Artifact Balance Overhaul
⚪ Last updated 2012⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
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🔍 Analysis
- 👍 4.9% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #11 of 22 Items and Objects - Player mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Ever wish you could upgrade Wuuthrad or that those artifacts you keep finding were actually powerful alternatives to enchanting? This mod aims to buff all artifacts in line with max enchantment created weapons and armors so when you find that sweet artifact youll consider using it instead of just putting it on your mantelpiece. Also available on Steam Workshop: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=14150 -- FEATURES (Version 1. 47): -Updated many weapons to now upgrade properly with perks(Ebony blade, Ghostblade) -Ghostblade updgrades with Steel Smithing(You still have use ectoplasm though) -Auriels bow renamed to Aerwraith’s Bow (Because you can actually find Auriels bow in Dawnguard) -Arrow explosion now half the size it was previously(At user requests). -Eduj should use the proper amount of charges now. FEATURES (Version 1. 45): DUE TO TEXT LENGTH RESTRAINTS ALL ITEM CHANGES AFFECTED BY THIS MOD ARE DOCUMENTED HERE: http://tinyurl.com/6wadeof This mod changes an incredible amount of items and listing them all here is incredibly cumbersome, the below changes are from the past two updates only. All item changes are listed in link above(Including most recent patch listed below). CHANGELOG (v1. 45) ARTIFACTS: NEW ITEM: Sunder (Added in v1. 45) Morrowind inspired(Converted effects into logical Skyrim counterparts): -Deals 25 extra damage that isn\'t reduced by armor -Slower than normal maces -Base damage is higher (20) than Daedric Maces (16) -Absorbs 20 Stamina over 4 seconds(5 per second) -Bonus effect if you have Wraith Guard equiped (As it was in Morrowind) -Counts as Daedric for purposes of upgrading via smithing BONUS EFFECT: Absorb Health 10 on hit Bought from: One of the 3 Khajit Caravan\'s (Each has an artifact - not saying who has which) NEW ITEM: Wraith Guard (Added in v1. 45) Morrowind inspired(Converted effects into logical Skyrim counterparts): -Makes you immune to disease -Fortify armor 50 -Resist Magicka 25% -Makes Keening and Sunder have a bonus effect -Counts as Daedric for purposes of upgrading via smithing Bought from: One of the 3 Khajit Caravan\'s (Each has an artifact - not saying who has which) NEW ITEM: Apotheosis (Added in v1. 45) Oblivion inspired(Converted effects into logical Skyrim counterparts): -25 Fire, Lighting and Frost damage -Frost sound, Lightning projectile, Fire Animation. Bought from: One of the 3 Khajit Caravan\'s (Each has an artifact - not saying who has which) NEW ITEM: Auriel\'s Bow (Added in v1. 45) Morrowind inspired(Converted effects into logical Skyrim counterparts): -Creates bound ammo on equip (of Daedric quality) -Arrows create firey explosion on impact for 15 fire damage -Direct hits cause a burning dot(2 dps for 5 seconds) on the target and steals Health, Stamina, Magicka (7 each) -Counts as Daedric for p
Artifact Balance Overhaul buffs all artifacts in Skyrim to match max-level enchanted gear, making unique items like Wuuthrad viable alternatives to custom enchanting. With 1,519 endorsements and 31,251 downloads, it's a popular balance mod for players who want artifact loot to feel powerful.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 1,519 endorsements and 31,251 downloads
- Fills a real gap—unique artifacts often feel underpowered compared to enchanted gear
- Simple concept: makes loot worth using instead of stashing
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2012—may be incompatible with current Skyrim versions or DLC
- No detailed patch notes or feature list provided by the author
- Only affects artifacts, so if you're looking for broader balance changes, this won't cover it
For Skyrim players who love collecting unique artifacts but hate that they're outclassed by self-enchanted gear. If you're tired of stashing Wuuthrad and want it to feel legendary, this is for you. Skip if you prefer vanilla balance or want changes beyond artifacts.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since this mod was last updated in 2012, check if you're playing the original Skyrim or Special Edition—it may need compatibility patches for newer versions.
- Load this mod after other item overhauls to ensure its artifact changes take priority.
- If you're using a mod manager, install it manually by dropping the files into your Data folder to avoid conflicts.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim LE Mods
- Author
- Aertyr
- Version
- v1.47
- Downloads
- 31,251
- Endorsements
- 1,519
- Category
- Items and Objects - Player
- Created
- 2/28/2012
- Updated
- 10/25/2012
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