The High Elves, also known as Altmer, are one of the most favored race choices for players in Skyrim due to their distinguished magical prowess and unique racial abilities. This article delves into the leveling mechanics, spellcasting capabilities, and optimal classes for Altmer characters, providing a detailed guide to maximizing their potential on your journey through Tamriel.
High Elf Character Creation
High Elves come with a variety of inherent advantages in Skyrim, chiefly enhancing their performance in various magical disciplines. Here are the crucial elements of High Elf character creation:
- Skill Bonuses: +10 Illusion, +5 Alteration, +5 Conjuration, +5 Destruction, +5 Enchanting, +5 Restoration
- Special Abilities:
- Highborn: Allows magicka regeneration to be boosted for 60 seconds, available once per day.
- Fortify Magicka: Increases maximum magicka by 50 points.
- Starting Spells: Flames (Destruction), Healing (Restoration), Fury (Illusion)
Best High Elf Builds
High Elves are best suited to builds that leverage their natural proclivities towards magic. Here are some of the most effective builds:
1. Magical Archer
The Magical Archer is an archetype that combines archery with arcane conjurations, creating a versatile ranged combatant. This build takes advantage of bound weapons and magical support to augment archery skills.
Gear
- A primary weapon would be the Bound Bow spell, which remains effective until higher levels when enchanted bows surpass it.
- Light armor that provides bonuses to archery or magicka is essential.
Skills & Perks
| Skill | Key Perk | Description | Required Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Eagle Eye | Zoom in while aiming. | 30 |
| Archery | Ranger | Move faster with a drawn bow. | 60 |
| Conjuration | Mystic Binding | Increase bound weapon damage. | 20 |
Key Spells & Shouts
- Key Spells: Bound Bow, Flame/Frost/Storm Thrall, Muffle, Invisibility
- Key Shouts: Aura Whisper, Slow Time, Dismay
2. Vampire Necromancer
The Vampire Necromancer build synergizes vampiric abilities with necromantic magic, creating a powerful dark sorcerer capable of raising undead minions and devastating enemies with vampiric drain attacks.
Gear
- Equipment enhancing Restoration, Conjuration, Alteration, or Destruction.
- The Ring of the Erudite for significant magicka boost.
- Mage robes to benefit from the Mage Armor perk.
Skills & Perks
| Skill | Key Perk | Description | Required Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restoration | Avoid Death | Automatically restores health when dropping below 10% once a day. | 90 |
| Alteration | Mage Armor | Strengthens protection spells when not wearing armor. | 30/50/70 |
| Conjuration | Necromancy | Extends the duration of reanimated undead. | 40 |
Key Spells & Shouts
- Key Spells: Fireball, Heal Undead, Dead Thrall, Bound Dagger
- Key Shouts: Battle Fury, Become Ethereal, Drain Vitality, Kyne’s Peace
3. Destruction Mage
A Destruction Mage focuses on dealing direct and elemental damage to foes through a variety of spells. Choosing between fire, frost, or shock spells allows specialization in different elemental combat styles.
Gear
- Early game: Mage robes that boost magicka and spell damage.
- Later game: Enchanted items and armor that enhance spell effects and magicka.
Skills & Perks
| Skill | Key Perk | Description | Required Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Destruction | Destruction Dual Casting | Overcharges Destruction spells making them more powerful when dual cast. | 20 |
| Destruction | Impact | Most Destruction spells stagger an opponent when dual cast. | 40 |
| Enchanting | Extra Effect | Allows two enchantments on the same item. | 100 |
Key Spells & Shouts
- Key Spells: Blizzard, Fire Storm, Lightning Storm, Firebolt, Ice Spike, Lightning Bolt
- Key Shouts: Unrelenting Force, Throw Voice, Fire Breath/Ice Form/Storm Call, Drain Vitality
4. Illusion Assassin
The Illusion Assassin excels at using illusion spells to manipulate enemies and sneaking to achieve critical hits. This build is ideal for players who prefer stealth and subterfuge.
Gear
- Prefers daggers for one-handed combat due to their speed.
- Light armor that enhances magicka or sneaking abilities.
Skills & Perks
| Skill | Key Perk | Description | Required Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illusion | Illusion Dual Casting | Overcharges Illusion spells, making them more powerful. | 20 |
| Illusion | Quiet Casting | Spells are silent to others. | 50 |
| Sneak | Shadow Warrior | Crouching stops combat momentarily, forcing enemies to search for a target. | 100 |
Key Spells & Shouts
- Key Spells: Bound Dagger, Calm, Pacify, Muffle, Invisibility, Fury, Frenzy, Frenzy Rune, Mayhem
- Key Shouts: Aura Whisper, Bend Will, Dismay
The Altmer in Skyrim offer a vast array of possibilities for characters inclined toward magic. With the right build, gear, and skill investments, you can unlock their full potential and make the most out of your high elf. Whether you favor destructive magic or stealthy illusions, the choice is yours to wield the power of the High Elves effectively.
