Shadowrend is a unique weapon in Skyrim as it takes multiple forms, though only one can be wielded at a time. It was originally introduced to the Elder Scrolls series in Oblivion, as part of the Shivering Isles DLC, and was brought to Skyrim in 2018 via the Creation Club. Shadowrend is also included with Anniversary Edition.

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The way Shadowrend works in Skyrim is similar to Dawnfang and Duskfang, except that players can switch the weapon's form without the restriction of day or night. It can take the form of a Two-Handed Greatsword or a Two-Handed Battleaxe with each weapon type's associated strengths and weaknesses.

Shadowrend Stats and Effects

Skyrim How To Get Shadowrend Geyser Pool Eastmarch Atronach Stone

Shadowrend in its Two-Handed Greatsword form is slightly faster than its Two-Handed Battleaxe form, though the Battleaxe deals a bit more damage and weight a little more. Both forms hold the same Weakness to Magic enchantment, though.

  • Equipment Types: Two-Handed Greatsword OR Two-Handed Battleaxe
  • Greatsword
    • Raw Damage: 25
    • Inventory Weight: 23
    • Gold Value: 2500
  • Battleaxe
    • Raw Damage: 26
    • Inventory Weight: 27
    • Gold Value: 2750
  • Enchantment: Inflicts Weakness to Magic for 15 points, making targets 15% weaker to spells for 30 seconds
  • Enchantment Uses: No charge usage/infinite

Because Shadowrend does not have an associated Enchantment charge bar, the Weakness to Magic effect is inflicted with every swing, no matter what. In either of its forms, Shadowrend is a fantastic weapon for Heavy Armor Mages who specialize in close-quarters combat, but be ready to switch from Shadowrend to your spells quickly to maximize the weapon's effect.

How To Get Shadowrend

Skyrim How To Get Shadowrend Black Pool Skeleton

Shadowrend is found through a straightforward questline. Head to the Atronach Stone in Eastmarch and head Northeast until you see a pool of dark water containing a drowned skeleton. Shadowrend is found once the water begins to foam and bubble, floating just above the pool itself. When the player picks it up, the Inner Darkness quest begins and a Shadow spawns near the pool – this Shadow is an exact copy of the player, including gear, shouts, spells, weapons, and attributes.

Defeating this Shadow completes the quest and from then on players can return to the pool and switch Shadowrend's form whenever they like – if players get tired of a Greatsword, they can switch over to a Battleaxe (and vice versa) by interacting with the visage of its alternate form here.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available for PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S

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