Choosing the best battleaxe in Skyrim is a common question among players who enjoy melee combat and heavy weapons. With a wide variety of axes available in the game, each with different damage, speed, enchantments, and perks, selecting the ideal weapon depends on your character’s build, playstyle, and goals. Battleaxes in Skyrim are particularly effective for characters specializing in two-handed combat, providing high damage per hit and the ability to stagger or knock down enemies. Understanding the top options, their stats, and how to enhance them can help players maximize combat efficiency and make informed choices about which battleaxe suits their needs.
Overview of Battleaxes in Skyrim
Battleaxes in Skyrim are two-handed weapons that excel in close-quarters combat. They generally deal more damage than one-handed weapons but are slower, requiring strategic use of power attacks and careful timing. Battleaxes are divided into different tiers based on materials, such as iron, steel, ebony, Daedric, and Dragonbone, each with increasing base damage and durability. Additionally, enchanted battleaxes provide added effects like absorbing health, magicka, or stamina, or dealing elemental damage. Choosing the best battleaxe involves weighing raw damage, special effects, and your character’s combat skills.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Battleaxe
- Base DamageHigher damage allows for more efficient kills and better performance against tough enemies.
- Weight and SpeedHeavier axes hit harder but swing slower, while lighter axes allow quicker attacks.
- EnchantmentsMagical effects can increase survivability or add elemental damage.
- Smithing LevelSome axes can be upgraded using the Ebony Smithing or Daedric Smithing perks.
- AvailabilityCertain axes require completing quests or defeating powerful enemies, while others can be purchased or crafted.
Top Battleaxes in Skyrim
Several battleaxes stand out as the best options for players depending on whether they prioritize damage, enchantments, or accessibility. Here are some of the most notable choices
Daedric Battleaxe
The Daedric Battleaxe is often considered the highest damage non-legendary battleaxe in the base game. It has a base damage of 19, which can be further increased through smithing and perks. It is heavy but incredibly powerful, making it ideal for two-handed characters with high strength and stamina. Players can craft this axe at a forge if they have the Daedric Smithing perk and the necessary materials, including ebony ingots and Daedra hearts.
Dragonbone Battleaxe
Introduced in the Dawnguard expansion, the Dragonbone Battleaxe offers the highest base damage in the game, surpassing even Daedric weapons. It requires the Dragon Armor perk to craft and uses dragon bones as materials. Its massive damage makes it extremely effective against dragons, bosses, and other high-level enemies. However, it is heavier than most other battleaxes, so timing and stamina management are crucial when wielding it in combat.
Ebony Battleaxe
The Ebony Battleaxe is a strong mid-to-late game option for players who want a balance between damage and weight. It has a base damage of 14, which increases significantly with the Ebony Smithing perk. This weapon is easier to obtain and craft than Daedric or Dragonbone axes, making it a practical choice for many players. Ebony Battleaxes can also be enchanted with custom effects, allowing for a versatile weapon that fits different combat styles.
Volendrung
Volendrung is a unique Daedric artifact granted by the Daedric Prince Malacath. It is extremely powerful and provides a massive stagger effect, making enemies recoil upon impact. Volendrung also restores stamina with each hit, allowing for more frequent power attacks. While it may not have the highest base damage compared to Dragonbone, its utility and unique effects make it one of the best battleaxes for players who prefer a combination of raw power and special abilities.
Bloodskal Battleaxe
The Bloodskal Battleaxe is obtained during the Dragonborn DLC. It features a unique ranged attack that launches a powerful energy wave, dealing damage to enemies at a distance. While slightly slower than other battleaxes, its versatility and the ability to engage opponents both in melee and at range make it highly desirable. This weapon is particularly useful in combination with stealth or ranged support characters who can supplement its slower swing speed.
Enchanting and Upgrading Battleaxes
Enchantments can transform a standard battleaxe into one of the most powerful weapons in Skyrim. Popular enchantments include absorbing health, magicka, or stamina, adding fire, frost, or shock damage, or increasing critical hit chance. Upgrading through smithing with perks such as Daedric, Dragon Armor, or Ebony Smithing allows players to maximize damage potential. Combining high-quality enchantments with upgraded axes ensures that even the heaviest battleaxes can be swung effectively and devastate enemies.
Smithing Perks to Maximize Damage
- Steel Smithing – for early-game axes
- Ebony Smithing – for Ebony Battleaxes
- Daedric Smithing – for Daedric Battleaxes
- Dragon Armor – for Dragonbone Battleaxes
- Barbarian Perk – increases damage of all two-handed weapons by up to 100%
Combat Tips for Using Battleaxes
Effective use of a battleaxe requires a combination of timing, stamina management, and positioning. Power attacks deliver maximum damage but consume significant stamina, so it’s important to avoid overextending. Pairing a battleaxe with two-handed perks such as Deep Wounds or Champion’s Stance enhances damage further. Additionally, using shouts like Dragonborn’s Unrelenting Force or Dragon Aspect can complement a battleaxe build by staggering enemies or boosting damage output.
Strategies for Beginners
- Start with lighter battleaxes like steel or iron to build skill levels.
- Use power attacks sparingly and time them for enemy stagger moments.
- Combine with armor that increases stamina or health to sustain prolonged combat.
- Experiment with enchantments that suit your combat style, such as elemental damage for dragons or absorb health for melee duels.
The best battleaxe in Skyrim depends on your character build, combat style, and the stage of the game. For raw damage, Dragonbone Battleaxes are unmatched, while Daedric Battleaxes provide powerful and accessible options for late-game players. Ebony Battleaxes offer a balance between strength and accessibility, and unique weapons like Volendrung and Bloodskal Battleaxe introduce special effects that enhance versatility and utility. Combining smithing upgrades, powerful enchantments, and proper combat strategies ensures that whichever battleaxe you choose, it can dominate enemies and provide a satisfying two-handed combat experience throughout Skyrim.