Skyrim: Get Expert & Master Magic Spells Easily

by Viktoria Ivanova 48 views

Hey guys! Ever felt like your Skyrim mage is stuck in Adept-level spells while facing dragons and powerful foes? You're not alone! Many players find themselves wondering how to access those awesome Expert and Master level spells that can truly unleash magical devastation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a true Archmage, mastering all schools of magic in Skyrim.

Understanding Skyrim's Magic System

Before diving into how to acquire these powerful spells, it's crucial to understand the basic structure of Skyrim's magic system. Spells are categorized into five schools of magic: Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction, Illusion, and Restoration. Each school has spells ranging from Novice (the weakest) to Master (the strongest). As your skill level in a particular school increases, you'll gain access to more powerful spells. However, simply leveling up isn't enough. You also need to find the right spell tomes and the right trainers.

Skill Levels and Spell Availability

Your skill level in each magic school directly impacts the spells available for purchase and learning. Here's a breakdown:

  • Novice: Available from the start.
  • Apprentice: Available at skill level 25.
  • Adept: Available at skill level 50.
  • Expert: Available at skill level 75.
  • Master: Available at skill level 100.

This means that if you want to cast those epic Master level Destruction spells, you'll need to grind your Destruction skill all the way to 100. But don't worry, we'll cover efficient leveling techniques later!

The Role of Spell Tomes

Spell tomes are books that, when read, teach your character a specific spell. They are the primary way to learn new spells in Skyrim. You can find them in various locations, including:

  • Vendors: Court wizards, like Farengar Secret-Fire in Whiterun, and mages at the College of Winterhold sell spell tomes.
  • Dungeons and Ruins: Many high-level dungeons contain spell tomes as loot.
  • Random Encounters: Sometimes, you'll find spell tomes on defeated mages or in chests during random encounters.

Trainers: Your Gateway to Expert and Master Spells

While spell tomes can be found throughout Skyrim, Expert and Master level spells often require training from specific NPCs. These trainers are usually high-level mages specializing in a particular school of magic. They can teach you spells that are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere. Training costs gold, and the price increases with your skill level, but it's a worthwhile investment to unlock powerful magic.

Locating Expert and Master Spell Trainers

Finding the right trainer is essential for acquiring Expert and Master spells. Fortunately, Skyrim has several skilled mages scattered throughout the province. Here's a breakdown of where to find trainers for each school of magic:

Alteration

  • Expert Trainer: Tolfdir, College of Winterhold. Tolfdir is a knowledgeable mage specializing in Alteration magic. He's a key character in the College questline and a valuable resource for aspiring Alteration mages. Reaching level 75 in Alteration and completing Tolfdir's quest will unlock access to his Expert-level training.
  • Master Trainer: Tolfdir, College of Winterhold. Yes, Tolfdir is also the Master trainer for Alteration. Reaching level 90 in Alteration and completing the quest "Ritual Alteration Spell" given by Tolfdir will unlock access to Master-level training. This quest involves exploring a Dwemer ruin and using Alteration magic to solve puzzles.

Conjuration

  • Expert Trainer: Phinis Gestor, College of Winterhold. Phinis Gestor is the College's resident expert on Conjuration magic. He offers training and sells Conjuration spells and tomes. Reach level 75 in Conjuration to train with Phinis.
  • Master Trainer: Phinis Gestor, College of Winterhold. Like Tolfdir, Phinis is also the Master trainer for his school. Reach level 90 in Conjuration and complete the quest "Ritual Conjuration Spell" given by Phinis Gestor to unlock Master-level training. This quest often involves summoning powerful creatures and completing a challenging task.

Destruction

  • Expert Trainer: Faralda, College of Winterhold. Faralda is a skilled Destruction mage and the first mage you encounter when joining the College of Winterhold. She acts as a gatekeeper, testing your magical abilities before allowing you to join the College. Reach level 75 in Destruction to train with Faralda.
  • Master Trainer: Faralda, College of Winterhold. Faralda is also the Master trainer for Destruction. Reach level 90 in Destruction and complete the quest "Ritual Destruction Spell" given by Faralda to unlock Master-level training. This quest usually involves a dangerous experiment with Destruction magic.

Illusion

  • Expert Trainer: Drevis Neloren, College of Winterhold. Drevis Neloren is a quiet and enigmatic mage specializing in Illusion magic. He provides training and sells Illusion spells. Reach level 75 in Illusion to train with Drevis.
  • Master Trainer: Drevis Neloren, College of Winterhold. Drevis is the Master trainer for Illusion. Reach level 90 in Illusion and complete the quest "Ritual Illusion Spell" given by Drevis Neloren to unlock Master-level training. This quest typically involves manipulating the minds of others using Illusion magic.

Restoration

  • Expert Trainer: Colette Marence, College of Winterhold. Colette Marence is the College's expert on Restoration magic, focusing on healing and defensive spells. Reach level 75 in Restoration to train with Colette.
  • Master Trainer: Colette Marence, College of Winterhold. Colette is also the Master trainer for Restoration. Reach level 90 in Restoration and complete the quest "Ritual Restoration Spell" given by Colette Marence to unlock Master-level training. This quest often involves healing a powerful being or protecting a group from harm.

Leveling Your Magic Skills Efficiently

Reaching skill level 75 and 100 in each magic school can be a time-consuming process, but there are ways to level your skills efficiently. Here are some tips:

Alteration Leveling

The spell Telekinesis is your best friend for Alteration leveling. Find an object, cast Telekinesis on it, and then fast travel a long distance. This grants a massive amount of Alteration experience for a relatively small magicka cost. Another effective method is to repeatedly cast Detect Life in a crowded area, like a city.

Conjuration Leveling

For Conjuration, repeatedly casting Soul Trap on a corpse is a simple and effective method. You can also summon a creature and then re-summon it as soon as it disappears. The spell Bound Sword is also a great way to power level Conjuration in the early game, cast the sword, sheath it and cast again.

Destruction Leveling

Destruction is best leveled by using offensive spells in combat. Find a tough enemy that can take a beating, like a troll, and repeatedly cast your most efficient Destruction spell. Remember to manage your magicka and use potions if needed. The Lightning Cloak spell is also effective as it damages enemies that get close to you, providing constant experience. However, be careful not to accidentally kill the enemy too quickly!

Illusion Leveling

Muffle is the key to fast Illusion leveling. Cast Muffle repeatedly while moving around. This spell is relatively cheap to cast and grants a good amount of experience. Once you have access to higher-level Illusion spells like Invisibility, you can cast them in crowded areas for even faster leveling.

Restoration Leveling

Restoration can be leveled by healing yourself while taking damage. Find a weak enemy, let them hit you, and then cast a healing spell. You can also repeatedly cast Healing Hands on a follower, like a tanky follower. Another effective technique is to use Turn Undead spells in areas with undead enemies.

Finding Spell Tomes for Expert and Master Spells

While trainers are essential for accessing training, you can also find spell tomes for Expert and Master level spells in various locations. Here are some tips for finding them:

  • Check Vendor Inventories: Court wizards and mages at the College of Winterhold occasionally sell Expert and Master level spell tomes. Check their inventories regularly, as they refresh periodically.
  • Explore High-Level Dungeons: Many high-level dungeons, especially those inhabited by mages or necromancers, contain spell tomes as loot. Look for chests, bookshelves, and boss loot.
  • Complete Quests: Some quests, particularly those related to the College of Winterhold, reward you with spell tomes.
  • Random Encounters: Keep an eye out for random encounters with mages. Defeating them may yield valuable spell tomes.

Essential Spells to Look Out For

Here are some particularly powerful Expert and Master spells worth seeking out:

Destruction

  • Fire Storm: A devastating area-of-effect fire spell. This Master spell is a game-changer in large battles, allowing you to incinerate groups of enemies with a single cast. It's especially effective against undead and creatures vulnerable to fire.
  • Lightning Storm: A channeled lightning spell that deals massive damage to a single target. The spell is perfect for taking down dragons and other powerful foes, allowing you to focus a concentrated beam of lightning on your target.
  • Blizzard: This Master-level Destruction spell is incredibly effective for crowd control and dealing damage over time. It creates a swirling blizzard that slows enemies and deals frost damage, making it perfect for large-scale battles.

Conjuration

  • Flame Thrall: Summons a permanent Flame Atronach. Atronachs are powerful summoned creatures that can fight alongside you. Flame Thralls are especially effective against enemies weak to fire and can provide significant damage output in combat.
  • Dremora Lord: Summons a powerful Dremora Lord to fight for you. Dremora Lords are among the strongest summoned creatures in the game. They are skilled warriors that can deal heavy damage and take a lot of punishment.
  • Storm Thrall: Summons a permanent Storm Atronach. Storm Atronachs are formidable conjured allies that can shock their enemies with lightning. These Thralls are particularly effective against mages and dragons, thanks to their ability to disrupt spellcasting with their electrical attacks.

Illusion

  • Harmony: An Illusion spell that calms creatures in a large area. This spell is invaluable for stealth characters and mages who prefer not to engage in direct combat. Harmony can also be used to bypass difficult encounters or create opportunities for sneak attacks.
  • Mass Paralysis: Paralyzes all creatures in a large area. This Master-level spell is an amazing way to control the battlefield, rendering multiple enemies helpless. It's perfect for dealing with large groups of enemies or creating openings for your allies to attack.
  • Invisibility: While not a Master-level spell, Invisibility is an Expert-level spell crucial for stealth gameplay. It renders you completely invisible, allowing you to sneak past enemies or set up ambushes. Invisibility is a must-have for any Illusion mage.

Restoration

  • Grand Healing: Heals a large amount of health and cures diseases for the caster and nearby allies. This Master Restoration spell is vital for any support mage or character who frequently travels with companions. It's a quick way to restore health to your entire party in the heat of battle.
  • Repel Undead: This Expert-level spell is a must-have for mages venturing into crypts and dungeons teeming with the undead. It creates a powerful ward that can turn away skeletons, draugr, and other undead creatures, giving you a tactical advantage in combat.
  • Guardian Circle: Creates a protective circle that heals and wards off undead. This Master-level Restoration spell is indispensable for protecting yourself and your allies during tough fights. It acts as a safe zone, providing healing and shielding you from incoming attacks.

Alteration

  • Dragonhide: Grants near-immunity to physical damage. This Master-level Alteration spell is one of the most powerful defensive spells in the game. It significantly reduces incoming physical damage, making you virtually invulnerable for a short period.
  • Paralyze: Paralyzes a single target. This Expert-level spell is an essential tool for any mage. It completely immobilizes an enemy, giving you a chance to cast more spells, attack with a weapon, or retreat to safety.
  • Mass Paralysis: While costly to cast, Mass Paralysis can turn the tide of battle in your favor, making it an invaluable asset in challenging encounters.

Joining the College of Winterhold: Your Hub for Magical Knowledge

If you're serious about mastering magic in Skyrim, joining the College of Winterhold is a must. The College is a haven for mages, offering training, resources, and a community of like-minded individuals. Here are some benefits of joining the College:

  • Access to Trainers: As mentioned earlier, the College is home to trainers for all five schools of magic.
  • Spell Tomes and Supplies: The College's library, the Arcanaeum, contains a vast collection of spell tomes and magical supplies.
  • Quests and Rewards: The College questline provides valuable rewards, including powerful spells and magical items.
  • Safe Haven: The College offers a safe place to practice your magic and study without interruption.

To join the College, simply travel to Winterhold in the far north of Skyrim and speak to Faralda at the entrance. She will test your magical abilities, and if you pass, you'll be welcomed into the College.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Arcane Arts

Unlocking Expert and Master spells in Skyrim is a rewarding journey that transforms your character into a formidable mage. By understanding the magic system, finding the right trainers, leveling your skills efficiently, and exploring the world for spell tomes, you can master all schools of magic and unleash devastating spells upon your enemies. So, go forth, aspiring Archmage, and conquer the arcane arts of Skyrim!

I hope this guide has been helpful in your quest to master magic in Skyrim. Happy spellcasting, guys!