The other lackluster Alteration spells have similarly niche but practical uses. It’s a helpful way to prepare a getaway plan: Placing an Ash Rune on the Dragonborn’s escape route guarantees pursuing enemies will be rooted to the spot. The major advantage to Ash Rune, then, is that it can be cast before combat even starts. Like Ash Rune, Paralysis spells have a high Magicka cost, especially when dual-casting. Paralysis is one of the most powerful spells in the Alteration tree - and perhaps one of the best spells in Skyrim there’s a reason Mass Paralysis is rewarded for completing the Alteration Ritual Spell master quest. Related: Skyrim's Best Strategic Uses For Fire, Frost, & Shock Destruction Magic Ash Rune, which freezes targets but makes them invulnerable to damage, may seem like a worse version of Paralysis, but it still has value. For stealth builds, it can make all the difference. Detect Life, another Alteration spell, allows the player to sense enemies through walls. The reality is, however, that these spells need to be considered within the grander scope of the game in order to understand their utility. Spells like Telekinesis, Candlelight, and Equilibrium are key examples of why many fans are hoping The Elder Scrolls 6 fixes Skyrim’s lackluster magic. While these may seem worthless at first glance, there are some clever ways to make Skyrim's worst Alteration spells helpful. Alteration is a defensive school of magic in Skyrim, with most of its spells centered around physical damage reduction, but it also houses the game’s miscellaneous spells. Every dungeon in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim ends with some leveled loot, and there are few moments more disappointing than finding that reward to be a Spell Tome for Candlelight or Telekinesis.

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