The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Magic Guide: Overview

Magic in Skyrim plays quite a big role, especially considering how many different things you are able to do by using it. In Skyrim magic comprises various types of spells, as well as Shouts and Races innate powers. Casting regular spells will be costing you Magicka points and by improving your skills in each magical branch you’ll be able to reduce the magicka cost of Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, and Master spell types. Even if you’re not skilled at these spells you’ll still be able to cast them effectively: the only problem is that the Magicka cost will be quite high. Another way to decrease Magicka cost is through the use of robes.

If you’re looking at making your magic spells more powers you’ll have to use some special potion or use the Dual Casting skill which allows you to cast a spell with both hands: Magicka cost will be increased but also will the potency of the used spell.

Spells in Skyrim are learned by reading Spell Tomes: just use one of these tomes while it’s in your inventory and you’ll learn it, with the tome disappearing in the process. Spell tomes can be obtained from vendors and as loot: when tomes are found as loot they will be appropriate to the player’s skill level. The Spell tomes found in vendors are also randomly generated and the only way to a specific tome for sure is by going to the vendors at the College of Winterhold who offer the full selection of spells appropriate for the player’s skill level. You may also want to visit court wizards found in most of the game’s major holds to learn some of the spells.

These are the the Magic branches that we will be covering in these Skyrim Magic Guides: if you want to know the perks associated with these Magic branches you can check out our Skyrim Character Building guides, where we have covered all the available perks of the game.

• Alteration
• Conjuration
• Destruction
• Enchanting
• Illusion
• Restoration