To enchant items in Skyrim, you need to find an arcane enchanter and use soul gems to recharge them. Select an item to enchant, choose a magical effect and a soul gem with a filled soul. The strength of the enchantment is determined by the size of the soul used.
Introduction
Enchanting items in Skyrim is a crucial aspect of the game that allows players to imbue their gear with magical properties to enhance their abilities and combat prowess. A well-enchanted item can make a significant difference in your character's power level, making mastering the art of enchanting a valuable skill in Skyrim.
Getting Started
To begin enchanting items, you first need to acquire the necessary tools and knowledge. The first step is to find an Enchanter's Table, which can typically be found in cities or can be constructed in your home if you have the Hearthfire DLC. Next, you will need soul gems to power your enchantments and learn enchantments by disenchanting magical items you find throughout the world.
Soul Gems and Soul Trap
Soul gems come in different sizes and qualities, with higher-quality soul gems capable of holding more powerful souls. To fill a soul gem, you need to use the Soul Trap spell or a weapon enchanted with Soul Trap on a defeated enemy before they disappear. This process captures the enemy's soul in the gem for later use in enchanting.
Disenchanting
To learn enchantments, you must disenchant magical items you find in Skyrim. This process destroys the item but teaches you the enchantment, allowing you to apply it to other items at the Enchanter's Table. The strength of the enchantment you learn is dependent on the quality of the item you disenchant.
The Enchanting Process
Once you have soul gems and learned enchantments, you can start enchanting items at the Enchanter's Table. Select the item you wish to enchant, choose the enchantment you want to apply, and fill any available slots on the item with soul gems. The power of the enchantment is influenced by the size and quality of the soul gem used.
Maximizing Enchantment Power
To maximize the power of your enchantments, you can make use of Enchanting Skill perks and Fortify Enchanting potions. Investing in perks like Enchanter and Insightful Enchanter can increase the strength and variety of enchantments you can apply. Additionally, crafting and using Fortify Enchanting potions can temporarily boost your enchanting abilities for more potent results.
Special Enchanting Circumstances
There are a few unique enchanting situations in Skyrim that can affect your enchanting endeavors. For example, Azura's Star and the Black Star are special soul gems that can capture human souls, making them valuable for enchanting more powerful items. Additionally, some quests and items in the game provide unique enchantments that cannot be learned through disenchanting, adding to your arsenal of magical abilities.
Advanced Enchanting Techniques
For advanced players looking to push the limits of enchanting in Skyrim, there are a few tricks to further enhance your gear. The 'Fortify Restoration Loop' exploit, though considered by some as a game-breaking mechanic, can be used to create extremely powerful enchantments by exploiting the interaction between Fortify Alchemy and Fortify Enchanting effects.
Following these steps and strategies can help you become a master enchanter in Skyrim, creating potent gear that suits your playstyle and makes your character a force to be reckoned with in the world of Tamriel.