Skyrim: 10 Fun Builds That Aren’t Stealth Archer

Occasionally, you find yourself uncertain about which tune to play next, when suddenly, a sound familiar as the mountains themselves, reverberates across them. Can’t you just ignore that, right?

For quite a few of us, choosing the right build for our gameplay experience is often half the challenge before we even start playing. Although Stealth Archer might seem an appealing option due to its allure, there are times when it’s worth trying something different.

Occasionally, a touch of challenge and excitement can make the experience even more rewarding. Here are ten setups that might entice you to fire up The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim once more.

10.
Pacifist

Because That’s What Heroes Do

Build Info Essentials
Race Imperial/Nord (Voice of the Emperor to calm foes, Battle Cry to make foes flee)
Skills Restoration, Illusion, Alteration
Spells/Shouts Invisibility, Pacify, Dragonhide, Paralyze, Grand Healing
Items Master Robes of Restoration

You may find yourself questioning: How in Nirn can I enjoy the game when there’s no option for combat? The solution lies here: Although it seems like you won’t be doing the killing directly, rest assured, you will still be engaging in combat, but indirectly.

It seems like you might struggle with feelings of guilt in some form. To address this, we’ll focus on healing yourself by nurturing yourself and finding alternative ways to express your power.

As a gamer, I find myself navigating the digital battlegrounds in ways that ensure my conscience stays clean. Be it by recruiting allies, luring adversaries into deadly traps, or casting illusions to deceive my foes, I always manage to keep my hands free of blood. That way, I can rest easy at night, knowing that’s all there is to it, right?

9.
Beastmaster

Call Of The Wild

Build Info Essentials
Race Wood Elf
Skills Conjuration, Archery, One-Handed, Heavy Armour
Spells/Shouts Conjure Familiar, Animal Allegiance, Kyne’s Peace
Items Poacher’s Axe/ Weapon with Huntsman’s Prowess enchantment, Wolf Armour

Have you ever dreamed about exploring vast, untouched landscapes, controlling creatures and procuring your meals through hunting? If so, Skyrim’s expansive wilderness offers an ideal setting for realizing such a fantasy.

In Skyrim, the Beastmaster build offers various strategies for navigating the game’s challenges. Initially, you could opt for a Wood Elf character, enabling you to immediately benefit from the Command Animal Racial perk. Subsequently, you’ll encounter several choices:

1. You can call forth ethereal creatures using the Conjure Familiar spell and improve your conjuration skills. Alternatively,
2. You can acquire a real-life companion to fight alongside you. This could be mighty Huskies from the Dawnguard, an armored troll, or even Barbas from A Daedra’s Best Friend. The advantage is that this ally will never perish! Indeed, it’s quite a formidable choice!

Think about crafting the Arcane Accessories Creation and chasing after the Pride of Hirstaang spell to have it for your personal bear! (This version maintains the original’s enthusiasm while making it more conversational and easier to read.)

Weapon-wise, perhaps grab the Poacher’s Axe, or maybe even a hunting bow for maximum immersion.

8.
Necromancer

For When Normal Companions Just Don’t Cut It

Build Info Essentials
Race High Elf/ Breton
Skills Conjuration, Destruction
Spells/Shouts Summon Durnehviir, DeadThrall, Icy Spear, Frost Cloak
Items Ring of the Erudite, Archmage’s Robes, Nahkriin

If you’re drawn to reanimate the deceased and traverse Skyrim with frost-infused powers, ensuring they remain frozen (since that’s crucial), then perhaps a career as a Necromancer is what suits your interests best.

Put on your ominous black garments and prepare to intensify your summoning spell since you’ll likely require numerous mindless minions for your cause if you aim to reestablish Necromancy as a recognized form of sorcery. I believe the Mage’s Guild outlawed it last time I heard.

Concentrate on your special powers, and don’t hesitate to employ some powerful calls too. It seems possible that a particular dragon within the Soul Cairn might require your assistance.

7.
Modern Dwemer

Through Steam And Storms

Build Info Essentials
Race Dark Elf
Skills Heavy Armour, Combat Skill of Choice
Spells/Shouts N/A
Items Aetherial Staff, Dwarven Armour, Dwarven Weapon

Indeed, the Dwemer have vanished from Tamriel, leaving behind an empty shell of their once-great civilization. However, their indelible mark remains, waiting to be claimed. It’s high time for you to assume their mantle and courageously delve into the catacombs of Skyrim in reverence of their legacy.

The foundation of this setup centers around the Aetherial Staff, a device you can acquire during the ‘Lost to the Ages’ mission. This high-tech artifact from the Dwemer allows you to summon an ally in combat – either a Dwarven Spider Guardian or a Sphere Guardian.

Of course, you’ll be dressed with

instead. No need for the extravagant Deadric style in this place. If you’re aiming for a Centurion feel, opt for the Mzund Visage.

Or maybe if you’re feeling particularly daring, instead of merely opting for a large Dwarven weapon, consider experimenting with the rarely used Dwarven Crossbow during the Dawnguard quest. It’s definitely a fun throwback to the old days!

6.
Dragon Master

The Voice Of A God

Build Info Essentials
Race Nord
Skills N/A
Spells/Shouts Dragon Aspect, Become Ethereal, Upgraded Unrelenting Force
Items Amulet of Talos, Miraak’s Gear

In this construction, you’ll find it quite challenging, but it centers around maximizing the exceptional skills of a Dragonborn’s unique abilities. In this scenario, shouts serve as your primary weapons. Prepare yourself to utilize each and every shout to counter the formidable foes that await you.

If you’re deeply engrossed in mastering your latest enchantment or coveting new sparkling equipment, there’s a wealth of fantastic choices available to you. Notably, the enhancements you gain from the Dragonborn DLC add significant value to these options.

To deepen your devotion to Talos and optimize your gameplay, think about donning a Talos Amulet and regularly visiting his sanctuary for a reduction in the cool-down time on your battle cries. The more cries you utilize, the stronger they become. The primary objective of this strategy is to master every cry and slay as many Dragons as feasible.

5.
The Shining Paladin

Enemies Of The Light, Beware

Build Info Essentials
Race Redguard/ Imperial
Skills Heavy Armour, One-Handed, Block, Restoration
Spells/Shouts Call of Valor, Heal Other, Sun Fire
Items Steel Plate Armour, Dawnbreaker, Spellbreaker

Indeed, the Paladin – a staple character in the realm of Fantasy – serves as a symbol of resilience and optimism across worlds. Absolutely, within the game of Skyrim, you can craft a Paladin-like character. In fact, this type of build is remarkably potent in actual gameplay.

In your role as a divine warrior, it’s only natural that you’d want to enhance your One-Handed combat and blocking skills, using weapons such as:

[insert weapon names here]

to dazzle your enemies with your radiant glow. For an even more imposing appearance, consider donning some Steel Plate Armor.

Furthermore, ensure you have an array of powerful restoration spells at your disposal, and consider traveling with both a Mage and an Archer for a balanced roleplaying group. With your radiant abilities, you’ll drive the undead back to their icy tombs, returning them to their desolate resting places.

4.
Blood of the Wolf

Rip And Tear

Build Info Essentials
Race Khajiit/ Bosmer
Skills Alteration
Spells/Shouts Ebonyflesh, Marked for Death
Items Ring of Hircine, No Armour

In the Dawnguard DLC, a unique skill set tailored for werewolves was incorporated, enabling you to abandon your human form and instead roam freely as a lunar creature. This skill set significantly amplified the potential of the wolf, making it a genuine option for gameplay. However, keep in mind that this transformation requires a substantial consumption of lives.

Instead of rushing straight through the Companions’ tale and grabbing the werewolf ability right away, consider taking your time to explore their storyline. One potential drawback here is that you can shape-shift into a werewolf only once daily, which leaves plenty of downtime for waiting.

You can overcome this by accomplishing the Ill Met by Moonlight mission to acquire the Ring of Hircine. This ring grants extra transformations, empowering you to fully master your wild and sinister abilities. There’s nothing quite as fulfilling as prancing about weakly, then morphing into a formidable force of destruction.

3.
Furious Feline

Claws For Crushing

Build Info Essentials
Race Khajiit
Skills Heavy Armour, Enchanting, Sneak
Spells/Shouts Disarm
Items Heavy Armour Gauntlets/ Gloves of the Pugilist

Right from the start of Skyrim, you’re fully equipped with spells, weapons, and armor without needing a moment’s pause. Unlike Oblivion where Hand-to-Hand combat was a distinct skill, in Skyrim, you seldom contemplate the idea of fighting unarmed.

If you decide to role-play as a Khajiit character, you’ll find that you’ll deal extra damage with your claws, which can be maximized by acquiring the Gloves of the Pugilist located beneath the Ratways in Riften.

In addition, consider enhancing your defense with Heavy Armor. Obtain the “Fists of Steel” skill, which boosts unarmed strikes when you’re wearing Heavy Armor Gauntlets.

Initially, imbue them with the charm from the Pugilist gloves, followed by this enhancement combining with your agile Cat Claws for substantial damage. Nothing beats the thrill of slaying a formidable dragon using only your raw, bleeding fists.

2.
The Mad Caster

Sheogorath Would Be Proud

Build Info Essentials
Race N/A
Skills Speech, Illusion
Spells/Shouts Throw Voice, Hysteria, Mayhem
Items Wabbajack, Cicero’s Clothes

Put on those jester-style garments, ready your Wabbajack artifact, as it’s time for a chaotic escapade! This character setup is all about pandemonium and absurdity, leveraging the eccentric powers of the Wabbajack to either annihilate enemies or self-destruct spectacularly.

Initially, it’s advisable to accomplish the Mind of Madness Quest to get a weapon that will be your companion during the gameplay. Moreover, think about finishing the Dark Brotherhood Questline to acquire Cicero’s attire. The reason? Well, both you and Cicero have a touch of madness in common, and this won’t offer any game advantages, but the style it provides is absolutely fitting.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that the Wabbajack build might seem a tad unconventional at first glance. But don’t let its meme-like reputation fool you, this baby packs a punch! Just be prepared to give it a good shake before it starts working its magic. Trust me, you’re in for some side-splitting moments, no matter what happens next!

1.
Alchemical Assassin

Potent Poisons For Perilous Pursuits

Build Info Essentials
Race Orsimer/Bosmer
Skills Sneak, Pickpocketing, Alchemy, One-Handed, Restoration
Spells/Shouts Poison Rune, Become Ethereal
Items Ebony Mail, Daedric Dagger, Crafted Poisons, Ingrediants (Deathbell, Human Flesh, Imp Stool, Etc)

In this construction, the Sneak ability will primarily serve a strategic purpose instead of providing an overwhelming triple damage advantage.

The Stealthy Slayer excels in covert movement and is proficient with a dagger, but it’s not their most impressive trait. Instead, they possess the ability to coat their lethal blade with any poison they desire, making them a formidable adversary against their foes.

homemade potions offer a wider range of benefits compared to common ones; they’re significantly more powerful. If you’re looking for extraordinary results, experiment with the restoration loop.

As an enthusiast, I recommend experimenting with a potion that inflicts harm and intensifies poison vulnerability for an added impact, or perhaps give a whirl to a concoction that incites madness, stirring up confusion amongst your adversaries. For those who prefer non-lethal approaches, why not try paralysis poisons instead? Witness as your foes collapse, allowing you to effortlessly gather their hoard with minimal effort.

Overlooked often, poisons in Skyrim can prove exceptionally lethal when used skillfully. The next time you’re planning a stealthy approach, keep in mind the potent toxins hidden in your possession, and make sure to utilize them effectively.

Read More

2025-05-28 18:41