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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition

Perks

By
Scott Peers

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:

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

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)

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Bethesda Softworks
  • Platforms,
    PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, XB 360, XB One
  • Genre
    Action RPG
  • Guide Release
    11 November 2021
  • Last Updated
    7 November 2021
    Version History
  • Guide Author
    Greg Wright

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Skyrim is the homeland of the Nords, a fierce and proud warrior people who are well suited for the bitter cold and mountainous terrain which defines the land. Now scarred by civil war, Skyrim faces its darkest days with the return of the legendary dragons and their leader, the World-Eater Alduin. The future of Skyrim and even the lands beyond hangs in the balance, as the people await the prophesized Dragonborn, a hero born with the power of The Voice and the only one who can contend with the dragons. You are that Dragonborn; your task is to investigate why the dragons are returning, and discover a way to defeat them. At the same time, you’re free to explore Skyrim at your own pace, uncovering its many wonders along the way.

Version 1.2

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