

Of the 17 perk points that can be put into Destruction, Augmented Flames, Frost, and Shock are the three perks most responsible for increasing damage. The only way to increase damage with Destruction spells is with consumable potions, specific Dragon Priest Masks from the Dragonborn DLC (Ahzidal, Dukaan, and Zahkriisos), or by slotting perk points into the Destruction skill tree. The Issue With Leveling Skyrim’s Destruction Skill

Similarly, Enchanting and Smithing can increase the damage of weapons, but again neither skill tree offers any bonus towards the damage potential of Destruction magic. Sneak attack bonuses do apply to attacks performed with one-handed weapons or with a bow and arrow, leaving Destruction spells with no such advantage. This is in part because it receives no benefit from sneak attack bonuses. While the same can be said of all Skyrim’s best character builds, the damage ceiling for Destruction spells is considerably lower. Related: Useful Morrowind Spells That Would Make TES6 Better Than SkyrimĪt higher levels, however, the output for Destruction magic hits a damage cap. A bow and arrow, by comparison, requires two hands, which leaves the Dragonborn vulnerable once enemies close the distance. Players can fire off these spells while still keeping a sword or shield in their other hand, addressing close and mid enemies in equal measure. Projectile spells like Fireball or Ice Spike can be fired with one hand, striking enemies at range. As the mage’s go-to for dealing damage, Destruction spells hurl fire, frost, and lightning at enemies, and serve as a colorful way to vary up combat encounters. Of Skyrim’s six magical skill trees, Destruction magic is the most straightforward. Skill in Destruction has little bearing on the accessibility of spells, and this can make investing in the Destruction tree feel like a waste of perk points. Skyrim’s best magic spells can easily be found in loot chests or bought from merchants rather than earned through leveling. The province is dominated by traditionalist Nords who fear magic, associating it with the hated Thalmor, or the mistrustful wizards from the College of Winterhold. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim often feels like a video game that capitalizes on martial combat, despite the fact that there are some significant pros to using Destruction magic (in addition to its cons).
