The Best Skyrim Tank Builds (Skills, Perks, & Weapons)

Players can build a variety of character types in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, including powerful tank characters. By maxing out damage and defense, and using the right perks, players can have a strong tank build that quickly defeats any enemy, including dragons. Players will need to work up to completing a full tank build by leveling their character and upgrading their gear through crafting or looting. There are a few different options for tank builds that players can use in Skyrim.

From the start of the game, players may want to consider what race they choose if they plan to make a tank build. Although players can build a tank character with any race, some exclusive skills, like those of the Breton, Orc, or Nord, are better suited for this build. Races that have natural resistances and skills that do increased damage over time help amplify the other abilities players will have with a tank character. However, the most important things to focus on for a tank build are the gear, weapons, and skills that players equip and upgrade.

Players that want to build their tank character quickly and efficiently should work on upgrading the Skyrim Smithing skill. This will allow players to craft high-quality gear, like Dwarven or Daedric Armor, instead of searching for it. Having the ability to make and reinforce armor helps players with their build, but there are also special items players can obtain through quests that will strengthen the character. Some armor or weapon pieces, such as the Aetherial Shield or the Visage of Mzund, are not craftable, so players will still need to do some exploring to complete their tank build.

Best Gear and Skills for a Tank Build in Skyrim

Depending on which set of armor players use, they will also want to upgrade the associated perks. For example, Heavy Armor sets can be enhanced with skills in the Heavy Armor skill tree and the same goes for Light Armor. Players should use one full armor set in order to get the set bonus associated with it. For the tank build, crafting the best sets will require players to upgrade their Smithing skill in Skyrim.

Weapons

• Aetherial Shield
• Ebony Blade
• Dawnbreaker Sword
• Spell Breaker Shield
• Auriel’s Shield
• Dwarven Crossbow

Armor

• Visage of Mzund with a full Dwarven armor set
• Ebony Mail with a full Ebony armor set
• Daedric armor set

Perks/Skills

• One-Handed
• Two-Handed
• Heavy Armor
• Block
• Smithing

Using a combination of the right gear and abilities, players can create a strong tank build in Skyrim. After upgrading and equipping all of the gear, players will be able to quickly take out dragons and any other powerful enemy while maintaining a strong defense. Players won’t need to worry too much about their health once the tank build is complete. Tanks are one of many builds players can create in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is available for Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

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