Understanding Perk Points in Skyrim¶

How to Use Perk Points Effectively¶

As mentioned earlier, perks are the real substance of character customization, due to the diversity of build types that they offer with each perk point invested in a particular skill. The overall skill level of a specific skill improves the general effectiveness of that skill, but perks offer more in terms of what you can actually do with a skill. For example, investing perks in one-handed weapons provides additional special power attacks with them, and increased effectiveness with a specific weapon, such as adding a bleeding effect to axes.

Your skill level determines what perks you can buy in each skill tree, and since increasing your skill level increases your character level, you’ll have more perks to distribute over time. The more powerful perks are generally higher on the perk tree, while the perks lower on the tree are focused more on improving general effectiveness of the skill. You’ll gain one perk point per level, and after you’ve spent a perk the only way to get it back is by maxing the skill level of a particular skill, then making it legendary to reset the skill level to 15. Keep this in mind when you invest perk points, and do so only after careful consideration of the build you’re aiming for. There’s no need to invest perks as soon as you earn them, so you might want to consider saving them as you level up and learn more about what playstyle you’re likely to enjoy most.

Recommended Skill Perks¶

Although it’s a good idea to create a character which is adept in most skills, you might want to focus on some above others. You can see our Skills guide for an overview of the basics, along with the following useful tips for each skill, including recommended perks:

• Alchemy
• Alteration
• Archery
• Blocking
• Conjuration
• Destruction
• Enchanting
• Heavy Armor
• Illusion
• Light Armor
• Lockpicking
• One-Handed
• Pickpocket
• Restoration
• Smithing
• Sneak
• Speech
• Two-Handed

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(1 of 2) Some perks can be invested in multiple times (usually up to 5) to increase the value of the perk effect.

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Some perks can be invested in multiple times (usually up to 5) to increase the value of the perk effect. (left), You’ll gain access to new perks for each skill as you invest in specific skill trees. (right)