Crafting is Skyrim's power ceiling. Smithing forges and tempers gear; Enchanting adds magical effects; Alchemy amplifies both. Together they trivialize even Legendary difficulty.
⚒️ Smithing
- Level by crafting cheap items (Iron Daggers, Gold Rings) or, better, Dwarven Bows from smelted Dwemer scrap.
- Pick a perk path: Daedric (heavy) or Dragon (light) for the best base gear. Glass and Ebony are strong stepping stones.
- Tempering at a grindstone/workbench improves any weapon or armor; the Arcane Blacksmith perk lets you temper enchanted gear.
🔮 Enchanting
- Disenchant found magic items to learn their effects, then apply them to your own gear using filled Soul Gems.
- Best weapon enchants: Absorb Health, Chaos Damage (Anniversary), Fiery Soul Trap. Best armor: Fortify Destruction/One-Handed, Fortify Health, Muffle.
- The Extra Effect perk lets you put two enchantments on one item — build-defining.
The Fortify Loop
Alchemy → Enchanting → Smithing
- Brew Fortify Enchanting potions (Snowberries + Spriggan Sap + Blue Butterfly Wing).
- Drink one, then enchant a full set of Fortify Alchemy gear (head, hands, chest, ring/necklace).
- Wear the gear, brew even stronger Fortify Enchanting potions, and re-enchant. Repeat 2–3 times.
- Finally enchant Fortify Smithing gear and brew Fortify Smithing potions to temper weapons to legendary damage.
See the Alchemy guide for the exact ingredient combos, and the Skills & Perks guide for which perks to prioritize.
💬 Community Strategies & Discussion
Did you find a hidden chest? Struggling with a boss? Share your tips and questions with other mercenaries below!