TES5 Skyrim AE: smithing

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, crafting and improving Dragonplate (heavy) and Dragonscale (light) armor requires specific materials and the Dragon Armor perk (Smithing 100). Below are the material requirements for both armor sets, including Creation Club variants.

Dragonplate Armor (Heavy)

Required Perk: Dragon Armor (Smithing 100 + Heavy Armor perk branch)

Base Crafting Materials:

• Cuirass: 3 Dragon Scales, 2 Dragon Bones, 3 Leather Strips [4][32]
  
• Boots: 3 Dragon Scales, 1 Dragon Bone, 2 Leather Strips [4][32]
  
• Gauntlets: 2 Dragon Scales, 1 Dragon Bone, 2 Leather Strips [4][32]
  
• Helmet: 2 Dragon Scales, 1 Dragon Bone, 2 Leather Strips [4][32]
  
• Shield: 3 Dragon Scales, 1 Dragon Bone, 1 Leather Strip [4][32]
  

Full Set Total:

• 13 Dragon Scales, 6 Dragon Bones, 10 Leather Strips [33]
  

Tempering Materials:

• Cuirass/Shield: 1 Dragon Bone each [3][32]
  
• Boots/Gauntlets/Helmet: 1 Dragon Scale each [3][32]
  

Dragonscale Armor (Light)

Required Perk: Dragon Armor (Smithing 100 + Light Armor perk branch)

Base Crafting Materials:

• Cuirass: 4 Dragon Scales, 2 Iron Ingots, 1 Leather, 3 Leather Strips [5][36]
  
• Boots: 2 Dragon Scales, 1 Iron Ingot, 1 Leather, 2 Leather Strips [5][36]
  
• Gauntlets: 2 Dragon Scales, 1 Iron Ingot, 1 Leather, 2 Leather Strips [5][36]
  
• Helmet: 4 Dragon Scales, 1 Iron Ingot, 2 Leather Strips [5][36]
  
• Shield: 4 Dragon Scales, 2 Iron Ingots, 2 Leather Strips [5][36]
  

Full Set Total:

• 14 Dragon Scales, 6 Iron Ingots, 3 Leather, 11 Leather Strips [40]
  

Tempering Materials:

• All pieces require 1 Dragon Scale each [3][32].
  

Creation Club Additions

1. Studded Dragonscale Armor (Light):

   • Same base materials as Dragonscale Armor + additional leather [3][6].
     
   • Unlocked via the Tilted Scales quest (found in The Crimson Dirks, v4 book).
     

2. Dragonplate Insulated Armor (Heavy):

   • Requires Dragon Bones for tempering instead of Scales [3][25].
     
   • Slightly higher armor rating than standard Dragonplate.
     

Key Notes

• Smithing Perks: The Dragon Armor perk doubles tempering effectiveness [3][32].
  
• Weight Efficiency: Dragonplate (heavy) is lighter than Daedric, making it preferable without Conditioning perks [3].
  
• No Enchantments/Alchemy: Tempering relies solely on smithing materials and perks, avoiding potions or enchantments.
  

By prioritizing dragon hunts and material stockpiling, players can craft and upgrade these sets to surpass the armor cap (567 rating) with strategic tempering.

Sources
[1] Dragon Armor Materials? - The Elder Scrolls V - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps3/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/answers/302978-dragon-armor-materials
[2] How To Craft Dragonplate/Scale Armor 2016 Skyrim Remastered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEpM-qvZnMw
[3] Skyrim:Dragon Items - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dragon_Items
[4] Dragonplate Heavy Armor - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Dragonplate_Heavy_Armor
[5] Dragonscale Light Armor - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Dragonscale_Light_Armor
[6] Skyrim: How to Get the Dragonscale Armor - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-how-get-dragonscale-armor/
[7] Dragonplate Armor Crafting Guide - "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" https://standardof.net/games/skyrim/crafting/dragonplate-armor/
[8] What materials are needed for heavy and light dragonbone armor ... https://www.reddit.com/r/ElderScrollsBlades/comments/bhgcpu/what_materials_are_needed_for_heavy_and_light/
[9] When can I get dragon armor? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/jzqhmc/when_can_i_get_dragon_armor/
[10] Dragonscale Armor : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/9qjh7e/dragonscale_armor/
[11] Can you have Dragon Armor built for you by an NPC smith? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/60992311
[12] question about smithing and dragon armor - The Elder Scrolls V https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61025341
[13] Most efficient path to dragon armor? :: The Elder Scrolls V https://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/540734424255355061/
[14] Materials needed for crafting/tempering all armors. - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/ElderScrollsBlades/comments/cb6wos/materials_needed_for_craftingtempering_all_armors/
[15] How can i change weapon and armor tempering requirements? https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/6112378-how-can-i-change-weapon-and-armor-tempering-requirements/
[16] How Do I Make The Most Powerful Dragon Armor? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/re9cxl/how_do_i_make_the_most_powerful_dragon_armor/
[17] How to best upgrade my dragonscale armour? - The Elder Scrolls V https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61883818
[18] Unique Meshes & Textures for Tempered Armor & Weapons https://forums.nexusmods.com/topic/10856468-unique-meshes-textures-for-tempered-armor-weapons/
[19] Skyrim TS # 2 - Dragonscale Armor Maxing Guide - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbvljz6Dm_M
[20] Missing Dragonplate armor and some Dragonbone Weapons in the ... https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/4g9hyg/missing_dragonplate_armor_and_some_dragonbone/
[21] Draconic blacksmithing and hidden requirements : r/skyrimrequiem https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimrequiem/comments/5bx5j7/draconic_blacksmithing_and_hidden_requirements/
[22] Dragon armor(light or heavy) without crafting? - The Elder Scrolls V https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/74259327
[23] Is there a way to further improve dragonbone sword that is already ... https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/107ikti/is_there_a_way_to_further_improve_dragonbone/
[24] Skyrim:Dragon Items - UESPWiki https://pt.m.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dragonplate
[25] Skyrim:Alternative Armors - Dragon Plate - UESP https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Alternative_Armors_-_Dragon_Plate
[26] Question about smithing & tempering - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/68368147
[27] what level do you have to be to wear dragon bone armor and when ... https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61288601
[28] Improved Dragonplate Armor at Skyrim Nexus - Mods and Community https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/90436?tab=description
[29] Skyrim How to Get Dragon Armor In Skyrim! - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MriQKm59gs
[30] Skyrim: How to Make Dragon Armor - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lbJpMLm9TA
[31] how do I get dedreic/dragon armor and weapons without smithing https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/wq65jt/how_do_i_get_dedreicdragon_armor_and_weapons/
[32] Skyrim:Dragon Items - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Dragon_Items
[33] Dragon Armor Materials? - The Elder Scrolls V - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps3/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/answers/302978-dragon-armor-materials
[34] Tempering - Wildlander Wiki https://wiki.wildlandermod.com/04WildlanderWorld/1-Tempering/
[35] How do I make my dragon armor flawless my smithing is at 100 what ... https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox360/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/answers/602114-how-do-i-make-my-dragon-armor-flawless-my-smithing-is-at-100-what-am-i-missing
[36] Dragonscale Light Armor - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Dragonscale_Light_Armor
[37] What can I do with Dragon Bones and Scales? - Arqade https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/35297/what-can-i-do-with-dragon-bones-and-scales
[38] Skyrim: How to Get the Dragonscale Armor - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-how-get-dragonscale-armor/
[39] Dragonplate Armor Crafting Guide - "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" https://standardof.net/games/skyrim/crafting/dragonplate-armor/
[40] How To Craft Dragonplate/Scale Armor 2016 Skyrim Remastered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEpM-qvZnMw
[41] Tempering That Makes Sense - Overhaul - Nexus Mods https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/131214
[42] HOW to Get Alternate Dragon Armor In Skyrim Anniversary Edion ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P0q3C3CEvc

To craft a full Elven Armor set (cuirass, helmet, gauntlets, boots, shield) early in Skyrim Anniversary Edition, here’s where to efficiently gather materials without high-level grinding or combat:

Materials Needed

Early Material Farming Guide

1. Iron Ingots

Best Locations:

• Embershard Mine (west of Riverwood):
  
  • 8 iron ore veins (craft into ingots at smelter in Riverwood)[5][6].
    
  • Avoid combat by sneaking past bandits.
    
• Halted Stream Camp (northwest of Whiterun):
  
  • 16 iron ore veins (requires clearing bandits)[5][6].
    
• Buying: General merchants and blacksmiths (e.g., Alvor in Riverwood) sell iron ingots for ~7 gold each[6].
  

2. Leather & Leather Strips

Sources:

• Hunting: Kill deer, wolves, or goats near Riverwood/Whiterun.
  
  • 1 hide = 1 leather (use tanning racks in Riverwood or Whiterun)[7][8].
    
  • 1 leather = 4 leather strips.
    
• Buying: General stores sell leather (e.g., Lucan in Riverwood).
  

3. Refined Moonstone

Early Access Methods:

• Stony Creek Cave (southeast of Windhelm):
  
  • 2 moonstone veins (avoid Falmer at the cave’s end)[3][4].
    
• Buying:
  
  • Blacksmiths (e.g., Warmaiden’s in Whiterun) sell refined moonstone starting at level 6[4].
    
  • General goods merchants stock it at level 4[4].
    
• Mining:
  
  • Soljund’s Sinkhole (east of Markarth): 5 moonstone veins (clear Draugr first)[3][4].
    

Crafting Process

1. Smithing Perk: Reach Smithing 30 and unlock Elven Smithing (requires Steel Smithing)[2][9].
   
2. Tempering: Use grindstones/workbenches with refined moonstone to upgrade armor[9].
   

Efficient Route for New Characters

1. Start at Riverwood:
   
   • Mine iron at Embershard Mine.
     
   • Hunt deer/wolves for hides → craft leather at the tanning rack.
     
2. Visit Whiterun:
   
   • Buy refined moonstone from Warmaiden’s or Belethor’s Goods.
     
   • Smelt mined iron ore at the smelter.
     
3. Farm Moonstone:
   
   • Travel to Stony Creek Cave (avoid combat) or buy from vendors.
     

Tips

• Weight Management: Store materials in Faendal’s House (Riverwood) if overencumbered.
  
• Avoid Combat: Use followers (e.g., Sven or Faendal) to handle enemies in mines.
  

This method prioritizes safety and accessibility, bypassing high-level zones like Blackreach[3][10].

Sources
[1] Elven Armor - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Elven_Armor
[2] Skyrim:Elven - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Elven
[3] Moonstone - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Moonstone
[4] Skyrim:Elven - Refined Moonstone - UESP https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Elven_Smithing
[5] Places where I can get lots of Iron? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/94tu2s/places_where_i_can_get_lots_of_iron/
[6] Skyrim:Iron - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Iron
[7] Skyrim: How to Craft Leather and Leather Strips - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-how-craft-leather-strips/
[8] Skyrim:Tanning - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Tanning
[9] Elven Smithing - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Elven_Smithing
[10] Skyrim: Where To Farm Every Type Of Ore - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-where-find-every-ore/
[11] Where to find items to make elven armor? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61046682
[12] Skyrim:Elven - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) http://en.m.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Elven_Armor
[13] the elder scrolls v skyrim - Where does one mine moonstone? https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/35688/where-does-one-mine-moonstone
[14] Where can I make or buy leather strips in Whiterun? - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61010712
[15] Lore:Moonstone - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Moonstone
[16] Skyrim - Where to Find over 70 Iron Ingots (FREE and Easy) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0cYDYWFInQ
[17] Where can I buy Iron Ingots in bulk? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/60992294
[18] Where to find Iron Ingots and Leather Strips - Skyrim - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnTIe9azki4
[19] Where's the best place to get leather? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61526651
[20] Easy way to get Smithing up! - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61005067
[21] Help me find moonstone : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/1blyxeo/help_me_find_moonstone/
[22] Where can I get Quicksilver Ore or Ingots and Moonstone ore/ingots? https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/60961631
[23] Where To Get Refined Moonstone and Quicksilver Ingots - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimrequiem/comments/5ch3ej/where_to_get_refined_moonstone_and_quicksilver/
[24] Skyrim: Best Locations To Get Iron Ingots | Easy Blacksmith Leveling! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r79w7cdH4A0
[25] Skyrim Elven Armor & Weapons : r/teslore - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/teslore/comments/55ugr2/skyrim_elven_armor_weapons/
[26] Material Hierarchy? - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - GameFAQs https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/61440119
[27] Which perk(s) do I need to make elven light armor? Is it just ... - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/lg6cqi/which_perks_do_i_need_to_make_elven_light_armor/
[28] Elven Armor | Skyrim Wiki - Fextralife https://skyrim.wiki.fextralife.com/Elven+Armor
[29] Skyrim020c Armor 101: Set Bonus, Elven Smithing, Perk ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9WEHRGT2ok
[30] Skyrim: Hearthfire - Were to Find Refined Moonstone ( HD 1080p ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G0ioXmx7_U

To craft a full Steel Armor set (cuirass, helmet, gauntlets, boots, shield) early in Skyrim Anniversary Edition, here’s how to efficiently gather materials and bypass combat-heavy zones:

Materials Needed

Early Material Farming Guide

1. Steel Ingots

Crafting:

• Smelt 1 Iron Ore + 1 Corundum Ore → 1 Steel Ingot
  Best Early Ore Sources:
  
• Embershard Mine (west of Riverwood):
  
  • 8 iron ore veins (safe for low-level characters).
    
  • 1 corundum ore vein near the entrance.
    
• Halted Stream Camp (northwest of Whiterun):
  
  • 16 iron ore veins + 1 corundum vein (requires clearing bandits).
    
• Bleak Falls Barrow (quest-locked):
  
  • Iron and corundum veins in the cave section (pickaxes provided).
    

Free Ingots:

• Riverwood: Steal 3 steel ingots from Alvor’s forge (owned, but safe if undetected).
  
• Whiterun: Warmaiden’s has 2 steel ingots for sale (cost: ~30 gold each).
  

2. Iron Ingots

Sources:

• Mine iron ore at Embershard Mine (8 veins) or Halted Stream Camp (16 veins).
  
• Smelt ore at forges in Riverwood/Whiterun.
  

3. Leather Strips

Methods:

• Hunt deer, wolves, or goats near Riverwood/Whiterun:
  
  • 1 hide = 1 leather (use tanning racks).
    
  • 1 leather = 4 leather strips.
    
• Buy leather from general merchants (e.g., Riverwood Trader).
  

Crafting Process

1. Smithing Perk: Unlock Steel Smithing (no perk requirement).
   
2. Craft at Forge: Use the "Steel" category under Heavy Armor.
   
3. Tempering: Upgrade armor with steel ingots (doubles improvement with the Steel Smithing perk).
   

Early-Game Route (Level 1–5)

1. Riverwood Start:
   
   • Mine iron/corundum at Embershard Mine.
     
   • Hunt animals near the Guardian Stones for hides.
     
   • Steal steel ingots from Alvor’s forge (optional).
     
2. Whiterun:
   
   • Buy steel/iron ingots from Warmaiden’s (Adrianne Avenicci).
     
   • Mine corundum at Halted Stream Camp if needed.
     
3. Craft at Riverwood Forge: Build the full set with gathered materials.
   

Alternate Methods

• Free Steel Plate Armor: Defeat Uthgerd the Unbroken (Bannered Mare, Whiterun) in a brawl, then loot her corpse (requires murder).
  
• Quest Rewards: Complete "Bleak Falls Barrow" → Jarl Balgruuf may reward a steel armor piece if your Heavy Armor skill is higher than Light Armor.
  

Tips

• Weight Management: Use a follower (e.g., Faendal in Riverwood) to carry ore/ingots.
  
• Gold Farming: Chop firewood in Riverwood (30+ logs) → sell to Hod for ~150 gold to buy materials.
  
• Avoid Combat: Sneak past bandits in Halted Stream Camp or use followers to tank enemies.
  

This method prioritizes minimal combat and leverages accessible mines/merchants for a full Steel Armor set within 1–2 hours of gameplay.

Sources
[1] Skyrim:Steel - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Steel
[2] Steel Armor - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Guide - IGN https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/Steel_Armor
[3] how do I get steel armor very early? : r/skyrim - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/16lnfrw/how_do_i_get_steel_armor_very_early/
[4] Steel Armor | Skyrim Wiki - Fextralife https://skyrim.wiki.fextralife.com/Steel+Armor
[5] Reign of Kings - How to Make Steel Armor (Tutorial) - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWHRQls-rgE
[6] The Ultimate Crafting Guide - Steam Community https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=794662707
[7] Skyrim:Advanced Armors - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Advanced_Armors
[8] Skyrim Anniversary Edition: How to get all New Armour ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSdWHYrGoyI
[9] Dwarven Armor Crafting Guide - "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" https://standardof.net/games/skyrim/crafting/dwarven-armor/
[10] Steel Plate Armor | Skyrim Wiki - Fextralife https://skyrim.wiki.fextralife.com/Steel+Plate+Armor
[11] How to Make the Skyrim Steel Armor Costume Part 1 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MAyu19v308
[12] Skyrim SMITHING Guide for Total Beginners [Elder Scrolls Guide] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EII2sUkGPY
[13] How to get Steel Plate Armor in Skyrim at any level - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmmkZ0MF9yI
[14] Skyrim: Smithing Skill Guide - Trainers, Fast Leveling & More https://www.thegamer.com/elder-scrolls-5-v-skyrim-smithing-skill-guide/
[15] HOW To Get Alternate Iron And Steel Armour Sets In Skyrim ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z-wB987gxw
[16] The Best Heavy Armor Sets In Skyrim - Game Rant https://gamerant.com/skyrim-best-heavy-armor-sets/