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However, there’s no denying that certain elements of magic in the game come across as a bit impractical. Certain spells either aren’t very useful or make little sense altogether. Although all magic in Skyrim serves a purpose for the gameplay, it’s hard seeing the practical value in some of these odd spells.
6 Transmute Mineral Ore
Being able to print money with minimal effort is an idea that probably appeals to most people. In Skyrim, gold serves as the primary currency. In the game, a nifty spell exists called Transmute Mineral Ore, a spell that magically transforms iron ore into silver, and then from silver into gold ore. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
However, there’s a problem with this spell existing in the first place. Are players to believe that any mage can become fabulously wealthy given a little time and generous amounts of iron ore? It’s only an Adept level spell, meaning even average mages can potentially turn themselves into their own King Midas. Players know how the economy works in Skyrim. At least from an in-game lore perspective, this spell tends to break that understanding of the economy. After all, with these powers, how isn’t every court wizard living in the lap of luxury? Maybe all that iron mining is too strenuous……
5 Equilibrium
Equilibrium is a somewhat odd Alteration spell. As a mage in Skyrim, the Magicka bar is the player’s most important resource, especially for “pure mage” builds. With no Magicka in the tank, a mage becomes a sitting duck for their enemies. Equilibrium can solve this issue, albeit in a rather risky manner.
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When Equilibrium is cast, the player’s Health is converted into Magicka. Nevertheless, the spell is dangerous because not paying attention to one’s own dwindling Health bar can result in one of the most embarrassing deaths in the game: accidentally killing oneself with their own magic! Equilibrium might be useful in a pinch, but it’s not the most practical spell while in the heat of combat.
4 Telekinesis
Telekinesis is arguably one of the most unique spells in the game. It undoubtedly possesses a “cool” factor. Who doesn’t fantasize about being able to manipulate objects on a whim with the flick of a hand? Unfortunately, its practical use in Skyrim is a tad limited.
Contrary to what players may think, utilizing Telekinesis in combat isn’t effective. Sure, it looks neat, but it can’t hold a candle to the offensive spells that comprise the Destruction school of magic. The damage dealt from thrown objects is negligible. As such, Telekinesis is only useful for grabbing objects from a distance without being noticed.
3 Bardic Knowledge
Bardic Knowledge isn’t a spell per se, as it’s technically categorized as a Lesser Power. However, it’s still considered magic. Players who read the Untold Legends Black Book can gain access to Bardic Knowledge, though admittedly its uses prove slight.
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Bardic Knowledge summons a spectral drum that plays for 300 seconds, improving the Stamina Regeneration of both the player and their allies. In effect, the sound of the drum is pumping up the player and their friends. How it actually manages to restore someone’s energy in any realistic sense is anyone’s guess. It’s a weird ability, one that likely isn’t going to be used that often, especially if Stamina is of secondary importance or players prefer to travel alone. At least fans can rock out anytime they feel like it!
2 Clairvoyance
Clairvoyance is another spell that is a little hard to deconstruct in any real sense. When Clairvoyance is cast, a spectral trail is shown that directs players to their current objective. The question, therefore, is how exactly this spell knows what a person’s primary objective is at all times? “Magic” will have to serve as the only suitable answer.
Furthermore, Skyrim’s dungeons, barring a few exceptions, aren’t very complicated to navigate, particularly for veteran players. The practical use of Clairvoyance is marginal, as getting oneself hopelessly lost tends to be a rare occurrence. Mages can better spend that Magicka for other things, like the enemies lurking around the corner.
1 Bound Dagger
Was there ever a situation where a Skyrim player said to themself, “If I had only brought a dagger!” In a game where fans can drag a ridiculous amount of items with them (somehow) at all times, finding and retaining a suitable weapon isn’t often a problem. Daggers, unless used stealthily, are practically useless in a straight-up fight.
Therefore, being able to conjure a spectral dagger isn’t the most useful of spells. It tends to be a much better idea to conjure a sword or battleaxe if the player is really desperate. However, chances are that players likely have something better sitting in their inventory. Unless fans are roleplaying a particular build, conjuring weapons instead of using physical ones is usually a poor decision.
Skyrim is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch.
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