skyrim hand to hand skill tree

"Skyrim: Mastering Hand-to-Hand Combat - The Ultimate Skill Tree Guide"

By James GarciaNovember 25, 2025

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with its vast array of skills and abilities, offers a unique and immersive gaming experience. Among these, the Hand to Hand skill tree is particularly appealing to those who prefer a more melee-focused playstyle. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Hand to Hand skill tree, providing an in-depth look at its perks, benefits, and how to effectively level up this skill.

Understanding the Hand to Hand Skill Tree

The Hand to Hand skill tree, also known as Unarmored, focuses on improving your character's unarmed combat abilities. It's ideal for those who want to rely on their bare fists, or unique unarmed weapons like the Dwemer Gauntlets or the Gauntlet of the Old Gods. This skill tree is particularly useful for stealthy characters, as it allows for silent takedowns and evasive maneuvers.

Benefits of Investing in Hand to Hand

No Weapon Durability: Unlike other weapons, your fists never break or degrade, making them a reliable choice for combat.
Stealthy Takedowns: High-level Hand to Hand skills allow for silent takedowns, making it easier to sneak attack enemies.
Evasion and Mobility: Perks in this tree improve your character's evasion and movement speed, making you harder to hit and easier to dodge.

Leveling Up Hand to Hand

Leveling up the Hand to Hand skill is straightforward: simply engage in unarmed combat. Every time you land a hit, you'll gain experience towards the next level. However, there are a few ways to speed up this process:

the skyrim skill tree for lock - picking is shown in black and white text

the tenets written on an old parchment paper with black ink and handprints

Training: You can train your Hand to Hand skill at a trainer, such as Farkas in Whiterun, for a small fee.
Books: Reading books like "The Lay of the Serpent's Tongue" or "The Speed of the Wind" can grant permanent bonuses to your Hand to Hand skill.
Potions: Potions of Strength and Endurance can temporarily boost your Hand to Hand skill, allowing you to level up faster.

Hand to Hand Perks

The Hand to Hand skill tree is divided into three columns: Power, Speed, and Evade. Each column offers unique perks that can significantly improve your combat effectiveness. Here are some of the most notable perks:

Column	Perk	Effect
Power	Hurricane	Unarmed attacks can hit multiple targets.
Speed	Quick Reflexes	Unarmed attacks have a chance to trigger a power attack.
Evade	Lightning Reflexes	Dodge rolling has a chance to trigger a power attack.

These perks, along with many others, make the Hand to Hand skill tree a powerful and versatile option for any Skyrim character. Whether you're a stealthy assassin or a bruiser in the thick of combat, investing in Hand to Hand can significantly enhance your playstyle.

Skyrim: Pros & Cons Of Leveling Enchanting Skill Tree

a man holding a knife in front of a skull with candles on it's head

In the vast world of Skyrim, the Hand to Hand skill tree offers a unique and engaging way to approach combat. With its focus on unarmed combat, stealthy takedowns, and evasive maneuvers, this skill tree is a powerful tool for any character. By understanding the benefits, leveling up effectively, and choosing the right perks, you can master the art of unarmed combat in Skyrim.