Skyrim: Best Two-Handed Weapons [Top 10]

The community won't consider you a true Dragonborn if you aren't wielding these two-handed weapons.

There is a vast array of weaponry in Skyrim, and they are all categorized into weapon types. You could find one-handed weapons or bows, and all can be used in combat effectively. The best two-handed weapons in Skyrim can be used to give those heavy blows in Skyrim. That gives the weapons an advantage over the enemy. It has a better and stronger swing.

Key Takeaways
  • There are a total of 54 two-handed weapons in Skyrim.
  • There are three types of two-handed weapons, Battle Axes, Greatswords, and Warhammers.
  • Dual wielding is favored by some players for its efficiency in combat.
  • The Rueful Axe, Steel Battle Axe of Fiery Souls, Dragonbone Battle Axe, and Wuuthrad are among the best two-handed weapons in Skyrim. 

Author’s Note: With more than dozens of hours of experience in Skyrim, I feel more than obliged to provide you with hands-on experience on the topic below.

First and foremost, make sure to check out the Best two-handed weapons in Skyrim comparison table below:

WeaponTypeBase DamageWeightValueBest For
Drainblood Battle Axe21.05.0266.0Early slaying
The Rueful Axe Battle Axe22.010.0500.0Solid damage output
Steel Battle Axe Of Fiery SoulsBattle Axe18.021.0100.0Soul Gem collecting
Dragonbone Battle AxeBattle Axe26.030.03000.0Raw Power
WuuthradBattle Axe25.025.02000.0Annihilation of dragons
Daedric Battle Axe25.027.02750.0Early Access Axe
Tsun’s Battle AxeBattle Axe27.036.01000.0Beheading monsters
Headman’s AxeBattle Axe17.011.015.0Lengthy Lethality
The Woodman’s Friend Battle Axe17.020.028.0Most Accessible
Stalhrim’s Battle Axe Battle Axe24.025.02150.0Icy Dominance

1. Drainblood 

Best Two-Handed Combo For Early Slaying.
Drainblood In Skyrim
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: Drainblood – [Image credit: eXputer]
  • Why I Recommend Drainblood Battle Axe: Drainblood Battle Axe excels early on, boasting high monster damage and a unique enchantment and its accessibility makes it an advantageous choice.

Damage

Weight

Cost

21

5

266

  • Unique Visual Design
  • High Base Damage
  • Powerful Enchantment
  • No Upgrade Needed
  • Useful for Early Game
  • Limited Availability
  • No Upgrade Option
  • Specialized Use
  • Enchantment Recharge
  • No Elemental Effects

Location

The weapon is obtained during the “Staff of Magnus” quest in Labyrinthian, providing a structured way for players to acquire it as they progress through the storyline.

2. The Rueful Axe 

The Best Unique Designed Axe
One Of The Best Two-Handed Weapons In Skyrim The Rueful Axe
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim : The Rueful Axe – Image Captured by eXputer
  • Why I Prefer The Axe: The Rueful Axe stands out with a distinctive design, robust damage output, and an engaging quest that adds to its allure.

Damage

Weight

Cost

22

10

1183

  • A Really Impressive Design
  • High Base Damage
  • Unique Stanima Damage Enchantment
  • Early-Game Viability
  • Anniversary Edition Inclusion
  • Unique Quest To Get It
  • Single Acquisition Method
  • Limited Enchantment Effect
  • No Upgrade Option
  • Quest-Related Difficulty
  • No Health Absorption

Location

I found the Axe by doing the mission known as “A Daedric’s Best Friend.

3. Steel Battle Axe Of Fiery Souls

Best Soul Gem Collecting Two-Handed Combo
The Steel Battle Axe Of Fiery Souls In Skyrim
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: Steel Battle Axe Of Fiery Souls – Image by eXputer
  • Why I Recommend It: Steel Battle Axe Of Fiery Souls impresses with its base damage, extra fire damage, and soul gem-filling enchantment, making it formidable.

Damage

Weight Cost
18 21

320

  • Runic and Elegant Design
  • Enchantments Like Fire Damage And Soul Trap
  • Effective Against Bosses
  • Good Availability To Acquire
  • Practical Soul Trap Enhancement For Soul Gems
  • Moderate Base Damage
  • No Upgrade Option
  • Enemies may have resistance to fire damage

Location

The weapon can be found towards the end of the Ironbind Barrow along the word wall. 

4. Dragonbone Battle Axe 

Best Two-Handed Combo For Raw Power.
One Of The Best Two-Handed Weapons In Skyrim Dragonbone Battle Axe
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: Dragonbone Battle Axe – Screenshot Grab: eXputer

Damage

Weight Cost
26 30

3000

  • Why I Suggest This: Dragonbone Battle Axe excels with outstanding base damage, rarity linked to dragon encounters, and early-game crafting availability, making it formidable. 
  • Exceptional Base Damage
  • Easily Craftable
  • Versatile
  • No Specific Location Requirement
  • Rare Crafting Material
  • Heavy Weight
  • Skill and Perk Requirements
  • Lack of Enchantment

Location

If you kill even one of the keepers in Soul Cairn, you will be able to get it just like I did with ease.

5. Wuuthrad

Best Two-Handed For Annihilation.
Wuuthrad In Skyrim
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: Wuuthrad – Screenshot Captured by eXputer

Damage

Weight Cost
25 24

2000

  • Why I Always Opt For This: Wuuthrad earns distinction for its unique in-game impact on the Elven community, coupled with its high base damage for effectiveness.
  • Special In-Game Effect
  • High Base Damage
  • Community Consensus
  • Potential for Enchantment
  • Available Enough
  • Limited In-Game Effect
  • No Built-in Enchantment
  • Quest-Related Acquisition
  • Enchantment Skill
  • Resource Requirements

Location

Wuuthrad is obtainable as part of the Companions questline, making it accessible to players who engage with this faction’s storyline.

6. Daedric 

Best Early Access Axe.
One Of The Best Two-Handed Weapons In Skyrim Daedric
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: Daedric – Image Captured by us
  • Why I Selected Daedric: Daedric Battle Axe stands out with its aggressive design, early availability, and the potential for enchantments, offering a powerful combination.

Damage

Weight Cost

25

27

2750

  • Incredible Power
  • Daedric Artifact
  • Aggressive Design
  • Early Availability
  • Enchantable
  • Random Loot and Dragon Kills
  • Limited Availability
  • Heavy Weight
  • Dark Aesthetic
  • No Inherent Enchantment Early On

Location

It can be purchased from the Dremora Merchant with the Black Market power, there are other ways also but in my opinion this is the easiest one. 

7. Tsun’s Battle Axe 

Best Two-Handed Combo For Beheading Monsters.
Tsun’s Battle Axe In Skyrim
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: Tsun’s Battle Axe – Image Captured by eXputer
  • Why I Prefer This: Tsun’s Battle Axe boasts unique lore, incredible base damage, and the prowess to defeat mythical monsters in Skyrim’s vast world.

Damage

Weight Cost
27 36

1000

  • Unique Lore
  • Highest Base Damage
  • Mythical Monster Slayer
  • Availability through Mods
  • Customization through Mods
  • Inaccessible in Vanilla Game
  • Mod Dependency
  • Lack of In-Game Quest

Location

I applied a mod to get it. 

8. Headman’s Axe 

Best Lengthy Lethality Two-Handed Weapon.
One Of The Best Two-Handed Weapons In Skyrim Headman’s Axe
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: Headman’s Axe – Screenshot Grab: eXputer
  • Why I Selected It For The List: Headman’s Axe impresses with its extended design, unique acquisition through Ahtar, and the potential for enchantments like Paralyze or Decapitation.

Damage

Weight Cost
17 11

15

  • Unique Design and Structure
  • Obtainable through Quest or Combat
  • Long Reach Advantage
  • Unique Weapon
  • Enchantment Potential
  • Versatile Offense
  • Moderate Base Damage
  • Limited Availability
  • Moral Dilemma
  • No Inherent Quest or Storyline

Location

Players can acquire the Headman’s Axe either by defeating Ahtar in combat or by making him a follower and obtaining the weapon from his inventory

9. The Woodman’s Friend 

Most Accessible Two-Handed Weapon.
The Woodman’s Friend In Skyrim
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: The Woodman’s Friend – Image Credit Copyright: eXputer
  • Why I Prefer It: The Woodman’s Friend is easily accessible from any point in the game, serving as a convenient addition to a player’s collection.

Damage

Weight Cost
17 20

28

  • Early Accessibility
  • Collectible Value
  • No Level Requirements
  • Location Clarity
  • Modify with Mods
  • Moderate Base Damage
  • No Enchantments
  • Limited Growth
  • Not Ideal for Late-Game

Location

Just move toward the southeast side of Conjurer’s Altar, and you will find it.

10. Stalhrim’s Battle Axe 

Best Two-Handed Weapon For Icy Dominance.
One Of The Best Two-Handed Weapons In Skyrim Stalhrim’s Battle Axe
Elder Scrolls V | Skyrim: Stalhrim’s Battle Axe – Screenshot Captured by eXputer
  • Why I Suggest This: Stalhrim’s Battle Axe stands out with its sleek design, icy blue Stalhrim material, and strength that rivals Dragonbone weaponry.

Damage

Weight Cost
24 25

2150

  • Stalhrim Material
  • Comparable Strength to Dragonbone
  • Enchantable
  • Additional 25% Strength with Stalhrim Material
  • Sheer Power
  • Weight
  • Resource Requirements
  • Limited Availability
  • No Unique Quest or Storyline

Location

Can be crafted with Stalhrim Materials.

My Opinion On The Best Two-Handed Weapons

As an avid Skyrim adventurer, I’ve wielded countless weapons, but a select few stand out as the best. The Ebony Blade reigns supreme with its sinister allure and life-draining power, followed closely by the Daedric Greatsword, a masterpiece of strength and craftsmanship. Rounding out the top choices is the Dragonbone Battleaxe, embodying the might of Skyrim’s dragons.

Now you know about the Best two-handed weapons in Skyrim. There are no such honorable mentions because these are it. If you want to have the best two-handed weapons in your arsenal, these are the ones to go for. If you have trouble understanding quests such as In My Time of Need Quest or Blood On The Ice Quest, read out guides. We have also covered the places where you can find the Black Books in Skyrim

Also, make sure to check out our guides on How To Use A Bow and Fortify Enchanting. Do check our complete detailed review of Skyrim written by Asad Ahmed

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Hammad Ijaz is a Guides Writer on eXputer who is into various gaming genres. He has this pure passion for enjoying games and then reflecting that passion back into his writing. Along with a gaming experience of 10+ years, he also has many years of writing experience. Hammad further solidifies his status as a true gamer by showcasing hundreds of hours of game time on Warframe, Witcher 3, and Elden Ring. Feel free to explore his extensive gaming library on Steam.

Experience: 3+ Years || Education: Bachelors in Computer Sciences.

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