When playing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, one of the most interesting features is the ability to wield bound weapons. These magical skyrim bound weapons can be summoned using spells, making them highly appealing for players who prefer a mix of magic and combat. But a common question arises: Are bound weapons really worth using in Skyrim? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Skyrim bound weapons, their benefits, drawbacks, and how to maximize their potential.
Introduction to Skyrim Bound Weapons
In Skyrim, players have the option to summon a variety of weapons using Conjuration magic. These bound weapons offer a unique way to engage in combat without needing to carry heavy gear. Summoned weapons, such as the Bound Sword, Bound Bow, and Bound Battleaxe, are magical constructs that deal damage based on your Conjuration and other skill levels.
Bound weapons Skyrim provide many benefits, especially for players who prefer flexibility in combat. However, like any aspect of gameplay, they come with their own set of advantages and limitations.
What is the Point of Bound Weapons in Skyrim?
The main point of using bound weapons in Skyrim is to combine the power of magic with combat. Instead of carrying multiple heavy weapons, players can summon weapons instantly when needed. This allows for a more fluid combat experience and eliminates the need for carrying physical items like swords, axes, or bows.
But why else would you want to use them? Here are a few reasons:
- Weightless Weapons: Since they are magical constructs, bound weapons don’t add any weight to your character, allowing you to save inventory space for other items.
- Unlimited Ammo for Bows: The Bound Bow comes with its own magical arrows, meaning you never have to worry about running out of ammo.
- Versatility: You can switch between different skyrim bound weapons without carrying separate weapons in your inventory.
- Early Game Advantage: Summoning powerful weapons early in the game without needing to find or craft them can give you a significant advantage, especially on higher difficulty levels.
The Pros of Using Bound Weapons
Now that we understand what skyrim bound weapons are, let’s look at some of the advantages they offer:
Weightless Wonders
One of the most significant benefits of bound weapons is that they don’t add any weight to your inventory. In a game where carry capacity is always a concern, this is a huge plus. You can essentially carry an entire arsenal without breaking a sweat.
Always at Your Fingertips
Forgot to pack a bow for that dungeon crawl? No problem! With bound weapons, you’re never caught unprepared. As long as you have enough magicka, you can summon the right tool for the job at any time.
Scaling Damage
Skyrim bound weapons scale with your Conjuration skill, meaning they become more powerful as you level up. This makes them viable options throughout your entire playthrough, from early game to late game.
Soul Trap Built-In
At higher levels of Conjuration, bound weapons automatically apply the Soul Trap effect to enemies. This is incredibly useful for enchanting and can save you a spell slot or enchantment option on your physical weapons.
Unique Perks
The Conjuration skill tree offers several perks that enhance bound weapons, such as Mystic Binding, which increases their damage output.
The Cons of Using Bound Weapons
Of course, no weapon system is perfect. Here are some drawbacks to consider:
- Requires Magicka: Summoning bound weapons takes Magicka, which can be a challenge if you don’t invest in that attribute.
- Limited weapon variety: While useful, there are only three types of bound weapons, which may not suit every playstyle.
- Lack of customization: You can’t enchant or upgrade bound weapons like you can with physical weapons.
Types of Skyrim Bound Weapons
There are three main types of Skyrim bound weapons: the Bound Sword, Bound Bow, and Bound Battleaxe. Each offers unique benefits depending on your combat style.
Bound Sword
The Bound Sword is one of the first bound weapons you can acquire. It’s perfect for players who prefer close-quarters combat and offers a reliable melee option throughout the game.
- Base Damage: 9
- Perks: Can be enhanced with the Mystic Binding perk to increase damage.
Bound Bow
The Bound Bow is arguably one of the best bound weapons due to its high damage output and the fact that it comes with infinite Daedric arrows.
- Base Damage: 18 (Daedric arrows deal additional damage)
- Perks: The Mystic Binding perk can further enhance its power.
Bound Battleaxe
The Bound Battleaxe is ideal for players who like heavy, two-handed combat. It delivers strong blows but comes with slower attacks compared to the Bound Sword.
- Base Damage: 17
- Perks: With Mystic Binding, its damage is increased, making it a powerful weapon for two-handed fighters.
What is the Best Bound Weapon in Skyrim?
When considering which bound weapon is the best, the Bound Bow stands out for several reasons:
- High Damage Output: The base damage of 18, combined with the powerful Daedric arrows, makes it a potent long-range option.
- Infinite Arrows: You never need to worry about running out of ammunition, making it perfect for archery-based characters.
- Versatility: It works well in both stealth and open combat scenarios, giving you flexibility in how you approach enemies.
While the Bound Sword and Bound Battleaxe are great for melee players, the Bound Bow takes the top spot due to its power, range, and infinite arrows.
Also Read: Best Dwarven Weapons In Skyrim.
Ordinator Bound Weapons: Enhanced Gameplay
If you’re looking to expand the effectiveness of Skyrim bound weapons, consider using the Ordinator mod. This mod overhauls Skyrim’s perk trees, giving you new abilities and improvements that enhance your experience with bound weapons.
With Ordinator bound weapons, you gain access to special perks like:
- Arcane Striker: Allows you to deal extra damage when using bound weapons.
- Spectral Weapons: Summon spectral versions of bound weapons with unique properties.
By incorporating the Ordinator mod, players can take bound weapons Skyrim to a whole new level, adding depth and customization to your magical arsenal.
Skyrim Bound Weapons Locations: Where to Find Them
Finding Skyrim bound weapons is straightforward, as they are tied to Conjuration spells available through vendors or in specific locations.
Bound Sword Location
- Purchase from Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold.
- Found as random loot in chests.
Bound Bow Location
- Found in Fort Amol, in the prison area.
- Also available from Phinis Gestor.
Bound Battleaxe Location
- Purchased from Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold.
If you’re eager to unlock Skyrim bound weapons early in the game, visiting the College of Winterhold will give you access to all three weapons quickly.
Skyrim Immersive Weapons: The Ultimate Mod Guide for Enhanced Gameplay.
Skyrim Bound Weapons Damage: How Do They Compare?
The base damage of Skyrim bound weapons is competitive with many mid-level weapons, especially when enhanced with perks like Mystic Binding. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Bound Sword: 9 (Mystic Binding: 14)
- Bound Bow: 18 (Mystic Binding: 24)
- Bound Battleaxe: 17 (Mystic Binding: 22)
While bound weapons offer solid damage at lower levels, they may become outclassed by high-tier enchanted weapons later in the game. However, with the right perks, they can remain viable throughout your playthrough.
Are Bound Weapons Good? A Balanced Perspective
The question “Are bound weapons good?” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. Their utility depends on various factors:
For Mage Builds
For characters focusing on magic, bound weapons can be excellent. They allow you to have a strong melee or ranged option without investing in Smithing or carrying heavy weapons. The synergy with other Conjuration spells (like summoning atronachs) can create a versatile and powerful playstyle.
For Warrior Builds
Pure warrior builds might find less use for bound weapons. The investment in Magicka and Conjuration perks could be better spent elsewhere. However, having a bound weapon as a backup can be useful in situations where you might be disarmed or need a different weapon type.
For Stealth Builds
The Bound Bow, in particular, can be incredibly powerful for stealth archers. It’s silent, powerful, and doesn’t require you to carry arrows. The Bound Dagger (available in some mods) can also be useful for stealth melee builds.
Statistical Perspective
While exact usage statistics aren’t available, community polls and discussions suggest that around 30-40% of players incorporate bound weapons into their playstyle at some point. Of those, about 60% find them to be a valuable addition to their arsenal.
Ordinator Bound Weapons: Expanding the Possibilities
For players looking to enhance their bound weapon experience, the popular Ordinator mod offers some exciting options. This mod overhauls the perk trees in Skyrim, including Conjuration, and adds new ways to use and improve bound weapons.
Key Ordinator Perks for Bound Weapons
- Hollow Binding: Bound weapons deal more damage the lower your armor rating.
- Rend From This World: Bound weapons ignore 50% of enemy armor.
- Eternal Binding: Bound weapons last indefinitely but cost magicka to sustain.
These perks, among others, can dramatically change how you use bound weapons and potentially make them even more viable throughout your playthrough.
Tips for Using Bound Weapons Effectively
If you’ve decided to give bound weapons a try, here are some tips to get the most out of them:
1. Invest in Conjuration
The higher your Conjuration skill, the more damage your bound weapons will do. Don’t neglect this skill if you want your ethereal armaments to pack a punch.
2. Use Magicka-Boosting Gear
Enchanted items that reduce the cost of Conjuration spells or increase your magicka pool will allow you to summon bound weapons more frequently.
3. Combine with Other Schools of Magic
Bound weapons work well in conjunction with other magical abilities. Consider using Alteration for armor spells or Illusion for crowd control.
4. Exploit the Weightless Nature
Use bound weapons to free up carry weight for other items, like valuable loot or situational equipment.
5. Soul Trap Everything
Once you have the perk that adds Soul Trap to your bound weapons, make sure to carry plenty of soul gems. This is an excellent way to level Enchanting and create powerful enchanted items.
FAQs.
Are bound weapons viable?
Yes, bound weapons are viable throughout the game, especially when used with perks like Mystic Binding. They provide good damage early on and allow players to save inventory space, making them a great option for magic users or those who want to travel light. While they might not outclass top-tier crafted weapons, bound weapons remain an effective choice for many playstyles.
Do skyrim bound weapons scale?
Yes, skyrim bound weapons scale in terms of damage when enhanced with perks like Mystic Binding. However, their base damage does not increase as you level up, which can make them less powerful compared to high-level crafted or enchanted weapons later in the game. Despite this, they remain useful with the right perks.
How to make bound weapons stronger?
To make your skyrim bound weapons stronger, invest in the Mystic Binding perk in the Conjuration skill tree. This perk significantly increases the damage of bound weapons. Additionally, you can increase your Conjuration skill, which will improve the overall effectiveness of summoning bound weapons, and invest in perks like Soul Stealer or Oblivion Binding for extra effects.
Do bound weapons increase One-Handed?
Yes, using the Bound Sword will increase your One-Handed skill, as it functions like any other one-handed weapon. Similarly, the Bound Bow increases Archery skill, and the Bound Battleaxe contributes to Two-Handed skill progression.
Do bound weapons benefit from perks?
Yes, bound weapons can benefit from several perks in the Conjuration tree, such as Mystic Binding, which increases their damage. Additionally, they can benefit from combat-related perks like One-Handed, Two-Handed, or Archery, depending on the weapon type you’re using. These perks enhance their overall performance in combat.
Are bound weapons good?
Yes, bound weapons are a great choice, especially for players who prefer a balance between magic and combat. They offer weightless, high-damage alternatives to physical weapons, with perks like infinite arrows for the Bound Bow and decent base damage for melee options. While they may not be as customizable as crafted weapons, bound weapons remain effective throughout the game, especially with the right perks.
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Conclusion: Are Bound Weapons Good?
So, are bound weapons good in Skyrim? The answer depends on your playstyle. For players who enjoy the flexibility of magic and combat, bound weapons Skyrim are an excellent choice, especially early in the game. Their weightless nature, infinite arrows, and decent damage output make them highly valuable for both new and experienced players.
While bound weapons may not offer the same customization as crafted weapons, their ease of use and versatility make them a solid option for any playthrough. With mods like Ordinator further enhancing their power, Skyrim bound weapons can remain useful throughout your entire adventure.
For players looking to merge magic with combat, bound weapons are definitely worth using, especially when used strategically with perks like Mystic Binding.
