Skyrim Skills and Perks Guide: Block

The Block skill refers to the art of blocking an enemy's blows with a shield or weapon. Blocking reduces the damage and staggering from physical attacks.

Any melee character should strongly consider taking this tree, unless you dual wield in which case you cannot block. Mages should look for damage reduction in other trees, such as alteration. Thieves can consider this to augment their defensive effectiveness.

Level up the Block skill by successfully blocking incoming enemy attacks,

TRAINERS

Expert Trainer: Njada Stonearm (Whiterun)
Master Trainer: Larak (The Reach)

PERKS

Shield Wall (1/2/3/4/5)
Blocking is 20/25/30/35/40% more effective
Requirements: Block 0/20/40/80

Note: Take this skill as soon as you can if you are using blocks in combat

Quick Reflexes
Time slows down if you are blocking during an enemy attack
Requirements: Shield Wall, Block 30

Note: Good skill that lets you react to an enemy's power attack by either dodging or counter attacking

Power Bash
Able to do a Power Bash
Requirements: Shield Wall, Block 30

Note:  Unlicks a great move. Hold both buttons while blocking to send enemies flying

Deadly Bash
Bashing does five times more damage
Requires: Power Bash, Block 50

Note: If you use Bashes when blocking, take this skill as soon as possible to increase your damage output

Disarming Bash
Chance to disarm when power bashing
Requires: Deadly Bash, Block 70

Note: Great perk that lets you disarm oponnents, rendering them almost helpless

Deflect Arrows
Arrows that hit the shield do no damage
Requires: Shield Wall, Block 30

Note: Take this perk as soon as possible, great skill to boost your defense against archers, which of there are plenty in the game.

Elemental Protection
Blocking with a shield reduces incoming fire, frost, and shock damage by 50%
Requires: Deflect Arrows, Block 50

Note: Great perk for fighting mages. Take as soon as you can.

Block Runner
Able to move faster with a shield raised
Requires: Elemental Protection, Block 70

Note: Take this perk to be able to charge enemies faster before they have a chance to kill you

Shield Charge
Sprinting with a shield raised knocks down most targets
Requires: Block Runner or Disarming Bash, Block 100

Great perk that knocks down enemies giving you an advantage in battle or buying you some times. Works well with the perk Block Runner