Skyrim’s a big place. Roughly fourteen square miles of world to explore, give or take. That’s quite a bit of space to fill with dungeons, dragons, orcs, elves, booming townships, and crumbling ruins.
It’s also a lot of room in which to hide that sweet, sweet loot, the lifeblood of any RPG adventurer.
When it comes to weaponry, Skyrim brings you hundreds of options spread out across ten different flavors. After all, it’s best to entertain a healthy and balanced variety when it comes to mangling draugr. But naturally, the best of the best in troll pokers, mudcrab mashers and dragon ticklers don’t exactly grow on trees. What fun is there to be had if they’re just handed to you? It’s all in the finding.
While “impossible” may be a strong choice of words for some, Bethesda did a fine job in ensuring that you had to go to some lengths to wrap your greedy paws around your favored weapon. Well, that may be a bit of a stretch. A couple of these beauties are actually impossible to snag, unless you’re a PC player that’s less than scrupulous about popping open your console, or willing to pick through the mod selection for a replica.
Anyway, next time you’re planning on a Skyrim outing, why not squeeze a hunt for one of these rare artifacts into your agenda? We’ve rounded up thirty to choose from, and some of them are sure to actually present a challenge for even the veteran plunderers among you. The ones that are indeed possible for you get your hands on, at least. Be wary of spoilers.
30 Blade Of Woe
A solid dagger favored by Astrid of the Dark Brotherhood, this one can be an attractive prospect, though it falls a little short on the enchantment side compared to what you could accomplish yourself.
You could steal it from Astrid if you’re savvy enough, but why bother? She’ll just hand the thing over during the Dark Brotherhood quest “Death Incarnate,” making the hassle seem a little useless. Of course, you can conceivably duplicate the dagger this way, but the developers likely didn’t intend that. So be a good chap and do the right thing, eh?
29 Tsun’s Battleaxe
It may just look like a typical Nord battleaxe, but it boasts one of the highest base damage values in the game. Oh, and it belongs to a towering Nordic deity of immense strength.
And it is actually impossible to get.
That’s right, Tsun’s hefty cleaver just isn’t meant to be carried in mortal mitts. You’ll get your chance to face it in combat during “Sovngarde,” however you’ll never get the chance to carry it. Unless you’re a cheater. And you aren’t. Are you?
28 Karliah’s Bow
This is another one of those items that fits the title quite directly, as you really just can’t have it. It’s Karliah’s, and Karliah’s alone. Despite appearing to be a twin to the Nightingale bow, it has a much higher base damage statistic.
You might be a little miffed that Karliah seems to have shafted you by tossing you the weaker version, but really, can you blame her? You don’t become a Nightingale through acts of charity, that’s for sure.
27 Harkon’s Sword
The intensely vampiric nature of this sword’s enchantments only take effect is the wielder is an actual vampire, ironically. But absorbing fifteen points of each health, stamina, and magicka with every single strike is tempting enough to make the plunge.
You’ll have the chance to grab this one at the conclusion of Dawnguard’s main quest, after facing and defeating vampire head honcho Harkon. It’ll be hard fought and hard won, but you’ll have spoils aplenty to show for your toil, including this unique blade.
26 Headsman’s Axe
There’s just something so familiar about this axe. You know, the long handle, the lethal, purposefully crafted blade. No question it’s a beautiful piece, but where have we seen it before?
Ah, that’s right. It almost took our heads in Helgen.
Of course, that makes it a picture perfect keepsake for the Dragonborn. But the only way to grab it is from the executioner, Ahtar, in Solitude. You can either do him a favor and win him over as a follower, take a shot at stealing it, or pry it from his cold, gone hands.
25 Ruin’s Edge
Yeah, yeah, we know. It’s a Creation Club item. Maybe that grinds your gears a little bit. But we’re not here to judge, and after all, it’s impossible to get if you’re unwilling to spring the credits for it, right?
The thing is, you’re definitely missing out. While it’s easy to point out that the bow looks absolutely ridiculous, it packs a punch and can inflict a variety of afflictions on your target. These include but aren’t limited to frost damage, paralysis, and frenzy.
Want it? Just dump your credits into the Creation Club and do the associated quest.
24 Ghostblade
This spooky, scary, spectral blade is incredibly lightweight, and carries a limitless enchantment that does armor-ignoring damage, making it a wonderful addition to the armory.
To pick it up you’ll want to blaze a trail over to Ansilvund in Eastmarch, which is a considerable trip north of Riften. Shortly after entering the first level, you’ll receive a quest entitled “A Love Beyond Death,” which really just involves you venturing further in to take on a necromancer.
After you’re done, a ghostly couple will thank you for your service, and leave behind the Ghostblade once they disappear.
23 Bolar’s Oathblade
Devotees of the Blades will, at the very least, want this one on their mantle, if not in their hands. It’s also highly recommended to go scoop this one up before beginning the quest “Ill Met By Moonlight,” just to avoid any potential complication.
It’s tucked away in Bloated Man’s Grotto, due west of Riverwood and north of Falkreath. Just look for the hidden shrine to Talos once you’re there, and you shouldn’t have too difficult of a time locating it.
22 Mehrunes’ Razor
This wicked looking little dagger is every bit as deadly as it looks, and is entirely worth the pains taken to get your hands on it.
With every strike, the Razor has a small chance to instantly slay its victim.
You can discover the quest to claim this priceless relic in one of two ways, by reaching level twenty and receiving a letter, or heading directly to Dawnstar and visiting the museum. After that, just speak with friendly neighborhood cultist Silus Vesuius and he’ll set you on your merry way to collect the necessary pieces.
21 Volendrung
If smacking your foes about with a great big hammer is your angle, you may have felt like Skyrim gave you the shaft. You also probably never got your hands on Volendrung.
Largashbur is an orcish fort in the southern reaches of the Rift, near the Jerall mountains. And that’s where you want to go for this one. The orcs hanging out there have a little giant problem that they want your help solving. Fight a giant, get the quest, fight some more giants. Just, y’know, be mindful of the fact that you’ll be expected to fight giants. Prepare accordingly.
20 Mace Of Molag Bal
Powerful, enchanted maces and bludgeons don’t seem to be high on Skyrim’s list of priorities. Luckily, you’ve got this adorable little guy, and he’s given to you at the end of an equally adorable quest!
Just locate good guy Vigilant Tyranus in Markarth, he’s standing outside an abandoned house. You’ll be tasked with the quest “The House of Horrors,” during which he’ll probably get ended. And then the Daedric Prince inhabiting the cheerful abode will later have you completely brutalize a caged priest with his rusty mace. How excessively wholesome!
19 Chillrend
Are you one of those people that finds the subtle hiss of dry ice oddly satisfying? Then Chillrend’s the sword for you. Hitting high marks in terms of damage, enchantment strength and style, she’s practical and pretty.
Nabbing this one is as simple as burrowing deep into the Thieves’ Guild quest line until you hit “The Pursuit,” where you’ll be tasked with infiltrating Riftweald Manor. You’ll find it resting in a display case once you reach the tunnels beneath the estate. Take care though, as with most leveled items, getting to it too early will result in you receiving a less powerful version.
18 Miraak’s Sword
The acquisition here is straightforward. Pursue the entirety of the Dragonborn DLC’s main quest to the conclusion.
But straightforward doesn’t necessarily mean easy.
Miraak is a strong opponent. Being Dragonborn himself, he has access to several shouts, powerful magic, and the stamina-draining sword we’re talking about. He’ll also heal himself to full health a total of three times throughout the battle. But it’s a task fully worth the rewards, including the sword, which is one of the most powerful in the entirety of the game, if a bit ugly.
17 Auriel’s Bow
It’s really no surprise that most are willing to go to some lengths to score a bow as nice as this one. It’s got a powerful enchantment, a unique set of arrows, and has a crazy story behind it. But let’s focus on how to make it yours.
You’ll need to tackle the lengthy and tough main quest within the Dawnguard DLC, reaching the leg titled “Touching the Sky.” From there you’ll venture to Darkfall Cave and do a favor or two for lonely snow elf Gelebor. Just brave the cave, find an ancient shrine, fight a legion of falmer, end his brother for him. The usual stuff. Afterward, Gelebor lets you get at your new toy.
16 Wuuthrad
Nords and big ol’ battleaxes go together like peanut butter and jelly. Maybe even better, actually. And apparently, elves don’t go too well with either one, as this Nordic heirloom has the unique property of being especially hurtful towards them.
You’ll need to take the Companions’ quest line all the way to the end for this one, gathering all of the shards necessary for reforging it during the last two, “Purity of Revenge,” and “Glory of the Dead.” After that, it’s all yours to keep.
15 Ebony Blade
This isn’t a sword for nice guys. It starts out with a relatively weak “drain health” enchantment, which while useful from the outset, gets much stronger when you use the sword to betray friends and allies. Dang, Bethesda. That’s cold.
If you’re undaunted by this blade’s traitorous nature, are level twenty, and have completed the quest “Dragon Rising,” head to the bannered mare in Whiterun and ask Hulda about local rumors. You’ll begin the quest “The Whispering Door,” just make sure to tuck your conscience away somewhere quiet once you’ve got the thing.
14 Wabbajack
Everybody needs a little chaos in their lives now and again, which is something the Wabbajack serves up in no short supply. This crazy little stick produces a purely random effect every time it is used. And by random, we mean anything from turning your target into a pile of cheese to summoning an angry dremora. Yeah.
Just wander Solitude until you find a man named Dervenin. He’ll set you on a quest called “The Mind of Madness,” during which you’ll endure a merry little romp with Daedric Prince Sheogorath. The whole thing’s a bit surreal, but entertaining. Not to mention rewarding, as you’ll walk away with said Wabbajack.
13 Soulrender & Bloodscythe
Since they work best together, these two belong in the same entry. And man, do they work well together. You’ll receive them at the end of the “Deathbrand” quest, which actually has you assembling a whole set of awesome equipment meant to be equipped and used together, including these two scimitars.
To start the quest, just read a copy of the book “Deathbrand” after reaching level 36. There’s a particularly easy to find a copy in the Raven Rock Temple. Just follow the quest until reaching Gyldenhul Barrow and picking your way through a secret passage within. After that, it’s as simple as picking one up off the ground, and taking the other from a particularly angry ghost.
12 Nightingale Blade
Karliah will present you with this fine piece of cutlery once you’ve burrowed about half way into the Thieves’ Guild line of quests, completing the one titled “Hard Answers.”
It’s certainly worth every second spent, as it’s both gorgeous and powerful.
It is, however, yet another leveled unique weapon, with the most potent version being available after level forty-six. But you’ll want to make a decision here, as there are some reported bugs concerning the highest level variant being unable to be improved at a grindstone. However, this does leave its associated enchantments underpowered, so choose wisely!
11 Red Eagle’s Bane
This one’s pretty often overlooked, but it comes already packing an enchantment that sends undead fleeing in terror. And it sets them on fire, too. That’s pretty immensely satisfying if the draugr are getting on your nerves.
To get set on your way to obtaining it, just find a copy of the book “The Legend of the Red Eagle,” you’ll receive a quest by the same name. They’re all over the place, but you can find one in the Bards’ College library.
