Here are the main points to keep in mind:
Even a decade on, Skyrim captivates with its expansive content and a plethora of mods available, ensuring endless enjoyment for players. The top tier of Skyrim’s daggers is diverse, ranging from the widely available steel varieties to the more exotic ebony and Daedric counterparts. Unique daggers, such as Alessandra’s Dagger or the Dragon Priest Dagger, can only be discovered through dedicated exploration and each boasts distinct advantages.
Skyrim, having passed the ten-year mark, feels timeless. It’s amazing to think this open-world marvel has been engaging players for so long, with its extensive collection of mods and staggering number of quests. Despite its age, Skyrim offers fresh adventures — a testament to Bethesda’s craftsmanship. Whether returning veterans or new explorers, players find themselves engrossed in Skyrim’s world, with new secrets to uncover at every turn.
The imagery of an assassin with a dagger is a classic, nearly clichéd, icon. Yet, for those who choose stealth in Skyrim, acquiring premier daggers is a must. Daggers in Skyrim are not all crafted equal; some are smithed by players, while others are top-tier, setting them apart. Players who master the art of stealth can relish the thrill of a single shadowy attack dispatching foes with pinpoint precision.
Updated on November 26, 2024, by Gerardo Molina: Skyrim supports multiple playstyles, and one particularly enjoyable method is the Rogue build. This approach emphasizes stealth and surprise attacks while minimizing open confrontations, which can overwhelm players at higher difficulty levels.
Like other weapons in the game, daggers can be crafted. However, those who seek the most potent and lethal short blades must embark on quests to discover them in Skyrim’s far-flung locales.
Shiv
Found in Various Locations
The humble shiv isn’t typically what comes to mind when considering Skyrim’s mighty daggers. Often dismissed as a weapon of desperation, the shiv has its upsides. In Cidhna Mine, the shiv becomes vital for survival, given the limited alternatives available to the Dragonborn.
Early-game players with skills in enchanting can imbue a shiv with magical properties, enhancing its combat value. Even so, most players soon trade up for superior daggers as they gain experience and loot.
Steel Dagger
A Common Weapon Found Early On
Early in the game, the steel dagger is an invaluable companion, frequently being among the best available at the time. Despite its modest damage, its speed and early availability make it a viable choice for silent assassins who backstab from the shadows.
Though a mundane find, players often cherish their first steel dagger before upgrading. Enhancements can further elevate its combat prowess, enabling a stealthy strike to fell foes swiftly.
Alessandra’s Dagger
Obtained During The Quest Pilgrimage
Weapons linked to quests, like Alessandra’s Dagger, lend a unique advantage: they remain with players even in jail breaks, as they aren’t confiscated. While not Skyrim’s strongest dagger, its utility makes it a valued asset.
Riften holds the key to this dagger; tasking players with delivering it to Whiterun’s Hall of the Dead. In the interim, players can wield it in battle. Over time, as stronger daggers become accessible, Alessandra’s Dagger sees less frontline action.
Nordic Dagger
Added In The Dragonborn DLC
The Dragonborn DLC brings upgraded weapons, appropriate for players at advanced stages. The Nordic Dagger appears post-Level 25, embodying one such enhancement.
Despite its common status, the dagger delivers formidable damage. Strategic enchantments can amplify its lethality, making it a premier choice for slicing adversity. Players may craft it with the Advanced Armors perk or discover it near a certain body in Hrodulf’s House.
Orcish Dagger
A Decent Dagger Found As Random Loot In The Game World
Orcish gear, aesthetically pleasing yet outmatched in endgame, proves useful in early to mid-game scenarios. Among these, the Orcish Dagger stands out as a formidable tool, compatible with various playstyles.
With decent base damage, enchantments can refine its capabilities. Players find this dagger in the possession of bandits and various mages, and at set locales like Riften’s Bee and Bard.
Rundi’s Dagger
Found At Rundi’s Altar Near The College Of Winterhold
Rundi’s Dagger might seem lackluster, as a regular Steel Dagger mired in a canceled quest. Yet when enchanted, it serves as a robust weapon at early levels.
Located near the College of Winterhold, it’s worth exploring for those looking to add variety to their early arsenals.
Glass Dagger
A Beautiful Dagger That’s Pretty Effective In Battle Too
While a glass weapon may seem flimsy, Skyrim’s magical world justifies such oddities. Glass gear, stylized and alluring, competes strongly in mid-game.
These glass daggers appear from level 20, needing high Smithing levels and particular materials to craft. Despite the wait for homemade versions, they serve players well when looted.
Elven Dagger
A Simple And Effective Dagger
The Elven Dagger is a handy, aesthetically pleasing tool, valued in lower levels where choices are limited.
These daggers enter the scene at level 19 for unenchanted, and level 20 for enchanted, bridging early to mid-game effectively.
Dwarven Dagger
A Decent And Effective Dagger At Lower Levels
Though seemingly unremarkable, the Dwarven Dagger serves early players well, enduring until more impressive weapons are needed.
A favorite among rogues, it suffices until stronger foes require upgraded Arsenal.
Ebony Dagger
A Dagger Made From A Powerful Material
Crafted from coveted ebony, this dagger embodies elegance and potency, with substantial base damage enhanced via Ebony Smithing.
Favored for its refined looks and powerful strikes, it’s obtainable through loot, crafting, or purchase at high player levels.
Daedric Dagger
A Dagger Made From A Rare, Iconic Material
The Daedric Dagger, an impractically striking weapon renowned for its lethal potential, becomes a prized asset through its significant damage and enchantable nature.
Acquirable through loot, crafting, or after improving vendor stocks with high-level achievements, it remains a top-tier dagger choice.
Stalhrim Dagger
Added In The Dragonborn DLC
Crafted from stalhrim, known for its frosty allure and found in Skyrim’s icy expanses, the Stalhrim Dagger brings unique aesthetics and power.
Enchantment-friendly for frost enhancements, it’s purchasable from specified merchants or as strategic loot in the game world.
Blade Of Sacrifice
A Unique Ebony Dagger Carried By The Worshipers Of Boethiah
Secured during Boethiah’s grim quest line, the Blade of Sacrifice lacks unique effects but lends itself to dark roleplays due to its menacing appearance.
Keening
An Ancient Dwemer Dagger Obtained In ‘Arniel’s Endeavor’ That Can Absorb Health, Magicka, Or Stamina
Keening fascinates with its distinct design and ability to drain attributes, found during Arniel’s Endeavor, although its use dwindles once its charge expires.
To maintain functionality without charge loss, players should enhance their gear with Fortify Destruction before committing to combat with Keening.
Kahvozein’s Fang
A Dagger Usually Found In Areas Where Dragon Priests Reside
Essential for mages completing Alteration Ritual quests, Kahvozein’s Fang uniquely harvests dragon heart scales.
After residing beneath a Dragon Priest, its utility ceases, although its aesthetic suits decorative purposes.
Borvir’s Dagger
Found On Borvir’s Corpse in Journeyman’s Nook
Despite its unceremonious roots, Borvir’s Dagger rewards diligent low-level players with early-game power, easily accessed at Journeyman’s Nook.
Bloodthorn
Found On An Altar On The Balcony Of Hag’s End
The allure of fully trapping souls with Bloodthorn enriches gameplay, found amidst Hag end.
This feature elevates it above common daggers, offering practicality alongside its captive capability.
Mehrunes’ Razor
The Dagger Of The Final Wounds, Bane Of The Righteous, And Kingslayer Is Found During ‘Pieces Of The Past’
Mehrunes’ Razor stands out with an instant death chance, acquired through puzzle and battle, becoming a peerless tool.
A critical asset or collectible, its acquisition rests on quest choices and success.
Valdr’s Lucky Dagger
Assist Valdr During The ‘Hunter And Hunter’ Side Quest To Receive This Weapon
Valdr’s Lucky Dagger boosts critical hits by 25%, appealing for dual-wield configurations.
Players earn this weapon aiding Valdr in Moss Mother Cavern, facilitating a simple yet impactful journey for luck.
Blade Of Woe
Used By Astrid, The Leader Of The Dark Brotherhood
Creative assassination finds its champion in the Blade of Woe. With significant base damage and health absorption, it underpins Dark Brotherhood allegiance.
Despite the temptation to quickly acquire it, completing the Brotherhood quest offers an enriched narrative alongside this dagger’s acquisition.
