Mastering the Two-Handed Skill in Skyrim
For those who prefer to cleave through their enemies with brute force and devastating swings, the Two-Handed skill in Skyrim is the ultimate choice. This skill governs the use of greatswords, battleaxes, and warhammers, allowing you to wield immense power in combat. Investing in Two-Handed perks can transform you into an unstoppable force, capable of decimating entire groups of foes with a single strike.
The Two-Handed skill levels up by successfully landing hits with two-handed weapons. The more powerful the weapon and the more hits you land, the faster you will progress. The perks within the Two-Handed tree are desed to enhance damage output, improve weapon speed, grant special attacks, and increase your survivability while wielding these mighty weapons.
Key Perks in the Two-Handed Tree:
- Barbarian: Increases the damage of two-handed weapons. This is the foundational perk for any two-handed build.
- Champion's Stance: Allows you to use two-handed weapons more effectively by reducing the stamina cost of power attacks.
- Devastating Blow: Power attacks with two-handed swords do 25% bonus damage.
- Great Critical Charge: When sprinting, your two-handed power attacks deal 25% bonus damage.
- Sweep: Power attacks with two-handed weapons now hit all targets in front of you.
- Warmaster: Power attacks with two-handed weapons have a 30% chance to paralyze the target.
- Weapon Specialization (Greatsword, Battleaxe, Warhammer): Each grants a 25% bonus damage with the respective weapon type.
- Limbsplitter (Battleaxe): Critical hits with battleaxes do 25% bonus damage and stagger the target.
- Skullcrusher (Warhammer): Critical hits with warhammers do 25% bonus damage and ore a portion of the target's armor.
- Deep Wounds (Greatsword): Critical hits with greatswords do 25% bonus damage and cause targets to bleed for 3 seconds.
To effectively level the Two-Handed skill, engage in combat frequently. Prioritize using your strongest two-handed weapon and don't shy away from power attacks, especially once you unlock perks like Champion's Stance and Sweep. Seeking out trainers, such as Athis in The Companions or Farkas, can also accelerate your progress.
Consider combining a Two-Handed build with Heavy Armor for maximum survivability, or with Smithing to craft and improve your own devastating weapons. Enchanting can also provide valuable buffs to damage, stamina, or health. For a truly formidable warrior, focus on maximizing your damage output and survivability.
Example Two-Handed Build Progression:
- Start with Barbarian and Champion's Stance to improve basic damage and power attack efficiency.
- Invest in your preferred weapon specialization (Greatsword, Battleaxe, or Warhammer).
- Unlock Devastating Blow and Great Critical Charge for increased offensive power.
- Progress to Sweep to deal with multiple enemies effectively.
- Aim for Warmaster for its potent paralysis chance on power attacks.
- Consider perks like Limbsplitter, Skullcrusher, or Deep Wounds based on your weapon of choice.
A well-played Two-Handed character is a terrifying presence on the battlefield, capable of ending fights quickly and decisively. Embrace the power of the greatsword, battleaxe, or warhammer and become a legend of Skyrim's combat.