Summary
There are few RPGs with as many various ways to play as a magic user as there are inSkyrim. The options given to the Dragonborn for combat stretch far beyond just magic, but there are many fascinating character builds that can be created for new runs by only focusing on the magical abilities one can gain to become the best mage inSkyrim.
While most players will choose to use destructive spells and go on the offense with their magical capabilities, there are a fewwho go for underpowered buildsfocusing on schools of magic like Restoration and Alteration. Instead of attacking, some players choose to try and get through as much of the game as possible with only defensive spells backing them up.
7Close Wounds
Heals the Caster
Healing is obviously one of the best ways to defend oneself inSkyrim, and there are a number of great spells that can help players do just that in varying amounts. However, Close Wounds is probably the very best of all the options, due to the great balance between Magicka cost and volume of health restored.
Close Wounds is an adept-level Restoration spell, which heals players by 100 HP points. This is a huge volume, making up the player’s entire beginning health bar in the game, but still resulting in a big boost late-game. Since Close Wounds only costs 126 Magicka and the amount healed can be boosted even further by other healing perks, this spellbecomes the very best for healingin the game.
6Ebonyflesh
Improves Armor
There are several alteration spells that are truly great for defending a player from enemy attacks. Some of those spells can be cast on enemies, but others are cast upon the user instead. This includes Ebonyflesh, which is an upgraded version of spells like Oakflesh and Stoneflesh, and it is one worthworking through the Alteration schoolto unlock.
Ebonyflesh is an expert-level spell that increases the player’s armor rating for ninety seconds. In any tough situation, a player can defend themselves with this spell before unleashing their attacks on opponents, making it much more likely they’ll survive hefty blows from many opponents.
5Whirlwind Cloak
Fling Away Enemies In Range
One of the few great defensive spells that can potentially deal damage, as well as one of the few destruction magic spells that can be considered defensive. Whirlwind Cloak isan adept-level destruction spellthat casts a fascinating and very amusing layer of protection around the player.
This cloak, unlike other similar spells that deal damage to opponents if they come too close, simply flings enemies away from the player. This can be extremely entertaining since some opponents will take damage and ragdoll completely when thrown away by the spell, but it is also highly effective in keeping a player safe.
4Guardian Circle
Cause Certain Enemies To Flee
The Master level spell from the Restoration School of Magic is a fantastic one. Guardian Circle can only be learned bycompleting the Restoration Master Level questat the College of Winterhold, but it is well worth learning for the incredible effects it produces.
Guardian Circle creates a wide circle on the ground around the player, entering the circle will cause any undead up to level 35 to flee from the player. Additionally, the player and others within the circle heal 20 HP points per second. A fantastic last-ditch spell to cast when in trouble, especially in dungeons filled with undead creatures, Guardian Circle has saved the lives of many defensively-minded players.
3Invisibility
Caster is Invisible for Brief Period
A highly underrated spell for thieves and assassins, which make up two of the major factions inSkyrim, invisibility does exactly what players would expect it to do. Instead of having to take a potion or max out the sneaking ability, players can turn themselves completely invisible with this expert-level Illusion spell.
Normally working for thirty seconds, Invisibility can be extended via a dual cast to last for 75 seconds straight. This can provide players with the opportunity to get into a house, steal an item, and get out, or slip past a whole group of enemies, all without them having a clue.
2Mass Paralysis
Can Paralyze Enemies
Another spell that can help players stop enemies dead without actually damaging or attacking them, Mass Paralysis is the master-level spell for the Alteration school of magic. With a master-level quest at the College of Winterhold, this one obtained from Tolfdir, players can in one mighty swoop, completely freeze everyone in an area for fifteen seconds, althoughpotion makers can achieve a similar effect.
The most difficult part of the Mass Paralysis spell is that it costs 937 Magicka to cast, one of the largest Magicka volumes needed for anything inSkyrim. However, with the right perks and enchantments, players can make it much more achievable and will be able to immobilize whole armies, allowing them to make their escape in a defensive manner.
1Dragonhide
Ignore Physical Damage
The upgraded version of spells like Ebonyflesh; Dragonhide is well worth learning, but again, it is incredibly difficult to do so. Dragonhide is the Master Level spell in the Alteration school of magic, meaning that once again, players need to complete a master-level quest at the College of Winterhold if they want to obtain this spell.
Fortunately, Dragonhide is extremely worth it. Players, for thirty seconds after casting Dragonhide, receive an 80% physical damage reduction from all attacks. Essentially giving players the highest armor rating available by any conventionally-made equipment, Dragonhide is the ultimate defense for players and one ofthe best alterations spells in the game.
