The Best Two-Handed Weapons in Skyrim — How to Get Unique Axes, Greatswords, Warhammers, and Bows

Some of us like to take a gamble — they ditch the trusty shield and grab a bigger weapon. But in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, there is so much diverse weaponry that even an experienced adventurer will face a tough choice. With this guide, everything will become much easier, as you'll only have to choose from the most powerful two-handed weapons!

To be honest, there is no definitive best weapon in the game, whether it's one-handed or two-handed. Skyrim is a role-playing game where every item has a variety of parameters, characteristics, and upgrades. This is especially true for gear items like armor and weapons, as such items can have magical enchantments and can also be improved at the forge.

Moreover, much depends on what skills the Dragonborn has developed. With certain skills, you can even fight with bare hands, and it's great that the game provides such an opportunity.

There are fewer two-handed weapons in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, so it makes sense to combine different classes of such weapons into one section. Here are the best axes, greatswords, and warhammers in the game: Wuuthrad, Rueful Axe, Bloodskal, Volendrung, and Dawnguard Rune Hammer.

This thing is great for those who dream of settling scores with elves. Wuuthrad deals more damage specifically to the pointy-eared races, and its base damage is also quite high — 25. It's a damn powerful axe!

The path to Wuuthrad lies through completing the Companions' questline. You will have to complete it entirely, as only after the final quest, Glory of the Dead, will the Dragonborn get the opportunity to grab Wuuthrad with both hands.

Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile describes this weapon as powerful enough to have some fun. And that's pretty close to the truth — Rueful Axe in its base form deals 22 damage and also burns the enemy's stamina. Moreover, it can be improved at the forge if you have the corresponding skill.

Rueful Axe can be obtained as a reward for completing the Daedric quest A Daedra's Best Friend. But before proceeding to it, you should reach at least level 10. Once the Dragonborn is strong enough, you need to find a character named Lod near the entrance to Falkreath. There will be many fun and not-so-fun adventures ahead.

Appeared in the game after the release of the Dragonborn DLC. This is a huge greatsword that causes a magical explosion with a power attack. Even without considering the significant physical damage, Bloodskal is valued for the energy blast that deals 30 damage!

To become the owner of Bloodskal, you need to start the Dragonborn DLC questline, and then, upon arriving on Solstheim, go to Raven Rock Mine and take the side quest The Final Descent from a character named Crescius Caerellius. The blade will be lying next to the remains of Gratian in a deep dungeon.

The imposing size of this warhammer can seriously intimidate an impressionable hero with its demonic relief. But its damage is far more frightening — 47! When striking, Volendrung not only easily breaks the strongest bones but also absorbs stamina, which is very convenient for the Dragonborn, as you will need more than your own strength to make a good swing with this hammer.

The quest to obtain Volendrung is called The Cursed Tribe, which begins in the orc stronghold of Largashbur. Upon arriving there, the hero must help the local orcs deal with a host of problems and simultaneously present themselves favorably before the Daedric Prince Malacath.

Not the best in its class (base damage is 22), but definitely very useful in certain situations. The enchantment allows setting fire traps on various surfaces. This way, you can easily deal with many enemies who prefer close-quarters combat.

As with other Dawnguard rune weapons, you need to complete the dynamic quest Lost Relic. The task is quite troublesome, although it is randomly generated: you need to clear dungeons filled to the brim with all sorts of filth and undead.

If you're lucky, the Dawnguard Rune Hammer will become the Dragonborn's reward. Surely. Most likely. Probably. Maybe. Someday. Sooner or later... Well, if you buy Dawnguard, of course.

A bow will be useful to almost every hero, but it is especially often used by those who, for certain reasons, do not want to dirty their hands by swinging all sorts of sharp things like some savage or barbarian. There are plenty of bows in the game, but only 3 of them will serve the Dragonborn best: The Nightingale Bow, Glass Bow of the Stag Prince, and Gauldur Blackbow.

This weapon belongs to Karliah, a member of the Thieves Guild and a temporary companion of the main character during some quests. The enchantment of the Nightingale Bow allows you to freeze and shock the target, which is often useful in various situations. Also, this is another weapon that depends on the character's level. It's better not to take it too early; it's better to wait. For example, until level 46. That's when the Nightingale Bow will be at its most powerful.

To convince Karliah to give up the bow, you'll have to join the Thieves Guild and follow its storyline. This is quite a long path that will only end with the quest Blindsighted. The bow will be handed to the character as a reward for completing the quest. By the way, the Dragonborn will also get an endless lockpick (Skeleton Key), but who cares about such trifles?

The name is far from the most remarkable thing about this weapon. It blesses the owner with a special effect — increasing health and stamina while the bow is equipped. To receive the blessing, you need to kill 20 animals. Not too much, but not too little either!

You can get the Glass Bow of the Stag Prince from Falas Selvayn at the Ramshackle Trading Post. Oh yes, that's right, this location is on the island of Solstheim, so you'll have to set sail after purchasing the DLC Dragonborn.

Like the Nightingale Bow, this example of ancient Nordic craftsmanship is a weapon whose power directly depends on the hero's level. It is set at the moment when the Dragonborn first enters the location where the bow is found.

The Gauldur Blackbow deals 36 damage on hit and absorbs magic. Convenient if the main character knows a couple of powerful spells.

As with the Gauldur Blackblade, the bow can be obtained during the quest Forbidden Legend. To trigger this quest, you need to read the book Lost Legends of Skyrim. It can be found in various places; you just need to be attentive. Or simply search the lifeless body of an adventurer in the location Lakeview Ridge.

The bow's dungeon is Geirmund's Hall. There resides the ancient and not quite alive (nor dead!) Sigdis Gauldurson. The bow is in his hands, you just need to ask nicely.