TES5 Skyrim AE: player character

February 21, 2025•3,027 words

Here are three high-DPS character builds for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, one for each major archetype, optimized up to level 80:

Warrior: Two-Handed Berserker

This build focuses on dealing massive damage with two-handed weapons, utilizing heavy armor for survivability and alchemy for temporary boosts.

Key Skills:

Two-Handed
Heavy Armor
Smithing
Alchemy
Enchanting

Perk Distribution:

Two-Handed (20 perks):
- Barbarian (5/5): Two-handed weapons do 100% more damage
- Champion's Stance: Power attacks cost 25% less stamina
- Devastating Blow: Standing power attacks do 25% bonus damage with a chance to decapitate
- Great Critical Charge: Sprinting power attack does double critical damage
- Sweep: Sideways power attacks hit all targets in front of you
- Warmaster: Backward power attack has a 25% chance to paralyze the target
Heavy Armor (5 perks):
- Juggernaut (5/5): Increases armor rating for Heavy Armor by 100%
Smithing (9 perks):
- Steel Smithing
- Arcane Blacksmith
- Dwarven Smithing
- Orcish Smithing
- Ebony Smithing
- Daedric Smithing
- Dragon Armor
Alchemy (6 perks):
- Alchemist (5/5): Potions and poisons are 100% stronger
- Physician: Potions you mix that restore Health, Magicka or Stamina are 25% more powerful
Enchanting (8 perks):
- Enchanter (5/5): New enchantments are 100% stronger
- Fire Enchanter: Fire enchantments on weapons and armor are 25% stronger
- Corpus Enchanter: Health, Magicka, and Stamina enchantments on armor are 25% stronger
- Extra Effect: Can put two enchantments on the same item

Equipment:

Daedric Greatsword (crafted and improved)
Full set of Daedric Heavy Armor (crafted and improved)

Enchantments:

Weapon: Absorb Health, Fire Damage
Armor: Fortify Two-Handed, Fortify Health

Strategy:

This build maximizes physical damage output through two-handed weapons. The combination of Smithing, Enchanting, and Alchemy allows for creating extremely powerful weapons and armor. Use Fortify Two-Handed and Fortify Smithing potions before improving your gear for maximum effect. In combat, utilize power attacks frequently, taking advantage of the various perks that enhance their effectiveness.

Mage: Destruction Archmage

This build focuses on dealing massive elemental damage through Destruction magic, with Conjuration for support and distraction.

Key Skills:

Destruction
Conjuration
Alteration
Enchanting
Alchemy

Perk Distribution:

Destruction (16 perks):
- Novice Destruction
- Apprentice Destruction
- Adept Destruction
- Expert Destruction
- Master Destruction
- Destruction Dual Casting
- Impact: Dual-cast Destruction spells stagger
- Augmented Flames (2/2): Fire spells do 50% more damage
- Augmented Frost (2/2): Frost spells do 50% more damage
- Augmented Shock (2/2): Shock spells do 50% more damage
- Intense Flames: Targets on fire take extra damage
- Deep Freeze: Frozen targets take extra damage
- Disintegrate: Shock damage may disintegrate targets if their health is low
Conjuration (7 perks):
- Novice Conjuration
- Apprentice Conjuration
- Adept Conjuration
- Expert Conjuration
- Twin Souls: Can have two atronachs or reanimated zombies
- Elemental Potency: Summoned atronachs are 50% more powerful
- Atromancy: Double duration for conjured atronachs
Alteration (5 perks):
- Novice Alteration
- Apprentice Alteration
- Adept Alteration
- Mage Armor (3/3): Increases armor rating for Alteration spells by 300% if not wearing armor
Enchanting (8 perks):
- Enchanter (5/5): New enchantments are 100% stronger
- Fire Enchanter: Fire enchantments on weapons and armor are 25% stronger
- Corpus Enchanter: Health, Magicka, and Stamina enchantments on armor are 25% stronger
- Extra Effect: Can put two enchantments on the same item
Alchemy (6 perks):
- Alchemist (5/5): Potions and poisons are 100% stronger
- Physician: Potions you mix that restore Health, Magicka or Stamina are 25% more powerful

Equipment:

Archmage's Robes
Morokei (Dragon Priest Mask)
Enchanted jewelry and boots

Enchantments:

Armor/Clothing: Fortify Destruction, Fortify Magicka, Fortify Magicka Regeneration
Jewelry: Fortify Destruction, Fortify Magicka

Strategy:

This build focuses on maximizing Destruction spell damage. Use Enchanting to create gear that reduces Destruction spell cost to zero. Utilize dual-casting with the Impact perk to stagger enemies while dealing massive damage. Use Conjuration to summon atronachs as distractions and additional damage sources. Alteration provides magical armor for defense. Craft and use Fortify Destruction potions before big fights for even more damage output.

Thief: Stealth Archer

This build maximizes damage through sneak attacks with a bow, utilizing alchemy and enchanting for additional power.

Key Skills:

Archery
Sneak
Light Armor
Alchemy
Enchanting

Perk Distribution:

Archery (13 perks):
- Overdraw (5/5): Bows do 100% more damage
- Eagle Eye: Zoom in with bow by holding Block
- Power Shot: Arrows stagger all but the largest opponents 50% of the time
- Quick Shot: Can draw a bow 30% faster
- Steady Hand (2/2): Zooming in with a bow slows time by 50%
- Bullseye: 15% chance of paralyzing the target for a few seconds
- Ranger: Able to move faster with a drawn bow
Sneak (11 perks):
- Stealth (5/5): You are 40% harder to detect when sneaking
- Muffled Movement: Wearing armor makes half as much noise when you move
- Backstab: Sneak attacks with one-handed weapons now do 6 times damage
- Deadly Aim: Sneak attacks with bows now do 3 times damage
- Silent Roll: Sprinting while sneaking executes a silent forward roll
- Shadow Warrior: Crouching stops combat for a moment and forces distant opponents to search for a target
Light Armor (5 perks):
- Agile Defender (5/5): Increases armor rating for Light Armor by 100%
Alchemy (6 perks):
- Alchemist (5/5): Potions and poisons are 100% stronger
- Poisoner: Poisons you mix are 25% more effective
Enchanting (8 perks):
- Enchanter (5/5): New enchantments are 100% stronger
- Fire Enchanter: Fire enchantments on weapons and armor are 25% stronger
- Corpus Enchanter: Health, Magicka, and Stamina enchantments on armor are 25% stronger
- Extra Effect: Can put two enchantments on the same item

Equipment:

Nightingale Bow (improved)
Full set of Nightingale Armor (improved)

Enchantments:

Bow: Chaos Damage, Absorb Health
Armor: Fortify Archery, Fortify Sneak

Strategy:

This build focuses on dealing massive damage through sneak attacks with a bow. Use Alchemy to create potions of Invisibility and poisons to apply to arrows. Enchanting allows for powerful gear enhancements. In combat, maintain distance and stealth, using the Shadow Warrior perk to re-enter stealth if detected. The combination of sneak attack multipliers, bow damage perks, and enchantments/poisons allows for extremely high single-shot damage.

These builds are designed to maximize DPS within their respective archetypes in the unmodded Skyrim Anniversary Edition. The perk selections and strategies focus on amplifying damage output while maintaining the playstyle integrity of each character type.

To compare the highest DPS potential for necromancers, vampire lords, and werewolves in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, let's break down each archetype:

1. Necromancer

A high-DPS necromancer build focuses on maximizing conjuration and destruction magic, with support from other schools:

Key Skills and Perks:

Conjuration: All perks up to Twin Souls
Destruction: Augmented Flames/Frost/Shock, Impact
Alteration: Magic Resistance
Restoration: Necromage (if also a vampire)
Enchanting: Extra Effect

Strategy:

Use Dead Thrall to maintain two powerful undead followers[1]
Combine with Atronachs for additional DPS[6]
Utilize Destruction spells and staves for direct damage[11]
Apply the Necromage perk as a vampire to boost all spell effects by 25%[21]

Unique Advantages:

Can maintain a large army of undead with the Ritual Stone + Aetherial Crown combo[4]
Access to powerful summons like Dremora Lords[12]

2. Vampire Lord

Vampire Lords can achieve high DPS through a combination of their unique powers and regular combat skills:

Key Skills and Perks:

All Vampire Lord perks, especially Night Cloak and Poison Talons[5]
Destruction: for supplementary magic damage
Alteration: Magic Resistance, Atronach
Restoration: Necromage

Strategy:

Utilize Vampire Lord form for burst damage and survivability[14]
Combine with regular combat skills when not transformed
Use Necromage perk to boost all effects, including Vampire Lord abilities[21]

Unique Advantages:

Power of the Grave boosts health, magicka, and stamina[8]
Can switch between melee and ranged combat in Vampire Lord form

3. Werewolf

Werewolves can achieve incredibly high DPS through physical attacks and strategic perk selection:

Key Skills and Perks:

All Werewolf perks, especially Bestial Strength (all 4 ranks)[16]
Two-Handed: for increased damage in human form
Heavy Armor: for survivability
Alteration: Magic Resistance, Atronach

Strategy:

Use Werewolf form for massive physical DPS[22]
Apply Alteration spells like Dragonhide before transforming[23]
Utilize the Orc racial power (Berserker Rage) for additional damage[24]

Unique Advantages:

Bestial Strength perk increases damage significantly[18]
Can maintain Werewolf form indefinitely with proper perk selection

In terms of raw DPS potential:

Werewolves likely have the highest burst DPS due to their physical power and the Bestial Strength perk.
Necromancers have the potential for the highest sustained DPS due to their ability to field multiple powerful allies while dealing direct damage.
Vampire Lords fall somewhere in between, offering a mix of physical and magical damage potential.

However, the actual highest DPS will depend on player skill, gear, and specific situations. Necromancers may outperform in prolonged battles, while Werewolves excel in short, intense fights. Vampire Lords offer the most versatility, potentially leading to higher overall DPS across various scenarios.

Sources
[1] Skyrim Remastered: Best Necromancer MAGE BUILD ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UosWerLthdk
[2] A base Vampire build (Spoilers) - The Elder Scrolls V - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/191475-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-special-edition/77102100
[3] Werewolf Perks - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Werewolf_Perks
[4] The Necromancer - Skyrim Character Building - THE SKY FORGE https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-necromancer
[5] Vampire Lord Perks - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Vampire_Lord_Perks
[6] Skyrim: 10 Best Skills For A Werewolf Build - TheGamer https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-best-skills-werewolf-build/
[7] Best ESO Necromancer Builds in 2024 - Hack the Minotaur https://hacktheminotaur.com/eso-necromancer-builds/
[8] Skyrim:Vampire Lord - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Vampire_Lord
[9] Ultimate Guide to Necromancy - Skyrim Forums https://skyrimforum.com/forum/threads/ultimate-guide-to-necromancy.18859/
[10] Vampire Death Bringer - Skyrim Character Building - THE SKY FORGE https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-vampire-death-bringer
[11] The Phantom Blade [Skyrim Anniversary Edition Necromancer Build] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjnHKiikbLg
[12] The Cultist of the Black Worm (Ordinator) - Skyrim Character Building https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/character-build-the-cultist-of-the-black-worm
[13] Necromancer build help : r/SkyrimBuilds - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/SkyrimBuilds/comments/186lx6i/necromancer_build_help/
[14] Can we all agree that vampire lord is the most useless power in the ... https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/j7d3rv/can_we_all_agree_that_vampire_lord_is_the_most/
[15] Skyrim: 10 Best Skills For A Vampire Build - TheGamer https://www.thegamer.com/elder-scrolls-skyrim-best-skills-perks-for-a-vampire-build/
[16] Vampire Lord Perks Fast - Skyrim - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ64egPdLio
[17] Skyrim: 10 Best Perks For DPS Builds - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-best-perks-damage-dps-builds/
[18] Skyrim: The Strongest Build Guide (Werewolf Class Setup) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfnyIZG9WcA
[19] Ultimate Werewolf/Vampire Hybrid Build - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61789465
[20] The Bone Shepherd [Skyrim Anniversary Edition Necromancer Build] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBLFSpt_cnw
[21] Guide to Necromage Vampirism - Skyrim Character Building https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/cb-related-posts/guide-to-necromage-vampirism
[22] Skyrim: How To Make An OVERPOWERED WEREWOLF Build Early https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNc8UY1xwSk
[23] How to make an OP Werewolf Late Game Build in Skyrim - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oyyN4Gp2dQ
[24] Werewolf build : r/SkyrimBuilds - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/SkyrimBuilds/comments/pt2y12/werewolf_build/

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition (TESV:AE), there is generally no consensus that supports evenly splitting attribute points between magicka, health, and stamina for hybrid characters. Most players and guides recommend against this approach for several reasons:

Specialization is Key

The game's mechanics tend to favor specialization rather than even distribution. Focusing on either magicka or stamina, depending on your primary combat style, is usually more effective[8][11]. This is because:

Spell damage scales with maximum magicka
Physical damage and carry weight scale with stamina
Health is often considered a secondary priority for non-tank builds

Hybrid Builds Are Challenging

While hybrid builds are possible, they are generally more difficult to optimize and play effectively[15]. Most players recommend choosing either a magicka-focused or stamina-focused build, even for characters that use both magic and physical combat.

Recommended Distributions

For hybrid characters, some common attribute distribution strategies include:

2:1:1 Ratio: Two points in your primary attribute (magicka or stamina) for every one point in health and the other attribute[9].
3:2:1 Ratio: Three points in your primary attribute, two in health, and one in your secondary attribute[14].
Focused Distribution: All points into your primary attribute, relying on equipment and enchantments for health and secondary attribute boosts[7].

Adjusting for Playstyle

It's important to note that attribute distribution can be adjusted based on personal playstyle and difficulty encountered:

Add more points to health if you find yourself dying too often
Increase stamina if you frequently run out during combat or while exploring
Boost magicka if you're unable to cast desired spells

Alternatives to Even Distribution

Instead of evenly distributing points, consider these strategies for hybrid characters:

Use enchantments and equipment to boost your weaker attributes
Rely on food, potions, and abilities to temporarily increase attributes as needed
Focus on perks that reduce spell costs or stamina usage for your chosen skills

Remember, in Skyrim, you can always adjust your build later by visiting a Shrine of Talos to reallocate your attribute points if needed.

Sources
[1] Best Ways to Setup Your Magicka & Stamina for DPS - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMM3oJT-9mE
[2] Is dividing your attribute points evenly between magic, health, and ... https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/588051/is-dividing-your-attribute-points-evenly-between-magic-health-and-stamina-frowned-upon
[3] stealth/magic hybrid attributes? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/64509766
[4] How do you usually split your attributes between magika, health, and stamina? https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/qy6jzt/how_do_you_usually_split_your_attributes_between/
[5] ESO Ultimate Attributes Guide - Hack the Minotaur https://hacktheminotaur.com/eso-guides/eso-attribute-guide/
[6] ESO HYBRID CLASS Guide - Hack the Minotaur https://hacktheminotaur.com/eso-guides/best-hybrid-class/
[7] What ratio of attribute points (health, magicka, stamina) would you ... https://www.reddit.com/r/elderscrollsonline/comments/kf2wwo/what_ratio_of_attribute_points_health_magicka/
[8] Which is best stat to level up when playing mage: health, magika, or ... https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/48159/which-is-best-stat-to-level-up-when-playing-mage-health-magika-or-stamina
[9] Stat Distribution Qualms : r/skyrimrequiem - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimrequiem/comments/2ww6ax/stat_distribution_qualms/
[10] distribution health/magicka/stamina? - Skyrim Forums https://skyrimforum.com/forum/threads/distribution-health-magicka-stamina.8137/
[11] Optimum split of health, stamina, and magicka? - The Elder Scrolls V https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61630261
[12] Do you hybrid? Stat distribution poll. - Elder Scrolls Online forums https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/252551/do-you-hybrid-stat-distribution-poll
[13] How to allocate points to health, magicka, and stamina https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/443874/how-to-allocate-points-to-health-magicka-and-stamina
[14] How have you split your Health, Magica and Stamina? - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/191476-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-special-edition/74533838
[15] Playing hybrid characters - which skills to pick :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/666824800985955334/
[16] What's a good distribution of health, magicka, and stamina. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61254571
[17] Stat Distribution for occassional magic users :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/846956269219576110/?l=italian
[18] How to distribute Magicka/Health/Stamina points upon level up? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/60937818
[19] How do you usually distribute your Health , Stamina and Magicka? https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/4676423350587062338/

TES5 Skyrim AE: player character

Warrior: Two-Handed Berserker

Key Skills:

Perk Distribution:

Equipment:

Enchantments:

Strategy:

Mage: Destruction Archmage

Key Skills:

Perk Distribution:

Equipment:

Enchantments:

Strategy:

Thief: Stealth Archer

Key Skills:

Perk Distribution:

Equipment:

Enchantments:

Strategy:

1. Necromancer

Key Skills and Perks:

Strategy:

Unique Advantages:

2. Vampire Lord

Key Skills and Perks:

Strategy:

Unique Advantages:

3. Werewolf

Key Skills and Perks:

Strategy:

Unique Advantages:

Specialization is Key

Hybrid Builds Are Challenging

Recommended Distributions

Adjusting for Playstyle

Alternatives to Even Distribution

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TES5 Skyrim AE: safe storage

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TES5 Skyrim AE: player character

Warrior: Two-Handed Berserker

Key Skills:

Perk Distribution:

Equipment:

Enchantments:

Strategy:

Mage: Destruction Archmage

Key Skills:

Perk Distribution:

Equipment:

Enchantments:

Strategy:

Thief: Stealth Archer

Key Skills:

Perk Distribution:

Equipment:

Enchantments:

Strategy:

1. Necromancer

Key Skills and Perks:

Strategy:

Unique Advantages:

2. Vampire Lord

Key Skills and Perks:

Strategy:

Unique Advantages:

3. Werewolf

Key Skills and Perks:

Strategy:

Unique Advantages:

Specialization is Key

Hybrid Builds Are Challenging

Recommended Distributions

Adjusting for Playstyle

Alternatives to Even Distribution

More from ValtarienAll posts

TES5 Skyrim AE: safe storage

TES5 Skyrim AE: crafting

More from Valtarien
All posts