The world of Skyrim is one filled with adventure, magic, and, most importantly, crafting. Among the many skills available to players, Smithing stands out as a vital component for those looking to create powerful weapons and armor. This Skyrim Legendary Smithing Guide will provide you with all the information you need to master this skill, from leveling up your smithing ability to crafting the most potent equipment in the game. Whether you are a new player or an experienced Dragonborn, this guide will help you navigate the intricacies of smithing in Skyrim.
Understanding Smithing in Skyrim
Smithing is one of the key skills players can develop in Skyrim. It allows you to forge weapons and armor, improve existing items, and create valuable materials for trade. The Smithing skill is divided into several perks and categories that enhance your abilities in various ways.
The Smithing Skill Categories
1. Light Armor: This category focuses on crafting and improving light armor pieces.
2. Heavy Armor: This is for those who prefer heavier protection, allowing the creation and enhancement of heavy armor.
3. Weapons: This category enables players to craft and improve various types of weapons, including swords, axes, and bows.
4. Jewelry: Players can create and enhance rings and necklaces, which often provide beneficial effects.
5. Smithing Perks: These perks enhance your crafting abilities and determine what materials you can use and how effectively you can create items.
Leveling Up Your Smithing Skill
To become a legendary smith, you must first level up your Smithing skill. This process can be accelerated through various methods.
Training Your Smithing
You can improve your Smithing skill by:
- Crafting Items: The more items you craft, the more experience you gain.
- Improving Items: Take existing weapons and armor to a workbench or grindstone and improve them for additional experience.
- Buying Training: Certain NPCs in Skyrim can train you in Smithing, such as Balimund in Riften and Ghorza gra-Bagol in Markarth. Training can be expensive, but it’s a straightforward way to gain levels.
Best Items for Leveling Smithing
To level your Smithing skill quickly, consider crafting the following items:
- Iron Daggers: The classic method for leveling Smithing. Iron Daggers require minimal resources and provide a decent amount of experience.
- Jewelry: Crafting rings and necklaces from gold or silver ingots can yield a higher experience compared to Iron Daggers.
- Leather Armor: Crafting leather armor pieces is also a good experience choice, especially since they require fewer materials.
Legendary Smithing Perks
Once you reach a Smithing skill of 100, you can make your Smithing skill legendary. This process resets your skill to 15 and allows you to unlock perks again for further enhancements.
Key Perks to Consider
When selecting perks for your legendary smithing build, consider focusing on the following:
1. Steel Smithing: Allows you to create steel weapons and armor.
2. Arcane Blacksmith: Enables you to improve magical weapons and armor.
3. Dwarven Smithing: This perk lets you craft Dwarven armor and weapons, providing an excellent balance of weight and protection.
4. Glass Smithing: Unlocks the ability to craft high-level armor and weapons that are lightweight but offer significant protection.
5. Dragon Smithing: This is the pinnacle of Smithing, allowing you to craft the most powerful armor and weapons in the game, made from Dragon materials.
Crafting Powerful Weapons and Armor
Now that you have a grasp on leveling and perks, let’s delve into crafting some of the most powerful items available in Skyrim.
Crafting Daedric Armor and Weapons
To craft Daedric items, you will need:
- Daedra Hearts: Rare items obtained by defeating Daedra.
- Ebony Ingots: Crafted from ebony ore, which can be mined throughout Skyrim.
Steps to Craft Daedric Gear:
1. Gather Materials: Ensure you have enough Daedra Hearts and Ebony Ingots.
2. Unlock Daedric Smithing Perk: This is essential to craft any Daedric item.
3. Use an Anvil: Go to a blacksmith forge and select the Daedric item you wish to craft.
Crafting Dragon Armor and Weapons
To craft Dragon equipment, you will need:
- Dragon Scales: Obtained from slaying dragons.
- Dragon Bones: Also obtained from dragon kills.
Steps to Craft Dragon Gear:
1. Collect Dragon Materials: Make sure you have enough scales and bones.
2. Unlock Dragon Smithing Perk: This allows for crafting high-tier Dragon gear.
3. Find a Forge: Go to any blacksmith forge to create your Dragon items.
Improving Your Equipment
Improvement is just as crucial as crafting when it comes to your Smithing journey.
Improving Weapons and Armor
Improvement can dramatically increase the effectiveness of your gear. Here’s how to do it:
1. Find a Workbench or Grindstone: Depending on whether you’re improving armor or weapons, locate the appropriate station.
2. Select the Item: Choose the item you wish to improve.
3. Use the Required Materials: Ensure you have the necessary materials and perks to perform the enhancement.
Best Items to Improve
To get the most out of your improvements, consider focusing on:
- Legendary Weapons: Such as the Daedric Bow or Dragonbone Weapons.
- Powerful Armor Sets: Like Daedric or Dragon armor, which provides high ratings.
Conclusion
Mastering Smithing in Skyrim is a rewarding experience that allows you to create and improve powerful weapons and armor. By following this Skyrim Legendary Smithing Guide, you can level up your Smithing skill, unlock crucial perks, and craft top-tier equipment that will aid you in your adventures across Tamriel. Remember, the key to becoming a legendary smith lies in consistent practice, gathering materials, and making strategic choices in perks and crafting. With dedication and the right knowledge, you will forge your path to becoming a revered smith in Skyrim. Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Legendary Smithing in Skyrim?
Legendary Smithing is a skill level in Skyrim that allows players to improve their smithing abilities to the highest level, enabling them to create and enhance powerful weapons and armor.
How can I reach Legendary Smithing in Skyrim?
To reach Legendary Smithing, you need to level your Smithing skill to 100, then select the option to make it Legendary in the skills menu, which resets the skill to 15 and gives you a skill point back.
What are the benefits of Legendary Smithing?
The main benefits of Legendary Smithing include the ability to improve weapons and armor beyond their normal limits, access to unique crafting options, and the chance to refine your crafting strategies.
What materials do I need to craft legendary items?
To craft legendary items, you typically need rare materials such as ebony ingots, dragon bones, or specific crafting components like leather and iron ingots, depending on the item.
Are there any specific perks I should focus on for Legendary Smithing?
Yes, you should focus on perks like 'Advanced Armors,' 'Smithing Mastery,' and 'Dragon Smithing' to enhance your crafting capabilities and create high-end gear.
Can I improve items beyond Legendary status?
No, items can only be improved to Legendary status; however, you can use enchantments and potions to further enhance their effectiveness.
What are some popular items to craft using Legendary Smithing?
Popular items include Daedric armor, Dragonbone weapons, and unique items like the Nightingale Blade and Mehrunes' Razor.
How does the economy affect crafting in Skyrim?
The economy affects crafting by determining the availability and prices of materials. Selling crafted items can help fund further crafting endeavors, making it essential to manage your finances.
Is there a specific location in Skyrim that has a forge for Legendary Smithing?
Yes, notable locations include the Skyforge in Whiterun, the forge in Eorlund Graymane's house, and the Atronach Forge in the Midden.
How can I maximize my experience gain in Smithing?
To maximize experience gain, craft and improve items that give the most experience, such as high-value items, and consider using potions that boost smithing skills while you craft.
