Skyrim: Which combo is more effective/fun - sword and shield or sword and magic?

Question

Does being able to use magic from a distance make enemies (like dragons) easier to kill, or does a shield held you defend yourself better and kill enemies (since you can attack with the shield too) better? I also like to use one-handed swords and strong armor. Are you able to balance out bein able to use all three skills (magic, one handed swords, and shield) well when it comes to perks? If not, then which combo should I choose? Also, which race would be best for either one style of combat or a combination of the two (whichever combat style you chose)?

Answer 1

Shields aren't useless they are amazing in skyrim for bashing. Using perks you can make power attacks come at you in slow motion and with your bash stagger enemies which lets you get in a good swing, but it sounds like you like both magic and swords so what you may be interested in is a spellsword. Wear heavy armor hold a sword in one hand put a spell in the other. The most important skills are one-handed heavy armor and destruction and if you are planning on spending a long time playing blacksmithing alchemy and enchanting are very useful. I used potions for enchanting to make alchemy gear then made more potions for enchanting until getting it to plus 32% then i made extra blacksmithing potions(and also blacksmithing gear) and increased my armor past the normal max and put crazy enchantments on my armor but if you can't figure it out( there are youtube videos on it if you look hard enough) just pick a few spell types( i would go with destruction alteration and restoration possibly illusion) and your best race would be dark elf,high elf or Breton but just use what you like i'm using a nord. Hope i helped most people can't understand what i say because i speak weirdly

Answer 2

It depends on what you are fighting. A shield isnt much of a use vs a dragon besides armor rating (higher armor rating means less chance of the dragon doing an instant kill bite). But a shield vs humanoids is great for blocking or doing a shield bash. You can use all three if you try to focus where you put perks points into. IE dont use every single magic school. Pick one. If you have to pick one restoration is great for healing/protecting and vs undead whereas destruction is nice for dealing out damage. Illusion is good for a sneaking class, or for debuffing (fear, enrage, fury) enemies. Alteration is more of a shielding magic. Conjuration is nice, its one I use fairly often. You get summonable companions, bound sword (conjured sword or battleaxe) which is rated as one of the highest weapon types in the game.

Answer 3

I think it will depend more on how many points you sink into it, rather than which is "better." My magic is weak, so I do better with a bow. But, I favor the great sword, at least this time. I may change the next time I play it, but I like the medium damage level of the great sword. As a alternative, try a follower who have a strong ranged attack. I just picked up a mage that is wicked with his magic. Not sure what happened, but he took a dragon out right after it landed in top of me.

Answer 4

Shields are NOT useless in Skyrim. Let that guys source of "Oblivion" speak for itself. Shields are very effective for damage mitigation from both melee and spell attacks granted you spec into block to gain the perks needed. Not to mention the bashes to interrupt both spell and melee attacks.



For sword and shield I used an Orc because the Berserk skill is great. Do double damage take half damage for 60 seconds.



Redguard would make a great board and sword also as their race skill is to not use stamina up for 60 seconds. That equates to alot of power shield bashes and power weapon swings without getting winded.

Answer 5

you can easily balance it out to being able to use all three. So say for example ure fighting a dragon, you use your magic for heals and when the dragons far away, and when he lands, you can pop up ur shield and sword to poke his eyes, or even sword and magic, whatever fits best for that fight. But balancing it out making 1handers, shield and magic viable aint a problem.

Answer 6

Sword and magic





Shields are useless.

Answer 7

It all depends on how you play. If you tend to die a lot use the shield for more protection but if you don't die as much try using magic in 1 hand.

Answer 8

use magic it's good to take out smaller enemies.I'd use a sword and shield against a dragon close range.

Answer 9

If you're more agressive I'd go sword & magic, but I you're more conservative id go sword & shield. It really depends on whether or magika or stamina is higher, because if you've got high magika you shouldn't use sword & shield & vice versa.