Dual-Wielding weapons can lead to some of the most versatile character builds in all of Skyrim. Here are a few that make the game more interesting.

There are well over 200 perks for the Dragonborn to choose from in Skyrim, coupled with dozens of unique weapons and enchantments that make it possible for players to utilize just about any playstyle they can imagine, including creating all manner of dual-wielding builds. Though nearly every character build is viable if approached correctly, some are more effective than others and have consequently maintained popularity in the decade following Skyrim's original release. Dual-wielding is one such example. With the right skills, dual-wielding can significantly increase a player's attack speed and overall damage, effectively turning the Dragonborn into a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. On top of that, it can allow for some unique roleplaying opportunities.

Given the popularity of Skyrim's Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild questlines, it's little surprise that assassin-based character builds are among the most favored among Skyrim players. Stealth archer builds in particular have often been lauded as among the most powerful in the game, though the Backstab perk also makes one-handed attacks quite formidable when coupled with the Stealth ability. Considering how many unique one-handed weapons can be found throughout Skyrim, many of which bear enchantments that can't be obtained through any other means, there are plenty of ways to customize a melee-based build to suit a player's unique preferences.

Dual-wielding increases the strength of some of Skyrim's best unique weapons, especially when coupled with other spells and Dragon Shouts. Even particular armor sets improve dual-wielding abilities, such as the Deathbrand armor from Skyrim's Dragonborn expansion. Armor obtained through the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood storylines also have perks that increase one-handed sneak attacks, which can be utilized in specific dual-wielding builds. Given that Skyrim takes item weight into account when determining the speed of dual-wield attacks, some players opt to use conjured weapons alongside magic instead, particularly those looking to roleplay a mage at the College of Winterhold.

Skyrim - Use Dragon Shouts To Make Dual-Wielding More Powerful

Elemental Fury is one of the most well-known Dragon Shouts among dual-wielding Skyrim players, and for a good reason. It adds a buff known as "wind speed" to any unenchanted melee weapon in the game, drastically increasing its attack speed to 100% if all the ranks of one of Skyrim's best Dragon Shouts are unlocked. The rate of dual-wield attacks in Skyrim is governed by the offhand weapon, meaning that the Dragonborn can use Elemental Fury on the weapon in their left hand and still reap the benefits even if their right-hand weapon is enchanted. The effect lasts for 15 seconds, which should be enough time to get quite a few hits provided players aren't dealing with long-range enemies like mages or archers. Elemental Fury cannot, however, be used on Skyrim's bound weapons.

Slow Time is another good Shout to use with a magic-focused dual-wielding Dragonborn. For best results, players should pick Orc as their player race in Skyrim, allowing them to use the Berserker Rage ability. With Berserker Rage active, players do double damage while taking significantly less from enemies. Activating Slow Time just before toggling Berserker Rage will allow an Orcish Dragonborn to deal significant damage without getting hit much in return. Alongside an unenchanted dagger for maximum speed, players can use any powerful one-handed melee weapons available in Skyrim to increase their damage output with this build. It's satisfying to immobilize the battlefield, dealing significant damage at an unrivaled pace thanks to dual-wielding.

Using Unconventional Weapons To Dual-Wield In Skyrim

Daggers and swords aren't the only weapons that can be used in a dual-wielding build, however. There are plenty of alternative weapons and artifacts for Skyrim players to consider, especially when looking at things from a roleplaying perspective. In terms of speed-to-damage ratio, hatchets are objectively the best weapon to use while dual-wielding without the aid of spells or Dragon Shouts. Additionally, given the weapon's popularity among Skyrim's Forsworn enemies, players can use two hatchets to help roleplay a Dragonborn looking to rebel against the Reach. Finally, given that the Forsworn conspiracy plays a large part in the story of Markarth, it could even be an excellent excuse to buy a house there and perhaps invest in one of Skyrim's unique Forsworn-themed armor sets.

Most dual-wielding players tend to invest their ability points into Stamina whenever the Dragonborn gains a level in Skyrim. This is because it costs Stamina to execute two-handed dual-wield attacks, and having a wider pool plus faster recharge makes attacks more effective. However, players looking to dabble in the magic side of Skyrim may want to put these points into Magicka instead. With enough Magicka, players can conjure two bound weapons. As conjured weapons don't weigh anything, it can be satisfying for Skyrim players roleplaying a spellsword Dragonborn to have access to a rapid flurry of attacks. Players taking this route should invest in both the One-handed and Conjuration skill trees.

Dark Brotherhood Assassin Builds For Dual-Wielding In Skyrim

Perhaps the best (or most common) thief build in Skyrim is that of the assassin, regularly utilized by players going through Skyrim's Dark Brotherhood questline. The One-handed and Stealth skill trees can result in perks that increase one-handed damage significantly while the Dragonborn is sneaking. This is further increased by wearing the organization's unique armor sets. Just about any of the playable races in Skyrim can make for a good assassin, though it's worth noting that Khajiit have night vision that might come in handy for those trying to remain unnoticed. Players should also keep a constant eye out for better daggers to upgrade to and focus on leveling up Skyrim's Alchemy and Blacksmithing abilities to upgrade gear and make powerful poisons for their weapons.

The dual-wielding assassin playstyle can be challenging, but that's part of what makes it so rewarding, especially for long-time Skyrim players who may be looking for something new to do. Given that the build is only viable while in stealth, the Dragonborn will be forced to retreat and hide when spotted by an enemy or facing a large mob head-on. Routes through dungeons and other more dangerous areas should be carefully mapped out, so players aren't caught off-guard when trying to sneak around a corner. Potions are almost necessary, and high-level enemies such as dragons will feel particularly deadly, which adds a significant level of immersion to Skyrim. A dual-wielding assassin bucks most standard Skyrim playstyles, which makes it engaging to master.

Of course, there are almost countless other ways to customize a dual-wielding build in Skyrim, especially for players who are flexible with their definition of the term. For example, some consider wielding magic in either hand to count, which broadens the horizons of Skyrim's combat significantly. There are also more unique weapons than ever to be found in Skyrim, thanks to 2021's release of Anniversary Edition, which added hundreds of Bethesda Creation Club elements to the game. Mods can increase that count significantly, as well. Regardless of how players approach it, dual-wielding can be a versatile way to make Skyrim more fun again even after years of returning to it regularly.

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