Greatswords are a type of Weapon in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Greatswords 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. Greatswords are the fastest swinging Two-Handed weapons but they also deal less damage than Battleaxes and Warhammers.
- See the Weapons page for an overview of Weapon Mechanics pertaining to Greatswords.
- See the Combat page for an indepth look at the combat mechanics and other gameplay features.
The Best Greatswords in Skyrim
The following is a short list of some of the best Greatswords in Skyrim:
- Ebony Blade - A Daedric Artifact that doesn't have the strongest damage output, but has an Absorb Health enchantment with unlimited charges and can be strengthened by killing friendly NPCs. It also has the fastest swing speed of any Two-Handed weapons, rivaling that of most One-Handed weapons which helps to offset its low damage output.
- Bloodskal Blade - Releases energy projectile waves that deal 30 damage when performing Power Attacks. These waves travel quite a distance, giving the weapon the longest reach of any Two-Handed weapons. The waves can also hit multiple opponents at once and will also hit opponents at melee range that the blade itself hits, dealing further damage when used in this manner.
- Stormfang - While it has an unremarkable base damage, this Greatsword deals 30 points of shock damage and 15 points of Magicka damage, allowing it to outdamage many weapons. It is also much lighter than most Two-Handed weapons.
- Dragonbone Greatsword - The top tier Greatsword that can be crafted and enchanted to your liking.
All Greatswords in Skyrim
Quick Search of All Skyrim Greatswords
Click the header to sort the table.
| Name | Weight | Damage | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ebony Blade |
10 | 11 | Absorbs the life essence of foes. Strengthened by the blood of deceit.
|
 Ancient Nord Greatsword |
18 | 17 | Can be found on Draugr and Skeletons in ancient Nordic Tombs |
 Balgruuf's Greatsword |
17 | 17 | Can be obtained during the Quest Greatsword for a Great Man |
 Bloodskal Blade |
16 | 21 | Releases energy blast with power attacks that deals 30 damage. The energy blast can penetrate walls. |
 Daedric Greatsword |
23 | 24 | Can be made with the Daedric Smithing perk and Smithing level 90 |
 Dragonbone Greatsword |
27 | 25 | Can be made with the Dragon Armor perk and Smithing level 100 |
 Dwarven Greatsword |
19 | 19 | Can be made with the Dwarven Smithing perk and Smithing level 30 |
 Ebony Greatsword |
22 | 22 | Can be made with the Ebony Smithing perk and Smithing level 80 |
 Glass Greatsword |
22 | 21 | Can be made with the Glass Smithing perk and Smithing level 70 |
 Honed Ancient Nord Greatsword |
21 | 20 | Can be found on draugr scourge lords, draugr scourges and draugr overlords |
 Iron Greatsword |
16 | 15 | Can be made without any Smithing perk |
 Nord Hero Greatsword |
16 | 20 | Can only be crafted at the Skyforge after completing the Companions questline |
 Nordic Greatsword |
19 | 20 | Can be made with the Advanced Armors perk and Smithing level 50 |
 Orcish Greatsword |
18 | 18 | Can be made with the Orcish Smithing perk and Smithing level 50 |
 Silver Greatsword |
12 | 17 | Especially effective against undead, deals 20 more damage to undead enemies |
 Skyforge Steel Greatsword |
17 | 20 | Can be obtained from the Quest Proving Honor |
 Stalhrim Greatsword |
21 | 23 | The Frost Damage enchantment is 25% stronger on this weapon. |
 Steel Greatsword |
17 | 17 | Can be made with the Steel Smithing perk and Smithing level 20 |
 Stormfang |
17 | 17 | Target takes 30 points of shock damage, and half as much Magicka damage. |
