Summary
The rarest items inSkyrimare usually labeled as Artifact or Unique. Artifacts have distinctive stats and looks, while unique items can only be found in one area. Some rare pieces of equipment, like Keening, have appeared in multiple games. While this is a great way to call back to previous titles, some Artifacts and Unique items inSkyrimshouldn’t come back to future titles like the upcomingElder Scrolls 6.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimwas released in November 2011 to much fanfare. It gave players a wealth of character customization features and combat options, which all worked well. Whether the Dragonborn was charging into the battlefield with a heavy two-handed axe or going theinfamousSkyrimstealth archerroute, the game delivered a satisfying experience. Like previous games, the fifth installment of theTESfranchise also has a great looting system. It’s always fun to find unique weapons and artifacts hidden deep within a dungeon or in plain sight in a guild hideout.
Artifacts and Unique Items That Should Stay in Skyrim
There are pieces of equipment that tie intoSkyrimand the Dragonborn’s unique history, which is why they shouldn’t return toTES 6. Whatever the setting is, they likely wouldn’t fit into the next game.
Dragon Priest Masks
Skyrim’sDragon Priestswere once members of the Dragon Cult. This group worshipped dragons, particularly the aedra Akatosh, as god-kings that rule over mortals. The priests were supposed to keep the peace between dragons and humanoids. However, they became corrupted by power and enslaved the people ofSkyrim. WhenSkyrim’s rebels banished Alduin, one of the most powerful dragons in the world, the cult was driven to extinction. Now, their undead priests sleep in tombs, their rotting faces covered in powerful magic-infused masks.
Thebest Dragon Priests masks inSkyriminclude:
Hoarfrost
Stahlrim is enchanted ice that is unique to the island of Solstheim, where theNordic Skaal triberesides. It’s a resource that players can use to craft armor and weapons that are second only to Dragonscale and Dragonbone in terms of quality. This valuable resource can only be mined using an Ancient Nordic Pickaxe.
Ralis Sedarys’ trusty pickaxe, named Hoarfrost, is capable of mining Stahlrim as well. However, this Unique Item can also be effective in combat, as its enchantment lets players slow targets and deal 15 points of frost damage. It also has a small chance of inflicting freeze.
Miraak’s Set
While Alduin was a truly epic and powerful opponent to the Dragonborn, it can be argued that Miraak is the true rival toSkyrim’s hero. This former leader of the Dragon Cult was the very first Dragonborn in Tamriel’s recorded history. He once ruled over Solstheim and became an avatar of the Daedric prince of knowledgeHermaeus Morawhen he retreated during the Dragon War.
Facing off against Miraak in the Dragonborn DLC is one of the most memorable experiences inSkyrim. Getting his Artifacts (sword, armor, and mask) after defeating him is the icing on the cake. Miraak’s set is unlike any other in the game, as it features the regal accents of the Dragon cult while also showing some Eldritch horror elements influenced by Hermaeus Mora.
These items signify the unique experiences that players can only find inSkyrim, from mining material native to the province to battling powerful undead pawns of ancient Dragons. Therefore, they should stay inTES 5, and not be reproduced in the sequels. This reinforces the distinct identity of eachElder Scrollsgame, as well.
