Skyrim has a number of powerful Unique Armors spread throughout the game's many dungeons and questlines, but the Shield category is noticeably lacking. Of the 10 unique Shields in Skyrim the Spellbreaker stands out for its unique defensive ability that goes beyond the reduction of incoming Physical damage.
It is the Daedric Artifact of Peryite, the Lord of Pestilence, but its special effect is seemingly unrelated to Peryite's grasp over the diseases and natural order of the Mundus. In fact, it's a shield tailor-made for Knights and Battlemages alike, as it allows players to charge into a group of enemies without worrying about the spells being cast at them.
Spellbreaker Stats And Effects
Spellbreaker is a unique Heavy Shield that casts the Ward spell whenever the player blocks with it. It protects against just about every spell for up to 50 points of damage, and will virtually negate non-damaging spells on impact. It looks like a Dwarven Shield, but with a higher Armor Rating and, of course, the spellcasting effect.
- Equipment Type: Heavy Armor, Shield
- Armor Rating: 38+
- Inventory Weight: 12
- Enchantment: Casts Ward for 50 pts when blocking
- Improved With: Arcane Blacksmith Perk, Dwarven Metal Ingot
Spellbreaker is particularly powerful when paired with the "Elemental Protection" Perk in the Block Skill Tree. With this Perk and Spellbreaker equipped, just about every Destruction Spell in Skyrim is negated with Spellbreaker's Ward. Even without this perk, the Ward completely blocks Dragon Breath attacks and high-level Dragur Shouts.
How To Get Spellbreaker
Spellbreaker is earned during the Daedric Prince Peryite's questline in Skyrim, and is also featured in Oblivion as a Daedric Artifact of the same prince. The quest "The Only Cure" can only be taken after the player has reached Level 10, at which point the quest can be started by running into the Afflicted of Bthardamz, a Dwemer Ruin in the north of The Reach.
It can also be started at Level 12 by heading to the Shrine of Peryite northwest of Markarth and speaking with Kesh. Players must then bring a Silver Ingot, a Deathbell, some Vampire Dust, and a Flawless Ruby back to the Shrine. Then, players speak with Peryite themself, who asks the player to kill their current champion: Orchendor. At the very end of the questline, Peryite gives the player Spellbreaker to use as they see fit.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S