Best Conjuration Spells In Skyrim

Summary

The Conjuration skill in Skyrim offers a range of powerful spells, including the ability to summon allies and raise the dead.
Some must-have Conjuration spells include Soul Trap for filling soul gems, Banish Undead for instantly killing undead enemies, and Summon Arvak & Summon Daedric Horse for convenient transportation.
Other spells such as Conjure Dark Seducers or Golden Saints, Conjure Dremora Lord, and Bound Sword/Bow offer additional combat options and utility for players.

In “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” players have numerous paths to progress, enabling them to develop custom playstyles by tapping into diverse skills. A popular approach among many gamers is dominating their foes through the deployment of multiple companions, which can be supplemented by summoning additional allies or raising them using the Conjuration ability.

The Conjuration school, capable of summoning formidable Daedra or resurrecting non-player characters, provides a wealth of practical applications. Among the various conjuration spells, some are superior to others, each with its unique purpose. However, there are certainly some that stand out as more potent than others and are beneficial additions to any mage’s toolkit.

16. Soul Trap

Fill Soul Gems With The Souls Of Enemies

Magicka Cost: 107
Description: If a target dies within 60 seconds, fills a soul gem.

A fundamental charm with wide applicability among players, Soul Trap captures a soul in a gem if its target perishes within a minute after being influenced by it. The type of soul trapped determines the filled gem’s potency. These filled gems can later be employed to craft potent enchantments or to rejuvenate enchanted weapons and staffs.

Soul Trap is a useful charm that stores souls in gems when its target dies shortly after being affected. The type of soul determines the gem’s power, which can then be employed to create strong enchantments or recharge enchanted items.

You can generally find the Soul Trap item among merchants who deal with spells, making it quite accessible early on in the game.

15. Banish Undead

Kill Some Undead In An Instant

Magicka Cost: 176
Description: Summoned or raised undead up to level 15 are sent back to the grave.

This is one of the new spells introduced with the Anniversary Edition from the Necromantic Grimoire. It can be quite helpful in battles against summoned or resurrected undead (excluding vampires and draugr). If you’re someone who prefers using the Conjuration skill over Restoration, this spell instantly eliminates any undead creatures up to level 15.

The item becomes available as a random find post-level 23, while Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold starts selling it once your Conjuration skill surpasses level 40.

14. Summon Arvak & Summon Daedric Horse

Summon A Horse Anywhere

Magicka Cost: 136
Description: Summon Arvak and a Daedric Horse to the Dragonborn’s location.

It’s highly recommended for Survival Mode players to acquire these two mounts, which are essential additions to their in-game collection. While Shadowmere, often considered the top mount in the game, boasts superior health and stamina, these two summonable creatures have unique advantages. For instance, they can be called upon almost anywhere within Skyrim, with Arvak also being usable in the Soul Cairn. However, obtaining these summonable steeds requires some effort and dedication.

To get Arvak, players must discover his skull in the Soul Cairn, leading them inevitably through the Dawnguard questline. On the other hand, the Daedric Horse becomes available during The Cause mission in the Deadlands, a quest that doesn’t unlock until level 46. However, it’s beneficial for players looking to explore Skyrim more effortlessly while playing Survival Mode, as these mounts significantly facilitate roaming.

13. Banish Daedra

A Great Way To Deal With Lower-Level Daedra

Magicka Cost: 196
Description: Send lesser Daedra back to Oblivion

Even though Banish Daedra might not be as sophisticated as spells in its class, it’s incredibly effective against Lesser Daedra when you find yourself surrounded. Priced at 346 Gold, this spell is quite useful and can be acquired from Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold once you reach level 40 in Conjuration.

In addition to acquiring this spell, players can buy it directly from Calcelmo within the Understone Keep. The Magicka expense is reasonable yet notable, meaning players should exercise caution when using it to ensure they still have sufficient Magicka available.

12. Conjure Dark Seducers or Golden Saints

Summon The Guards Of The Shivering Isles To Fight

Magicka Cost: 75
Description: Summon a Dark Seducer Archer/Dark Seducer Warrior/Golden Saint Archer/Golden Saint Warrior for 60 seconds wherever the caster is pointing.

In the Anniversary Edition, fresh spells have been introduced through the Saints & Seducers Creation. With these, players can call upon either radiant Saints or mysterious Seducers in combat for assistance. Although they may not be as potent as a Dremora Lord, they offer greater adaptability because you can summon a warrior or an archer based on your needs. The warriors are armored with a one-handed weapon and shield, while the archers carry bows; should an adversary approach too closely, the archers will switch to their one-handed weapons for close combat.

In the final stage of the “Restoring Order” quest, you’ll discover all four spells hidden on Thoron, the boss. Alternatively, if you have the necessary components, you can craft these spell tomes in the Atronach Forge located within the College of Winterhold. To find out what ingredients are required for this process, look for the “Report on Atronach Forge Experiments” paper at Staada’s camp.

11. Conjure Dremora Lord

Have A Powerful Daedra As A Combat Companion

Magicka Cost: 358
Description: Summons a Dremora Lord for 60 seconds.

Dremora Lords are mighty creatures from the Daedric realm, capable of inflicting massive damage and boasting substantial health reserves. By casting this spell, you can summon them for a duration of 60 seconds, making them potent allies in combat, particularly against melee enemies who struggle to inflict harm until they get within the Dremora’s attacking range.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that this enchantment, quite potent, is only within reach once you’ve advanced to level 35 in your journey. Alternatively, if your Conjuration skill has soared to the impressive height of 65, you can acquire it directly from Phinis Gestor.

10. Bound Sword

Summon A Sword Instead Of Carrying One

Magicka Cost: 93
Description: Creates a magic sword for 120 seconds. Sheathe it to dispel.

An inconspicuous charm for those preferring not to bear a physical sword, the Bound Sword is virtually weightless yet deals 9 initial damage. With the Mystic Binding talent from the Conjuration skill tree, it boosts to a formidable 14 damage. Though it may appear modest at first glance, this weapon benefits from any perks in the One-Handed skill line, making it as potent as a Daedric Sword.

To acquire this enchantment, you have several options. You can buy it from any court wizard within Skyrim for approximately 49 gold pieces. Alternatively, you might discover it hidden in a room at Treva’s Watch.

9. Bound Bow

Summon A Powerful Bow Without Carrying One

Magicka Cost: 207
Description: Creates a magic bow and 100 magic arrows for 120 seconds. Sheathe it to dispel.

Intriguingly, summoned weapons aren’t true weapons – they are Daedra that have been called upon and shaped like weapons! The Bound Bow, for instance, is one of the game’s strongest bows, dealing nearly as much damage as Daedric bows but with a faster attack speed and zero weight.

Using the Mystic Binding enhancement, the Bound Bow inflicts 5 extra damage points compared to Daedric bows. Any archery-related skills or bonuses apply equally to the Bound Bow, with its unique drawback being that it can’t be tempered. You can acquire this item from Calcelmo, Falion, and Phinis Gestor once you master Adept-level spells, but an instructional book for it can also be found in a bucket inside Fort Amol Prison.

8. Dread Zombie

Raise Powerful Corpses To Fight

Magicka Cost: 302
Description: Reanimate a very powerful dead body to fight for you for 60 seconds.

The potent spell called “Dread Zombie” can be acquired by players either as loot at level 35 or purchased from Phinis Gestor when your Conjuration skill reaches 65. This spell summons a corpse, up to level 30 (or 37 with the Necromage perk) to join your battle for a duration of 60 seconds.

In simpler terms, once a body decomposes after death, it cannot come back to life; but, when utilized tactically, if the character eliminates an enemy, they have the ability to resurrect one of those defeated foes repeatedly, creating a perpetual horde of zombies.

7. Conjure Wrathman

Summoning A Powerful Ally Is Always A Great Idea

Magicka Cost: 301
Description: Summons a Watchman from the Soul Cairn for 60 seconds wherever the caster is pointing

Adventurers venturing into the diverse Nordic burial sites scattered across Skyrim will frequently run into Draugr. While most can be handled easily due to their vulnerabilities and limited magical or special skills, certain ones will prove quite difficult, such as the formidable Wrathmen.

In tough battles, these potent spectral entities can shift the momentum and provide an edge for the Dragonborn. However, mastering this ability demands a significant amount of Magicka, only accessible once players reach Level 75. To acquire the Conjure Wrathman, adventurers must journey to where the most southerly Keeper resides in the Soul of Cairn. There, within a tower, they’ll uncover the grimoire holding this enchanting spell.

6. Command Daedra

Turn Summoned Daedra Against Their Masters

Magicka Cost: 243
Description: Powerful summoned and raised creatures are put under the Dragonborn’s control.

In encounters where players come across potent summoners, they might need to handle Atronachs. The Command Daedra spell proves particularly handy in such scenarios, as it allows any Daedra of up to level 20 to be commanded and made to fight against their summoner. They’ll continue this battle until either the summoner is defeated, banished, or the spell duration expires.

As an enthusiast, I’ve come across this intriguing item that you can acquire directly from Phinis Gestor when your conjuration skill reaches level 65. Additionally, it might also pop up in the loot from battles starting at level 35.

5. Elemental Thralls

Summon An Atronach Without Worrying About A Time Limit

Magicka Cost: 900 (Flame Thrall), 1100 (Frost Thrall), and 1200 (Storm Thrall)
Description: Summons a Flame Atronach/Frost Atronach/Storm Atronach permanently.

In the magical realm of Skyrim, I find myself with a unique ability to conjure three distinct Elemental Thrall entities – a Flame Atronach, Frost Atronach, or Storm Atronach. These powerful beings are summoned based on the spell I choose to cast. As a Master-level sorcerer, I need both hands to weave the necessary incantations, and these spells can only be learned after successfully completing the College of Winterhold’s Conjuration Ritual Spell quest, once my Conjuration skill has reached an impressive level 100. The perk? Once summoned, these Atronachs remain by my side until they meet their demise, providing me with loyal allies in my Skyrim adventures!

As a devoted follower, I can’t help but appreciate the versatility of having all three Atronach spells in my arsenal. Each type of Atronach proves its worth in distinct scenarios. Frost Atronarchs, for instance, are completely immune to frost, while Flame Atronarchs make exceptional ranged allies.

4. Conjure Ayleid Lich

Summon A Powerful Undead Ayleid To Blast Enemies Away

Magicka Cost: 358
Description: Summons an Ayleid Lich for 60 seconds.

The brand-new spell, Ayleid Lich, hailing from The Cause Creation, packs a formidable punch. This spectral entity exudes a chilling aura of lethality and menace. Beyond its imposing presence, the Ayleid Lich is armed with an array of spells. It’s capable of summoning a Storm Atronach, ordering Daedra, and even using Dread Zombies on potent corpses in close proximity. Moreover, it wields leveled Destruction magic and boasts perks that escalate its might.

One potential drawback when summoning an Ayleid Lich is that the magicka required can rapidly deplete your entire bar, though not as swiftly as more advanced spells. To acquire this spell, players must gather the Great Welkynd Stone, a Ruined Book, and a Salt Pile to craft the tome at the Atronach Forge.

3. Conjure Bone Colossus

Command A Powerful Colossus To Take Out Enemies

Magicka Cost: 1004
Description: Summons a Bone Colossus for 60 seconds. While active, conjured skeletons regenerate health and players can summon 2 additional skeletons. Only 1 colossus can be summoned at a time.

In Skyrim’s Anniversary Edition, you can now cast a charm to bring forth a Bone Colossus. This incantation was introduced with the Necromantic Grimoire Creation. To obtain this Master-level spell, complete the corresponding Conjuration Ritual Spell quest first, then it becomes available for purchase.

This spell brings forth a massive, bony beast with more than a thousand health points and double that in armor. As it looms, the player gains the ability to conjure an extra pair of skeletons which regenerate within the Colossus. Few opponents could withstand the onslaught of the Dragonborn and their bone-built horde with this enchantment at play.

2. Conjure Ancient Deathpriest

Summon A Deathpriest That’s Still Trouble For Enemies Even After Death

Magicka Cost: 1004
Description: Summons an Ancient Deathpriest that wields powerful magic and commands the undead for 60 seconds. When killed, the Deathpriest splits into 3 Tortured Shades.

In the Necromantic Grimoire, this enchantment was incorporated together with the Bone Colossus and ranks among the most advanced spells. It conjures up a potent skeletal necromancer who has the ability to resurrect corpses and expel hostile undead entities.

As a fervent admirer, I’d put it this way: Upon my demise, the ancient Deathpriest summons three tormented spirits, each armed with the icy might of Frostbite, to exact vengeance on my slayer.

1. Dead Thrall

Raise The Same Corpse As Many Times As Desired

Magicka Cost: 1000
Description: Reanimate a dead body permanently to fight for the Dragonborn. Only works on people.

Among the highly sought-after spells in the game, Dead Thrall, becomes accessible when Master-level manuals are offered by Phinis Gestor. This enchantment enables players to bring back any NPC, up to level 40, permanently. If this reanimated creature is destroyed, it does not disintegrate like usual; instead, it can be revived using the Dead Thrall spell again.

Following the hunt for a formidable leader, players have the option to transform them into a relentless undead servant or imprison foes in a never-ending loop of demise and resurrection.

2025-01-29 12:57