Magic Tree in Skyrim

Highlights

Skyrim has improved combat with better physics, but its magic system is lacking in flexibility and variety.
The magic systems in Oblivion and Morrowind offered more freedom, allowing you to cast spells with any weapon and create spells.
The Elder Scrolls 6 should combine the skill trees of Skyrim with the creativity of previous games for a richer magical experience.

Skyrim has advanced in several respects compared to previous games in The Elder Scrolls series. Improvements in game engine technology have enhanced combat physics, making fights more realistic thanks to improved animation, despite simplification and a reduction in available weapons. However, where Skyrim excelled in combat, it failed to achieve a satisfactory magic system, both in and out of combat, a mistake that Bethesda cannot repeat in The Elder Scrolls 6. Skyrim brought improvements in some elements of magic that should be retained in The Elder Scrolls 6, but many other aspects should be inspired by the magic systems of Oblivion and Morrowind.

The Magic System in Skyrim

The pros

Skyrim reworked the character building of its predecessors, simplifying the process and making it more flexible, which encouraged a more organic gameplay. Instead of choosing a predefined or customized class at the start of the game, with Primary and Secondary skills that only evolved by improving those specific skills, players were encouraged to develop specific skills thanks to skill trees that unlocked advantages. Magic skills were no exception, with each school of magic in Skyrim receiving its own skill tree and perks.

The cons

In practice, magic in Skyrim requires at least one free hand, making it impossible to use with ranged weapons, dual weapons, two-handed weapons and sword and shield combinations. This makes many character builds extremely challenging, such as an Archer Thief who uses Alteration or Illusion spells. Skyrim has also significantly reduced the number and variety of spells, limiting magic users much more than in Oblivion and Morrowind.

Magic Systems in Previous TES Games

Oblivion and Morrowind allow players to cast spells while wielding any type of weapon, opening up possibilities for play styles and removing an unnecessary barrier that permeates Skyrim. Although this barrier is somewhat mitigated by Skyrim's Shouts, this does not replace the ability to cast spells while wielding any type of weapon. Oblivion and Morrowind also give players the ability to create their own spells by combining different magical effects, an extremely useful ability that also adds value to membership of the Mages' Guild, something that was lacking in the College of Winterhold.

Combining the Best of the Two TES Magic Systems

The Elder Scrolls 6 can combine the magic skill trees and perk systems of Skyrim with the magic systems of Oblivion and Morrowind for an ideal balance. The Elder Scrolls is synonymous with freedom in creating any kind of character build, and limiting when a character can use magic is an unnecessary barrier that excludes magic from many builds and makes it very clumsy. Bringing back the spell creation system from Oblivion and Morrowind would also be a great addition to The Elder Scrolls 6, as it is excellent not only for role-playing, but also encourages players' exploration and creativity.

More Spells in TES6

The spells in Skyrim were also extremely basic due to the removal of many spells from Oblivion and Morrowind. Although many of the spells were silly or perhaps not used often, these spells added personality to the world. Morrowind, in particular, had wonderful spells that reflected the setting, including the religion, cities and culture. The Elder Scrolls 6 should have many more spells than Skyrim, including those that are just fun and not necessarily "useful" for combat.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is the fifth main game in the Elder Scrolls series. Considered one of the greatest games ever made, it has been released on several generations of consoles. Since its initial release over a decade ago, Skyrim has become one of the best-selling games of all time.

Released on November 11, 2011

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Engine: Creation Engine

ESRB Rating: M For Over 17s Due to Intense Blood and Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol

Expansions: Skyrim: Dragonborn, Skyrim: Hearthfire, Skyrim: Dawnguard

Time to Complete: 35 Hours

X|S compatible: Yes

File Size on Xbox Series: 29 GB (DECEMBER 2023)

Metascore: 96

PS Plus availability: Extra & Premium (Special Edition)