is heavier across the board:

Dragonbone is noticeably lighter, making it a better option for characters who need to manage stamina more efficiently in extended fights.

Winner: Dragonbone, for significantly reduced weight without sacrificing much protection.

Lore and Prestige

Daedric armour has deep roots in Elder Scrolls lore. Crafted with materials linked to the Daedric Princes, it carries a sense of danger and power. It’s often associated with forbidden knowledge and characters who dabble in the darker arts.

Dragonbone, by contrast, is a testament to the Dragonborn’s triumph over Skyrim’s greatest threat. It symbolises heroism and mastery of ancient foes. While newer in the series, it still carries tremendous prestige.

Winner: Tie. One is feared, the other revered. Both command respect.

Seven Swords takeaway

Both Daedric and Dragonbone armours sit at the top of Skyrim’s heavy armour hierarchy. Daedric has the highest raw defence and a more intimidating presence, but it’s heavier and harder to forge. Dragonbone is lighter, easier to obtain with regular play, and still delivers nearly identical protection.

For players seeking the absolute highest stats and a fearsome appearance, Daedric has the edge.
For those favouring efficiency, practical crafting, and a heroic aesthetic, Dragonbone may be the wiser choice.

In the end, the better armour depends on your playstyle, roleplay goals, and personal taste. Neither is objectively supreme in all contexts, but both are worthy of any Dragonborn’s legacy.