Crossbows of Skyrim
⚪ Last updated 2021⚠️ 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
- 👍 2.9% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #23 of 111 Weapons mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
This mod adds the chance for ranged NPC's to spawn with either a Bow or Crossbow (50-50)
Bandits have high chance of spawning with Iron Crossbows, small chance of spawning with a Steel Crossbow.
The Stormcloaks will spawn with the normal Dawnguard Steel Crossbow.
The Legion will Spawn with the Imperial Crossbow (steel stats)
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[]The Dragonborn can now build or buy Crossbows & Bolts without having to starting the Dawnguard DLC
[
]Enhanced versions of all crossbows available[]Fire, Ice & Shock Ammo can be either built or bought
New Bolts use original meshes with texture sets applied, so should be compatible with mods that change ammo holster locations
Edits made to Faction & Vendor level lists so weapons & ammo not only spawn in the world, but also available to buy from Shops & Blacksmiths
A patch might be needed if you have mods that already change Bandit, Imperial, Stormcloak & Vendor level lists
Update V1. 6: Orcish Crossbow & Orcish Bolts Added (Normal & Elemental)
Recommended Mods:
Frankly HD Dawnguard Armor & Weapons
Faction Crossbows SE
Populated Skyrim
Level Lists Edited/Added:
LItemWeaponBowTown
LItemBanditWeaponBow
LItemMiscVendorArrows75
LItemBlacksmithArrows75
LItemWeaponBowBlacksmith
LItemWeaponBlacksmithBow75 (V1. 42)
LItemOrcStrongholdBow (V1. 6)
LItemOrcStrongholdArrows (V1. 6)
CWSoldierImperialGear
CWSoldierSonsGear
CWSoldierSonsGear1H
CWSoldierSonsGearNoTorch
CWSoldierImperialGearNoTorch
LItemWeaponSteelCrossbow&Ammo
LItemWeaponIronCrossbow&Ammo
LItemWeaponHuntingBow&Ammo
LItemWeaponImperialBow&Ammo
CWSoldierImperialBow
CWSoldierSonsBow
BaseBoltIron75
BaseBoltSteel75
BaseBoltDwarven75
BaseBoltOrcish75 (V1. 6)
BaseBoltSteeFirel75 (V1. 42)
BaseBoltSteelIce75 (V1. 42)
BaseBoltSteelShock75 (V1. 42)
BaseBoltDwarvenFire75 (V1. 42)
BaseBoltDwarvenIce75 (V1. 42)
BaseBoltDwarvenShock75 (V1. 42)
BaseBoltOrcishFire75 (V1. 6)
BaseBoltOrcishIce75 (V1. 6)
BaseBoltOrcishShock75 (V1. 6)
Crossbows of Skyrim is a lightweight weapon mod that equips Ranger NPCs with crossbows, giving Bandits iron crossbows and Stormcloaks/Legion steel and imperial variants. It adds variety to enemy archers without overhauling combat. With 1,495 endorsements and 50,875 downloads, it's a popular, simple addition for players wanting more crossbow presence in Skyrim.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community favorite with 1,495 endorsements and over 50k downloads.
- Simple, focused change that adds crossbow variety to enemy archers.
- Lightweight and likely compatible with most load orders.
⚠️ Cons
- Only affects Ranger NPCs, so impact is limited to specific encounters.
- No custom models or textures—uses vanilla crossbow assets.
- Potential conflicts with mods that overhaul NPC equipment or spawn lists.
For Skyrim players who want more crossbow-wielding enemies without a full combat overhaul. If you're tired of every bandit using a bow and want some variety in ranged combat, this is a quick fix. Skip if you're looking for new crossbow types or gameplay mechanics—this is purely an NPC equipment tweak.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Place the mod in your load order after other mods that alter NPC equipment to ensure crossbows appear.
- If you use a mod manager, enable it and run LOOT to sort your load order for best compatibility.
- Crossbows require the Dawnguard DLC, so make sure you have it installed.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- snozz2004
- Version
- 1.6
- Downloads
- 50,875
- Endorsements
- 1,495
- Category
- Weapons
- Created
- 1/3/2017
- Updated
- 12/14/2021
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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