Skip to content

Skyrim Challenge builds

Builds that make the game harder on purpose: self-imposed limits, odd weapons and punishing playstyles. For players who already beat it the normal way.

Or start from scratch in the Character Build Planner and share your build.

Lvl 92
10 / 10
9 / 9
9 / 9
12 / 13
11 / 15
7 / 9
Bard
Skyrim Bard build
Budget
Challenge
Magic
Mind Games
Minions
Published
byDasneezequeen

The bard uses no armor and relies on spells to keep them safe, using conjuration, illusion and alteration as defensive; their only offense is a bound sword. Used correctly it will be used sparingly as your enemies will tear themselves apart from frenzy spells with the help of the undead you raise (or atronachs). Alteration is your main defense so always maintain your flesh spells, Restoration is your net, should you take damage.

Lvl 40
8 / 8
9 / 14
8 / 12
6 / 10
No Craft Mage
Skyrim Destruction | No Crafting | No AE CC build
AoE
Challenge
Fast Leveling
Long Range
Magic
Published / Updated
bycaioba

Thought experiment mage unable to reduce completely magicka cost and yet with HP only investment.

Lvl 17
7 / 12
3 / 9
2 / 9
Early 2h
Skyrim Two-Handed | Restoration | No Crafting | No AE CC build
Beginner Friendly
Challenge
Close Range
Magic
Melee
Published / Updated
bycaioba

Solid build I use on Legendary difficulty + Survival + Permadeath

Lvl 50
5 / 9
6 / 9
3 / 9
3 / 6
3 / 9
5 / 10
Skaal Villager
Skyrim Sneaky Warrior build
Challenge
Endgame
Roleplay
Solo
Stealth
Published
byJamesQuest
Lvl 30
5 / 8
8 / 12
4 / 9
3 / 10
Dwarven Centurion
Skyrim Visage of Mzund build
Challenge
Melee
Roleplay
Solo
Tank
Published
byJamesQuest
Create your own Skyrim build
Open the planner and publish it here
Lvl 34
6 / 9
6 / 10
4 / 9
3 / 6
3 / 9
Skull Crusher
Skyrim Barbarian build
Challenge
Close Range
Crafting
Glass Cannon
Roleplay
Published
by@cloud_district_enjoyer

Brutal and deadly but with a heart of gold she will tend to the needy and helpless. Since she was a kid she dreamed of traveling to skyrim someday, a provenance that she heard was blessed by Malacath himself. Her time with the legion forged her to become a great warrior and a talented blacksmith. Special attacks: Malacath's offering: berserker rage + soul tear + power attacks. Trembling hearts: disarming bash + dismay + veggie soup + sweep.

Lvl 50
8 / 9
9 / 15
8 / 10
6 / 6
4 / 9
Druid
Skyrim Conjuring Archer build
Challenge×2
Long Range×2
Minions×2
Exploration
Stealth
Published
by@glade
Lvl 80
9 / 9
8 / 8
7 / 9
4 / 10
4 / 9
7 / 12
Battle Breton
Skyrim Spell-"Axe" 100% Challenge build
Challenge
Crafting
Endgame
Solo
Tank
Published / Updated
byJamesQuest
  • Challenge build for a 100% run (more so just do all the major endgame bosses), with the idea of using a pickaxe as the main weapon.
  • Classic alteration power levelling to get to level 80.
  • For my own "enjoyment" but feel free to have a go as well or try and do a slightly different (probably better) build.
Lvl 36
6 / 8
1 / 6
4 / 9
3 / 9
5 / 13
4 / 12
Silent Cobra
Skyrim Stealth Poisoner build
Challenge
Consumables
Stealth
Published
by@h4z2

Build limited to only 6 skills. Main Skill (Alchemy) has a 10 perk investment, Minor Skills have a 5 perk investment. This build is a Stealthy Alchemist whos main form of dealing with enemies is reverse pickpocketing poisons with help from poison runes as well.

Lvl 81
8 / 9
7 / 9
6 / 9
5 / 10
7 / 10
4 / 9
Canon Dragonborn
Skyrim Trailer Art Dragonborn build
Challenge
Crafting
Magic
Melee
Roleplay
Published / Updated
byزيد

TLDR • College of Winterhold, Companions, Empire, Dawngaurd, destroys DB, revokes HM, no thieves guild. • Sword and Board with some magic (Shouts, Alteration buffs, enchanting)

Lvl 45
8 / 9
9 / 10
5 / 9
4 / 14
2 / 10
2 / 10
Chronomancer
Skyrim Time Mage, Archer, Alchemist build
Challenge
Endgame
Long Range
Magic
Solo
Published / Updated
byHalkaun

A time-manipulating ranger heavily based on the Enforcer of Time subclass from DnD.

https://theskyforge.ning.com/groups/tes-character-building/forum/the-chronomancer-enforcer-of-time