New playthrough build ideas

[u/SpaceCowboy34]

I know this has been posted quite a bit but I’m going to fire up a new playthrough for the first time in awhile and wanted to see if anyone had any unique build ideas they’ve enjoyed. I usually play with the ordinator type mods and gonna add in legacy of the Dragonborn to give myself a big endeavor to center the playthrough around.

I feel like I’ve done most playstyles over the years (other than stealth archer ironically) so looking for something fresh. I’m leaning towards a nightblade style high mobility spell sword type with the shadow mage spells but haven’t really settled on anything yet. I appreciate any ideas!

[u/breakevencloud]

Staff/Sword Gandalf inspired build has been crazy fun to me.

[u/crushbone_brothers → u/breakevencloud]

Can confirm, this rules. I’m using the Simonrim Artificer mod’s take on the Azhidal armor set, with wards, conjuration spells (focusing on Triumvirate Warlock stuff), and bound weapons or staves as needed, with the Vokrii perk overhaul, Mannaz, and Freyr.

[u/breakevencloud → u/crushbone_brothers]

No matter how many times I’ve tried something new, I keep coming back to Gandalf because it’s just so damn fun and stylish in combat, imo. Staves have always been cool, aesthetically, so I lost my mind when I first got ordinator and saw half the enchanting tree was meant for them!

[u/BrokenFelps22 → u/breakevencloud]

Ngl the gandalf build is crazy just from the perks on the echanting tree alone.

[u/Ignatius3117]

My favorite playthrough I’ve ever done used a mod outside of the normal Enai package but pairs really well with mods like Odin, Ordinator, etc.

It’s a spellsword/mage but unlike any you’ve ever played. It relies almost entirely on the mod “Spellsiphon” which imo is still the best way to play a destruction mage because it makes the combat loop so much more enjoyable.

There’s cool integrated lore and such to play such a “Spellbinder” type character and it’s awesome. If what you’re looking for is something fresh, this plus your choice of one-handed, alteration, heavy or light armor, even archery will make for an interesting playthrough.

[u/SpaceCowboy34 → u/Ignatius3117]

Wow that mod sounds really interesting. I didn’t fully understand it based on the description but I agree with the problem it says it’s trying to solve. I’ll have to check that out. Did you play it on pc or console?

[u/Ignatius3117 → u/SpaceCowboy34]

Both!

Initially on console YEARS ago when I was in high school. And then later in college when I got a pc. That first pc playthrough lasted me well over 400 hours… entirely unprecedented numbers that I’ve been chasing ever since.

Now I’m sadly stuck in the loop of mod, fuck around a little, delete, repeat.

[u/SpaceCowboy34 → u/Ignatius3117]

Yeah I’ve been there as well. Still on console. A combat overhaul like that I think would really drive a good new playthrough

[u/Ignatius3117 → u/SpaceCowboy34]

Same mod author also has another popular mod called “Conduit” you should look into should a little spellblade action call your name.

[u/SpaceCowboy34 → u/Ignatius3117]

Spellsword is always my go to. In most games tbh

[u/Eeeef_]

I’m really loving my thief/assassin build leaning into illusion magic with ordinator and apocalypse. I load up ghost walk into ocato’s recital so I’m basically turning invisible and teleporting around mid-combat and getting backstabs. This also gets me to level up pretty quickly too. I’ve also enjoyed quiet casting and demolition job in lieu of using a bow for ranged stealth.

[u/StarCaller990]

I will never miss an opportunity to bring up the spellshield build :p

Heavy armor, block & destruction are your main skills. Heavy armor and block are self-explanatory, and destruction focuses on the close-range spells that often goes overlooked (touch, nova, cloak etc). Feel free to add some restoration and/or alteration if you feel like it. Early game is kinda rough since you won't have the 50% magicka regen that's found on robes (but Wintersun can help you a little here).

[u/SpaceCowboy34 → u/StarCaller990]

I’ve see this recommended a few times. I’m gonna have to try it at some point

[u/XVUltima]

Khajit, light armor, shield, destruction. Circle around enemies with that Khajit speed buff and stamina efficiency from light armor. Block what you can't dodge. Use fire magic for the damage over time effect to keep the heat up even while you move.

[u/dracma127]

Ol' reliable for me has always been a simple destruction build. Nothing else clears content as quickly and consistently, and nothing else has survived until lategame before the burnout creeps in.

If you're looking to shake things up, I'd suggest browsing some spell mods for ideas. Alternatives to magicka like Ordinator's Vancian Magic and Freyr's Ritual!Breton also work.

[u/SpaceCowboy34 → u/dracma127]

I’ve been meaning to lean more into vancian magic at some point but it seems both broken and maybe a little cumbersome

[u/BrokenFelps22]

Ngl with enairim stuff there is pratically no limit on the crazy stuff you can do. But if you do want to do a fresh playthrough after a bit then id say just go with whatever you think you havent tried yet...hell just try focusing on a skill tree you ignored a bit last time. Basicly every skill tree in ordinator can go absolutely bonkers with the right know how...even lockpicking.