When building a warrior in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, one of the biggest decisions is whether to specialize in one-handed or two-handed weapons. Each style has distinct advantages, playstyles, and ideal builds. Below, we break down the key differences to help you decide which suits your character best.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | One-Handed Weapons | Two-Handed Weapons |
|---|---|---|
| Attack Speed | Faster swings | Slower but heavier hits |
| Damage Per Hit | Lower base damage | Higher base damage |
| DPS Potential | Higher with dual-wielding | Strong single strikes |
| Defense Options | Can use a shield or spell | No blocking without mods |
| Stamina Cost | Lower per swing | Higher per swing |
| Perk Synergies | Works well with shields, magic, or dual-wielding | Benefits from stagger and power attacks |
| Early-Game Viability | Easier to manage | Requires better stamina management |
| Late-Game Scaling | Excels with enchantments & perks | Dominates raw damage output |
One-Handed Weapons: Speed & Versatility
Pros:
✔ Faster Attacks – More hits in less time, great for applying poisons or enchantments.
✔ Dual-Wielding – Doubles damage output with the Dual Flurry and Dual Savagery perks.
✔ Shield or Spell Flexibility – Block with a shield or cast spells in the off-hand.
✔ Better for Stealth – Daggers benefit from the 15x sneak attack multiplier (with Assassin’s Blade perk).
Cons:
✖ Lower per-hit damage means tougher fights against high-armor enemies.
✖ Requires more perk investment for maximum efficiency (dual-wielding or sword-and-board).
Best For:
- Rogues (especially dagger users)
- Spellswords (weapon + magic)
- Tanky sword-and-shield warriors
Two-Handed Weapons: Raw Power & Crowd Control
Pros:
✔ Higher Base Damage – Fewer hits needed to kill enemies.
✔ Stagger Potential – Power attacks often knock foes down (Devastating Blow perk).
✔ Wide Sweeping Attacks – Great for fighting multiple enemies.
✔ Strongest Late-Game – With perks like Sweep and Great Critical Charge, two-handed weapons delete enemies.
Cons:
✖ Slow attack speed leaves you vulnerable between swings.
✖ No blocking without mods (unless using Block skill).
✖ Higher stamina drain on power attacks.
Best For:
- Pure warriors focusing on brute strength
- Players who prefer fewer, heavier hits
- Crowd-control builds (warhammers & greatswords)
Which Is Better?
| Playstyle | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| Fast, Agile Combat | One-Handed (Daggers/Swords) |
| Tanky Defense | One-Handed + Shield |
| Magic Hybrids | One-Handed + Spell |
| Maximum Damage | Two-Handed (Greatsword/Warhammer) |
| Crowd Control | Two-Handed (Battleaxe Sweeps) |
So…
- One-handed is more versatile, better for hybrid builds, and excels in speed.
- Two-handed deals devastating damage and dominates in pure melee fights.
If you want flexibility, go one-handed. If you want raw power, two-handed is king.
