In Skyrim, the diversity of armor and equipment available caters to different playstyles. Whether you identify as a warrior, thief, or archer, certain items stand out for their effectiveness and unique abilities. Below is an analysis of the best gear for each style of play.
Warrior
Warriors in Skyrim thrive on strength, defense, and close combat abilities. The following are some of the top pieces of equipment suited for warriors.
- Daedric Armor Set: This set is found randomly after reaching level 49 and offers robust defense with a base value of 144. Despite being outclassed by Dragonbone armor in terms of protection, its aesthetic appeal remains unmatched.
- Dragonplate Armor Set: Available starting at level 40, this set provides strong defensive capabilities and is often regarded as a pinnacle for non-enchanted equipment.
- Spellbreaker: Acquired through the Daedric quest “The Only Cure,” this shield offers up to 50 points of protection against spells, making it excellent against mages.
- Chillrend: Found in Riftweald Manor in Riften during “The Pursuit” quest, this sword deals an extra 30 frost damage and has a chance to paralyze opponents, leveraging elemental damage in close combat.
- Miraak’s Sword: Obtained after defeating Miraak, this sword is notable for its lightweight and fast attack speed, maximizing damage over time.
Thief
Thieves require stealth, agility, and a strong sense for opportunistic combat. Their ideal gear enhances stealth capabilities and dexterity.
- Ancient Shrouded Armor: This set is obtainable through the Dark Brotherhood and offers various buffs such as increased bow damage and muffled movement, ideal for sneaky operations.
- Nightweaver’s Band: This ring enhances sneaking abilities and can be acquired after completing certain Dark Brotherhood quests.
- Blade of Woe: An essential weapon for any thief, this dagger absorbs health with each hit, allowing thieves to remain in combat longer.
- Shrouded Gloves: Found within the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary, these gloves double the backstab damage, crucial for unexpected attacks.
Archer
Archers benefit immensely from gear that enhances their ranged attack capabilities, stealth, and stamina. The following items are indispensable for an archer’s build.
- Dragonbone Bow: This bow, found in the Soul Cairn after defeating the Keeper, is the most powerful non-enchanted bow in the game and comes with Dragonbone arrows.
- Nightengale Armor: Acquired during the Thieves Guild questline, this set offers bonuses to stamina, frost resistance, and one-handed damage, while incorporating a stealthy aesthetic.
- Krosis: A favored mask for archers, found by defeating the Dragon Priest Krosis, it provides a 20% boost to archery, alchemy, and lockpicking skills.
- Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow: Available for purchase from Sorine Jurard in Fort Dawnguard, this crossbow ignores 50% of enemy armor, great for dispatching heavily armored foes at a distance.
No matter your chosen path in Skyrim, equipping the best gear will significantly enhance your performance and survivability. Whether battling close quarters as a warrior, sneaking as a thief, or taking down foes from afar as an archer, the right equipment turns the tide in your favor.
