manual
12
13
COmBAT
For even the most skilled adventurer, Skyrim is a dangerous place. Learning the basics of battle is essential
to your survival.
WEAPONS
There are many types of weapons in Skyrim. The
damage you do depends on the weapon itself, your
skill, and any pertinent Perks. Heavier weapons
take longer to swing, and may do less damage
over a period of time than a faster weapon. Heavier
weapons also slow you down while moving.
MELEE ATTACKS
There are two types of attacks: Basic Attacks and
Power Attacks. Basic Attacks are quick but do less
damage; Power Attacks are slow but do more
damage. To perform a Basic Attack, tap
LEFT MOUSE
BUTTON
. To perform a Power Attack, hold down
LEFT MOUSE BUTTON
.
ARCHERY
To attack with a bow, hold
LEFT MOUSE BUTTON
to draw the bowstring to full extension, then release
LEFT MOUSE BUTTON
to re the arrow. It takes time
to draw the bowstring back for a full attack. You can
select Perks under the Marksman category to gain
abilities like zooming in with your bow.
ONE-HANDED AND TWO-HANDED WEAPONS
Certain weapons like daggers, swords, maces, and
war axes, are one-handed weapons, and can be used
with a shield or dual wielded. Other weapons, like
battleaxes, greatswords and warhammers require
two hands and cannot be used with a shield or dual
wielded. Two-handed weapons are slower, but do
more damage.
BLOCK
To block, hold
RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON
. A shield or
weapon block reduces the damage you take. Shields
are more effective at blocking than weapons. To bash
with your shield or weapon, hold
RIGHT MOUSE
BUTTON
and tap
LEFT MOUSE BUTTON
. Bashing
can stagger an opponent and allow you an opening
to strike a blow. You cannot bash with low Stamina.
ARMOR
Each piece of armor you wear adds to your overall
protection, or Armor Rating. The higher your Armor
Rating, the better you are protected. The amount of
protection you receive from armor depends on the
armor itself, your skill with that armor’s type, and
any relevant Perks you’ve selected.
YIELDING
If you get into a ght with a friend or a guard,
you can yield by sheathing your weapon. If your
opponent is willing, he will stop the ght.
BARTERING
Choosing to barter will display both your inventory and the vendor’s inventory. Items above the divider line belong to
the vendor; items below the line belong to you.
Select any item(s) you want to purchase from the person to buy them. You can also sell your items to the vendor
by selecting them from your inventory. Vendors will only buy items of the kind they sell, so not all of your items
may be listed.
The prices you buy and sell items at depends on your Speech skill and perks. Trading increases your Speech skill.
HIRELINGS AND FRIENDS
You will nd hirelings in taverns through the world who you can hire to ght with you. Each hireling has their own
combat specialty, and you can give them orders. They can also carry items for you.
Sometimes friends will allow you to take items from their inventory as gifts, or agree to join you on your journey. You
can sometimes give them gifts in return.
COMMANDING FOLLOWERS
Target your follower, then press and hold
E
to enter the command state. You can then tell your followers to:
• Wait at a specic spot on the ground
• Use an object in the world, such as a lever or chair
• Attack an enemy
• Open a locked door or container
• Pick up items in the world
Not all followers can be commanded, and some may be unable to carry out certain commands. Be warned that guards
will nd you responsible for crimes that your followers commit.
“Block, counter, bash! Hit them when they’re down! They’ll show no
mercy, so why should you? Battle is about the offense, about catching
your foe early and never relenting.”
– Eduardo Corvus, Killing - Before You’re Killed