Build variety is a core part of any RPG title. Whether players create a smooth-talking archer or a devastating melee character, builds can add a massive amount of variety to any game. The Elder Scrolls games are a good example of this, allowing players to create virtually any character they wish.
That said, there aren't as many options in Skyrim as some might expect. Mods are invaluable for fixing this issue, as they can add entirely new perks to existing trees or alter combat itself. Those looking to spice up their next playthrough should take a look at these ten wacky builds they can make in Skyrim thanks to mods.
10 Bard
Drums and flutes actually have a use if players have Ordinator-Perks of Skyrim installed. The Speech tree grants new perks that allow players to bolster their party's stats by playing songs.
In other words, players can become a Bard. Use Horn of Sovngarde to obtain additional followers, Earthquake Drum to damage targets that get near the party and Irresistible Dance to lock enemies into a dance against their will. As long as the player has companions with them, the Bard is a fun alternative to playing a Conjuration mage or support build. For additional roleplaying flavor, consider using the Become A Bard mod to play songs at inns and social gatherings.
Recommended mods:
- Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
- Nether's Follower Framework (By Netherworks)
- Become a Bard (By Pevey)
9 Shout Master
Ordinator's Speech tree also adds perks that enhance Shouts. Perks such as Merciless Storm and Force Redoubled make Shouting a truly powerful option in combat, yet that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Install Summermyst-Enchantments of Skyrim and obtain many items with a chance to reset Shout cooldown on use. Combine this with Merciless Storm for when the cooldown reduction fails to activate. To make this even better, obtain Dovahzulaan perk from Speech to stack two Shout effects on top of each other. Players can go through most of the game using nothing but Shouts with this build.
Recommended mods:
- Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
- Summermyst - Enchantments of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
- Thunderchild - Epic Shouts and Immersion (By Enai Siaion)
8 Alteration Mage
Vokrii - Minimalistic Perks of Skyrim turns the lackluster Alteration tree for mages into a viable school of magic. Focused on utility and manipulating the environment, Alteration mages control the battlefield by creating walls, manipulating a target's movement speed, and intertwine unique effects to their spells. Alteration mages can even enhance their spells by turning them into powers or imbuing them with additional effects. Those that want to throw enemies into walls and move faster than a wolf should consider playing an Alteration mage.
Recommended mods:
- Vokrii - Minimalistic Perks of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
- Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
7 Barbarian
Image from VG247
Combat Gameplay Overhaul is a must for players that want to modernize Skyrim's combat. This mod also adds the ability to one or two-hand virtually every weapon in the game. Thanks to this change, players can choose to dual-wield two-handed weapons if they so desire.
Dual-wield greatswords or battle axes and invest in the two-handed tree to increase damage output. Playing as an Orc fits well here due to their Berserker Rage ability that grants double damage and 50% damage resistance. Enchant a blade with Power Surge to activate Berserker Rage on kill, effectively making this power a permanent boon during combat.
Recommended mods:
6 Elemental Monk
Image from Active Camo (YouTube)
Punching enemies is a viable build if done properly. Sadly, vanilla Skyrim almost requires players to use a Khajiit due to their enhanced melee damage. With Ordinator, this isn't necessary.
The light armor skill tree will allow players to scale their unarmed damage based on their maximum stamina value. Better yet, players can set an elemental damage type for their fists. Grab the Hissing Dragon node to unleash shockwaves of elemental damage with each strike. Rushing Tide will keep players on the move to help close the gap, which will cause power attacks to deal additional damage thanks to Sweeping Wind. Combine this with Shouts to make a terrifying unarmed monk.
Recommended mods:
5 Chef
Players can already play a deranged chef by using the Ring of Namira and fighting using a knife and fork. With the Complete Alchemy and Cooking Overhaul mod, players can take this one step further by enhancing their cooking capabilities. The mod also supports options for cannibalism if players still want to embrace that aspect of this build.
Use the Ring of Namira to harvest flesh from corpses. From there, use that meat as an ingredient for stamina-related food bonuses. Use smithing and enchanting to buff the knife and fork weapons. When all of that is finished, enjoy playing a build that benefits from eating its hosts and carves through enemies using silverware.
Recommended mods:
4 Vaermina Dream-Stealer
Illusion characters and vampires rarely get to harness the power of dreams to strengthen their sneaking abilities. Now they can if Oridantor is installed. Those that wish to follow Vaermina's teaching should consider making an Illusion-focused vampire.
Obtain the Dream Thief, Dream Charm, and Neverworld perks from Illusion to harness a victim's dreams. This will allow players to bolster their illusion powers by s significant amount and allow players to stun a target with Neverworld mid-combat. Feed on sleeping targets as a vampire to obtain additional bonuses. These buffs pair exceptionally well with a typical Illusion build, allowing players to control the battlefield without raising a blade.
Recommended mods:
- Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
- Better Vampires 8.5 SE (By Brehanin)
- Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
3 Necromancer
Necromancers are much more fearsome when mods are involved. This build revolves around Enai Siaion's mods to maximize the value of corpses. Invest in Conjuration to resurrect corpses, then invest in Illusion to control the flow of battle with Pale Shadow. When all of this is paired with the Ritual Standing Stone, players can have a dozen or more minions by their side while the player creates copies of enemies that will attack them. Turning the enemy's greatest fears into spectral phantoms compliments this otherwise typical necromancer build incredibly well.
Recommended mods:
- Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
- Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim (By Enai Siaion)
- Undeath Remastered (By Antioch08)
2 Commoner
Instead of creating a noble paladin or a powerful mage, try a build that focuses on a generic job. Become a hunter for a town, fisherman, lumberjack that uses axes to kill enemies, or make money from merchants to purchase guards and weapons. This doesn't have a specific build guide, as players must decide what type of commoner profession they should choose, but it makes for a refreshing change of pace from being a god-slaying Dragonborn. Pair this with an alternate start mod for a more engaging early-game roleplaying experience.
Recommended mods:
- Alternate Start - Live Another Life - SSE (By Arthmoor)
- Ars Metallica - Smithing Enhancement (By Arthmoor)
- Heljarchen Farm - Skyrim Special Edition (Revamped) (By Skvindt)
1 Dwarven Blacksmith
Image from u/Exit_9B (Reddit)
Blacksmiths can deal some serious damage if Ordinator is installed. Part of the Smithing skill tree consists of creating Dwemer machinations to turn the tide of combat. These include traps and Dwemer turrets that can target foes from afar.
Dwarven Autocannon is the crux of the build, allowing players to place crafted turrets down to take down enemies the player is aiming at. Obtain any perks that enhance the turrets such as Remote Control and Spin Up. Forge weapons and armor for towns to make money and purchase additional equipment.
Recommended mods: