Skyrim has 18 skills across three guardian archetypes. You level a skill by using it; every skill-up contributes to your character level, and each level grants a perk point plus a choice of +10 Health, Magicka or Stamina.
The Warrior (6)
One-Handed · Two-Handed · Archery · Block · Heavy Armor · Smithing. Raw combat and crafting your own gear.
The Mage (6)
Destruction · Restoration · Alteration · Illusion · Conjuration · Enchanting. Spells for every situation.
The Thief (6)
Light Armor · Sneak · Lockpicking · Pickpocket · Speech · Alchemy. Stealth, subtlety and coin.
The Perk System
Each skill has its own perk tree, shaped like a constellation. Perks unlock only when your skill reaches the required rank (e.g. the powerful Destruction "Augmented" perks need level 30+). You get one perk point per character level, so plan a focused build rather than spreading thin.
| Skill | Must-have perk | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Smithing | Steel Smithing → your armor path | Craft & improve top-tier gear (Daedric/Dragon) |
| Sneak | Deadly Aim / Assassin's Blade | 3× bow, 15× dagger sneak damage |
| Destruction | Augmented Flames/Frost/Shock | +50% elemental damage, the core mage boost |
| Enchanting | Insightful/Extra Effect | Two enchantments per item — build-defining |
| Restoration | Respite | Healing also restores Stamina |
Legendary Skills
Once a skill hits 100, you can make it Legendary: it resets to 15 and refunds its perk points, letting you level infinitely. This removes the old level cap — great for maxing every tree, but you temporarily lose that skill's power, so do it when you can afford the dip. Track your journey to 100 in every skill on our Skills Tracker.
Fast Leveling Tips
- Standing Stones boost a whole archetype's XP by 20% — grab the right stone for your build.
- Trainers let you buy up to 5 skill levels per character level; pickpocket the gold back for free training.
- Crafting loops (Alchemy → Enchanting → Smithing) level fast and make each other stronger.
- Sleep in a bed for the Well Rested +10% XP bonus (or Lover's Comfort if married).
💬 Community Strategies & Discussion
Did you find a hidden chest? Struggling with a boss? Share your tips and questions with other mercenaries below!