This The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition tier list ranks every major option by overall effectiveness. Rankings factor in damage output, survivability, versatility, gear requirements, and how well each option scales.
Tier definitions: S = best in class, always a strong pick. A = strong and competitive, minor weaknesses. B = solid but clearly outperformed in most situations. C = viable only for players who enjoy the playstyle.
Builds Rankings
| Tier | Build | Rating | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Stealth Archer | 9.5/10 | Crouch, line up the shot, vanish, repeat |
| A | Two-Handed Berserker | 8.5/10 | Walk forward, swing, ignore most incoming damage |
| B | Destruction Mage | 7.5/10 | Dual-cast Impact to stunlock, kite everything else |
| A | Conjuration Summoner | 8.5/10 | Summon, reanimate, let the army carry |
| B | Sword and Board Paladin | 7.5/10 | Block, bash to stagger, counterattack |
Detailed Builds Analysis
Stealth Archer (S-Tier)
The build everyone falls into for good reason. Sneak attacks with a bow deal triple damage, and with the right perks that becomes a flat 3x sniper kill from the shadows.
Best with: Daedric or Dragonbone Bow, Deadly Aim perk, Muffle enchantment on boots. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Stamina for draw speed, then Health
Two-Handed Berserker (A-Tier)
Heavy armor and a greatsword that turns enemies into paste. Power attacks stagger and the Critical Charge perk closes distance fast.
Best with: Daedric Greatsword, full Daedric heavy armor, Elemental Fury shout. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Health first, Stamina for power attacks
Destruction Mage (B-Tier)
Fire, frost, and shock from range. Destruction scales poorly at high levels without crafting support, so pair it with Alchemy to stay relevant.
Best with: Staff of staves, Fortify Destruction gear, Impact perk for stagger. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Magicka above all, then Health
Conjuration Summoner (A-Tier)
Let bound creatures and reanimated corpses do the fighting. A Dremora Lord tanks while you cast support spells from safety.
Best with: Bound Bow for early game, Conjuration cost-reduction gear. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Magicka, then Health
Sword and Board Paladin (B-Tier)
Restoration healing, a one-handed sword, and a shield for bashing. Slow but nearly unkillable, ideal for a first survival-focused run.
Best with: Dawnbreaker, heavy shield with block enchant, Restoration spells. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Health and Stamina split
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Best With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daedric Bow | Stealth archers who want raw sneak-shot numbers | The highest base-damage bow in the unmodded game, craftable at the Atronach Forge or smithed with Daedra Hearts. |
| Mehrunes' Razor | Assassins finishing the Pieces of the Past quest | A dagger with a flat chance to instantly kill any target, scaling beautifully with sneak multipliers. |
| Chillrend | One-handed builds wanting crowd control | A leveled glass sword that frost-damages and has a chance to paralyze, best grabbed at high level for the strongest version. |
| Dragonbane | Players hunting dragons on higher difficulty | A katana from the Blades questline that shocks targets and deals bonus damage to dragons. |
| Auriel's Bow | Vampire-hunting archers in the DLC | A Dawnguard bow that fires sun damage and, with Sunhallowed arrows, can stagger most enemies in daylight. |
Check our weapons guide for in-depth stats and comparisons.
Equipment Analysis
Daedric Bow: The highest base-damage bow in the unmodded game, craftable at the Atronach Forge or smithed with Daedra Hearts.
Mehrunes' Razor: A dagger with a flat chance to instantly kill any target, scaling beautifully with sneak multipliers.
Chillrend: A leveled glass sword that frost-damages and has a chance to paralyze, best grabbed at high level for the strongest version.
Dragonbane: A katana from the Blades questline that shocks targets and deals bonus damage to dragons.
Auriel's Bow: A Dawnguard bow that fires sun damage and, with Sunhallowed arrows, can stagger most enemies in daylight.
Meta Analysis
The current meta in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition centers on shout system and skill perk trees. Builds that leverage both systems outperform those that focus on only one. Our combat guide explains these interactions in depth.
What's strong right now:
- Stealth Archer with Daedric Bow is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
- smithing and enchanting builds are gaining ground as players find new synergies.
- Destruction Mage remains essential for learning hard content. See the boss guide.
What's underrated:
- Two-Handed Berserker is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
- Chillrend offers excellent performance for its investment level.
What's overhyped:
- Pure Sword and Board Paladin builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.
Quick Picks by Situation
| Situation | Best Build | Best Gear | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall best | Stealth Archer | Daedric Bow | Highest consistent performance |
| New player | Two-Handed Berserker | Mehrunes' Razor | Most forgiving, teaches mechanics |
| Hard content | Destruction Mage | Chillrend | Survivability when you need it |
| Group play | Conjuration Summoner | Dragonbane | Utility and team support |
| Experienced player | Sword and Board Paladin | Auriel's Bow | Unique challenge and high ceiling |
More The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Guides
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Overview
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Best Builds
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Walkthrough
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Beginner's Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Tips & Tricks
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Weapons Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Combat Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Boss Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Maps & Locations
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Crafting Guide
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Classes & Characters
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