Maces & Axes: Armor Penetration
For those who prefer a more direct and brutal approach to combat, maces and axes in The Elder Scrolls VI offer a distinct advantage: their ability to bypass or sificantly reduce enemy armor. While swords might be faster, these blunt and bladed weapons are desed to crush defenses and deliver crushing blows, making them ideal for tackling heavily armored opponents.
The core strength of maces and axes lies in their inherent armor penetration capabilities. This means that a portion of the damage dealt by these weapons will ore the enemy's armor rating, allowing you to deal more consistent damage, especially against foes clad in plate or scale armor. This makes them invaluable for players who find themselves frequently facing heavily armed soldiers or formidable armored beasts.
Early in your journey, you'll encounter Iron Maces and Iron Axes. While their base damage might not be as high as some swords, their armor-piercing qualities make them a solid choice for early-game combat. Look for any with enchantments that further enhance their destructive potential, such as bonus damage to unarmored targets or a chance to stagger.
As you progress, aim for Steel Maces and Steel Axes. These will provide a sificant boost in raw damage while retaining their armor-penetrating benefits. Upgrading your smithing skill to improve these weapons will further amplify their effectiveness against even the toughest armors.
Higher-tier weapons like Dwarven Maces and Orcish Axes will become increasingly potent. Their superior base damage combined with their armor-piercing properties makes them excellent choices for mid-to-late game combat. Don't overlook the unique aesthetic and potential lore associated with these weapon types, as they often reflect the cultures that forged them.
When wielding maces and axes, consider their slower attack speed. This means you'll need to be more deliberate with your strikes, timing them carefully to land after enemy attacks or during openings. Power attacks with these weapons can be devastating, capable of staggering even large enemies and breaking through their defenses.
For players focusing on a strength-based build, maces and axes are the natural choice. They synergize well with heavy armor and skills that enhance melee damage. Experiment with different weapon types to find the one that best suits your combat rhythm and the types of enemies you most frequently encounter.