The Defender line of potions is built for fighters who hold the line. Drinking one makes blocking, governed by the Block skill, absorb extra damage for 60 seconds, so a shield or a raised weapon stops more of each incoming blow. That makes them a natural pick before a fight with a hard-hitting brute, a giant or a dragon, when every point of health saved behind your guard counts. The four tiers climb from a 10% bonus up to 25%, and each one weighs only 0.5 like every other potion in Skyrim.
All tiers
| Name | Effect | Value | Weight | Form ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potion of the Defender | Blocking absorbs 10% more damage for 60 seconds | 45 | 0.5 | 0003eb32 |
| Draught of the Defender | Blocking absorbs 15% more damage for 60 seconds | 70 | 0.5 | 0003989b |
| Philter of the Defender | Blocking absorbs 20% more damage for 60 seconds | 96 | 0.5 | 000398ab |
| Elixir of the Defender | Blocking absorbs 25% more damage for 60 seconds | 123 | 0.5 | 000398ac |
Where to find them
These are ordinary leveled potions, so you come across them in the world rather than at one fixed spot. Look for them in loot and in the inventories of characters who trade potions, such as vendors. Because the game scales many potions to the Dragonborn, the stronger Philter and Elixir versions turn up more often as your level rises.
Brewing your own
With the Alchemy skill you can make Fortify Block potions at any alchemy lab. Combine two or three ingredients that share the effect. These carry Fortify Block:
If you have not learned the effect yet, eat one of these ingredients to discover its properties, or mix two from the list and the effect is revealed on both.
Tips
Slaughterfish Scales also carry Fortify Heavy Armor, so a single brew can help a shield-and-plate warrior twice. Pair this potion with Fortify Heavy Armor potions or Restore Stamina potions for a fully defensive kit, since blocking and bashing drain stamina quickly.
