From maces to daggers, one-handed weapons pack a punch for Skyrim players across plenty of different builds. Fast, reliable, and common throughout the game, they're a favorite among many Dragonborn. Assassins can wield a dagger in each fist, battlemages swing maces while shooting spells, and warriors can cut through foes while blocking with a shield.
However, it's not uncommon for players to come across enemies that are hard to handle, especially at lower levels. In cases like this, it can be helpful to have potions on hand that help the Dragonborn boost their favorite weapon's damage. For those who favor the one-handed approach, here's how to do just that.
The Fortify One-Handed Effect
As the name suggests, potions of Fortify One-Handed increase the drinker's effectiveness with swords, maces, axes, and daggers. The higher the player's alchemy skill, the more their potions will increase their weapons' damage.
To raise the alchemy skill, players can grind out potions, or purchase training sessions from certain NPCs. Putting in the time is well worth the results, as high-level potions can take damage to great heights.
Ingredients
Every potion in Skyrim starts with the right components. Not many ingredients bear the Fortify One-Handed effect, but many that do are fairly easy to track down. If players aren't up for a scavenger hunt, all of the following can usually be bought from alchemist merchants throughout the game.
- Bear Claws: Players can loot these from the carcasses of killed bears. They often attack the player throughout the wilderness of Skyrim.
- Canis Root: The player can find these throughout the Rift and Hjaalmarch. Pay close attention, as the withered-looking miniature trees tend to blend into the landscape.
- Hanging Moss: Search for this on stone architecture throughout Skyrim. Dustman's Cairn has a plentiful supply.
- Hawk Feathers: Players can acquire these by shooting hawks out of the sky. These can often be found circling Solitude.
- Rock Warbler Egg: Search for these in birds' nests throughout the mountains. The road near Blind Cliff Cave features several nests.
- Small Pearl: Players generally cannot farm this item, as it is only found in set locations throughout the game. It may turn up in the homes or hideouts of powerful magic users, or among the belongings of hostile mages.
Compatible Effects
As each ingredient in Skyrim has four different effects, players can often create potions that provide several buffs at once. When it comes to Fortify One-Handed, combining Bear Claws and Hanging Moss will add the Fortify Health effect, making the Dragonborn ready for any battle. Adding Rock Warbler Egg to the mix will provide a Restore Stamina effect as well.
Alternatively, stealthy characters will find a useful mixture in Hawk Feathers, any other of the above ingredients, and a Beehive Husk. In addition to improving their one-handed damage, this brew also carries the effects Fortify Light Armor and Fortify Sneak.