Maces, Swords or Axes?

[haerual]

I did one playthrough with DW maces and the 40% faster swings is a crucial perk for that. But it feels like maces do more than double or three times the damage swords and axes do, just because of the armor penetration perks that are out there.

 

That aside, the highest DPS one-handers are unique swords.

[audioave10]

Left hand...Fire or Restoration Health spell

Right hand...Sword (with Smithing and Enchanting improvements)

works well most of the time (I also have Archery very high)

[ZenMonkey47]

Swords, without a question, are the best.

 

Once smithing is all said and done, there's only a few points difference between swords, axes and maces. So the question becomes, do you want to hit 10 times for 150 damage each or 8 times for 160? Add enchanting into the mix and the outcome is even clearer as it adds a flat rate of damage.

 

Perk wise, swords still come up ahead. Axes only adds a flat rate of DoT, great for beginning, but almost unnoticeable at the end and only works on living creatures. Maces WOULD be awesome but nothing seems to have much more than 20% armor (hopefully this will be rebalenced). Critical hits, while nothing to write home about, still add a bit do your dps and work on everything.

 

Aesthetically, swords just look better (the ones with scabbards anyway) and have more finishing moves than maces/axes.

[burningworm]

Maces are slow, but with elemental fury-shout faster than enemies.

If one is going to spend a lot of perks for melee, i think they are first choice.

A shield for stopping mages...

Swords are more alroundish, for those who primely use magic.