Battleaxes are a type of Weapon in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Battleaxes belong to the Two-Handed weapon class, with their effectiveness in combat governed by the Two-Handed Skill and Perk trees. Two-Handed weapons require the use of both hands, removing your ability to dual wield or use Shields or Spells at the same time. However, they also deal much higher damage than One-Handed weapons and have greater reach. Battleaxes offer a balance between Greatswords and Warhammers, dealing more damage than the former but swinging faster than the latter. Similar to the War Axes, Battleaxes are able to inflict the bleed status effect via the Limbsplitter perk.
- See the Weapons page for an overview of Weapon Mechanics pertaining to Battleaxes.
- See the Combat page for an indepth look at the combat mechanics and other gameplay features.
The Best Battleaxes in Skyrim
The following is a short list of some of the best Battleaxes in Skyrim:
- Wuuthrad - Deals extra damage to Elves. Because this effect is not considered an enchantment, the weapon can be affected by the Elemental Fury shout, significantly increasing its swing speed. It can also be enchanted, with its inherent ability stacking with the enchantment.
- Drainblood Battleaxe - Steals 15 Health from opponents with every swing, allowing it to deal more damage than its base stat would suggest while also healing you.
- Steel Battleaxe of Fiery Souls - Deals fire damage and casts Soul Trap when defeating opponents.
- Dragonbone Battleaxe - The top tier Battleaxe that can be crafted and enchanted. Note that it cannot trigger the bleed effects of Limbsplitter.
All Battleaxes in Skyrim
Quick Search of All Skyrim Battleaxes
Click the header to sort the table.
| Name | Weight | Damage | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ancient Nord Battle Axe |
22 | 18 | Can be found on Dragur and Skeletons in ancient Nordic Tombs |
 Daedric Battleaxe |
27 | 25 | Can be made with the Daedric Smithing perk and Smithing level 90 |
 Dragonbone Battleaxe |
30 | 26 | Can be made with the Dragon Armor perk and Smithing level 100 |
 Drainblood Battleaxe |
5 | 21 | Absorb 15 points of Health |
 Dwarven Battleaxe |
23 | 20 | Can be made with the Dwarven Smithing perk and Smithing level 30 |
 Ebony Battleaxe |
26 | 23 | Can be made with the Ebony Smithing perk and Smithing level 80 |
 Elven Battleaxe |
24 | 21 | Can be made with the Elven Smithing perk and Smithing level 30 |
 Glass Battleaxe |
25 | 22 | Can be made with the Glass Smithing perk and Smithing level 70 |
 Headsmans's Axe |
11 | 17 | Can be found on Ahtar |
 Honed Ancient Nord Battle Axe |
25 | 21 | Can be found on draugr scourge lords, draugr scourges and draugr overlords |
 Iron Battleaxe |
20 | 16 | Can be made without any Smithing perk |
 Nord Hero Battle Axe |
20 | 21 | Can only be crafted at the Skyforge after completing the Companions questline. |
 Nordic Battleaxe |
23 | 21 | Can be made with the Advanced Armors perk and Smithing level 50 |
 Orcish Battleaxe |
25 | 19 | Can be made with the Orcish Smithing perk and Smithing level 50 |
 Skyforge Steel Battleaxe |
21 | 21 | Can obtain one for free when completing quest Proving Honor |
 Stalhrim Battleaxe |
25 | 24 | The Frost Damage enchantment is 25% stronger on this weapon. |
 Steel Battleaxe of Fiery Souls |
21 | 18 | If target dies within 5 seconds, fills a soul gem. Burns the target for 10 points. Targets on fire take extra damage. |
 Steel Battleaxe |
21 | 18 | Can be made with the Steel Smithing perk |
 Rueful Axe |
10 | 22 | Does 20 points of Stamina damage. While obtained from a Daedric Quest, does not count as a Daedric Artifact |
 The Woodsman's Friend |
20 | 17 | Swings slower than a normal Iron Battleaxe |
 Tsun's Battle axe |
36 | 27 | Can only be obtained by console commands |
 Wuuthrad |
25 | 25 | Does additional damage to elves, 1.2 times more damage to Altmer Bosmer Dunmer and Falmer characters |
