If you’re looking to take out your enemies from a distance in Skyrim, you’ll need to equip yourself with the best long-range weapons available. Whether you prefer to use a bow, crossbow, or magic, there are plenty of options to choose from that can make all the difference in combat.
One of the most popular long-range weapons in Skyrim is the bow. With its ability to deal massive damage from a distance, the bow is a favorite among archers and stealthy characters. The best bows in Skyrim include the Dragonbone Bow, which has a base damage of 20, and the Nightingale Bow, which has a base damage of 19 and deals frost and shock damage to enemies.
If you prefer a more unique long-range weapon, you might consider using a crossbow. Crossbows are slower to reload than bows, but they deal more damage per shot and can be more accurate. The best crossbow in Skyrim is the Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow, which has a base damage of 22 and ignores 50% of an enemy’s armor.
Ranged Weapons in Skyrim
When it comes to fighting from a distance in Skyrim, there are several options available to you. Whether you prefer to use a bow and arrow, destruction magic, or throwing weapons, there are plenty of powerful options to choose from.
Archer
Archery is a popular choice for those who prefer to keep their distance from their enemies. Here are some of the best bows and arrows available in Skyrim:
| Bow | Base Damage | Weight | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragonbone Bow | 20 | 20 | 2140 |
| Dwarven Crossbow | 19 | 22 | 1000 |
| Daedric Bow | 19 | 18 | 1440 |
As for arrows, the best ones to use are the Dragonbone Arrows, which have a base damage of 25 and can be crafted with a Dragonbone Smithing perk.
Destruction Magic
If you prefer to use magic to fight from a distance, Destruction spells are the way to go. Here are some of the most powerful Destruction spells in Skyrim:
- Chain Lightning – Deals 40 points of shock damage to Health and half to Magicka to the target, then jumps to a new target.
- Fireball – Deals 40 points of fire damage to Health and half to Magicka to the target and any enemies within 15 feet.
- Icy Spear – Deals 60 points of frost damage to Health and 30 points to Stamina to the target.
Throwing Weapons
If you prefer to use throwing weapons, there are several options available to you. Here are some of the best-throwing weapons in Skyrim:
- Steel Throwing Knives – These have a base damage of 5 and can be found in various locations throughout Skyrim.
- Dwarven Sphere Centurion Arrow – These have a base damage of 20 and can be crafted with a Dwarven Smithing perk.
- Explosive Bolt – These have a base damage of 15 and can be crafted with a Steel Smithing perk.
Best Long Range Weapons in Skyrim
Bows
When it comes to long-range weapons in Skyrim, bows are the most popular choice. They are easy to come by, lightweight, and deal a significant amount of damage. The best bow in the game is the Dragonbone Bow, which has a base damage of 20 and can be crafted with a Smithing level of 100. Other notable bows include:
- Glass Bow – Base damage of 18
- Ebony Bow – Base damage of 19
- Nightingale Bow – Base damage of 19 and has a chance to paralyze enemies
Crossbows
Crossbows are another option for long-range combat in Skyrim. They are slower to reload than bows but deal more damage per shot. The best crossbow in the game is the Enhanced Dwarven Crossbow, which has a base damage of 19 and ignores 50% of armor. Other notable crossbows include:
- Daedric Crossbow – Base damage of 22
- Dragonbone Crossbow – Base damage of 20 and can be crafted with a Smithing level of 100
- Steel Crossbow – Base damage of 14 and can be crafted with a Smithing level of 50
Spells
If you prefer to use magic for long-range combat, Destruction spells are your best option. The best spell for long-range combat is Fireball, which deals 40 points of fire damage to all targets within a 15-foot radius. Other notable spells include:
- Ice Storm – Deals 40 points of frost damage to all targets within a 15-foot radius
- Chain Lightning – Deals 40 points of shock damage to the primary target and half that to secondary targets
- Thunderbolt – Deals 60 points of shock damage to the target
Throwing Weapons
If you want to mix things up, throwing weapons are a fun option for long-range combat. The best throwing weapon in the game is the Ebony Throwing Knife, which has a base damage of 8 and can be crafted with a Smithing level of 80. Other notable throwing weapons include:
- Steel Throwing Knife – Base damage of 6 and can be crafted with a Smithing level of 20
- Iron Throwing Knife – Base damage of 5 and can be crafted with a Smithing level of 10
- Steel Throwing Axe – Base damage of 8 and can be crafted with a Smithing level of 20
Factors to Consider
When choosing a long-range weapon in Skyrim, there are several factors you should consider to ensure that you have the best weapon for your playstyle. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Damage
The damage that a weapon can do is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a long-range weapon. You want to choose a weapon that can do a lot of damage with each hit, so that you can take down your enemies quickly and efficiently. The best long-range weapons in Skyrim for damage are:
- Dragonbone Bow: 20 base damage
- Daedric Bow: 19 base damage
- Glass Bow: 18 base damage
Weight
The weight of a weapon is another important factor to consider, especially if you plan on carrying multiple weapons or other items with you. You want to choose a weapon that is lightweight, so that it doesn’t slow you down or make it difficult to move quickly. The best long-range weapons in Skyrim for weight are:
- Dragonbone Bow: 20 weight
- Elven Bow: 13 weight
- Glass Bow: 14 weight
Speed
The speed of a weapon is also important, as it determines how quickly you can fire arrows or bolts. You want to choose a weapon that is fast, so that you can fire multiple shots in quick succession. The best long-range weapons in Skyrim for speed are:
- Bound Bow: 0.00 speed
- Dragonbone Bow: 0.75 speed
- Elven Bow: 1.00 speed
Enchantment
Finally, the enchantment on a weapon can be a major factor in its effectiveness. You want to choose a weapon with an enchantment that complements your playstyle, whether that means increasing damage, improving accuracy, or providing other benefits. The best long-range weapons in Skyrim for enchantment are:
- Glass Bow of the Stag Prince: Increases stamina by 5 points for each 20 animals killed with the bow
- Nightingale Bow: Absorbs 25 points of health and stamina from the target
- Zephyr: Fires 30% faster than a standard bow
