The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis a game that fans can’t seem to stop coming back to, even more than a decade since its release.Skyrimgives players the chance to enjoy a diverse number of builds, offering whole new ways to experience the game.
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Skyrimhas a multitude of spells that make gameplay interesting, and these spells are divided up intofive different schools. Often overlooked is the Alteration school, which provides a unique range of spells that can be utilized by a range of builds - from mages, to warriors, to thieves. Alteration spells come in handy in a variety of situations, so players interested in using this school should be aware of the best of them.
10Transmute
This spell is useful for only one thing: making money. Casting this spell with a piece of iron ore in the player’s inventory transmutes it into silver ore; casting it again transmutes that into gold ore! Thus, players can purchase or mine vast amounts of cheap iron ore and turn it into wealth.
The tome for this spell cannot be purchased but is instead found in either Ansilvund Burial Chambers or, conveniently, the iron mine at Halted Stream Camp.
9Waterbreathing
This spell is self-explanatory. Casting it allows the caster to breathe underwater for 60 seconds. Useless if the player is an Argonian, but incredibly useful to non-Argonians who need to do some diving. Once the spell’s time runs out, players are left with full lungs, so will still have the usual amount of time to return to the surface before they begin taking damage.
Waterbreathing can be purchased from Tolfdir or Wylandriah onceAdept-level Alteration spellsbecome available to the player.
8Telekinesis
Telekinesis is an incredibly useful spell for thieves, as it allows players to pull items toward them from afar. Rather than sneak past enemies to get to an item, thieves can simply cast Telekinesis to pull the item towards them. It’s also useful for grabbing items in difficult-to-reach places, or where the player suspects a trap.
Tolfdir and Wylandriah sell the tome once the player’s Alteration skill reaches level 40, and it can be in random loot from level 23, but it can also be found in Benkongerike Great Hall on Solstheim, or just outside the jail cell in Redwater Den.
7Detect Dead
If players find themselves crawlingthrough Nordic ruinsor Vampire-infested ruins, they may find the Detect Dead spell useful. It is a concentration spell, and while active it reveals the location of all undead enemies in the vicinity with a colorful aura. The spell also reveals corpses - useful for when a body is lost in the long grass.
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Detect Dead can be purchased from Tolfdir once the player reaches Alteration level 65, or in random loot at level 35. It can also be found in the part of Apocrypha accessed by theSallow Regent Black Book.
6Detect Life
Similar to Detect Dead, this spell reveals all living NPCs in the area. It is useful for any sort of build as it helps the player prepare for combat, but it is especially useful for those who do not wish to be seen as it will make players aware of potential threats before they creep around a corner.
Detect life can be purchased or found the same way as any Adept-level Alteration spell, but it is also a reward for the quest Infiltration at Treva’s Watch and can be acquired duringtheAnniversary Editionquest “In The Shadows.” Speak to Proventus Avenicci and ask if he has work to begin this quest.
5Ebonyflesh
Ebonyflesh is one of the several armor spells available to the player, and though it is only the second strongest, it is the most versatile as it can be cast with one hand within half a second, has a base cost of 341 Magicka, and lasts for one minute. It grants the player 100 points of armor, so is useful for any character.
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When Expert-level spells become available at level 35, or when the player’s Alteration skill reaches level 65, this spell can be purchased from Tolfdir.
4Paralysis Rune
Paralysis Rune can be an incredibly overpowered spell if used strategically. It plants a rune that explodes when enemies come near, paralyzing all within range for eight seconds. It is an effective crowd-control spell, especially in narrow corridors, and has a base cost of only 172 points of Magicka.
It was added by theArcane AccessoriesCreation with theAnniversary Editionand can be purchased or found the same way as other Adept Alteration spells.
3Paralyze
If players do not wish to rely on a rune to paralyze their enemies, which has the disadvantage of requiring enemies to step on it, the Expert-level Paralyze spell allows players to target specific enemies at range and paralyze them for 10 seconds.
Paralyze becomes available in random loot at level 35, or from Tolfdir at Alteration level 65.
2Mass Paralysis
Mass Paralysis is the Master-level version of the Paralyze spell, lasting for 15 seconds and affecting all NPCs within a 40-foot radius of the caster. It is cast with both hands and takes 3 seconds to charge, so it must be used strategically - but when effective, it can take down waves of enemies which the player can then kill without resistance.
To acquire this spell, players must first reach Alteration level 100 and complete the Alteration Ritual Spell quest at theCollege of Winterhold.
1Dragonhide
This is the Master-level armor spell, rewarded to the player for completing the Alteration Ritual Spell quest. It allows players to resist 80% of all physical damage and stacks with any armor worn, turning the Dragonborn into a truly formidable bulwark.
It only lasts for 30 seconds, however, and takes 3 seconds to cast, so in most cases, Ebonyflesh will be the preferred alternative. Nevertheless, Dragonhide can prove useful in fights againstSkyrim’s toughest enemies.
Skyrimis currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch.
