The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

How to Beat Giants

Defeat Giants and their Mammoths in Skyrim with kiting strategies, ranged attacks, and cautious melee tactics.

Giants are massive, nomadic humanoids found throughout Skyrim, often accompanied by Mammoths. While not traditional 'bosses' in a questline, they are formidable open-world encounters, especially at lower levels. Their club attacks can send you flying into the sky, resulting in instant death.

Weaknesses:

  • Slow Movement: Giants are slow, making them easy to kite.
  • Ranged Attacks: They have no ranged attacks, making bows and spells effective from a distance.
  • Stagger: Power attacks and certain Shouts can stagger them.

Strategy:

  • Ranged Kiting: The safest strategy is to keep your distance, using bows or destruction spells. Move constantly to avoid their slow, sweeping attacks.
  • Environmental Hazards: Use terrain to your advantage, such as rocks or ledges they cannot easily reach.
  • Melee (Cautious): If engaging in melee, use hit-and-run tactics. Get a few hits in, then back away quickly. Block their attacks, but be aware of their power.
  • Companions: A companion can draw their attention, allowing you to attack from behind.
  • Mammoths: Always deal with the Mammoths first, as they can also be dangerous.

Rewards:

Giants drop Giant's Toes (valuable alchemy ingredient) and a significant amount of gold. Mammoths drop Mammoth Tusks (valuable) and Mammoth Snout (food).