Summary
Skyrimimproved on the previous games inThe Elder Scrollsin a number of ways. Improvements in video game engine technology made the physics of combat better animated, giving combat encounters the mass needed to feel more real than in previous games, and was a better experience despite its simplified nature and the removal of a number of weapons. WhereSkyrimsucceeded in combat, however, it didn’t quite reach the mark in its magic system, both in and out of combat, something that Bethesda can’t repeat inThe Elder Scrolls 6.Skyrimdid improve on some elements of magic that should be carried over toThe Elder Scrolls 6, but many other parts of it should remain inSkyrim, withOblivionandMorrowind’s magic systems providing inspiration for the rest.
The Magic System in Skyrim
The Pros
Skyrimoverhauled its character building from its predecessors, streamlining it into a much simpler and more flexible process that encouraged more organic gameplay. Rather than choosing a premade or custom class at the start ofSkyrimwith Major and Minor skills, only leveling once those select few skills improved, players were encouraged to pursue certain skills thanks to skill trees that unlocked perks. Magic skills were no exception to this, with eachschool of magic inSkyrimgetting its own skill tree and perks.
The Cons
Magic in practice inSkyrimrequires having at least one free hand, making it impossible to use alongside ranged weapons, dual weapons, two-handed weapons, and sword-and-shield builds. This makes many builds extremely challenging to play, such as anarcher Thief who uses Alterationor Illusion spells.Skyrimalso cut down the number and variety of spells by a significant amount, so magic-users are far more limited inSkyrimthan they were inOblivionandMorrowind.
Magic Systems in Previous TES Games
OblivionandMorrowindallow players to cast spells while wielding any type of weapon, which opens up potential playstyles for players and removes an unnecessary barrier that permeatesSkyrim. While this barrier is somewhat mitigated bySkyrim’s Shouts, it does not replace being able to cast spells while wielding any type of weapon.OblivionandMorrowindalso give players the ability to create their own spells by combining different spell effects, an extremely useful skill that also adds value to becoming a member of the Mages Guild that the College of Winterhold lacked.
Magic in The Elder Scrolls 6
Combining the Best of Both TES Magic Systems
The Elder Scrolls 6can combineSkyrim’s magic skill tree and perk systemswithOblivionandMorrowind’s magic systems for a happier middle ground.The Elder Scrollsis all about freedom in creating any kind of character build, and limiting when a character can use magic is an unnecessary barrier that removes magic from builds and makes it very clunky. Bringing backOblivionandMorrowind’s spell creation system would also be a great addition toThe Elder Scrolls 6, as it’s great not only for roleplaying but for encouraging exploration and creativity from players.
More Spells in TES6
Skyrim’s spells were also extremely basic thanks to the removal of many ofOblivionandMorrowind’s spells. While many of the spells were silly or perhaps not used too often, these spells added character to the world.Morrowindin particular had wonderful spells that spoke to the setting, including the religion, the cities, and the culture.The Elder Scrolls 6should have many more spellsthanSkyrimdid, including ones that are just fun and not necessarily “useful” for combat.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
WHERE TO PLAY
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim celebrates 10 years of adventuring in stunning detail. The Anniversary Edition includes a decade worth of content: the critically acclaimed core game and add-ons of Skyrim Special Edition, plus Creation Club content released on or prior to July 06, 2025.EPIC FANTASY REBORNSkyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLDPlay any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAYChoose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.BATTLE DRAGONSBattle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
