Skyrim uses a skill-based leveling system. Improve skills through use, then spend perk points to enhance abilities and unlock new capabilities.
How It Works
Using skills increases their level. When any skill increases, you gain experience toward your character level. Each level grants a perk point and increases health, magicka, or stamina by 10 points (your choice).
Skills
There are 18 skills in Skyrim, divided into three categories:
Combat Skills
- One-Handed
- Two-Handed
- Archery
- Block
- Heavy Armor
- Light Armor
- Smithing
Magic Skills
- Alteration
- Conjuration
- Destruction
- Enchanting
- Illusion
- Restoration
Stealth Skills
- Alchemy
- Lockpicking
- Pickpocket
- Sneak
- Speech
Perks
Each skill has a perk tree with various perks that enhance abilities. Perks require a certain skill level and a perk point to unlock. Some perks have multiple ranks for increased effectiveness.
Leveling Strategies
Efficient Leveling
Focus on skills that are easy to level and provide useful perks. Skills like Smithing, Enchanting, and Alchemy can be leveled quickly and provide powerful benefits.
Legendary Skills
Once a skill reaches 100, you can make it "Legendary," resetting it to 15 and refunding all perk points. This allows for unlimited character levels and the ability to master all skills.
Character Builds
Different combinations of skills create different character builds:
- Warrior - Focus on combat skills and heavy armor
- Mage - Focus on magic skills and light armor or robes
- Thief - Focus on stealth skills and light armor
- Hybrid - Combine elements from different builds