20 Best 1-Handed Weapons in Skyrim: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

In the vast and dangerous world of Skyrim, a trusty one-handed weapon is your indispensable companion. Whether you prefer to slice through foes with a razor-sharp sword or bash them with the brute force of a warhammer, Skyrim offers a diverse arsenal to cater to every playstyle. This guide will delve into the 20 best 1-handed weapons, exploring their unique attributes, damage potential, and acquisition methods.

1. Dawnbreaker (Sword)

• Damage: 15
• Enchantment: Deals 10 points of sun damage to undead enemies
• Acquisition: Obtained during the "Lights Out!" quest in Meridia's Temple

Dawnbreaker is the ultimate weapon against undead hordes, unleashing a devastating burst of holy energy with every strike. Its enchantment is particularly effective in Draugr-infested tombs and caves.

2. Chillrend (Dagger)

• Damage: 10
• Enchantment: Paralyzes enemies for 2 seconds
• Acquisition: Found in the "Thieves Guild" questline or the "Dustman's Cairn" dungeon

Chillrend is a stealthy assassin's dream, delivering a swift and crippling blow. Its paralyzing enchantment allows you to escape danger or finish off foes without resistance.

3. Volendrung (Warhammer)

• Damage: 24
• Enchantment: Deals extra damage to dwarven machines
• Acquisition: Obtained during the "At the Forge of Souls" quest in the Dwarven Ruins of Bthardamz

Volendrung is a dwarven powerhouse, crushing enemies with raw force. Its bonus damage against dwarven automatons makes it essential for delving into the depths of Dwemer ruins.

4. Dragonbane (Sword)

• Damage: 17
• Enchantment: Absorbs 25% of damage dealt to dragons
• Acquisition: Crafted at a forge with the Dragonbone Smithing perk

Dragonbane lives up to its name, providing an edge against the fearsome dragons of Skyrim. Its enchantment replenishes your health while striking dragons, enhancing your endurance.

5. Mehrunes' Razor (Dagger)

• Damage: 12
• Enchantment: Instant kill chance of 2.5%
• Acquisition: Obtained by completing the "Pieces of the Past" Daedric quest

Mehrunes' Razor is a gamble every assassin should take. Despite its low damage, its razor-sharp blade has a 2.5% chance to end any foe's life with a single strike.

6. Daedric War Axe

• Damage: 16
• Enchantment: None
• Acquisition: Found in various chests and dungeon loot or purchased from blacksmiths

The classic Daedric War Axe packs a punch with its high base damage. Its versatile design makes it suitable for both close-range combat and throwing at distant enemies.

7. Ebony Sword

• Damage: 14
• Enchantment: Soul trap
• Acquisition: Found in chests and dungeons or purchased from blacksmiths

The Ebony Sword is a reliable mid-tier weapon with a strong balance of damage and enchantment. Its soul trap ability captures the souls of your fallen foes, feeding your soul gems.

8. Stalhrim Greatsword

• Damage: 24
• Enchantment: None
• Acquisition: Craftable at a forge with the Stalhrim Smithing perk

The Stalhrim Greatsword is a two-handed weapon with exceptional damage potential. Its lightweight and durable nature make it a formidable choice for warriors in heavy armor.

9. Daedric Mace

• Damage: 15
• Enchantment: Damage stamina
• Acquisition: Found in chests and dungeon loot or purchased from blacksmiths

The Daedric Mace is a brutal weapon that drains stamina with each blow. Stamina-reliant enemies, such as mages and dragons, will find it particularly difficult to fight you.

10. Forsworn Briarheart

• Damage: 12
• Enchantment: Absorb health
• Acquisition: Obtained from Forsworn Briarhearts or looted from Forsworn camps

The Forsworn Briarheart is a unique weapon with a twisted appearance. Its health absorption enchantment sustains you in the heat of battle, replenishing your vitality with each strike.

11. Zephyr

• Damage: 11
• Enchantment: Stamina drain
• Acquisition: Obtained during the "Bleak Falls Barrow" questline

Zephyr is an early-game sword that pairs well with a shield. Its stamina drain enchantment slows down enemies, allowing you to maneuver and strike with impunity.

12. Wuuthrad

• Damage: 20
• Enchantment: Damage to elves
• Acquisition: Obtained by completing the "Civil War" questline

Wuuthrad is a formidable war axe with a legendary history. Its bonus damage against elves makes it a must-have weapon in encounters with Altmer, Bosmer, and Dunmer foes.

13. Blades Sword

• Damage: 13
• Enchantment: Absorb health
• Acquisition: Obtained by completing the "Blades" questline

The Blades Sword is a balanced weapon with a low enchant cost. Its health absorption sustains your endurance in extended fights, allowing you to engage in prolonged battles without exhaustion.

14. Nightingale Blade

• Damage: 12
• Enchantment: Damage to undead
• Acquisition: Obtained by completing the "Thieves Guild" questline

The Nightingale Blade is an elegant dagger that deals extra damage to undead enemies. Its agility and quick attack speed make it a formidable choice for assassins and stealthy adventurers.

15. Meridia's Beacon

• Damage: 12
• Enchantment: Damage to undead
• Acquisition: Obtained during the "A New Hand" Daedric quest

Meridia's Beacon is a mysterious sword that emits a radiant light when near undead enemies. It deals bonus damage against undead and can be imbued with powerful enchantments, making it a versatile weapon in various encounters.

16. Soulrender

• Damage: 10
• Enchantment: Soul trap
• Acquisition: Obtained by completing the "Soul Cairn" questline

Soulrender is a ghostly sword that captures the souls of fallen enemies, filling soul gems and providing soul magic bonuses. Its ethereal form adds an element of mysticism to your combat style.

17. The Staff of Magnus

• Damage: 12
• Enchantment: Damage to magic users
• Acquisition: Obtained by completing the "Staff of Magnus" questline

The Staff of Magnus is a potent weapon against spellcasters and conjurers. It unleashes a burst of magical energy that deals bonus damage against magic users, making it a formidable tool in magical battles.

18. Wabbajack

• Damage: Random
• Enchantment: Random
• Acquisition: Obtained by completing the "Sheogorath Daedric Prince" questline

Wabbajack is a peculiar staff that delivers unpredictable results. Its random enchantment effects range from transforming enemies into chickens to summoning lightning bolts, creating an element of chaos and surprise in every encounter.

19. Azura's Star

• Damage: 12
• Enchantment: Fills soul gems
• Acquisition: Obtained during the "Black Star" questline

Azura's Star is a soul gem that can be filled with the souls of defeated enemies. It provides a limitless source of soul energy, allowing you to power up enchanting and soul magic abilities.

20. Bloodskal Blade

• Damage: 13
• Enchantment: Explosion on kill
• Acquisition: Obtained by completing the "Bloodskal Barrow" dungeon

The Bloodskal Blade is a unique weapon that triggers an explosion upon killing an enemy. The blast damage scales with the target's health, making it a devastating tool against powerful foes.

Key Considerations

When selecting the best 1-handed weapon for your playstyle, consider the following factors:

• Damage: The base damage of the weapon determines its overall effectiveness in combat.
• Enchantment: Enchantments can provide additional bonuses, such as damage boosts, paralysis, or soul absorption.
• Acquisition: Some weapons are easier to obtain than others, which may influence your choice if you're not willing to invest time in complex quests.
• Playstyle: Different weapons complement different playstyles. For example, a stealthy assassin may prefer a dagger over a warhammer.

Conclusion

The vast arsenal of 1-handed weapons in Skyrim cater to every player's unique combat style. Whether you seek the raw power of a warhammer, the swift precision of a dagger, or the versatility of a sword, this guide provides the insights you need to make informed decisions and equip yourself with the best weapons Skyrim has to offer. May your journey be filled with epic battles and glorious victories!