Dawnfang and Duskfang is a one-handed sword that was first introduced in Skyrim's predecessor Oblivion. The two-in-one weapon was originally made available in Skyrim through the Creation Club, and is also included in the Anniversary Edition of the game. Dawnfang and Duskfang are two halves of the same weapon, changing its name and effect depending on the time of day.
Originally created by the Tsaesci, an Akaviri race of snake-like people, Dawnfang and Duskfang is the only shape-shifting weapon in Skyrim. It has two sister swords – Bloodthirst and Rimelink. Bloodthirst can be found as part of the Dawnfang and Duskfang quest, while Rimelink is not available in Skyrim, only in The Elder Scrolls: Blades mobile game.
Dawnfang and Duskfang Effects And Stats
At night, this sword is called Duskfang and deals Frost damage. During the day, it is called Dawnfang and deals Fire damage. Aside from this unique shapeshifting effect, it is a particularly notable weapon as it upgrades itself over time - after killing 12 enemies, it gains a new absorption effect.
- Equipment Type: One-Handed Sword
- Raw Damage: Varies depending on level
- Inventory Weight: 16
- Gold Value: Varies depending on level
- Dawnfang Enchantment: Deals X points of Fire damage, during the day, dependent on level
- Duskfang Enchantment: Deals X points of Frost damage, during the night, dependent on level
- Upgraded Enchantment: After killing 12 enemies, the sword absorbs Health or Magicka depending on its form
- Enchantment Uses: Infinite
Dawnfang and Duskfang becomes especially powerful after it has had a taste of blood, specifically 12 tastes of creature blood. After this, depending on its form, it will absorb five (depending on level) points of Magicka or Health from targets. Keep in mind that Dawnfang and Duskfang are not two different swords, and thus cannot be Dual-Wielded.
How To Get Dawnfang and Duskfang
To acquire Dawnfang and Duskfang head to the Ratway beneath Riften, where players typically locate Esbern and are chased by the Thalmor as part of the main questline. The Dawnfang and Duskfang quest should pop into your inventory after following rumors of a ghost in the sewers – as long as the creation is installed (Anniversary Edition players shouldn't have to do anything).
The ghost leads the player to an underground vault, where players must defeat several Guardians in order to weaken a shield barring anyone from picking up the sword. Once the Vault is fully explored and each Guardian is defeated, Dawnfang and Duskfang should be able to be picked up from its place in the vault.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S