Get Daedric Gear In Skyrim Without Smithing: A Guide

Hey guys! If you're diving into the epic world of Skyrim and have your eyes set on the formidable Daedric armor and weapons, but the smithing grind isn't your cup of tea, you're in the right place. Daedric gear is the top-tier stuff, boasting the highest armor rating and damage output in the game. Their intimidating look, with jagged edges and a menacing black and red design, perfectly matches their power. In this guide, we'll explore various methods to acquire these powerful items without ever having to strike an anvil. So, let's jump right into how you can get your hands on some Daedric equipment and become a true force to be reckoned with in Skyrim!

Understanding Daedric Gear in Skyrim

Before we dive into the ways of acquiring Daedric armor and weapons without smithing, let's take a moment to understand just what makes this gear so special. Daedric equipment is renowned for being among the strongest in Skyrim. If you're aiming to wade into battle with the best protection and the most lethal weapons, Daedric is the way to go. The armor offers the highest base defense in the game, allowing you to withstand significant damage from enemies, dragons, and even other players if you're playing the Special Edition with mods that add multiplayer functionality. The weapons, similarly, inflict massive damage, making quick work of even the toughest foes. The aesthetic of Daedric gear is another major draw for many players. The menacing black and red appearance, with sharp, jagged edges, perfectly reflects the dark and powerful nature of these items. Wielding Daedric equipment not only makes you strong but also gives your character a fearsome look that strikes fear into the hearts of your enemies.

But where does Daedric gear come from? In the lore of The Elder Scrolls, Daedric equipment is crafted from ebony ingots and Daedra Hearts. Daedra Hearts are the literal hearts of the Daedra, the powerful beings from the planes of Oblivion. This explains why Daedric gear is so potent – it's literally forged from the essence of otherworldly beings. Normally, you'd need a high smithing skill (level 90, to be exact) and the Daedric Smithing perk to craft this gear yourself. This involves a significant investment of time and resources, grinding your smithing skill by crafting iron daggers or other items. However, for those who prefer adventuring and combat over crafting, there are several alternative methods to obtain Daedric equipment, which we'll explore in detail.

Why Avoid Smithing?

You might be wondering, why skip smithing altogether? Well, while smithing is a viable path to obtaining Daedric gear, it's not for everyone. Grinding smithing can be a time-consuming and somewhat tedious process. It involves gathering materials, repeatedly crafting items to level up your skill, and investing perk points. Some players find this process enjoyable, while others would rather spend their time exploring the world, completing quests, and engaging in combat. Furthermore, some character builds might not focus on smithing. If you're playing a mage, thief, or assassin, you might prefer to invest your skill points in magic, stealth, or combat skills, rather than smithing. This doesn't mean you can't acquire powerful gear, it just means you need to be creative and resourceful in how you obtain it.

Methods to Acquire Daedric Gear Without Smithing

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are several methods you can use to acquire Daedric armor and weapons in Skyrim without ever touching a forge:

1. The Dremora Merchant

This is arguably the most reliable and straightforward method, but it does require a bit of initial investment. To access the Dremora Merchant, you'll need to reach Conjuration skill level 90 and complete the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest at the College of Winterhold. This quest will reward you with the ability to cast the "Conjure Dremora Lord" spell.

Once you can summon a Dremora Lord, cast the spell and immediately cast the "Soul Trap" spell on the summoned Dremora. Then, proceed to defeat the Dremora Lord. After the Dremora Lord is defeated, cast the "Conjure Dremora Lord" spell again. This time, select the dialogue option "I need your services. I need you to open your store". This will summon the Dremora Merchant, who sells a variety of items, including Daedric weapons and armor. The items the merchant sells are randomly generated, so it might take a few tries to find exactly what you're looking for. If the merchant doesn't have what you need, simply wait 48 hours in-game (this resets the merchant's inventory), summon the Dremora Lord again, and check his wares.

The advantage of this method is its consistency. Once you can summon the Dremora Merchant, you have a reliable source of Daedric equipment. The downside is the initial investment in leveling your Conjuration skill and completing the quest. However, if you're playing a mage or a character who utilizes summoning magic, this method fits perfectly into your playstyle.

2. The Atronach Forge

The Atronach Forge is a unique crafting station located in The Midden beneath the College of Winterhold. It allows you to create various items, including Daedric armor and weapons, by combining specific ingredients. This method still involves crafting, but it doesn't require any smithing skill. To create Daedric items at the Atronach Forge, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Sigil Stone: This is the most challenging ingredient to obtain. You can only acquire it by reaching Conjuration skill level 90 and completing the Conjuration Ritual Spell quest at the College of Winterhold (the same quest required for the Dremora Merchant method). Once you've completed the quest, you can return to Phinis Gestor at the College and ask him to attune the Atronach Forge, which will unlock the Sigil Stone recipe.
• Ebony Ingot: These can be found in various locations throughout Skyrim, such as mines, or purchased from blacksmiths.
• Daedra Heart: These are relatively rare but can be obtained from defeated Dremora, purchased from Enthir at the College of Winterhold, or found in specific locations like the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon.
• Centurion Dynamo Core: These are dropped by Dwarven Centurions, which can be found in Dwarven ruins.
• Empty Grand Soul Gem (Filled): You'll need to fill a Grand Soul Gem with a grand soul, such as a Mammoth or a Falmer Shadowmaster.
• The Specific Item You Want (e.g., Daedric Sword, Daedric Armor): You'll need to find a non-Daedric version of the item you want to create. For example, if you want a Daedric Sword, you'll need to place a regular sword in the offering box.

Once you have all the ingredients, place them in the offering box of the Atronach Forge and pull the lever. There's a random chance of success, and you might end up with a different Daedric item than you intended. However, with some patience and persistence, you can use the Atronach Forge to create a full set of Daedric gear.

3. Random Loot and Chests

This method relies on luck, but it can be quite rewarding. Daedric armor and weapons start appearing as random loot in chests and on enemies once you reach a certain level, typically around level 46 or higher. This means that as you explore Skyrim, complete quests, and delve into dungeons, you have a chance of finding Daedric gear. The higher your level, the greater the chance of finding these items.

Certain locations and enemies have a higher chance of dropping valuable loot. For example, high-level draugr in ancient Nordic tombs, boss chests at the end of dungeons, and challenging enemies like giants and dragons are all good sources of potentially valuable loot. Keep an eye out for unique locations marked on your map or mentioned in quests, as these often contain hidden treasures.

While this method is less reliable than the Dremora Merchant or the Atronach Forge, it's a passive way to acquire Daedric gear. Simply by playing the game and exploring the world, you increase your chances of finding these powerful items. Plus, the thrill of discovering a piece of Daedric armor in a random chest is always exciting!

4. Quests and Rewards

Some quests in Skyrim offer Daedric equipment as rewards, either directly or as part of a loot pool. Completing these quests is a great way to guarantee yourself some Daedric gear without relying solely on random chance. One notable example is the quest "The Black Star," which involves choosing between Azura's Star and the Black Star. While neither option directly rewards you with Daedric gear, the Black Star allows you to trap the souls of humanoid NPCs, making it easier to recharge enchanted weapons and armor. This can indirectly help you maintain the effectiveness of any Daedric equipment you acquire through other means.

Daedric Quests, in particular, often have high-quality rewards. These quests are given by the Daedric Princes, powerful entities from the planes of Oblivion. Completing their tasks can be challenging, but the rewards are often worth the effort. Keep an eye out for unusual quests or NPCs that mention Daedric Princes, as these could lead you to valuable Daedric artifacts.

5. Purchasing from Merchants

While less common, it is possible to purchase Daedric equipment from merchants in Skyrim. However, this typically only occurs at higher levels (around level 46 and above) and is still subject to the merchant's random inventory. Blacksmiths in major cities like Whiterun, Windhelm, and Solitude are your best bet for finding Daedric gear for sale. Check their inventories regularly, and remember that they reset every 48 in-game hours. So, if you don't see what you want, simply wait a couple of days and check back.

Additionally, certain specialized merchants, such as those found in the Thieves Guild or the Dark Brotherhood, might occasionally stock Daedric items. These merchants often have unique or rare items in their inventories, so it's worth checking in with them periodically. However, accessing these merchants usually requires joining their respective factions and completing some of their quests.

6. The Ebony Warrior

If you have the Dragonborn DLC, you'll eventually encounter a formidable foe known as the Ebony Warrior. This powerful NPC appears after you reach level 80 and seeks you out for a final, epic battle. The Ebony Warrior is clad in a full set of enchanted Ebony armor and wields a powerful enchanted Ebony weapon. Defeating him is no easy feat, but it's a worthy challenge for high-level characters. After you defeat him, you can loot his gear, which, while not Daedric, is still among the best in the game and a testament to your skill as a warrior. This method doesn't directly give you Daedric gear, but it's a fun and challenging way to acquire some top-tier equipment.

Tips for Finding Daedric Gear

Here are a few extra tips to help you on your quest for Daedric equipment:

• Level Up: The higher your level, the more likely you are to find Daedric gear as random loot or in merchant inventories. Focus on leveling up your character by completing quests, exploring dungeons, and engaging in combat.
• Explore Dungeons and Ruins: Dungeons and ruins are prime locations for finding valuable loot, including Daedric items. Thoroughly explore these locations, and don't forget to check hidden rooms and secret passages.
• Complete Daedric Quests: These quests often have high-quality rewards, including Daedric artifacts. Seek out quests given by Daedric Princes for a chance to acquire powerful gear.
• Save Before Opening Chests: If you're relying on random loot, save your game before opening a chest. If you don't find what you're looking for, you can reload your save and try again. This can save you time and frustration.
• Join Factions: Joining factions like the Thieves Guild or the Dark Brotherhood can grant you access to unique merchants and quests that might lead to Daedric gear.
• Be Patient: Finding Daedric gear without smithing can take time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't find what you're looking for right away. Keep exploring, completing quests, and checking merchant inventories, and eventually, you'll acquire the gear you desire.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Several ways to acquire Daedric armor and weapons in Skyrim without ever having to level your smithing skill. Whether you prefer summoning Dremora Lords, experimenting with the Atronach Forge, relying on random loot, or completing specific quests, there's a method that suits your playstyle. Remember, the key is to be persistent, explore the world, and take on challenging quests. With a little bit of luck and determination, you'll be clad in a full set of Daedric armor and wielding a fearsome Daedric weapon in no time. Now get out there and conquer Skyrim, guys! Good luck on your adventures, and may the Daedric Lords be ever in your favor!