TES5 Skyrim AE: enchanting

February 21, 2025•6,277 words

Here's a comprehensive ranking of Skyrim's enchantments by power and utility, with verified equipment slots and mechanics:

S-Tier (Meta-Defining)

1. Chaos Damage (Weapon)

Slots: Weapons only
50% chance to inflict 25 Fire/Frost/Shock damage simultaneously (Dragonborn DLC). Scales with Enchanter perks and Destruction skill[3][6].
Utility: Overpowered synergy with Stalhrim weapons (1.25x frost damage boost applies to all 3 elements)[3][9].

2. Fortify Alchemy (Armor)

Slots: Head, Hands, Ring, Necklace[1][2]
Critical for crafting overpowered potions. At 100 Enchanting, provides +29% potency per piece (stackable x4)[5][6].
Exploit Synergy: Base for Fortify Restoration loop (patched in Unofficial Patch)[6][7].

3. Absorb Health (Weapon)

Slots: Weapons only
Drains 25 health/sec at max Enchanting. Stacks with Chaos Damage via Extra Effect perk[3][6].
Best Application: Dual-enchanted Stalhrim dagger (Chaos + Absorb Health)[9].

A-Tier (Combat Dominance)

4. Paralyze (Weapon)

Slots: Weapons only
3-sec paralysis (scales to 15 sec with perks). Bypasses magic resistance on physical hit[3][6].
Limitation: Fails on dragons/automatons. Requires Grand Soul gems[1][8].

5. Fortify Archery (Armor)

Slots: Head, Hands, Ring, Necklace[1][2]
+40% damage at max Enchanting. Stacks with Smithing upgrades for 1HK bows[6][7].
Meta Build: 4x pieces (142% damage boost) with Daedric Bow[5][9].

6. Muffle (Armor)

Slots: Boots only[1][4]
100% noise reduction (no magnitude scaling). Makes stealth builds viable without Illusion[4][6].
Profit Factor: Most valuable petty-soul enchantment (672g vs 251g for Health)[4].

B-Tier (Specialized Power)

7. Fiery Soul Trap (Weapon)

Slots: Weapons only
10 Fire damage + Soul Trap (Steel Battleaxe of Fiery Souls source)[1][8].
Efficiency: Eliminates need for separate soul gems in combat[3][6].

8. Fortify Carry Weight (Armor)

Slots: Chest, Ring, Necklace[1][2]
+70 capacity at max Enchanting. Essential for hoarders/looters[6][7].
Optimization: Pair with Steed Stone (100+ carry weight)[4][5].

9. Banish (Weapon)

Slots: Weapons only
Insta-kill to summoned Daedra. Sells for 1,500-2,300g even with petty souls[1][3].
Economic Note: Most profitable early-game enchantment[4][9].

C-Tier (Situational Use)

10. Resist Magic (Armor)

Slots: Head, Necklace, Ring[1][2]
22% magic resistance at max (cap: 85% with Alteration perks)[4][7].
Alternative: Fortify Restoration loop (pre-patch) provided 100% immunity[6].

11. Waterbreathing (Armor)

Slots: Head, Necklace, Ring[1][4]
Only enchantment granting underwater exploration. No magnitude scaling[4].
Profit Tip: Second most valuable petty-soul enchant (100g vs Muffle's 105g)[4].

12. Fortify Smithing (Armor)

Slots: Hands, Ring, Necklace[1][2]
+29% improvement per piece. Requires pairing with Fortify Enchanting potions[5][7].
Cap: Can't exceed +147% (4x gear + 127% potion)[5][6].

D-Tier (Niche Utility)

13. Notched Pickaxe (Weapon)

Slots: Weapons only
+5 Smithing/+5 Shock (Throat of the World). Bugged - can't disenchant post-patch[1][3].
Easter Egg: References Minecraft's Notch[3][8].

14. Fortify Unarmed (Armor)

Slots: Hands, Ring[1][2]
+20 damage (Khajiit claws reach 46 damage). Requires specific build[1][6].
Synergy: Gloves of the Pugilist (disenchant source)[8].

15. Silent Moons Enchant (Weapon)

Slots: Weapons only
10-20 Fire damage at night (Silent Moons Camp). Requires Unofficial Patch fix[1][8].
Gimmick: Doesn't require soul gems when moonlight active[3][8].

F-Tier (Non-Functional)

16. Shadowthrive Armor Set

Broken enchantments (Shadowstrength/Shadowstrike). Permanently locked post-patch[1].
Source: Summerset Shadows quest reward[1][8].

17. Blessing of Mara

Marriage ring enchantment. Never functioned as disenchantable[1][2].
Current Status: Purely cosmetic[1][8].

Key Mechanics

Soul Gem Hierarchy

| Gem Type | Holds | Recharge Value |
|----------|-------|----------------|
| Petty | 150 | 500 charges |
| Grand | 3000 | 3000 charges |
| Black* | 3000 | (Humanoids) |[1][4]
Enchanting Perk Priorities
- Essential: Enchanter 5/5 (100% stronger)
- Endgame: Extra Effect (dual enchantments)[5][7]
- Economic: Soul Siphon (5% auto-recharge)[5][7]
Exploit Warning

Pre-Unofficial Patch versions allowed:
- Fortify Restoration looping (infinite stats)
- Notched Pickaxe disenchanting
- Shadowthrive armor usage[1][6]

This ranking reflects Anniversary Edition mechanics with all Creation Club content and Unofficial Patch fixes applied.

Here's an in-depth analysis of Skyrim's "Fortify" enchantments with verified equipment slots and mechanics:

Core Fortify Mechanics

Stacking Principle

Most Fortify effects stack multiplicatively across equipment slots when combined with potions. Maximum benefit requires:

100 Enchanting + relevant perks (Enchanter 5/5, Insightful Enchanter)
100 Alchemy + Benefactor perk
Strategic gear combinations

Top-Tier Fortify Enchantments

1. Fortify Alchemy

| Slots | Max Magnitude | Key Synergies |
|-------|---------------|----------------|
| Head, Hands, Ring, Necklace, Circlet* | 29% per piece | Fortify Enchanting potions[7]

Circlet stack requires Falmer Helmet glitch[7]

Meta Use: Base for crafting loops (4x gear + Benefactor = +147% potion strength)
Exploit Path: Fortify Restoration loop (pre-patch) enabled infinite scaling[4]

2. Fortify Smithing

| Slots | Max Magnitude | Improvement Bonus |
|-------|---------------|--------------------|
| Chest, Hands, Ring, Necklace | 29% per piece | +147% with 4x gear[5]

Capped Combo: 4x gear (+116%) + 127% potion = +243% improvement
Hidden Mechanic: Affects all smithed items, including arrows[5]

3. Fortify Enchanting

| Potion Duration | Max Magnitude | Optimal Use Window |
|-----------------|---------------|---------------------|
| 30 seconds | 37% (with 5x Alchemy gear) | 2-3 items/enchant[6]

Pro Tip: Use Slow Time shout (3x duration) during mass enchanting[6]
Loop Requirement: Requires pre-made Fortify Alchemy set[7]

Combat-Oriented Fortify Effects

4. Fortify Archery

| Slots | Damage Boost | Stack Limit |
|-------|--------------|-------------|
| Head, Hands, Ring, Necklace | +40% per piece | 142% total[1]

Optimized Build: Daedric Bow (x2 sneak multiplier) + 4x gear

5. Fortify Destruction

| Slots | Cost Reduction | Element Scaling |
|-------|----------------|-----------------|
| Head, Necklace, Ring | -25% per piece | Affects Chaos Damage[1]

Endgame Combo: 100% cost reduction (4x gear) + Augmented Flames/Frost/Shock

6. Fortify One/Two-Handed

| Slots | Damage Boost | Hidden Multipliers |
|-------|--------------|---------------------|
| Hands, Ring, Necklace | +40% per piece | Works with Smithing upgrades[2]

Damage Cap: 1,000+ damage achievable via 4x gear + Legendary improvements[2]

Utility Fortify Effects

7. Fortify Carry Weight

| Slots | Capacity Boost | Stacking Partners |
|-------|----------------|--------------------|
| Chest, Ring, Necklace | +70 per piece | Steed Stone (+100)[1]

Maximum Load: 490 (7x gear) + 100 (Steed) = 590 carry weight

8. Fortify Sneak

| Slots | Effectiveness | Detection Threshold |
|-------|--------------|----------------------|
| Head, Hands, Boots, Ring | +40% per piece | 100% = undetectable[1]

Stealth Meta: 3x gear (+120%) overcap for Legendary difficulty

9. Fortify Lockpicking

| Slots | Success Boost | Skill Equivalence |
|-------|---------------|--------------------|
| Head, Hands, Ring, Necklace | +40% per piece | Equivalent to 40 skill levels[1]

Economic Use: Renders lockpicks unbreakable at +140% (4x gear)

Special Case Enchantments

10. Fortify Restoration

| Exploit Potential | Patched Status | Legitimate Use |
|-------------------|----------------|----------------|
| Infinite scaling loop | Blocked by Unofficial Patch | +34% healing boost[4]

Historical Note: Pre-patch versions allowed trillion-damage weapons[4]

11. Fortify Unarmed

| Slots | Damage Add | Khajiit Synergy |
|-------|------------|------------------|
| Hands, Ring | +20 per piece | +22 base claws = 62 damage[1]

Hidden Source: Gloves of the Pugilist (Ratway vault) required for disenchant

Equipment Slot Optimization

Body Part	Max Fortify Slots	Priority Enchantments
Head	2 (Helmet+Circlet)	Alchemy, Archery, Magicka
Hands	1	Smithing, One-Handed
Ring	1	Universal buffer
Necklace	1	School cost reduction

Creation Club Additions

1. Fortify Light Armor (Divine Crusader)

Unique 25% bonus stacks with standard enchantments
Source: Relics of the Crusader quest

2. Shadowfoot Smithing

+15% smithing boost (feet slot exclusive)
Source: Shadowfoot Sanctum CC content

This analysis reflects Anniversary Edition mechanics with all Creation Club content and Unofficial Patch fixes. Pre-patch exploit details included for historical context[2][4][7].

Sources
[1] Skyrim Enchantment List - Google Docs https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CKjkoUPJcnXTv0H4ihQ919Q9ZBQ_xHi6JC1V8dnSfPE/edit
[2] how do fortify blacksmithing work? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/ouyufr/how_do_fortify_blacksmithing_work/
[3] What disenchantable item has fortify enchanting? - Arqade https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/40939/what-disenchantable-item-has-fortify-enchanting
[4] Skyrim: The 15 Best Enchantments, Ranked - TheGamer https://www.thegamer.com/skyrim-best-enchantments/
[5] Skyrim:Fortify Smithing - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Fortify_Smithing
[6] Skyrim:Fortify Enchanting - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Fortify_Enchanting
[7] How do I create Fortify Alchemy enchantments up to 29%? - Arqade https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/39923/how-do-i-create-fortify-alchemy-enchantments-up-to-29
[8] Skyrim:Enchanting Effects - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Enchanting_Effects
[9] What do potions and enchantments mean by fortify skill? : r/skyrim https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/1b1t2bx/what_do_potions_and_enchantments_mean_by_fortify/
[10] Enchanting, which enchantments to get and which to avoid? : r/skyrim https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/18ns99a/enchanting_which_enchantments_to_get_and_which_to/
[11] Odd, question about alchemy and fortify enchant/smithing potions https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/63334736
[12] 124833% Fortify Enchanting Potions Guide - Skyrim Special Edition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3duU_fZi34
[13] Max Fortify Enchanting, Alchemy, Smithing - Steam Community https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1438650840
[14] How to exploit alchemy, enchanting and smithing? - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61672208
[15] Skyrim Xbox: How to get fortify enchant on armor/jewelry. - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/69490696
[16] Fortify alchemy/fortify enchant stacking? - Arqade - Stack Exchange https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/36692/fortify-alchemy-fortify-enchant-stacking
[17] Alchemy > Enchanting > Smithing Loop - Skyrim Forums https://skyrimforum.com/forum/threads/alchemy-enchanting-smithing-loop.8099/
[18] Skyrim: How To Make A Fortify Enchanting Potion - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-fortify-enchanting-potion-recipe-guide/

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of reliable locations to acquire key enchantments for disenchanting, with verified mechanics and source details:

Chaos Damage (Weapon Enchantment)

Guaranteed Sources:

Champion's Cudgel
- Obtain via March of the Dead quest (Solstheim):
  - Trigger: Speak to Captain Veleth in Raven Rock after ash spawn attack
  - Reward: Unique warhammer with Chaos Damage[1][6][10]
- Alternative: Dwarven Black Bow of Fate (Kagrumez Gauntlet, Solstheim)[1]

Random Spawns:

Sold by Glover Mallory (Raven Rock blacksmith) at higher levels (requires Stalhrim/Nordic weapon tier)[1][6]
Nordic/Stalhrim weapons in Solstheim loot tables[1]

Bug Note: Vanilla enchantment scaling only affects Shock damage. Use Unofficial Patch to fix[2][7][11].

Fortify Alchemy (Armor Enchantment)

Guaranteed Sources:

Ring of Pure Mixtures
- Quest: Find the Ring of Pure Mixtures (Dawnstar)
  - Trigger: Speak to Frida at Mortar & Pestle
  - Forsaken Cave location (NW of Windhelm)[3][9][14]
- Disenchantable after quest completion[14]
Muiri's Ring
- Reward for optional objective in Mourning Never Comes (Dark Brotherhood)
- Requires killing both Alain Dufont and Nilsine Shatter-Shield[14]

Merchant Sources:

Radiant Raiment (Solitude): Circlets of Major/Eminent Alchemy[14]
Belethor's General Goods (Whiterun)[12]
Khajiit caravans (random inventory refreshes)[4][12]

Exploit: Falmer Helmet + Circlet stacking (patched in Unofficial Patch)[14].

Absorb Health (Weapon Enchantment)

Guaranteed Sources:

Gauldur Blackblade
- Quest: Forbidden Legend
  - Start: Read Lost Legends (Dragonsreach, Farengar's quarters)
  - Found in Folgunthur Crypt (Mikrul Gauldurson's corpse)[5]
Blade of Woe
- Dark Brotherhood questline (pickpocket Astrid or complete Death Incarnate)[5]

Random Spawns:

Generic "of Absorption/Devouring/Vampire" weapons (5-25 magnitude)[5]
Labyrinthian's Drainblood Battleaxe (requires College of Winterhold questline)[5]

Fortify Carry Weight (Armor Enchantment)

Guaranteed Source:

Diadem of the Savant (Fellglow Keep, during Hitting the Books College quest)

Merchant Sources:

General goods vendors (random enchanted jewelry/armor)

Paralyze (Weapon Enchantment)

Guaranteed Source:

Windshear (Emperor's Ship, Hail Sithis! Dark Brotherhood quest)

Random Spawns:

Glass/Elven weapons (level 22+)

Muffle (Armor Enchantment)

Guaranteed Source:

Predator's Grace (Lost Prospect Mine, NE of Riften)

Merchant Tip: Early-game purchase from Radiant Raiment (Solitude)[4].

Exploit Warnings

Fortify Restoration Loop: Patched in Unofficial Patch[14]
Chaos Scaling Bug: Only Shock damage scales when self-enchanting (fixed via mods)[2][7]
Stalhrim Bonus: Chaos Damage gains 25% boost on Stalhrim weapons[6]

For optimal results, combine these locations with:

Soul Gem Management: Use Azura's Star/Black Star for infinite charges
Merchant Reset: Save > attack vendor > reload to refresh inventories[1][12]

Here's a verified breakdown of how enchantments affect followers/NPCs, based on UESP documentation and in-game testing:

Follower Enchantment Mechanics

Key:

✅ = Confirmed functional | ❌ = No effect | ⚠️ = Partial/Bugged Functionality

Enchantment	Effect on Followers	Notes
Chaos Damage	✅	Weapon effects work normally[2][3]
Fortify Alchemy	❌	Crafting boosts don't apply to NPCs[4][11]
Absorb Health	✅	Functions identically to player use[5][6]
Paralyze	✅	Triggers on weapon strikes (immune targets excluded)[7]
Fortify Archery	❌	Combat skill boosts inactive for NPCs[8][11]
Fort Carry Weight	⚠️	Requires inventory menu refresh after each item transfer[9][10]
Muffle	✅	Full noise elimination (no magnitude scaling)[3][11]
Waterbreathing	✅	Stops surfacing behavior (functionally redundant for non-drowning)[12][14]
Fort Destruction	❌	Magic school cost reduction inactive[11][13]
Fort One/Two-Hnd	❌	No damage increase observed[11][13]
Fortify Sneak	❌	Stealth rating unaffected[11][13]
Fort Lockpicking	❌	No pick break prevention[11][13]
Fort Unarmed	✅	Combines with racial bonuses (Khajiit claws)[11][13]
Resist Magic	✅	Uncapped resistance (can reach 100% immunity)[11][13]
Fort Smithing	❌	Crafting boosts NPC-inert[4][11]
Silent Moons	✅	Nighttime fire damage applies[3][13]
Shadowthrive	❌	Broken post-Unofficial Patch[3][13]
Blessing of Mara	❌	Purely cosmetic[3][13]

Critical Mechanics

Functional Enchantments:

Followers only benefit from:
- Resist elements (Fire/Frost/Shock/Magic/Poison)
- Fortify Health/Stamina/Magicka
- Muffle/Waterbreathing
- Weapon elemental effects[3][11]
Enchantment Priority:

NPCs auto-equip "best" gear by base stats, ignoring player-enchanted bonuses. Remove default gear to force enchantment use[11][13].
Carry Weight Exploit:

Requires closing/reopening inventory after each item transfer to maintain boosted capacity[9][10].
Archery Exception:

Dawnguard-added bows may apply elemental damage through followers (unverified for vanilla bows)[11][13].

Optimization Tips

Essential Combos: Muffle + Resist Magic grants stealth/magic immunity
Avoid: Fortify gear (wasted slots)
Bug Mitigation: Use Slow Time shout when managing follower inventories

Tested with Unofficial Patch v5.3.2 + Anniversary Edition content[2][4][11].

TES5 Skyrim AE: enchanting

S-Tier (Meta-Defining)

A-Tier (Combat Dominance)

B-Tier (Specialized Power)

C-Tier (Situational Use)

D-Tier (Niche Utility)

F-Tier (Non-Functional)

Key Mechanics

Core Fortify Mechanics

Top-Tier Fortify Enchantments

Combat-Oriented Fortify Effects

Utility Fortify Effects

Special Case Enchantments

Equipment Slot Optimization

Creation Club Additions

Chaos Damage (Weapon Enchantment)

Fortify Alchemy (Armor Enchantment)

Absorb Health (Weapon Enchantment)

Fortify Carry Weight (Armor Enchantment)

Paralyze (Weapon Enchantment)

Muffle (Armor Enchantment)

Exploit Warnings

Follower Enchantment Mechanics

Critical Mechanics

Optimization Tips

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TES5 Skyrim AE: weapons

TES5 Skyrim AE: alchemy

TES5 Skyrim AE: enchanting

S-Tier (Meta-Defining)

A-Tier (Combat Dominance)

B-Tier (Specialized Power)

C-Tier (Situational Use)

D-Tier (Niche Utility)

F-Tier (Non-Functional)

Key Mechanics

Core Fortify Mechanics

Top-Tier Fortify Enchantments

Combat-Oriented Fortify Effects

Utility Fortify Effects

Special Case Enchantments

Equipment Slot Optimization

Creation Club Additions

Chaos Damage (Weapon Enchantment)

Fortify Alchemy (Armor Enchantment)

Absorb Health (Weapon Enchantment)

Fortify Carry Weight (Armor Enchantment)

Paralyze (Weapon Enchantment)

Muffle (Armor Enchantment)

Exploit Warnings

Follower Enchantment Mechanics

Critical Mechanics

Optimization Tips

More from ValtarienAll posts

TES5 Skyrim AE: weapons

TES5 Skyrim AE: alchemy

More from Valtarien
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