There are a plethora of unique and powerful spells available to the player inThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, which only get stronger as the player levels. These spells have a wide range of purposes and can help players dominate the battlefield and triumph over eventhe most powerful of enemies.
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For those who enjoy bending the will of those who oppose them, turning friend against friend, sending foes into a fearful panic, or passing by enemies unseen, the Illusion school offers a great selection of spells. Some of these are more powerful than others and make the Dragonborn into a master illusionist.
10Muffle
An essential spell in the toolkit of any thief or assassin, Muffle allows players to move quietly for 180 seconds at the base cost of 144 Magicka points. This is an incredibly useful spell for those who rely onthe Sneak skill, as it greatly reduces the chances of being noticed. Even at high levels, it can be a valuable tool.
It can be purchased from any ofSkyrim’s court wizards, as well as Drevis Neloren at the College of Winterhold.
9Invisibility
Combined with Muffle, Invisibility can allow players to pass right in front of an enemy without being noticed at all. It makes players completely invisible for 30 seconds, though that invisibility ends upon activating an object such as a door or attacking an enemy.
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The effectiveness of any sneak-based build would be greatly improved with this spell - the only catch is that it is Expert-level, with a high Magicka cost, and available only after reaching level 35. Still, it’s well worth the wait.
8Rally
Rally is a fantastic spell for players who utilize multiple companions, such as a pet and a follower - or multiple followers if playersraise the limit with mods- as it grants them an extra 25 points of Health and Stamina and prevents them from fleeing for 60 seconds. With the Master of the Mind Illusion perk, it even works on summoned minions and raised corpses. Rally fires an orb that explodes on impact, affecting any within a 15-foot radius.
The effects of Rally stack with Courage, which also grants the same bonus for a cheaper Magicka cost, though doesn’t have an AOE. Together, Rally and Courage can make for truly formidable followers.
7Call To Arms
This is a Master-level spell, so can only be acquired after completing the Illusion Ritual Spell quest at theCollege of Winterhold, after which it becomes purchasable from Drevis Neloren. However, when combined with Rally and Courage (which it stacks with), Call to Arms makes followers a lot stronger.
When cast, it fortifies the Archery, One-Handed, and Two-Handed skills of all allies within 100 feet by 25 levels, while also increasing their Health and Stamina by 25 points - and lasts 10 minutes! The base Magicka cost for a Master-level mage is relatively low, too, at only 655 points.
6Pacify
If players wish to avoid combat entirely, they can use the Pacify spell, which causes enemies up to level 20 within a 15-foot radius from the location of impact to stop fighting. Enemies will, however, begin to fight back if they themselves are attacked, but even if the intention is to kill enemies Pacify gives players head start of a few seconds.
Pacify is a great backup spell for sneak-based characters as if they get caught, they can simply turn hostile foes friendly. It can be purchased like any Expert-level spell from Drevis Neloren at theCollege of Winterholdafter the player’s Illusion skill reaches level 65, and it appears in random loot from level 35.
5Harmony
Harmony is the Master-level version of Pacify and Calm, available for purchase from Drevis Neloren after completing theIllusion Ritual Spellquest. It takes 3 seconds to cast, but it stops enemies up to level 25 to stop fighting and has a massive range of 250 feet from the caster in any direction.
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By acquiring the Kindred Mage and Hypnotic Gaze perks, this spell will affect enemies up to level 43. Master of the Mind allows it to work on undead, daedra, and Dwemer constructs, but it’s important to note that this perk does not stack with the others.
4Rout
If players want to avoid combat, yet still mercilessly cut down their enemies, then the Rout spell is a must-have. Enemies up to level 20 (or 40 with the Kindred Mage and Aspect of Terror perks) flee for 30 seconds after being affected by this spell, which explodes with a 15-foot radius upon impact.
Unlike Pacify, this spell does not break if enemies are attacked. They will simply run or cower, begging for mercy as the player chips away at their Health bar.
3Hysteria
Hysteria is a more powerful version of Rout, causing enemies up to level 25 to flee for 60 seconds. It has a radius of 250 feet from the caster, meaning players can send all enemies within the vicinity running in terror and allowing them to be picked off one by one.
Hysteria may take the fun out of combat for some players, but for those who enjoy watching their enemies flee before them then this spell is excellent. It is acquired as the reward for completing the Illusion Ritual Spell quest, which players can begin by speaking to Drevis Neloren upon reaching Illusion level 100.
2Frenzy Rune
When cast on the ground, this spell leaves a rune which, when enemies step on it, will explode and cause enemies up to level 20 to fight each other for 30 seconds. Enemies not affected by this spell will regard those affected by it as hostile.
This spell is excellent forany Illusion magethat doesn’t want to do any of the fighting themselves, but it also works wonders when combined with a sneak build. After observing the movements of enemies, players can then place this rune down where they expect them to eventually walk, and then simply find a spot to hide and watch the ensuing carnage!
1Mayhem
This spell’s name is well-deserved; it creates absolute mayhem among a group of enemies, causing any within 250 feet of the caster up to level 25 to fight each other for 60 seconds.
It is a Master-level spell, acquired from Drevis Neloren after completing the Illusion Ritual Spell quest, but being able to turn a room full of enemies into a chaotic free-for-all is worth the grind to get the spell.
Skyrimis currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch.
