10 Best Illusion Spells In Skyrim, Ranked

Mages should never disregard the Illusion spells in Skyrim.

In The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, the player has access to a wealth of unique and powerful spells that only get stronger as the player progresses. These spells serve a variety of functions and can help players control the battlefield and defeat even the most formidable opponents.

The Illusion school has a vast assortment of spells for individuals who love bending the will of those who resist them, turning friend against friend, driving enemy into a frightening panic, or passing by enemies undetected. Some are more potent than others, transforming the Dragonborn into a great illusionist.

Muffle

Muffle, a vital spell in any thief’s or assassin’s toolbox, enabling players to travel quietly for 180 seconds at a base cost of 144 Magicka points. This is a fantastic spell for individuals who rely on the Sneak talent because it drastically minimizes the chances of being discovered. Even at the highest levels, it can be a useful tool.

It can be obtained from any court wizard in Skyrim, as well as Drevis Neloren at the College of Winterhold.

Invisibility

Invisibility, when used with Muffle, allows players to pass directly in front of an enemy without being observed. It renders players fully invisible for 30 seconds, although this disappears when they activate an object, such as a door, or assault an enemy.

This spell would considerably boost the effectiveness of any sneak-based build – the only catch is that it is Expert-level, has a hefty Magicka cost, and is only available after reaching level 35. Nonetheless, it’s well worth the wait.

Rally

Rally is an excellent spell for players that use several companions, such as a pet and a follower – or numerous followers if players increase the limit with mods – because it offers them an additional 25 points of Health and Stamina and stops them from leaving for 60 seconds. It even works on summoned minions and raised corpses with the Master of the Mind Illusion perk. Rally launches an orb that explodes upon impact, affecting everyone within a 15-foot radius.

Rally’s benefits stack with Courage, which provides the same boost for a lower Magicka cost but lacks AOE. Rally and Courage, when combined, can create for truly fearsome followers.

Call To Arms

Because this is a Master-level spell, it can only be obtained by completing the Illusion Ritual Spell quest at the College of Winterhold, after which it can be purchased from Drevis Neloren. Call to Arms, on the other hand, makes followers much stronger when coupled with Rally and Courage (which it stacks with).

When cast, it strengthens all friends within 100 feet’ Archery, One-Handed, and Two-Handed talents by 25 levels while also raising their Health and Stamina by 25 points – and it lasts 10 minutes! A Master-level mage’s initial Magicka cost is also relatively cheap, at only 655 points.

Pacify

To escape combat entirely, players can use the Pacify spell, which causes opponents up to level 20 within a 15-foot radius of the point of impact to stop fighting. Enemies will begin to fight back if they are attacked, however even if the aim is to kill enemies, Pacify offers players a few seconds head start.

Pacify is an excellent backup spell for sneak-based characters since it allows them to turn hostile adversaries friendly if they are captured. It may be purchased from Drevis Neloren in the College of Winterhold like any Expert-level spell once the player’s Illusion talent reaches level 65, and it appears in random loot from level 35.

Harmony

Harmony is the Master-level version of Pacify and Calm, and it can be purchased from Drevis Neloren if you’ve completed the Illusion Ritual Spell quest. It takes 3 seconds to cast, but it stops foes up to level 25 from fighting and has a vast range of 250 feet in either direction from the caster.

This spell affects foes up to level 43 if you have the Kindred Mage and Hypnotic Gaze perks. Master of the Mind enables it to function against undead, daedra, and Dwemer constructs, although this perk does not stack with the others.

Rout

If players desire to avoid fighting while still viciously slaughtering their opponents, the Rout spell is a must-have. After being affected by this spell, enemies up to level 20 (or 40 with the Kindred Mage and Aspect of Terror bonuses) retreat for 30 seconds and explode in a 15-foot radius.

This spell, unlike Pacify, does not shatter if foes strike it. They will merely flee or crouch, pleading for mercy as the player depletes their Health bar.

Hysteria

Hysteria is a stronger variant of Rout that causes foes up to level 25 to flee for 60 seconds. It has a radius of 250 feet from the caster, allowing players to send all foes in the area fleeing in fright and being picked off one by one.

For some players, Hysteria may take the excitement out of fighting, but for those who enjoy watching their adversaries flee before them, this spell is fantastic. It is obtained as a prize for completing the Illusion Ritual Spell quest, which may be started after obtaining Illusion level 100 by speaking with Drevis Neloren.

Frenzy Rune

When performed on the ground, this spell leaves a rune that explodes and causes opponents up to level 20 to battle each other for 30 seconds. Enemies who are not affected by this spell will regard those who are as hostile.

This spell is great for any Illusion mage who doesn’t want to do any fighting, but it also works well when combined with a stealth build. After studying enemy movements, Funny Shooter 2 gamers can set this rune where they expect them to eventually walk, and then simply hide and watch the subsequent carnage!

Mayhem

The name of this spell is well-deserved; it causes complete mayhem among a group of opponents, causing anybody within 250 feet of the caster to fight each other for 60 seconds.

It is a Master-level spell obtained from Drevis Neloren after completing the Illusion Ritual Spell quest, but the ability to turn a room full of foes into a chaotic free-for-all is worth the effort to obtain.

Skyrim is now available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.