The Elder Scrolls series is renowned partially for the vast array of items available for the player to find through exploration, earn through combat, or craft through meticulous skill development and resource gathering. The most recent main series installment of The Elder Scrolls, Skyrim, is no different, with an extensive availability of weapons and armors for players to aspire to, which has kept gamers occupied since its release back in November 2011.
One of the main allures to the armor and weapon collection of Skyrim over the years has been the tangible difference in quality, value, and power that different weapon and armor types have. With different types of weapons and armor consisting of different materials and classifications, players can effectively rank the different weapons and armor the game has to offer. One of the most sought-after armor and weapon types in Skyrim is, quite fittingly for the game, Dragon-type weapons and armor.
Being added into the game with the Dawnguard expansion, which was the first official add-on for Skyrim, Dragon weapons and armor require dragon scales and dragon bones, along with other rare materials to craft. This gives the famed dragon combat of Skyrim more purpose and utility, with the dragon parts that are available to loot after a successful fight now serving a higher purpose than just a high monetary value. The ability to craft dragon weapons and armor requires a smithing level of 100, as well as the unlocking of the final smithing perk, the Dragon Armor perk.
S-Tier
- Dragonbone Mace - Not only is the Dragonbone Mace the most powerful mace in the game, but it is also the most powerful craftable one-handed weapon in all of Skyrim. Potentially being found on the Keepers within the Soul Cairn, this mace is deserving of top spot on this list.
- Studded Dragonscale Armor - Only available to craft after the completion of the Tilted Scales quest, the Studded Dragonscale Armor is an improved version of regular Dragonscale Armor. This studded variant has a higher armor rating of 2 compared to regular Dragonscale Armor, making it the best lightweight armor in all of Skyrim.
- Dragonbone Dagger - Only available via smithing, the Dragonbone Dagger is tied with the Blade of Woe as the highest-damage dagger in the game, whilst also having a faster attack speed.
A-Tier
- Dragonbone Bow - The Dragonbone bow has the highest base-level damage of any standard bow in the game. The bow also requires level 100 smithing to craft, yet can also be looted from one of the Soul Cairn keepers. The only reason this bow misses out on an S-Tier ranking is that it also possesses the joint-highest weight of any bow in the game.
- Dragonplate Insulated Armor - This Dragonplate Armor is insulated with a fur lining, making it a very powerful and sought after heavy armor variant. After completing Bones For a Crow, players will unlock this armor, which is slightly better than its Daedric equivalent.
B-Tier
- Dragonbone Greatsword - One of the best heavy swords in the game, the Dragonbone Greatsword also requires a smithing level of 100 to craft. Alternatively, this Greatsword can be looted from the Keeper enemies within the Soul Cairn.
- Dragonbone Shield - The heavy Dragonbone Shield begins appearing within Skyrim at level 40, being found as potential chest-loot or within certain blacksmith stores. At 34 base armor, it is undoubtedly one of the better shields players can hope to have.
C-Tier
- Dragonplate Helmet - Sharing the same level appearance and loot table as the Dragonbone Shield, the Dragonplate helmet is a worthy addition to this list at 22 base armor, despite falling short of its powerful peers in overall utility.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available on PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
