Crafting is a waste of effort

[sick duck]

The alchemy and smithing skills seemed like a good idea until I understood that the game will simply give me progressively better loot drops and treasure chests as I gain levels. So the skills and perks spent in those skills are a complete wash as they provide nothing that isn't automatically granted.

[SpeedFreak1972]

Unless you can find legendary armor and weapons (crafted) in loot.... Nope it's very well worth it

[adams_apple]

I assume everyone who is defending crafting is referring to the exploits? Otherwise it is pretty useless.

[wtiger27]

Originally posted by adams_apple:

I assume everyone who is defending crafting is referring to the exploits? Otherwise it is pretty useless.

Not at all useless. Smithing, esp early in the game is very important and can improve your gear a lot. I use no exploits. When I got the Dwarven Enhanced Crossbow, I was able to improve it's damage a lot. From basic to legendary. And enchanting made it even more powerful.

I have read it is even more powerful than the Dragon bone bow. Not sure if that is true however. but I have not come across anything in the game which was better. Yet.

The only crafting I think is my waste of time, is alchemy. I find all kinds of potions as is and buying more has not been a issue. I know it can make you a lot of gold in the game. But I could be missing something with alchemy. lol.

[SpeedFreak1972]

Originally posted by adams_apple:

I assume everyone who is defending crafting is referring to the exploits? Otherwise it is pretty useless.

No I don't abuse an exploit but a bit of high tier sword I can get easily to a dmg output above 80 to 100 not withstanding perks.

[Lampros]

Originally posted by adams_apple:

I assume everyone who is defending crafting is referring to the exploits? Otherwise it is pretty useless.

No, UESP closes the Restoration loop; and I have a mod that closes Alchemy-Enchanting loop. Even without them, crafting is overwhelming in terms of power when maxed "by the book."

[Phoenix VII]

Smithing and Enchantment are so friggin powerful that going up to level 50 in both (+ perks) is more than enough to create endgame equipment. Going all out on perks and taking 'em to 100 just breaks the game's balance, IMO.

[Lampros]

Originally posted by Phoenix VII:

Smithing and Enchantment are so friggin powerful that going up to level 50 in both (+ perks) is more than enough to create endgame equipment. Going all out on perks and taking 'em to 100 just breaks the game's balance, IMO.

Exactly. Even halfway maxed, you'd have far better equipment with crafting than any loot. But at fully maxed - and with Alchemy - it's ROFLMAO ridiculous.

[Eat3n]

Originally posted by Lord_Of_Death:

then you dont know how they work clearly

And i'm guessing Duck has only played the game 10 minutes max.

The combo of alchemy, enchanting, and smithing enables the player to create some truly powerful weapons and armor. If one has time, patience, and supplies it's quite easy to go back and forth between wearing "fortify alchemy" gear as you make "fortify enchanting" potions which make enchantments stronger, then drink the potion(s) as you enchant NEW gear with a more powerful "fortify alchemy" enchantment to make NEW more powerful "fortify enchantment" potions. Throw smithing into the mix and you can have "fortify smithing" gear and potions so powerful you can turn a simple iron dagger into a 1-hit, 1-kill super weapon that downs dragons instantly. It makes the game boring, but you can do it.

[Eat3n]

Originally posted by Lampros:

Originally posted by adams_apple:

I assume everyone who is defending crafting is referring to the exploits? Otherwise it is pretty useless.

No, UESP closes the Restoration loop; and I have a mod that closes Alchemy-Enchanting loop. Even without them, crafting is overwhelming in terms of power when maxed "by the book."

Honestly, i'm going to push back on this. I don't think some of this stuff is an "exploit", you're literally following the "rules" and logic the game put forth. Hell, if were gonna complain about unfair/uncouth things we better address the game itself: Why can a Foresworn Briarheart 1-hit kill me in full STEEL armor whereas the shirtless guy with clothes made out of animal skin can successfully eat multiple sword hits?

[Know Won]

Crafting is key. No mods do I use. No exploits EVER.

[alexander_dougherty]

Originally posted by adams_apple:

I assume everyone who is defending crafting is referring to the exploits? Otherwise it is pretty useless.

Who needs exploits for crafting, smithing and enchanting gives you ridiculous damage without needing any exploits....

I don't even use the fortify smithing enchantment or the fortify enchanting potion, they are simply not needed.

[Humpenstilzchen]

This is an example of a weapon that I have crafted. I haven´t used any exploits for this, so no resto loop to craft insane fortify restoration potions to craft ridiculous potions.I have just used what is possible without cheesing the game.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2492774080
I have just maxed smithing, enchanting and alchemy and used alchemy to make good fortify enchant potions which I have used to make better fortify alchemy gear and with this I have crafted even better potions that buff smithing.

So as you see even without using the resto loop exploit you can make ridiculously overpowered weapons and oc also armor.

[MF]

Originally posted by ryo_oki:

Originally posted by Lord_Of_Death:

then you dont know how they work clearly

Poor lad, you have obviously never seen what a duel enchanted dragon bone bow can do.

Especially after you're improved it wearing a special set of enchanted crafting gear and a super duper alchemy smithing potion. Instant godhood.

[MF]

Originally posted by Potato:

This is an example of a weapon that I have crafted. I haven´t used any exploits for this, so no resto loop to craft insane fortify restoration potions to craft ridiculous potions.I have just used what is possible without cheesing the game.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2492774080
I have just maxed smithing, enchanting and alchemy and used alchemy to make good fortify enchant potions which I have used to make better fortify alchemy gear and with this I have crafted even better potions that buff smithing.

So as you see even without using the resto loop exploit you can make ridiculously overpowered weapons and oc also armor.

It's even sicker when you enchant your capes and facemasks................. and then put on the priest mask from the Dragonborn DLC that increases enchanting effectiveness by 20%. Pfffft who needs the resto loop glitch ? This is all legit (except that capes and masks are from a mod). It just takes time and the will to do it.

My enchanting potions give me +55% and my smithing potions 221%. I stopped there. It was getting ridiculous.

[Vlad 254]

Originally posted by sick duck:

The alchemy and smithing skills seemed like a good idea until I understood that the game will simply give me progressively better loot drops and treasure chests as I gain levels. So the skills and perks spent in those skills are a complete wash as they provide nothing that isn't automatically granted.

Loot drops do get better as you progress sure. But it's still not as good as I can craft. Some playthrough's that's important tome and some playthrough's it's not.