Better Unarmed Perks
⚪ Last updated 2017⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.7% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #3 of 31 Combat mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
This is nothing new. We've played Oblivion and Morrowind and we've long lamented the lack of ability to play a proper unarmed character in Skyrim. So, i've cooked up a really quick mod that will help out with that. This is my very first foray into modding ever so all feedback and thoughts are welcome. That said, this is just a really simple mod that creates 2 new perks "Fists of Ebony" and "Dragonbone Fists" in the Heavy Armor tree. These perks increase your unarmed damage by 2x and 3x (respectively) the base armor of the gauntlets you're wearing.
This mod is probably not compatible with any mod that does any radical perk tree overhauls, especially pertaining to the Heavy Armor tree. Also, the way the mod is coded, the unarmed damage is directly linked to the material keyword associated with each glove (Dragonbone keyword for Dragonbone gauntlets, Orcish keyword for Orcish gauntlets, etc). Any mods that add new armors SHOULD work, provided the items added have those keywords included in their respective pieces. If I can figure out a way to fast-patch some of those programs in, I will do that, but there are just too many amazing armor mods out there, and this is just something i'm doing for fun. Aside from that, there shouldn't be any compatibility issues, but if you come across something let me know.
To install, simply click "Download with Manager" if you're using NMM -- or -- extract the 7z into your C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Data folder
****UPDATE (FINALLY) 1/1/17****
I appreciate everyone's patience with me over this. It's been an extremely crazy last couple of months, so I haven't had the time to really tuck into modding again the way I wanted to. Also, I had to take the time to combine all 3 mods (or more specifically, remember exactly how I coded it so they would all work properly) into one, since SSE includes Dawnguard and Dragonborn. BUT, I have done so, and tested it out and all seems to be well. I didn't realize how many people were looking forward to this mod until I had taken time away from updating it like I said I was going to. That said, thank you all, again, for your incredible patience and understanding. Now get out there and punch the hell out of some dragons!
Better Unarmed Perks expands the Fists of Steel perk in Skyrim's Heavy Armor tree, adding new perks that increase armor damage for unarmed attacks by 2x and 3x. A compact combat mod for unarmed builds, with 171 endorsements and last updated in 2017.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Tiny mod that does exactly what it says—no bloat, just extra unarmed punch-through.
- Community-approved with 171 endorsements, so it's been tested by real players.
- Perfect for unarmed builds that want to break through heavy armor without overhauling the whole game.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2017, so it might not be compatible with the latest Skyrim versions or mods.
- Only adds two perks—if you're looking for a full unarmed overhaul, this won't cut it.
- Potential conflicts with other mods that edit the Heavy Armor perk tree, so check your load order.
For Skyrim players who love unarmed builds and want a simple, lore-friendly boost to armor penetration. If you're a completionist or roleplayer who wants more depth in the Heavy Armor tree, this is a nice addition. Skip if you want major gameplay changes—this is a small tweak, not an overhaul.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Place the mod files directly into your Data folder or use a mod manager—either works fine.
- Make sure to load this mod after any other perk overhauls to avoid conflicts.
- Test with a character who has the Fists of Steel perk to see the new perks appear in the Heavy Armor tree.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- Achloryn
- Version
- N/A
- Downloads
- 6,233
- Endorsements
- 171
- Category
- Combat
- Created
- 11/1/2016
- Updated
- 1/2/2017
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
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