From sword slashing to spell-slinging, let's explore this year's most fun and diverse character creations!
In this article, we’re exploring builds to bring new life into your next Skyrim playthrough and giving you another reason to look forward to that opening carriage ride again. Let’s face it, after all these years, we may be inclined to think we’ve seen all that Skyrim has to offer. Every Dwemer ruin has been looted; each enchantment added to that daedric sword; and as a fluent second language on our resumes, most of us have likely written Dovahzul. However, the thriving community coupled with Skyrim’s expansive skill variety is keeping this critically acclaimed RPG alive with flexible builds. Whether you prefer to annihilate Draugr hordes as an orc warrior or stalking prey from the shadows as a stealthy Khajiit, these builds should inspire every double-wielding Dovahkiin out there.
15. The Bone Sheperd
The Bone Shepherd [Skyrim Anniversary Edition Necromancer Build] by Skypothesis
Origin Story:
Hailing from High Rock, a humble female orc carries out her simple life of tending the stronghold’s flock until the devastation of her tribe leads to a life-changing discovery. Following in the footsteps of her mother, she becomes a necromancer and devotes her life to the engaging study of her newfound strength. Navigating the lonely path alongside her loyal grave walkers, her path of necromancy converges with her destiny as Dragonborn.
Playing as a shaman orc serves as a new experience that brings a different perspective to the life of a Dragonborn. In my opinion, attempting a necromancer build is a great challenge as it’s not one of the classic builds that we attempt in our first playthrough. Additionally, exploring Draugr tombs with a skeletal army of your own is insanely overpowered.
Before long, I found myself racing into battles with multiple enemies just to watch my bodyguards in action. My only issue is with Oncano trying to destroy my minion whenever I step into the College of Winterhold. Who knew jealously was that prevalent among mages?
Build Strengths:
- Fight alongside a powerful undead army with Assembled Legion.
- Constant protection from a minion
- Passive buff is given by bone wolf pet
- Orc Class grants access to all strongholds and berserker rage
- Juggernaut attack allows for close combat
- Necrotic curse enflames any enemy
- Choke Point flanks enemies allowing minions to land more hits
Build details:
- Weapons:
- Staff of Fireballs
- Staff of Paralysis
- Gear:
- Helmet of The Old Gods
- Insulated Dragonplate Armour
- Insulated Dragonplate Gauntlets
- Insulated Dragonplate Boots
- Gauldur Amulet
- Ring of Magicka
- Ring of Fortify Conjuration
- Dragonplate Shield
- Spells:
- Soul trap
- Fast Healing
- Necromantic Healing
- Conjure Bone Colossus
- Skeleton Summons
- Shout:
- Unrelenting Force
- Marked for Death
- Whirlwind Sprint
- Skills:
- Conjuration
- Smithing
- Block
- Heavy Armour
- Enchanting
- Destruction
- Restoration
14. The Ethereal Hunter
Skyrim SE Builds - The Ethereal Hunter - Remastered Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
Emboldened by Hircine, Daedric prince of the hunt, The Ethereal Hunter always steadies his bow and effortlessly destroys his target. Growing up in the Nibenay Valley of eastern Cyrodil, this Breton huntsman developed into a ferocious predator always ready to lead the hunt. He attacks with precision as his barrage of glistening ethereal arrows is succeeded by a stream of slashes from a nightmarish wolf from Oblivion.
This is an interesting build because it inspires the inner hunter within me. Stalking unwitting prey from the shadows and punishing them with that final blow as the slow-motion cut scene plays out will never fail to satisfy me. And for those who prefer spilling the blood of your enemies from close, the huntsman’s dagger allows for a stealthy stabbing.
Thankfully for those of us with a passion for galloping into the midst of battle and raining down fury on an unsuspecting Forsworn camp, Werewolf form provides an aggressive outlet for open combat. It is a build that balances stealth and fierce combat to produce a true hunter.
Build Strengths:
- Breton race perks (Dragonskin ability allows for a gain of 50% absorption of spells for 60 seconds once a day, 25% Magicka resistance, and +10 conjuration starting boost)
- Use of bound weapons greatly reduce carry weight, freeing up space for more sweet-roll
- Conjured familiars allow precise shots to be taken at distracted enemies
- Werewolf form can be used in tough situations to deal out indefensible blows.
- Additional protection from heavy armor
- Stealthy throat slicing and open combat proficiency makes this build fun for all playing styles
Build Details:
- Standing Stone:
- Steed Stone (+100 carry weight, armor loses all weight)
- Lord Stone (+50 armor, 25% magic resistance)
- Skills:
- Archery
- Conjuration
- Sneak
- Heavy Armor
- Enchanting
- Smithing
- Spells:
- Conjure familiar
- Conjure flaming familiar (50 damage dealt for 57 Magicka)
- Summon bound bow
- Shouts:
- Animal allegiance
- Whirlwind Sprint
- Stats:
- Magicka – 200
- Stamina + Health – evenly distributed after 200 Magicka
- Gear:
- Wolf boots – muffle enchantment + fortify sneak
- Wolf armor – fortify conjuration + fortify health
- Wolf gauntlets – fortify archery + fortify sneak
- Necklace + Ring – fortify archery + fortify conjuration
- Ring of Bloodlust (+50% damage)
13. The Dealer
Skyrim SE Builds - The Dealer - Remastered Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
Slouched beneath the creaking wooden rafters of a Cyrodil shanty, a young Skooma addict had a brilliant idea to turn his misfortunes into lofty ambitions. Using the night to carry out his plans, he ransacked an alchemy store, delved into drug production, and became a wealthy dealer of Skooma alternatives, forever cementing his place as The Dealer. Now, this feline commandeers his business expansion into the fertile lands of Skyrim, selling freshly produced remedies. By day, his high is attained through the dragon souls he absorbs, and in the late hours of the night, his business crosses paths with a guild of thieves and a den of assassins.
This is one of the more surprising additions to this list as here you play as a villainous schemer wreaking havoc on the populace of Skyrim, bringing them into the depths of the addiction that once claimed your soul. This is one of the most versatile and character-specific builds I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. Not only do you explore as a wandering Khajiit with no place to call home, but you also delve into the criminal underworld that has corrupted Skyrim. Personally, it’s one of the most fun builds I’ve ever seen and it stays true to Khajiit lore.
Build Strengths:
- Khajiit race grants Night Eye (60 seconds night vision), +10 sneak, +5 alchemy, and 15 unarmed damage.
- Playstyle doesn’t use spells, allowing more skill points to be spent on Health and Stamina
- Enemies can be executed from a great distance using The Dealer’s crossbow
- Poisonous crossbow bolts give The Dealer an edge in combat, allowing him to slowly drain the lifeforce of enemies.
- This light-footed feline is practically unseen as he lurks in the shadows
- His serpent tongue enables you to breeze through most quests requiring persuasion and makes it easier to sell large amounts of his product
Build details:
- Standing Stone:
- Thief Stone (early)
- Atronach Stone (final)
- Shadow Stone (optional for invisibility)
- Skills:
- Archery
- Alchemy
- Sneak
- Light armor
- Speech
- Potions:
- Fortify Sneak
- Fortify archery
- Invisibility (Optional)
- Gear:
- Leather boots
- Leather armor
- Leather bracers
- Ring + Necklace of your choice
- Bolts – standard and explosive
- Weapons:
- Standard Crossbow or Dwarven Crossbow
- Dagger of choice (I recommend Daedric daggers)
12. The Desert Magician
The Desert Magician [Skyrim Vanilla Trickster Build] S3E1 by Skypothesis
Origin Story:
Whirling up the dust in a tremendous desert storm of illusory grandeur, The Desert Magician performed miracles beyond mortal imagination in Hammerfell. After being tricked and ridiculed by a cunning warlock, The Desert Magician fled as a wanted man and set his sights on Skyrim. Now, the Redguard trickster uses his spells to corrupt the minds of his enemies by sending them into a furious rage, pitting them against each other, and then slicing down the unsuspecting victor with his scimitar.
Another villainous entry to this list and this time we’re playing as the magician with a peculiar passion for controlling the minds of his spectators and striking fear into their hearts. With an undying loyalty to the Volkihar’s, this build gives a unique playstyle as you beguile your enemies from the shadows and use your vampiric powers to emerge as a morally corrupt showman. Personally, this playstyle is not my first preference. I usually prefer wolfing down bandits as Hircine’s adopted puppy, but the overpowered vampiric form does satisfy my bloodlust for open combat. Remember to stay away sunbathing after your transition!
Build Strengths:
- Playing as a vampire gives a 25% boost to illusion and stealth
- Vampire Lord form, amulet of resist fire, and regeneration spells are essential when fighting dragons
- Vampiric drain, vampire’s seduction, and Embrace the Shadows enable the character to continue combat when out of Magicka
- Red Guard racial perk of adrenaline rush balances out low stamina
Build Details:
- Weapons:
- Scimitar (obtained from looting Kematu)
- Skills:
- Illusion
- Pickpocket
- One-Handed
- Restoration
- Sneak
- Alteration
- Gear:
- Red Guard Hood (obtained from Nazir)
- Telvanni Robes
- Shrouded Handwraps (x2 backstab damage)
- Shrouded Shoes (muffled movement)
- Ring of the Erudite (+100 Magicka and +100% Magicka regeneration
- Amulet of Resist Fire
- Spells:
- Invisibility
- Harmony
- Hysteria
- Mayhem
- Fast Healing
- Shouts:
- Whirlwind Sprint
- Throw Voice
- Disarm
- Aura Whisper
- Elemental Fury
- Frost Breath
- Marked for Death
- Black Book Powers:
- Dragonborn frost
- Secret of Arcana
- Mora’s Boon
- Seeker of Sorcery
- Scholar’s Insight
- Black Market
- Standing Stone:
- Atronach Stone (+50 magicka, +50 spell absorption, -50% magicka regeneration)
11. The Arcane Beastmaster
The Arcane Beastmaster [Skyrim Vanilla Summoner Build] S4E6 by Skypothesis
Origin Story:
Arena matches in the Imperial City brought great delight to every citizen of Cyrodiil, but for a young Bosmer boy, those battlegrounds would prove to be the soil from which his ambitious dreams of being a beast tamer would grow. From then on, his life was dedicated to taming every beast in Tamriel and devoted to commanding and understanding the beasts of Skyrim, specifically the elusive Dragons.
The Beastmaster sounds like an Uruk Chieftain riding a Caragor who’s ready to confront Talion again and again until he’s stripped of his sanity. Once you get your head out of Mordor, The Beastmaster is a well-balanced build in Skyrim which incorporates summons and pets to create a character with continuous support in every situation. Heavy Bonemold armor worn by the Bosmer Beastmaster protects him from attacks when his creatures are destroyed; staffs enable him to use spells when low on Magicka; and at higher levels, this build has enough power to defeat Alduin with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed this one because of the seamless convergence of his roleplaying story and Skyrim’s vanilla main questline. Naturally, as you progress the beasts available to you become more powerful and more difficult to acquire.
Build Strengths:
- Bosmer race has 50% resistance to poison and disease and can make any animal into an ally for 60 seconds
- Command an army of beasts when multiple enemies are encountered
- All unlocked summons provides a greater battle variety
- Heavy armor protects The Beastmaster from any attack
Build Details:
- Follower:
- J'zargo
- Gear:
- Bonemold Shield (Resist magic + Fortify block)
- Bonemold Pauldron armor (Fortify health + Fortify Conjuration)
- Iron Boots (Resist frost + Fortify Carry Weight)
- Iron Gauntlets (Fortify Block + Fortify Magicka)
- Ancient Nord Helmet (Fortify conjuration + Fortify Magicka)
- Ring (Resist magic + Fortify illusion)
- Amulet (Fortify Health + Fortify Magicka)
- Weapons:
- Staff of Destruction
- Staff of Conjuration
- Spells:
- Restoration (Fast Healing + Healing Hands)
- Conjuration (all summons)
- Illusion (Fear, Frenzy, Courage)
- Shouts:
- Bend Will
- Standing Stone:
- The Atronach Stone (+50 Magicka, +50% spell absorption, -50% Magicka regeneration)
- Skills:
- Conjuration
- Illusion
- Enchanting
- Block
- Restoration
10. The Madman
Skyrim SE Builds - The Madman Build - Remastered Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
Once the doll of Brutus, a merchant’s arrogant son, The Madman came to life after being animated by Sheogorath, Prince of madness, to bring further chaos into Tamriel. After cruelly slaughtering his master, the possessed puppet ventured into Skyrim and escaped Helgen after Alduin’s attack. Roaming through Skyrim, The Madman explores almost every faction and questline with the ambition of completing them by his mischievous methods. The Madman has one primary goal in life, bringing madness into every situation he enters.
In this build, you play as an evil Pinocchio with a wretched plan to spread insanity as though it’s a contagious pandemic. This maniacal madman proves to be an incredibly fun build to play as the random spells cast by the famed Wabbajack can turn your enemies into anything from a wheel of cheese to a little sweetroll. The Madman roleplay also gives you versatility in the fact that you now have an excuse to enter every single quest, and he can be a carnivorous cannibal or an elusive thief based on your personal preferences.
Build Strengths:
- Wood Elf race provides 50% poison and disease resistance and Command Animal ability
- 50% spell absorption from his Standing Stone outweighs the low protection from his light armor
- Jester’s attire provides sufficient boosts to sneak for the Dark Brotherhood and Thief Guild questlines
Build Details:
- Standing Stone:
- The Lover Stone to improve all skills 15% faster (Early)
- The Atronach Stone grants +50 Magicka, +50% absorb spells, -50% Magicka regeneration (Final)
- Skills:
- One-handed
- Sneak
- Enchanting
- Alchemy
- Speech
- Shouts:
- Unrelenting Force
- Ice Form
- Storm Call
- Gear:
- Jester’s Clothes (12% better prices + 12% higher one-handed damage)
- Jester’s Boots (Muffled movement)
- Jester’s Gloves (Double sneak attack damage with one-handed weapons)
- Jester’s Hat (+30% sneak)
- Ring + Amulet (Fortify Sneak + Fortify One-Handed)
- Weapon:
- Wabbajack (Sheogorath Questline)
- Ebony Dagger (Absorb Health + Soul Trap enchantments)
9. The Imperial Spectre
The Imperial Spectre [Skyrim Vanilla Nightblade Build] S3E3 by Skypothesis
Origin Story:
Under the order of the Penitus Occulatus, a young girl born in the Imperial City becomes an honored assassin for the Imperial Legion. As an instrument of the Empire, she understands how to blend in and become one of her enemies to share secrets of their inner workings with experienced generals. Constantly finding ways to bring down Ulfric and the Stormcloaks, her mind is always focused on the good of the Empire.
This build is not one I would normally go for as I admire the Stormcloak faction for their intentions of liberating all of Skyrim’s residents from the iron rule of the Empire. Although, I can make an excuse for this build because playing as an undercover Imperial vampiress is incredibly fun. And by incorporating the roleplay, almost every quest is entered with the thrill of secrecy that you’re always working for a greater cause. The vampiric abilities bring new advantages to combat and the wide range of shouts available to her can disarm any enemy before you dismember them with your vampire form.
Build Strengths:
- Vampiric drain and Embrace the Shadows associated with her vampirism give the player an edge in combat and stealth
- Lack of spells is made up for by using potions and a great variety of Shouts
- Imperial race offers Voice of the Emperor (calm humanoid enemies) and Imperial Luck (find more gold)
Build Details:
- Gear:
- Penitus Oculatus Armor
- Shrouded Boots (Muffled movement)
- Shrouded Cowl (20% more Bow damage)
- Shrouded Gloves (Double backstab damage)
- Ring (Fortify Health)
- Amulet (Resist Fire)
- Weapons:
- Blades Sword
- Dragon Bane (+20-40 points damage to dragons, +10 shock damage to others)
- Harkon’s Sword (Absorb 15 health, stamina, Magicka)
- Shouts:
- Become Ethereal
- Cyclone
- Disarm
- Elemental Fury
- Ice Form
- Marked for Death
- Throw Voice
- Unrelenting Force
- Standing Stone:
- The Lady Stone (25% faster health + Stamina regeneration)
- Skills:
- Block
- One-Handed
- Illusion
- Smithing
- Sneak
- Pickpocket
- Alchemy
- Light Armor
8. The Rebel
The Rebel [Skyrim Vanilla Stormcloak // Werewolf Build] S2E2 by Skypothesis
Origin Story:
A son of the Redmane clan, a boy grew up training to oppose the Empire’s evil ways and the rule of Titus Mede II. Now as a Skooma addicted werewolf who roams the lands of Skyrim with allegiance to Ulfric Stormcloak, the troubled warrior uses his artifact weapons to liberate his Nordic brethren. His superior strength and stamina allowed him to rise the ranks of the Stormcloaks and he will fight on until he succeeds in his life’s ultimate quest, slaughtering the Emperor.
This playthrough is the exact opposite of the previous Imperial Spectre. Here we have a prowling werewolf capable of tearing his enemies apart; obviously, this is a great build for those who enjoy pure warlike combat. This wasn’t a particularly immersive build for me, but the freedom of pursuing different questlines to bring freedom into this oppressed land makes it a charming build worth trying. There’s also the range of weapons he uses that gives him a clear advantage in any form of combat.
Build Strengths:
- Werewolf form deals out incredible damage and gives The Rebel enough speed and stamina to escape formidable foes
- Various swords available allow you to switch between them to deal different types of damage and exploit enemy weaknesses
- Steed Stone removes all carry weight restrictions that would have been felt by the three swords and his heavy armor
Build Details:
- Weapons:
- Ghost Blade (3 extra damage)
- Red Eagle’s Fury (5 Fire damage)
- The Pale Blade (25 Frost Damage)
- Gear:
- Torturer’s Hood
- Wolf Armor
- Stormcloak Officer Bracers
- Stormcloak Officer Boots
- Targe of The Blooded shield (3 bleeding damage for 5 s when bashing)
- Amulet of Talos (20% reduced time between shouts)
- Ring (Fortify One-handed)
- Hircine’s Ring (Werewolf transformation)
- Standing Stone:
- The Steed Stone (+100 carry weight, no movement penalty from armor)
- The Lord Stone (lv 40)
- Shouts:
- Dragonrend
- Marked for Death
- Fire Breath
- Dragon Aspect (Dragonborn DLC)
- Skills:
- Block
- One-handed
- Smithing
- Sneak
- Alchemy
- Heavy Armor
- Light Armor
7. The Bard
Skyrim SE Builds - The Bard - Remastered Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
A melodious stream of perfectly aligned notes filled the wintery Falkreath pines with new life as that lyrical tone emanated from the lips of a simple Nordic girl. Her dulcet voice would grow to be more beautiful as she aged, bringing her great renown in taverns in the Imperial City. However, after moving back to the serene wilderness of Skyrim to pursue studies at the Bards College, The Bard now lives to discover more about her blessed gift.
This build is one of the most unique playthroughs I’ve ever encountered simply because of the opportunities it presents to explore the cities of Skyrim as opposed to just losing yourself in the thrills of combat. Whether you’re interacting with the nobility or traversing through Stony Creek Cave to recover Finn’s Flute, this playthrough proves to be a new experience especially because the Bards College quests are often the most overlooked. And with fast healing in your right hand and a lute in your left, this character truly is a magician as much as she is a musician.
Build Strengths:
- Nord Race has 50% frost resistance and a Battle Cry that sends targets fleeing for 30 seconds
- Takes little damage as her companions do most of the attacking
- One of the most unique builds on this list
Build Details:
- Standing Stone:
- The Lover’s Stone (Skills improve 15% faster)
- The Atronach Stone (+50 Magicka, +50% absorb spells, -50% Magicka Regeneration) (Final)
- Skills:
- Restoration
- Illusion
- Enchanting
- One-Handed
- Speech
- Spells:
- Grand Healing
- Heal Other
- Frenzy
- Pacify
- Call to Arms
- Rally
- Powers:
- Bardic Knowledge (Fortify Stamina Regeneration by 50% for 300 seconds) (Dragonborn DLC)
- Shouts:
- Unrelenting Force
- Soul Tear (Dawnguard DLC)
- Cyclone
- Ice Form
- Gear:
- Tavern Clothes
- Any Boots (Item 000d1921 appears to be used here)
- Ring + Necklace (Fortify illusion + Fortify Restoration)
- Weapon:
- Elven Mace
6. The Preserver
Skyrim SE Builds - The Preserver - Green Pact Necromancy Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
Obsessed with the nightmarish power of conjuration, a Bosmer marksman sets his aim on capturing souls as a novel way of honoring the Green Pact oath to Y’ffre. However, after being discovered as a necromancer, The Preserver fled from his home and pursued his dark art in Skyrim. Engaging in cannibalism, destroying aggressive foes, and reanimating their corpses, The Preserver attempts to stay true to his tribal upraising while incorporating his dark gifts into his new life.
Imbued with a curiosity for the arcane art of conjuration and soul entrapment, this build presents a well-rounded character with the ability to enter large battles by defeating and then raising his enemies to fight the remaining foes. The Green Pact and cannibalistic aspect also make this build seriously fun to play as you hunt down prey to sustain your health instead of using the traditional foods of the game – forget sweetroll, he’s got manmeat roll. Combat with The Preserver never loses its excitement as his bow is always recharged by the Black Star, and his countless thralls and undead followers bring in new ways of approaching combat.
Build Strengths:
- Bosmer race can command animals for 60 s and has 50% disease and poison resistance
- Having an undead army quickens most fights in-game
- Orchendor as a permanent thrall removes all attacking focus from The Preserver, allowing him to use his bow from a distance
Build Details:
- Standing Stone:
- The Ritual Stone (Raise all nearby dead as allies for 60s once a day) OR
- The Atronach Stone (+50 Magicka, +50% Absorb spells, -50% Magicka Regeneration)
- Skills:
- Conjuration
- Archery
- Heavy Armor
- Smithing
- Enchanting
- Spells:
- Revenant
- Dread Zombie
- Dead Thrall
- Soul Trap
- Shouts:
- Summon Durnehviir (Dawnguard DLC)
- Soul Tear (Dawnguard DLC)
- Follower:
- Orchendor (Reanimated as a permanent thrall after defeating him in “The Only Cure”)
- Gear:
- Falmer Heavy Armor (Fortify Conjuration, Fortify Stamina Regeneration)
- Falmer Heavy Boots (Fortify Stamina, Fortify Stamina Regeneration)
- Falmer Heavy Gauntlets (Fortify Archery, Fortify Magicka)
- Falmer Heavy Helm (Fortify Conjuration, Fortify Archery)
- Ring + Necklace (Fortify Conjuration + Fortify Archery)
- Ring of Namira (+50 Stamina, Increased Health + Health regeneration from consuming corpses)
- Weapons:
- Stalhrim Bow (Shock + Frost damage enchantment)
- Stalhrim Arrows
- Additional Items:
- Black Star (Obtainable in “The Black Star”)
5. The Praying Mantis
Skyrim SE Builds - The Praying Mantis - Remastered Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
Growing up as the most powerful warrior in his tribe in Black Marsh, The Praying Mantis became a formidable Argonian warrior set on protecting his home from the dragons that once set it alight. This young fighter will be motivated and led by visions produced by the Hist sap that he consumed during a ritual. With his mind set on protecting Argonia and his ax blades sharpened for war, he drives on into battle with the beasts of the skies.
Dual-wielding enchanted Falmer War Axes, this reptilian is a force to be reckoned with as he slices everything that enters his path. This build impressively works alongside the main questline as this Argonian Dragonborn has a stern focus on destroying dragons and honing his skill as a Black Marsh warrior. Before long, I found that leveling up one-handed while dual-wielding the axes prevented all enemies from overpowering this character. Another fun part of this build was the exploration of the Falmer lairs in Black Reach to acquire his awesome armor combination. Nothing could defeat this character, except a female praying mantis of course.
Build Strengths:
- Argonian race offers 50% Disease + poison resistance, the ability to recover health 10x faster for 60 s, and the ability to breathe underwater
- Atronach Stone gives the character +50% spell absorption and +50 Magicka, preventing a mage build from being weak in combat
Build Details:
- Standing Stone:
- The Lover Stone (improve skills 15% faster)
- The Atronach Stone (+50 Magicka, +50% Absorb spells, -50% Magicka Regeneration) (Final)
- Skills:
- One-handed
- Alteration
- Heavy Armor
- Smithing
- Enchanting
- Spells:
- Paralyze
- Detect Life
- Ebony Flesh
- Gear:
- Shell bug Helmet (Dawnguard DLC)
- Falmer Heavy Armor (Fortify Alteration, Fortify One-handed)
- Falmer Heavy Boots (Fortify Alteration, Fortify One-handed)
- Falmer Heavy Gauntlets (Fortify Alteration, Fortify One-handed)
- Falmer Heavy Helm (Fortify Alteration, Fortify One-handed)
- Ring + Necklace (Fortify Alteration, Fortify One-handed)
- Weapons:
- Falmer War Axe (Soul Trap + Paralyse Enchantment)
- Falmer War Axe (Absorb Health + Absorb Stamina Enchantment)
- Additional Gear:
- Black Star (obtainable from “The Black Star” quest)
4. The Mechanist
Skyrim SE Builds - The Mechanist - Remastered Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
Beneath the dancing flames of a wax candle, a Redguard scholar lost in a giant tome of ancient history was overtaken with passion for studying archaic Dwemer technology. After joining an archaeological exploration into Dwemer ruins, the Redguard student escaped narrowly with his life when he was attacked by two Dwarven Spheres. That terrifying encounter only further inflamed his obsession with Dwarven paraphernalia. With an unwavering determination to discover every Dwemer artifact, The Mechanist, adorned with Dwarven steel, plunges into the depths of archaeological sites around Skyrim.
This steampunk scholar was an insanely fun playthrough especially because his Dwarven Heavy armor is always accentuated in the ruins through which you’ll be navigating. By alternating between blocking with Spellbreaker and blowing out face-melting Breath of Nchuak, his attacks are always backed with vibrant magic and dense protection. This archaeologist can even summon a Dwemer spider or sphere to assist in his underground explorations. I would recommend grinding to get every piece of Dwemer technology in the whole of Skyrim for ultimate immersiveness.
Build Strengths:
- Redguards can regenerate stamina 10x faster for 60s with Adrenaline Rush and have a 50% resistance to poison
- Breath of Nchuak can be used almost infinitely using Adrenaline Rush.
- Using a combination of Standing Stones and heavily enchanted armor, The Mechanist has an impressive boost to Destruction magic and a large pool of Magicka.
Build Details:
- Standing Stone:
- The Lover Stone (improve skills 15% faster)
- The Atronach Stone (+50 Magicka, +50% Absorb spells, -50% Magicka Regeneration) (Final)
- Skills:
- Block
- Destruction
- Restoration
- Heavy armor
- Smithing
- Enchanting
- Spells:
- Fireball
- Incinerate
- Preferred restoration spells (such as Fast Healing or Healing Hands)
- Gear:
- Dwarven Armor (Fortify Destruction + Fortify Restoration + Stamina Regeneration + Stamina)
- Dwarven Boots (Fortify Destruction + Fortify Restoration + Stamina Regeneration + Stamina)
- Dwarven Gauntlets (Fortify Destruction + Fortify Restoration + Stamina Regeneration + Stamina)
- Dwarven Helmet (Fortify Destruction + Fortify Restoration + Stamina Regeneration + Stamina) (backup)
- Visage of Mzund (+60 stamina and Breath of Nchuak, a steam attack, can be released) (Dragonborn DLC)
- Ring + Necklace (Fortify Destruction + Fortify Restoration)
- Spellbreaker (ward while blocking protects against up to 50 points of spells
- Weapons:
- Keening (chance of absorbing 10 Magicka, health, and stamina)
- Aetherial Staff (Summon Dwarven spider or sphere for 60 seconds) (Dawnguard DLC)
3. The Redoran Swordmaster
The Redoran Swordmaster [Skyrim Anniversary Edition Samurai Build] by Skypothesis
Origin Story:
Upon the fertile High Rock farmlands, the scorching sun and burdensome poverty experienced by The Redoran Swordmaster and his family would forever preserve humility in his heart. With a talent for wielding a blade, the Swordmaster would find a balance between honing his skills and teaching others. However, after encountering insurmountable difficulty in teaching inner peace to his rebellious students, the Swordmaster began his journey into discovering the Dunmer heritage from which he came.
This samurai warrior is such a brilliant build that he would blend right into the bleak Japanese world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This impressionable swordmaster is a challenge to complete but is a pleasure to play. The Ebony Greatsword that he calmly wields with an air of experienced discipline can deal out impressive damage to enemies who wish to throw him off balance with their imprudent attacks. Turning away from the vague morality that has corrupted Skyrim’s people, this is an extremely engaging build as you challenge yourself to stay true to the Bushido principles in quests and battles.
Build Strengths:
- Wielding a greatsword in honorable combat, you play as a samurai warrior in Skyrim.
- The Redoran Swordmaster has a great variety of spells and shouts used in battle, further showing his prowess as a spellsword.
- Using light robes, this build s
Build Details:
- Weapons:
- Ebony Greatsword
- Shouts:
- Elemental Fury
- Become Ethereal
- Whirlwind Sprint
- Slow Time
- Spells:
- Ebony Flesh
- Paralyze
- Fast Healing
- Skills:
- Two-handed
- Block
- Smithing
- Alteration
- Restoration
- Gear:
- Redoran Watchman’s Helmet (Villains Quest)
- Common Robes (Blue)
- Leather Scout Bracers
- Ahzidal’s Boots of Waterwalking (+10 Enchanting)
- Ring (Fortify Magicka)
- Amulet (Frost Resistance)
- Standing Stone:
- The Lord Stone (+50 armor, 25% magic resistance)
2. The Sabre Cat
Skyrim SE Builds - The Sabre Cat - Unarmed Damage Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
A mischievous kitten, The Sabre Cat pursued his predator instincts by sharpening his claws along the throats of wildlife in the woodlands around his home. His unchanneled aggression was too mighty to be tamed, leaving him no option but to leave his home in search of drunken brawls and fiery skirmishes in the tumultuous, mountainous land of Skyrim.
This Khajiit Sabre fighter brings back nostalgic flashbacks of Tai Lung from Kung Fu Panda. And similar to that ferocious feline, The Sabre Cat slashes his enemies with his whetted talons. Always ready to sink his claws into anyone that’s looking for a fight, this fun playstyle will have you entering every battle unarmed with full Daedric armor for protection. I can’t even begin to describe the excitement felt when you defeat Mirmulnir with your bare paws.
Build Strengths:
- Khajiit Race grants him 12 unarmed damage which is essential for this powerful unarmed build
- Complete Daedric Armor offers some of the highest protection available in the game.
- Numerous enchantments for stamina give this build his feline agility.
Build Details:
- Standing Stone:
- The Atronach Stone (+50 Magicka, +50% Absorb spells, -50% Magicka Regeneration) (Final)
- Skills:
- Heavy Armor
- Conjuration
- Restoration
- Smithing
- Enchanting
- Spells:
- Dead Thrall
- Dread Zombie
- Necromantic Healing (Dawnguard DLC)
- Fast Healing (or other self-healing spells)
- Gear:
- Daedric Armor (Fortify Health + Stamina/ Fortify Restoration + Conjuration)
- Daedric Boots (Fortify Health + Stamina/ Fortify Restoration + Conjuration)
- Daedric Gauntlets (Fortify Unarmed Damage)
- Ring (Fortify Unarmed Damage)
- Necklace (Fortify Health + Stamina/ Fortify Restoration + Conjuration)
1. The Master
Skyrim SE Builds - The Master - Jack of All Trades Build by FudgeMuppet
Origin Story:
An Imperial scholar of The College of Whispers stared out the narrow window of his lecture hall while a frail wizard drummed on about uninteresting tomes, and he pondered about whether there was anything to be learned in these classes. By night, he would tread through the cobbled streets of the city in search of new experiences and true life lessons. He longed to hone his skills through exercise as opposed to boring oratory lessons. After leaving the college behind, the expansive lands of Skyrim held infinite possibilities and new knowledge beckoned him.
This build never ceases to lose its charm for me because of how devoted you become to bringing your character to the heights of Skyrim’s leveling system and truly becoming a master of all trades. The playthrough of this build with its many quests and adventurous affairs truly satisfies the completionist within all of us. With Skyrim open on one screen and ESO’s skill guides open on another, you’ll find yourself plunging into hours of immersive gameplay and attempting to discover all there is to this truly beautiful game. The Master build is the least restrictive on this list and is one to be attempted before you believe you’ve seen all there is in Skyrim.
Build Strengths:
- An Imperial, he possesses Voice of The Emperor to calm humanoids for 60s and Imperial Luck enabling him to find more gold
- His variety of skills leave him with few weaknesses
- Using a complete set of Wolf Armor, The Master has great boosts to Conjuration and Illusion, his most favored skills.
Build Details:
- Standing Stone:
- The Lover Stone (improve skills 15% faster)
- The Lord Stone (+50 Armor, +25% Magic Resistance) (Final)
- Skills:
- Enchantment
- One-handed
- Conjuration
- Illusion
- Enchanting
- Sneak
- Spells:
- Conjure Flame Atronach
- Conjure Frost Atronach
- Conjure Storm Atronach
- Conjure Ash Guardian (Dragonborn DLC)
- Pacify
- Frenzy
- Invisibility
- Muffle
- Gear:
- Guild Master’s Hood (20% better prices)
- Wolf Armor (Fortify Conjuration + Illusion)
- Wolf Boots (Fortify Conjuration + Illusion)
- Wolf Gauntlets (Fortify Conjuration + Illusion)
- Ring + Necklace (Fortify Conjuration + Illusion)
- Weapons:
- Dragonbone Sword (Absorb Health and Fiery Soul Trap)
- Additional Items:
- The Black Star (obtainable from “The Black Star” quest)
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