If you’re a fan of hitting things really hard with a big hammer, then a Skyrim two-handed build could be the way forward for you.
Looking for a Skyrim two-handed build? If combat is your primary concern, then a two-handed weapon is the way to go. You won’t be dual wielding anything, but you’ll be able to hit enemies with a lot of force. It’s a good idea to have a backup weapon though, just in case you get knocked down.
Skyrim is a lot of things to a lot of different people, but if you’re bored of the traditional one-handed weapon and shield setup and you want to try something new, a two-handed build might be just what you need. Depending on your preference, you can either go full Barbarian or focus on tactics with a greatsword. Either way, there are a few things you’ll need to know if you want to get started.
What race is best for a two-handed build?
When it comes to Skyrim races and their bonuses, there’s no one better choice for a two-handed build. However, there are some races that work better than others thanks to their natural skill bonuses. The best two-handed race is:
Both Nords and Orcs can make for a great two-handed build, but they suit different playstyles. Nords favour combat with heavier weapons, while Orcs specialise in armour. Nords have a ten-point skill bonus in Two-Handed and a five-point bonus in Smithing, making them the perfect race if you plan on crafting your own weaponry. This also lends itself to the best armour and weapons mods for skyrim, as they can be made from scratch. Nords also have a 50% resistance to Frost damage, making them a good choice if you’re frequently fighting against ice-based enemies.
Orcs have a five-point bonus in Two-Handed and a ten-point bonus in Heavy Armor. This is the ideal race for those looking for a more aggressive approach to combat. Heavy Armor mitigates more damage than Light Armor does, and Two-Handed allows you to deal more damage with each hit. The Orc’s bonus to Heavy Armor also makes them the perfect choice for entering Orsimer strongholds, as you won’t have to prove your worth to the Orcish Chieftains.
There are other races that can work with a two-handed build, but they don’t have the same skill bonuses as the two above. Nords have a 50% resistance to Frost damage, so if you frequently find yourself up against ice-based enemies, this could be the race for you. Similarly, the Redguard race regenerates stamina faster, which is useful if you plan on dual-wielding weapons.
What stone is best for a two-handed Skyrim build?
The best stone to use to level up your Two-Handed and Heavy Armor skills is:
There are other stones available to you in the world of Skyrim, but the Warrior stone is the best for leveling up Two-Handed and Heavy Armor skills. Not only does the Warrior stone increase the rate you level up these skills, but it also increases your overall health and stamina.
What skills should I prioritise for a two-handed build?
Leveling up in Skyrim requires gaining experience and using skills, but certain skills level up faster than others. The Two-Handed skill is the focus for this build, so it’s important to prioritise that skill above all others.
To begin with, it’s recommended to prioritise stamina and then health because Two-Handed deals more damage the more stamina you have. The best Skyrim two-handed build asks you to prioritise Two-Handed over everything else until you reach around level 20, at which point you should switch to a one-to-one ratio of stamina and health. If you find yourself running out of stamina quickly, you can level up your Heavy Armor skill, but this isn’t necessary.
Your health bar is more important than your stamina bar, so the idea is to take plenty of hits, but deal more damage than you receive. If you’re using a shield, then you might want to consider raising your block skill, but if you’re not a fan of shields, there’s no need to raise it. Magicka is a stat that doesn’t need to be raised for a traditional two-handed build, so you can put your extra points elsewhere.
What two-handed weapons should I use?
There are plenty of great two-handed weapons in Skyrim, and the best Skyrim two-handed weapons are:
If you’re looking to play a Barbarian-style two-handed build, then the greatsword is your best bet. The Berserking perk allows you to hit harder when you’re low on health, which is perfect if you’re taking a lot of damage. The Hack and Slash perks allow you to perform critical hits more often and hit more enemies at once.
