Maces in Skyrim are a powerhouse when it comes to dealing damage. Known for their high damage output and armor penetration, they are perfect for players who prefer a slower, more deliberate combat style. If you’re someone who enjoys smashing through enemies’ defenses and dealing devastating blows, then maces are your go-to weapon in Skyrim. In this guide, we’ll look into the best maces in Skyrim, covering everything from their stats and locations to tips on how to use them effectively in battle.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, this guide will help you choose the most powerful maces for your journey. We’ll explore the Skyrim Ebony Mace, discuss which mace is considered the best, and compare maces vs swords to give you a well-rounded understanding of how these weapons stack up in the game.
Why Choose Maces in Skyrim?
Maces in Skyrim are designed to crush opponents with sheer force. While they may be slower than swords or daggers, their high base damage and ability to penetrate armor make them lethal against heavily armored foes. For players who want to focus on raw power and staggering their enemies, maces are a strong choice.
Benefits of Using Maces in Skyrim:
- High base damage: Maces have the highest base damage of all one-handed weapons in Skyrim.
- Armor penetration: Maces ignore 25% of an opponent’s armor, making them particularly effective against well-armored foes.
- Stagger effect: The heavy nature of maces increases the likelihood of staggering enemies, giving you more control in combat.
Now, let’s dive into the best maces in Skyrim and why they stand out.
1. Ebony Mace: A Weapon of Power and Prestige
When talking about the best maces in Skyrim, the Ebony Mace often tops the list. This mace is not only visually striking with its dark, intimidating design, but it also packs a punch in terms of damage.
Stats and Features:
- Base Damage: 16
- Weight: 19
- Value: 1440 gold
- Armor Penetration: 25% of armor ignored
The Ebony Mace in Skyrim is a top-tier weapon for players looking for a balance between power and aesthetics. With a base damage of 16, it’s one of the strongest one-handed maces in the game. The ebony material makes it durable and gives it a high value. Additionally, its armor penetration makes it perfect for taking down tougher enemies like dragons and Draugr Deathlords.
How to Obtain the Ebony Mace:
You can find the Ebony Mace in random loot after reaching level 36 or higher. Alternatively, you can craft it at a blacksmith’s forge using Ebony Ingots once your Smithing skill reaches 80 and you’ve unlocked the Ebony Smithing perk.
Why It’s Great
The ebony mace offers excellent damage without requiring the completion of any specific quests. Its high base damage and potential for improvement make it a reliable choice for many playstyles.
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2. Daedric Mace: The Ultimate Heavy Hitter
If you’re looking for sheer power, the Daedric Mace is arguably the most powerful mace in Skyrim. It has the highest base damage of all one-handed weapons in the game, making it a devastating tool for crushing your enemies.
Stats and Features:
- Base Damage: 16
- Weight: 20
- Value: 1250 gold
- Armor Penetration: 25% of armor ignored
The Daedric Mace shares the same base damage as the Ebony Mace, but it is heavier, which can affect your stamina usage during combat. However, the Daedric Mace’s intimidating design and high damage output make it a fan-favorite among players who want to wield the best of the best.
How to Obtain the Daedric Mace:
To get your hands on the Daedric Mace, you’ll need to either craft it (requiring Daedric Smithing, level 90 Smithing skill) or find it in high-level dungeons and loot chests after reaching level 44.
Why It’s Top-Tier
The Daedric mace offers the highest base damage of any standard one-handed mace in Skyrim. Its intimidating appearance and potential for devastating damage make it a top choice for many warriors.
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3. Molag Bal’s Mace: A Daedric Artifact with Dark Power
Molag Bal’s Mace is not only one of the best maces in Skyrim, but it’s also one of the most unique weapons in the game. This Daedric artifact belongs to the dark prince Molag Bal and comes with some powerful enchantments.
Stats and Features:
- Base Damage: 16
- Weight: 18
- Value: 1250 gold
- Enchantment: Absorbs 25 points of stamina and magicka, and damages the target’s soul.
Molag Bal’s Mace is a great option for players who want a versatile weapon. Its enchantments make it perfect for weakening your enemies while also replenishing your resources in combat.
How to Obtain Molag Bal’s Mace:
You can obtain Molag Bal’s Mace by completing the quest “The House of Horrors” in Markarth. This quest is relatively easy to complete, making this powerful mace accessible even for lower-level players.
Why It’s Top-Tier
The Mace of Molag Bal combines high base damage with useful enchantments. The Soul Trap effect helps you fill soul gems effortlessly, while the Stamina Damage can cripple your opponents’ ability to power attack or flee. Its unique design also makes it a standout piece in any weapon collection.
4. Dragonbone Mace: The Best Craftable Mace
The Dragonbone Mace is another one of the best maces in Skyrim, especially if you enjoy crafting your own weapons. It’s the strongest craftable mace in the game, with a higher base damage than both the Ebony and Daedric maces.
Stats and Features:
- Base Damage: 17
- Weight: 22
- Value: 2725 gold
- Armor Penetration: 25% of armor ignored
The Dragonbone Mace has the highest base damage of any one-handed weapon, making it ideal for players who want to maximize their damage output. However, it is also one of the heaviest maces, so you’ll need to manage your stamina carefully in prolonged fights.
How to Craft the Dragonbone Mace:
To craft the Dragonbone Mace, you’ll need the Dragon Armor perk (Smithing skill level 100), Dragon Bones, and Ebony Ingots. You can start collecting Dragon Bones by defeating dragons in the game.
5. Volendrung
While technically a warhammer (two-handed weapon), Volendrung deserves mention in any discussion of Skyrim’s best maces due to its incredible power and mace-like appearance.
Key Features:
- Base Damage: 24 (as a two-handed weapon)
- Enchantment: Absorb 50 points of Stamina
- Unique Design: Massive, ornate head with a relatively short handle
How to Obtain
To acquire Volendrung, you’ll need to complete the Daedric quest “The Cursed Tribe,” which begins at the Orc stronghold of Largashbur.
Why It’s Exceptional
Volendrung’s high base damage and stamina absorption make it a powerhouse in combat. While it requires two hands to wield, its mace-like design and devastating impact make it a favorite among many Skyrim players.
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Skyrim Maces vs Swords: Which is Better?
One of the most common debates in Skyrim is whether maces or swords are the better choice for one-handed combat. While swords are faster and consume less stamina, maces offer higher base damage and armor penetration.
Key Differences Between Maces and Swords:
- Speed: Swords are faster, allowing for quicker strikes and better stamina management in prolonged battles.
- Damage: Maces have higher base damage, making them better for single, powerful blows.
- Armor Penetration: Maces ignore 25% of armor, which is particularly useful against heavily armored enemies.
For players who prefer a fast-paced combat style, swords are likely the better option. However, if you enjoy dealing large amounts of damage and breaking through enemy defenses, maces in Skyrim will serve you better.
Skyrim Maces Tier List
Here’s a quick tier list ranking the best maces in Skyrim based on damage, enchantments, and overall effectiveness:
S-Tier:
- Dragonbone Mace
- Daedric Mace
- Molag Bal’s Mace
A-Tier:
- Ebony Mace
- Stalhrim Mace
B-Tier:
- Glass Mace
- Dwarven Mace
C-Tier:
- Iron Mace
- Steel Mace
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What Is the Best 1H Mace in Skyrim?
The Dragonbone Mace is widely considered the best one-handed mace in Skyrim due to its unparalleled base damage. However, the Daedric Mace and Ebony Mace are also strong contenders, especially for players who haven’t yet reached the high Smithing levels required to craft Dragonbone weapons.
For beginners or mid-level players, Molag Bal’s Mace is a fantastic option due to its powerful enchantments and relatively easy acquisition.
Tips for Using Maces in Skyrim
Now that you know the best maces in Skyrim, let’s talk about how to use them effectively. Maces are slower than swords and daggers, so timing your attacks is key to maximizing their potential.
Combat Tips:
- Stagger your enemies: Maces are excellent for staggering opponents, which gives you an opening to land another powerful blow.
- Focus on heavy attacks: Since maces deal more damage per hit, heavy attacks can quickly reduce your enemy’s health.
- Enchant your mace: Adding enchantments like Fire Damage or Absorb Health can make your mace even deadlier.
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Conclusion: Choosing the Best Mace in Skyrim
Choosing the best mace in Skyrim depends on your playstyle and where you are in the game. For those who enjoy crafting, the Dragonbone Mace is the top choice. For players seeking a powerful, easy-to-acquire weapon, Molag Bal’s Mace is hard to beat.
Whether you prefer the dark elegance of the Ebony Mace or the brute force of the Daedric Mace, maces in Skyrim offer a variety of options for dealing high damage and breaking through enemy defenses. Use this guide to help you find and wield the most powerful maces in the game.
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