The Ultimate Skyrim Spell Guide: Unveiling the Most Powerful Spells in Tamriel

Magic is a fundamental aspect of Tamriel, even in Skyrim where the Nords hold a certain distrust towards mages and their abilities. Despite the limited magical traditions among the Nords, there are still some who practice magic, and many other races in Skyrim have brought their magical expertise from distant lands and are willing to share their knowledge. As a result, Skyrim boasts an impressive collection of 160 spells, catering to the needs of any Dragonborn, ranging from those who avoid magic to those who rise to the esteemed position of the head of the College of Winterhold. Although some spells may seem frivolous or situational, the majority of them are highly beneficial and can complement various skills in unexpected ways.

However, not all spells are created equal, and certain spells in Skyrim prove to be more advantageous than others. Some spells are acquired through specific quests but are rarely used again, or they consume such a substantial amount of magicka that they are only practical for the most devoted and high-level sorcerers. The spells listed here, however, are versatile, user-friendly, and adaptable for any situation or playthrough.

S Tier

Transmute - This Alteration spell, though not useful in combat, plays a crucial role in leveling the Smithing skill. By transmuting iron into silver and silver into gold, the Dragonborn gains convenient access to gold ore and ingots, enabling them to craft gold rings and swiftly advance their Smithing abilities. Not only does this spell aid in skill development, but it also allows for the creation of high-quality gear befitting The Last Dragonborn.

Lightning Storm is a powerful spell in the Destruction school, known for its exceptional damage-to-magicka cost ratio. This spell not only inflicts a tremendous amount of damage but is also highly effective against aerial foes such as dragons, capable of reducing them to ash even without the Disintegrate perk. The only drawback of Lightning Storm is the need to remain stationary while casting it, but the immense damage it delivers more than compensates for this limitation.

A Tier

Ignite, an Apprentice-level Destruction spell, delivers a powerful blow by engulfing the target in flames for a duration of 15 seconds. The spell inflicts continuous damage over time, with each hit intensifying its effects. Obtained through the Dragonborn expansion, casting Ignite requires the Dragonborn to equip Ahzidal's Ring of Arcana, although the effort to fulfill these prerequisites proves to be worthwhile. Moreover, equipping the Ring also grants access to the ice spell, Freeze.

Summon Arvak is an Apprentice-level Conjuration spell introduced in Dawnguard, which allows the Dragonborn to summon the undead horse Arvak at any location within Skyrim. This spell offers unparalleled convenience as it enables the Dragonborn to have immediate access to an undead horse, eliminating concerns such as being burdened with too much weight, navigating treacherous terrain, or the fear of their horse perishing.

B Tier

Fragment 8: Invisibility - The Invisibility spell is a must-have for stealthy players in Skyrim. It eliminates the need for Invisibility potions and enables sneaky assassins to inflict sneak attack damage on enemies. To enhance its effectiveness, it is recommended to combine it with the Muffle spell and the Illusion perk Quiet Casting, as the Invisibility spell does not muffle sounds and creates a noise when cast.

Candlelight is a practical and essential spell, particularly in dark and treacherous environments like the Twilight Sepulcher and certain areas of the Black Books. This unpretentious spell emits a light that accompanies the Dragonborn, possessing the advantages of being weightless, everlasting, hands-free, effortlessly summoned, and discreetly positioned beyond the line of sight, unlike a conventional torch.

C Tier

Frenzy is a powerful spell that unleashes chaos and is particularly useful for crowd control or stealthy maneuvers. As an Adept-level Illusion spell, it compels everyone in the vicinity to target and attack the nearest individual. It is crucial for players to ensure the presence of actual targets nearby, as otherwise, those affected by the spell may turn their aggression towards the Dragonborn.

In Skyrim, navigating through the confusing dungeons can often feel like being lost in a labyrinth. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran in need of a refresher, using the Clairvoyance spell can be a game-changer. By casting this spell, you'll be guided with a helpful marker, saving you countless hours of aimless wandering. Skyrim is accessible on various platforms including PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.