Sneak, Illusion, Alteration, Light Armor, Alchemy and Destruction all get starting bonuses with a Dark Elf character.

That benefit alone makes heavy armour preferable (especially as the Ebony Mail comes with Muffle by default). To get the best start possible as an archer in Skyrim. You are, on heavy armour, however neglecting the Ebony Mail - it's by far the best armour for a stealth based character since its' special effect means you're literally in shadow anywhere. Originally posted by LAG:For a pure archer built i would reccomend the following If you are also searching for Skyrim Best Light Armor Sets for Mage, for Archer, and for other types of players in this game, you have reached the correct. Heavy armour benefits from some restoration magic while light armour benefits from some illusion magic.ĭo take the 'cast novice restoration perks for half the magicka' though, being able to heal 200hp with your base 100 manapool really helps. Smithing is universal, both can achieve max armour rating, both will have 0 weight, both can be enchanted equally as good. Though i do reccomend you put some points into health then. If you prefer to fist fight the enemy, take power attacks head on and get beaten blue and yellow by melee attacks go heavy armour. If you prefer running away from the enemy and keeping your distance go light armour, the extra stamina really helps. Heavy armour allows you to reflect melee attacks, take less stagger and fist fight better. Skill tree wise light armour gives you more stamina regen and the ability to dodge a melee attack. Heavy armour has a higher armour rating, though since both armour types can reach the cap of 80% dmg reduction this will inevetably also be nullified. Using muffled or having 0 armour weight does nullify this bonus though. Light armour makes less noise, making it easier to sneak. 70 and inconveniently placed at the far left end. Note that both skill trees have 'no weight from armour' perks though. You should still put some points in stamina as an archer but it's not equally as neccesary. Heavy armour forces you to put in stamina points for more weight. Also helps to not have 100 weight worth of armour on you at all times. Anything to do with stamina regeneration or fortification is always good for an archer if you use the zoom frequently. Less weight allows you to run for longer(AFAIK) and faster.

Light armour is better than heavy armour for a few reasons Illusion magic is also a choice here, if you like the whole invisiblity and muffled movement, but they're more frosting than cake. For a pure archer built i would reccomend the following

Best armor in skyrim for archer