72
edições
Alterações
→Elements: Usually at high levels, oil slick fires do negligible damage.
{{Skills Summary
|Image=SR-skill-Destruction.png
|Special=Magic
|ExTrail=[[Skyrim:Magic Overview|Magic]]
}}
'''Destruction''' magic provides many means of inflicting damage on enemies. [[Skyrim:Destruction Spells|Destruction spells]] use elements (fire, frost, or shock) to damage [[Skyrim:Health|health]]; an enemy's [[Skyrim:Magicka|magicka]] and [[Skyrim:Stamina|stamina]] can also be reduced. Increasing this skill reduces magicka cost when casting Destruction spells. Historical information about the School of Destruction is provided in the [[Lore:Destruction|lore article]]. The Destruction skill tree has a total of 14 perks, requiring a total of 17 perk points to fill.
In-game Description: ''The School of Destruction involves {{sic|the|description=phrase, with extra word 'the'}} harnessing the energies of fire, frost and shock. This skill makes it easier to cast spells like Fireball, Ice Spike, and Lightning Bolt.''
==Summary==
Destruction is the principal damage-dealing school of magic. Destruction mages can use perks to specialize in one or more of the elements—fire, frost, and shock—gaining the ability to do extra damage. Since some enemies are resistant to particular forms of magic, anyone relying on Destruction is well-advised to learn spells from more than one element, and perhaps to specialize in two or more.
=== Elements ===
==== Fire ====
* Lowest magicka cost of the three elements.
* Deals only health damage.
* Sets targets on fire, usually dealing an additional 10% damage over 1 second, but some spells do more.
* Special perk: [[#Intense Flames|Intense Flames]]. Causes enemies below 20% health to run away.
Many inhabitants of Skyrim are weak against [[Skyrim:Fire Damage|fire damage]], including [[Skyrim:Troll|troll]]s and all [[Skyrim:Creatures|creatures]] with "Frost", "Ice", or "Snow" in their name. In some dungeons there are [[Skyrim:Oil Slicks|pools of flammable liquid]] which you can ignite with fire magic, resulting in impressive conflagrations that can wipe out enemies in seconds, particularly at low levels. The ''Intense Flames'' perk is of limited use, firstly because humanoid enemies will drop down to their knees when their health is below 10%, and secondly because enemies that do not drop down will run away, forcing you to kill them some other way.
In addition, by casting the [[Skyrim:Flames|Flames]] spell repeatedly in short bursts, you can apply the "on-fire" effect several times, which will dramatically increase your damage output. If you take the [[Skyrim:Aspect of Terror|Aspect of Terror]] perk from the [[Skyrim:Illusion|Illusion]] skill tree, it will make this trick even more devastating and potentially viable even at high levels despite being a Novice-level spell. It should also be noted that even without ''Aspect of Terror'', Flames is the second-most magicka-efficient spell in the base game (after [[Skyrim:Firebolt|Firebolt]]), and ''Aspect of Terror'' will make it an uncontested first place. This trick also works well when combined with the [[Skyrim:Slow Time|Slow Time]] [[Skyrim:Dragon Shouts|shout]]. With Dragonborn installed, [[Dragonborn:Ignite|Ignite]] is much more magicka-efficient, but will not advance your Destruction skill very quickly.
==== Frost ====
* Middle magicka cost of the three elements.
* Deals damage to health and stamina (typically the same amount).
* [[Skyrim:Slow|Slows]] targets by 50% for a few seconds (duration varies).
* Special perk: [[#Deep Freeze|Deep Freeze]]. Causes enemies below 20% health to be [[Skyrim:Paralyze (effect)|paralyzed]].
Unfortunately, many enemies boast a resistance to Frost damage, and [[Skyrim:Nord|Nords]]—the most common NPCs in Skyrim—resist it as well. [[Skyrim:Vampire|Vampires]] have a bonus 50% Frost resistance and Nord vampires are completely immune, as are all [[Skyrim:Dwarven Automatons| Dwarven automatons]]. The ''Deep Freeze'' perk is useful, but almost exactly the same effect can be achieved with dual-casting and [[#Impact|Impact]]. The Adept-level area effect missile spell, [[Skyrim:Ice Storm|Ice Storm]], is distinct from its counterparts in the other two elements in that it covers an area of effect as the projectile itself travels, instead of just projecting its effect area upon impact. Large swaths can be attacked by rapid-fire tandem casting of Ice Storm.
Usage of any frost attacks against [[Skyrim:Bandit|bandits]] or other primarily melee-based foes shows the utility of the stamina-damage and slow effects, as it can impair their ability to power attack or shield bash, as well as allow you to stay out of their melee range. However, Ice Storm's primary weakness is that unlike Fireball and Chain Lightning, it has a limited range (though still three times as far as your typical concentration spell) and is also quite slow, making it more difficult to target fast opponents in open areas.
==== Shock ====
* Highest magicka cost of the three elements.
* Deals damage to health and magicka (magicka damage is typically 50% of the health damage).
* Generally shorter range, but projectiles hit instantly.
* Special perk: [[#Disintegrate|Disintegrate]]. Instantly kills enemies below 15% health.
In practice, enemy mages tend to have more magicka than health, which combined with the fact that you deal more health damage than magicka damage might make the magicka damage meaningless. However, skilled mages with the proper magicka reserves will win in a mage-vs-mage duel of attrition. The magicka damage is also effective against [[Skyrim:Dragon|dragons]] who are unable to shout once their magicka pool is depleted. Shock spells have three chief advantages: firstly, there are few enemies that are resistant to shock damage, and in the base game, only [[Skyrim:Storm Atronach|storm atronach]]s and [[Skyrim:Orchendor|Orchendor]] have 100% shock resistance, making it equally useful against practically all enemies and allowing you to save perks by specializing in just one element (Dawnguard and Dragonborn add a couple of unique creatures with shock resistance, along with [[Dragonborn:Netch|netch]], [[Dragonborn:Seeker|seeker]]s and [[Dragonborn:Shock Spider|shock spider]]s). Secondly, unlike fire and frost, all shock spells hit instantly wherever you're aiming them, making it easier to hit moving targets, though at a reduced range compared to fire and frost spells. Finally, shock gets a specialization perk, ''Disintegrate'', which effectively reduces hit points of all enemies in the game by 15% (though it may cause some looting problems as of patch 1.3, so be careful). This perk is particularly useful when dealing with [[Skyrim:Necromancer|necromancers]], or anything else capable of raising the dead, since it ensures that the disintegrated target cannot be reanimated. At the same time, if you wish to reanimate enemies, you should either avoid this perk or avoid using shock damage on enemies you want to revive.
=== Spell Types ===
Across each elemental family, the pattern of spells is consistent:
{|class = "wikitable"
! Type !! Level !! Fire !! Frost !! Shock !! Effect !! Base Damage
|-
| Spray || Novice || Flames || Frostbite || Sparks || Short range spell that deals damage as long as you cast || 8/s
|-
| Missile || Apprentice || Firebolt || Ice Spike || Lightning Bolt || Single-target missile || 25
|-
| Rune || Apprentice || Fire Rune || Frost Rune || Lightning Rune || Cast on a surface and triggered like a proximity mine || 50
|-
| Area Missile || Adept || Fireball || Ice Storm || Chain Lightning || Multiple-target missile (projectile behaviors vary specific to which element)|| 40
|-
| Cloak || Adept || Flame Cloak || Frost Cloak || Lightning Cloak || Harms all enemies in melee range || 8/s
|-
| Heavy Missile || Expert || Incinerate || Icy Spear || Thunderbolt || Single-target missile || 60
|-
| Wall || Expert || Wall of Flames || Wall of Frost || Wall of Storms || Persistent sprayed-down obstacle that does damage when walked through || 20/s
|-
| Storm || Master || Fire Storm || Blizzard || Lightning Storm || Constant wide area of effect || varies
|}
== Perks ==
{{Perk Tree Setup|width=400}}
{{Perk Tree|perks=
{{Image Mark|439|733|Novice Destruction|mark_alt=Novice Destruction: 0 Destruction. Cast Novice level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=bottom}}
{{Image Mark|592|535|Apprentice Destruction|mark_alt=Apprentice Destruction: 25 Destruction. Cast Apprentice level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=bottom}}
{{Image Mark|572|341|Adept Destruction|mark_alt=Adept Destruction: 50 Destruction. Cast Adept level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=topright}}
{{Image Mark|623|226|Expert Destruction|mark_alt=Expert Destruction: 75 Destruction. Cast Expert level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=topright}}
{{Image Mark|618|74|Master Destruction|mark_alt=Master Destruction: 100 Destruction. Cast Master level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|683|422|Rune Master|mark_alt=Rune Master: 40 Destruction. Can place runes five times farther away.|position=topright}}
{{Image Mark|274|494|Augmented Flames|mark_alt=Augmented Flames (2 ranks): 30/60 Destruction. Fire spells do 25/50% more damage.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|253|360|Intense Flames|mark_alt=Intense Flames: 50 Destruction. Fire damage causes targets to flee if their health is low.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|390|438|Augmented Frost|mark_alt=Augmented Frost (2 ranks): 30/60 Destruction. Frost spells do 25/50% more damage.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|370|274|Deep Freeze|mark_alt=Deep Freeze: 60 Destruction. Frost damage paralyzes targets if their health is low.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|480|433|Augmented Shock|mark_alt=Augmented Shock (2 ranks): 30/60 Destruction. Shock spells do 25/50% more damage.|position=bottomright}}
{{Image Mark|476|232|Disintegrate|mark_alt=Disintegrate: 70 Destruction. Shock damage disintegrates targets if their health is low.|position=topleft}}
{{Image Mark|678|654|Destruction Dual Casting|mark_alt=Destruction Dual Casting: 20 Destruction. Dual casting a Destruction spell overcharges the effects into an even more powerful version.|position=right}}
{{Image Mark|733|530|Impact|mark_alt=Impact: 40 Destruction. Most destruction spells will stagger an opponent when dual cast.|position=right}}
}}
{{NewLeft}}
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Perk
!class=unsortable|Rank
!class=unsortable|Description
!class=unsortable|[[Skyrim:Form ID|ID]]
!class=num_sort|Skill Req.
!Perk Req.
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Novice Destruction}}''
| Cast Novice level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000f2ca8}}
|
|
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Apprentice Destruction}}''
| Cast Apprentice level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000c44bf}}
| 25 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Adept Destruction}}''
| Cast Adept level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000c44c0}}
| 50 Destruction
| Apprentice Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Expert Destruction}}''
| Cast Expert level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000c44c1}}
| 75 Destruction
| Adept Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Master Destruction}}''
| Cast Master level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000c44c2}}
| 100 Destruction
| Expert Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Rune Master}}''
| Can place runes five times farther away.
| {{ID|00105f32}}
| 40 Destruction
| Apprentice Destruction
|-
|rowspan=2|''{{LE|Augmented Flames}}''
| 1
| Fire spells do 25% more damage.
| {{ID|000581e7}}
| 30 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
| 2
| Fire spells do 50% more damage.
| {{ID|0010fcf8}}
|<span style="display:none">30</span> 60 Destruction
| Augmented Flames Level 1
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Intense Flames}}''
| Fire damage causes targets to flee if their health is low (under 20%).
| {{ID|000f392e}}
| 50 Destruction
| Augmented Flames
|-
|rowspan=2|''{{LE|Augmented Frost}}''
| 1
| Frost spells do 25% more damage.
| {{ID|000581ea}}
| 30 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
| 2
| Frost spells do 50% more damage.
| {{ID|0010fcf9}}
|<span style="display:none">30</span> 60 Destruction
|Augmented Frost Level 1
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Deep Freeze}}''
| Frost damage paralyzes targets if their health is low (under 20%).{{intnote|stability|†}}
| {{ID|000f3933}}
| 60 Destruction
| Augmented Frost
|-
|rowspan=2|''{{LE|Augmented Shock}}''
| 1
| Shock spells do 25% more damage.
| {{ID|00058200}}
| 30 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
| 2
| Shock spells do 50% more damage.
| {{ID|0010fcfa}}
|<span style="display:none">30</span> 60 Destruction
| Augmented Shock Level 1
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Disintegrate}}''
| Shock spells disintegrate targets if their health is low (under 15%).
| {{ID|000f3f0e}}
| 70 Destruction
| Augmented Shock
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Destruction Dual Casting}}''
| [[Skyrim:Magic_Overview#Dual-Casting|Dual casting]] a Destruction spell overcharges the effects into an even more powerful version.
| {{ID|000153cf}}
| 20 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Impact}}''
| Most destruction spells will stagger an opponent when dual cast.
| {{ID|000153d2}}
| 40 Destruction
| Destruction Dual Casting
|}
{{Note|stability|†|This effect is affected by any [[Skyrim:Alteration|Alteration]]-modifiers, such as the [[Skyrim:Stability|Stability]] perk.}}
==Spells==
{{Skyrim:Destruction Spells}}
===Spell List Notes===
{{Skyrim:Spell List Notes|noheader=1}}
===Magical Effects===
The following individual effects are all considered to be part of the school of Destruction (see the individual effect pages for full details on availability; the [[Skyrim:Magical Effects#Destruction|Magical Effects]] article also provides a summary):
* [[Image:SR-icon-spell-Fire.png|24px|Fire Damage]] [[Skyrim:Fire Damage|Fire Damage]]
* [[Image:SR-icon-spell-Ice.png|24px|Frost Damage]] [[Skyrim:Frost Damage|Frost Damage]]
* [[Image:SR-icon-spell-Shock.png|24px|Shock Damage]] [[Skyrim:Shock Damage|Shock Damage]]
* [[File:DB-icon-spell-Whirlwind.png|24px|Whirlwind Cloak]] [[Dragonborn:Whirlwind Cloak|Whirlwind Cloak]] {{DB}}
== Skill Usage==
Be aware that increasing your Destruction skill level decreases the casting cost, but does not increase the spell damage. To keep using Destruction magic effectively against tougher opponents, you will need to either learn stronger spells, pick the damage increasing perks, or both.
Shock spells reach their target nearly instantaneously, much faster than the other elements, so you do not have to lead your shot when targeting moving opponents.
Rune spells can only be placed close to the caster, and the continuous-damage Novice-level spells [[Skyrim:Flames|Flames]], [[Skyrim:Sparks|Sparks]], and [[Skyrim:Frostbite|Frostbite]] have a very limited range. However, the range of Rune spells can be improved with the [[#Rune Master|Rune Master]] perk.
It is best to use Rune spells in close quarters or tight entrances, and is especially useful for those that mix stealth and magic. They are also useful for triggering [[Skyrim:Draugr|draugr]] that are hidden in crypts. What's more, if you have the ''Rune Master'' perk, runes can be used as an instantaneous mid-range attack.
Use the various cloak spells when battling multiple enemies, as any nearby opponent that you are not focusing on will still take damage. Be aware, however, that cloak spells will only level your Destruction skill on a per cast basis, not a per damage basis.
When facing a difficult opponent with high health, such as a [[Skyrim:Dragon_Priest|dragon priest]], it is often helpful to make use of the dual-casting ''Impact'' perk. This effectively allows you to stagger-lock the opponent, preventing them from retaliating. Larger opponents like dragons and [[Skyrim:Dwarven Centurion|Dwarven Centurions]] can only be staggered if you have the ''Augmented'' perk that corresponds to your spell (for example, ''Augmented Fire'' for [[Skyrim:Firebolt|Firebolt]]).
Note that the ''Dual Casting'' perk is magicka inefficient, as it means only 10% damage increase for 40% higher magicka cost. Unless you have a lot of magicka or a lot of casting-cost-reducing gear, it is more efficient to cast two normal spells with both hands (you can still cast two single-cast spells after acquiring the perk by activating one hand then the other in rapid succession, rather than activating both hands simultaneously for the dual-cast version). However, dual casting has two advantages that, situation depending, may outweigh the additional cost: the DPS of dual casting is higher, and the ''Impact'' perk provides a guaranteed stagger, depending on the spell. The stagger effect has no effect if the target is already staggering, thus a good balance between efficient damage and shutdown of the target is to alternate a dual-cast with two quick double casts. ''Impact'' does not work with constant 'stream' spells (Flames, Frostbite), Novice-level spells, the Wall-type Expert spells, or Master-level spells.
Note that any spells that require preparation time to be cast stop your magicka from regenerating for the duration of the charge up until the spell is cast. This means that both preparing and holding spells, and casting spells in rapid succession reduce the amount of time available for magicka regeneration, and make sustained casting difficult. In order to maximize natural magicka regeneration while in combat, it's best to minimize any time spent "waiting" to cast a fully-charged spell.
When using Fireball or Chain Lightning, it is better to aim at the ground or wall near the target than at the target itself. There is no proximity falloff to damage in the area of effect, and the wall or ground near a moving target is far easier to hit than the target iteslf. Use those spells (and Ice Storm as well) to attack areas, not specific targets.
==Skill Increases==
===Character Creation===
The following [[Skyrim:Races|races]] have an initial skill bonus to Destruction:
* +10 bonus: [[Skyrim:Dunmer|Dunmer]]
* +5 bonus: [[Skyrim:Altmer|Altmer]], [[Skyrim:Imperial|Imperial]], [[Skyrim:Redguard|Redguard]]
===[[Skyrim:Trainers|Trainers]]===
* [[Skyrim:Wuunferth the Unliving|Wuunferth the Unliving]] in [[Skyrim:Windhelm|Windhelm]] (Common)
* [[Skyrim:Sybille Stentor|Sybille Stentor]] in [[Skyrim:Solitude|Solitude]] (Expert)
* [[Skyrim:Faralda|Faralda]] in the [[Skyrim:College of Winterhold (place)|College of Winterhold]] (Master)
===[[Skyrim:Skill Books|Skill Books]]===
* ''[[Skyrim:The Art of War Magic|The Art of War Magic]]''
* ''[[Skyrim:Horror of Castle Xyr|Horror of Castle Xyr]]''
* ''[[Skyrim:A Hypothetical Treachery|A Hypothetical Treachery]]''
* ''[[Skyrim:Mystery of Talara, v3|Mystery of Talara, v3]]''
* ''[[Skyrim:Response to Bero's Speech|Response to Bero's Speech]]''
===[[Skyrim:Free_Skill_Boosts|Free Skill Boosts]]===
* +1 Destruction reward (and other magic skills) from [[Skyrim:Pantea_Ateia|Pantea Ateia]] ([[Skyrim:Bards_College|Bards College]]) for completing the quest [[Skyrim:Pantea's_Flute|Pantea's Flute]].
* +5 Destruction (+5 every magic skill) by selecting "The Path of Magic" when reading the [[Skyrim:Oghma Infinium|Oghma Infinium]] after completing the quest [[Skyrim:Discerning_the_Transmundane|Discerning the Transmundane]].
===Gaining Skill XP===
* The XP gain for Destruction skill is dependent on the base magicka cost of the spell and the damage inflicted on a target. Thus, increasing the difficulty level will slow down skill development, as your damage output will be lower. Lowering the difficulty below Adept (gaining bonus damage) will not increase the XP gains. Dual Casting does not increase XP gain.
* To level this skill, you must cast a spell on a valid target. This can be exploited by casting the spells on essential targets that will not turn hostile. Some of these targets include [[Skyrim:Shadowmere|Shadowmere]], [[Skyrim:Hadvar|Hadvar]] or [[Skyrim:Ralof|Ralof]] during [[Skyrim:Unbound|Unbound]], the [[Dragonborn:Riekling Chief|Riekling Chief]] during [[Dragonborn:The Chief of Thirsk Hall|The Chief of Thirsk Hall]]{{DB}}, [[Skyrim:Esbern|Esbern]] before [[Skyrim:A_Cornered_Rat|A Cornered Rat]], [[Skyrim:Paarthurnax_(dragon)|Paarthurnax]] before starting [[Skyrim:Paarthurnax (quest)|his quest]], [[Skyrim:M'aiq_the_Liar|M'aiq the Liar]], [[Skyrim:Ancano|Ancano]] before the conclusion of [[Skyrim:Revealing_the_Unseen|Revealing the Unseen]], conjured creatures, and [[Skyrim:Torture_Victim|torture victim]]s.
** Note that the target in question must actually sustain damage for it to count. For this reason, casting spells on invincible targets such as [[Skyrim:Child|Children]] and [[Skyrim:Brynjolf|Brynjolf]] will not level your skill.
* [[Skyrim:Regenerate Magicka|Regenerate Magicka]] effects help reduce downtimes while training.
* It is possible to reduce or even completely eliminate the magicka cost of spells by stacking [[Skyrim:Fortify Destruction|Fortify Destruction]] enchanting effects. The [[Dragonborn:Secret of Arcana|Secret of Arcana]]{{DB}} power does the same thing, but only for 30 seconds.
** The Secret of Arcana shout can be exploited using concentration spells, as the spell will continue to cost 0 so long as spell is uninterrupted.
* Casting Blizzard will increase Destruction Skill even if there is no opponent. Since the spell does a small amount of damage to you, this appears to count as a valid opponent. Although you can only obtain Blizzard at skill level 100, if you subsequently make your Destruction skill [[Skyrim:Skills#Legendary_Skills|legendary]], you can then use Blizzard to level it.
==Notes==
*Projectile spells shoot at 1 spell per second (2 if dual cast), much faster than even the fastest bow with the [[Skyrim:Quick Shot|Quick Shot]] perk.
*When you bash an opponent with a [[Skyrim:Torch|torch]], it will count towards leveling your Destruction skill: the fire damage from the torch is registered as magical fire damage like that of a spell, similar to how [[Skyrim:Dragon_Shouts|dragon shouts]] can be blocked by [[Skyrim:Ward|Ward]] spells, because they are considered magical attacks.
* [[#Destruction Dual Casting|Destruction Dual Casting]] enables you to cast a 220% strength version of the spell at 280% of normal cost when simultaneously casting the same spell from both hands.
*Rune spells can be used to draw [[Skyrim:Draugr|draugr]] out of their sarcophagi. Even "at rest," they will set off nearby runes and take damage from them. This is useful in barrows with large numbers of draugr, as it allows you to take them on one at a time. Furthermore, since [[Skyrim:Wall_of_Flames|Wall of Flames]] does not wake enclosed draugr, it can be applied around or in front of a sarcophagus before awakening the draugr within, resulting in nearly instant kills as they emerge. [[Skyrim:J'zargo's Flame Cloak Scroll|J'zargo's Flame Cloak Scrolls]] will also draw out draugr as the Rune Spell.
*[[Skyrim:Ice_Storm|Ice Storm]] can travel through walls or other obstructions and damage unseen foes.
*With a high enough skill level in Destruction, passing guards may say, ''"Destruction magic's fine; just don't go burning down any buildings"''.
*If the Impact perk is taken, Ice Storm will stagger all foes within its area of effect when dual cast, unlike Fireball and Chain Lightning, which will only stagger the target they hit directly.
==Bugs==
{{Bug|With the ''Disintegrate'' perk, if Lightning spells are used as a finishing blow to kill a dragon, the dragon's soul may not be absorbed.|OSP}}
{{Bug|The Cloak spells will dismiss summoned creatures because they are programmed to dispel any spell with the "that spell looks dangerous" flag. This was meant to dispel an existing cloak, but also affects other spells.|USKP|1.0}}
{{Bug|Many effects are not correctly affected by the ''Augmented Flames'', ''Augmented Frost'', and ''Augmented Shock'' perks. These perks rely upon the <code>MagicDamageFire</code>, <code>MagicDamageFrost</code>, and <code>MagicDamageShock</code> keywords to identify which magic effects should be enhanced by the perks, however many spell effects are missing those keywords—specifically, all Rune and Cloak spells.|USKP|1.0}}
*{{Bug|Conversely, all [[Skyrim:Damage Stamina|Damage Stamina]] enchantments are affected by the ''Augmented Flames'' perk.|confirmed=1|modnotes=EnchStaminaDamageFFContact incorrectly has MagicDamageFire applied.}}
{{Bug|The ''Deep Freeze'', ''Intense Flames'', and ''Disintegrate'' perks will cause your cloak spells to kill followers who are in bleedout.|USKP|1.2.3}}
{{Bug|If you kill anything with a frost spell, have the ''Deep Freeze'' perk, and try to reanimate them, they will just walk in place and do nothing.|confirmed=1}}
{{Bug|If you jump up and down repeatedly in a forge, you will be set on fire, which will slowly increase your Destruction skill. This does not work with special forges like the [[Skyrim:Skyforge|Skyforge]].|USKP|1.2|this no longer gives you Destruction experience}}
{{Bug|If you have the ''Disintegrate'' perk and use Lightning spells to kill enemy soldiers during the Civil War battles where they continuously respawn, the respawned enemy soldiers may be invisible.}}
{{Bug|The Wall spells do a direct damage of 8/sec and 20/sec to anything that touches them. At no point do they do the 50/sec stated in the spell description.|USKP|2.0.7|trackerid=17365}}
{{Skyrim Destruction Effects}}
{{Skills in Skyrim}}
|Image=SR-skill-Destruction.png
|Special=Magic
|ExTrail=[[Skyrim:Magic Overview|Magic]]
}}
'''Destruction''' magic provides many means of inflicting damage on enemies. [[Skyrim:Destruction Spells|Destruction spells]] use elements (fire, frost, or shock) to damage [[Skyrim:Health|health]]; an enemy's [[Skyrim:Magicka|magicka]] and [[Skyrim:Stamina|stamina]] can also be reduced. Increasing this skill reduces magicka cost when casting Destruction spells. Historical information about the School of Destruction is provided in the [[Lore:Destruction|lore article]]. The Destruction skill tree has a total of 14 perks, requiring a total of 17 perk points to fill.
In-game Description: ''The School of Destruction involves {{sic|the|description=phrase, with extra word 'the'}} harnessing the energies of fire, frost and shock. This skill makes it easier to cast spells like Fireball, Ice Spike, and Lightning Bolt.''
==Summary==
Destruction is the principal damage-dealing school of magic. Destruction mages can use perks to specialize in one or more of the elements—fire, frost, and shock—gaining the ability to do extra damage. Since some enemies are resistant to particular forms of magic, anyone relying on Destruction is well-advised to learn spells from more than one element, and perhaps to specialize in two or more.
=== Elements ===
==== Fire ====
* Lowest magicka cost of the three elements.
* Deals only health damage.
* Sets targets on fire, usually dealing an additional 10% damage over 1 second, but some spells do more.
* Special perk: [[#Intense Flames|Intense Flames]]. Causes enemies below 20% health to run away.
Many inhabitants of Skyrim are weak against [[Skyrim:Fire Damage|fire damage]], including [[Skyrim:Troll|troll]]s and all [[Skyrim:Creatures|creatures]] with "Frost", "Ice", or "Snow" in their name. In some dungeons there are [[Skyrim:Oil Slicks|pools of flammable liquid]] which you can ignite with fire magic, resulting in impressive conflagrations that can wipe out enemies in seconds, particularly at low levels. The ''Intense Flames'' perk is of limited use, firstly because humanoid enemies will drop down to their knees when their health is below 10%, and secondly because enemies that do not drop down will run away, forcing you to kill them some other way.
In addition, by casting the [[Skyrim:Flames|Flames]] spell repeatedly in short bursts, you can apply the "on-fire" effect several times, which will dramatically increase your damage output. If you take the [[Skyrim:Aspect of Terror|Aspect of Terror]] perk from the [[Skyrim:Illusion|Illusion]] skill tree, it will make this trick even more devastating and potentially viable even at high levels despite being a Novice-level spell. It should also be noted that even without ''Aspect of Terror'', Flames is the second-most magicka-efficient spell in the base game (after [[Skyrim:Firebolt|Firebolt]]), and ''Aspect of Terror'' will make it an uncontested first place. This trick also works well when combined with the [[Skyrim:Slow Time|Slow Time]] [[Skyrim:Dragon Shouts|shout]]. With Dragonborn installed, [[Dragonborn:Ignite|Ignite]] is much more magicka-efficient, but will not advance your Destruction skill very quickly.
==== Frost ====
* Middle magicka cost of the three elements.
* Deals damage to health and stamina (typically the same amount).
* [[Skyrim:Slow|Slows]] targets by 50% for a few seconds (duration varies).
* Special perk: [[#Deep Freeze|Deep Freeze]]. Causes enemies below 20% health to be [[Skyrim:Paralyze (effect)|paralyzed]].
Unfortunately, many enemies boast a resistance to Frost damage, and [[Skyrim:Nord|Nords]]—the most common NPCs in Skyrim—resist it as well. [[Skyrim:Vampire|Vampires]] have a bonus 50% Frost resistance and Nord vampires are completely immune, as are all [[Skyrim:Dwarven Automatons| Dwarven automatons]]. The ''Deep Freeze'' perk is useful, but almost exactly the same effect can be achieved with dual-casting and [[#Impact|Impact]]. The Adept-level area effect missile spell, [[Skyrim:Ice Storm|Ice Storm]], is distinct from its counterparts in the other two elements in that it covers an area of effect as the projectile itself travels, instead of just projecting its effect area upon impact. Large swaths can be attacked by rapid-fire tandem casting of Ice Storm.
Usage of any frost attacks against [[Skyrim:Bandit|bandits]] or other primarily melee-based foes shows the utility of the stamina-damage and slow effects, as it can impair their ability to power attack or shield bash, as well as allow you to stay out of their melee range. However, Ice Storm's primary weakness is that unlike Fireball and Chain Lightning, it has a limited range (though still three times as far as your typical concentration spell) and is also quite slow, making it more difficult to target fast opponents in open areas.
==== Shock ====
* Highest magicka cost of the three elements.
* Deals damage to health and magicka (magicka damage is typically 50% of the health damage).
* Generally shorter range, but projectiles hit instantly.
* Special perk: [[#Disintegrate|Disintegrate]]. Instantly kills enemies below 15% health.
In practice, enemy mages tend to have more magicka than health, which combined with the fact that you deal more health damage than magicka damage might make the magicka damage meaningless. However, skilled mages with the proper magicka reserves will win in a mage-vs-mage duel of attrition. The magicka damage is also effective against [[Skyrim:Dragon|dragons]] who are unable to shout once their magicka pool is depleted. Shock spells have three chief advantages: firstly, there are few enemies that are resistant to shock damage, and in the base game, only [[Skyrim:Storm Atronach|storm atronach]]s and [[Skyrim:Orchendor|Orchendor]] have 100% shock resistance, making it equally useful against practically all enemies and allowing you to save perks by specializing in just one element (Dawnguard and Dragonborn add a couple of unique creatures with shock resistance, along with [[Dragonborn:Netch|netch]], [[Dragonborn:Seeker|seeker]]s and [[Dragonborn:Shock Spider|shock spider]]s). Secondly, unlike fire and frost, all shock spells hit instantly wherever you're aiming them, making it easier to hit moving targets, though at a reduced range compared to fire and frost spells. Finally, shock gets a specialization perk, ''Disintegrate'', which effectively reduces hit points of all enemies in the game by 15% (though it may cause some looting problems as of patch 1.3, so be careful). This perk is particularly useful when dealing with [[Skyrim:Necromancer|necromancers]], or anything else capable of raising the dead, since it ensures that the disintegrated target cannot be reanimated. At the same time, if you wish to reanimate enemies, you should either avoid this perk or avoid using shock damage on enemies you want to revive.
=== Spell Types ===
Across each elemental family, the pattern of spells is consistent:
{|class = "wikitable"
! Type !! Level !! Fire !! Frost !! Shock !! Effect !! Base Damage
|-
| Spray || Novice || Flames || Frostbite || Sparks || Short range spell that deals damage as long as you cast || 8/s
|-
| Missile || Apprentice || Firebolt || Ice Spike || Lightning Bolt || Single-target missile || 25
|-
| Rune || Apprentice || Fire Rune || Frost Rune || Lightning Rune || Cast on a surface and triggered like a proximity mine || 50
|-
| Area Missile || Adept || Fireball || Ice Storm || Chain Lightning || Multiple-target missile (projectile behaviors vary specific to which element)|| 40
|-
| Cloak || Adept || Flame Cloak || Frost Cloak || Lightning Cloak || Harms all enemies in melee range || 8/s
|-
| Heavy Missile || Expert || Incinerate || Icy Spear || Thunderbolt || Single-target missile || 60
|-
| Wall || Expert || Wall of Flames || Wall of Frost || Wall of Storms || Persistent sprayed-down obstacle that does damage when walked through || 20/s
|-
| Storm || Master || Fire Storm || Blizzard || Lightning Storm || Constant wide area of effect || varies
|}
== Perks ==
{{Perk Tree Setup|width=400}}
{{Perk Tree|perks=
{{Image Mark|439|733|Novice Destruction|mark_alt=Novice Destruction: 0 Destruction. Cast Novice level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=bottom}}
{{Image Mark|592|535|Apprentice Destruction|mark_alt=Apprentice Destruction: 25 Destruction. Cast Apprentice level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=bottom}}
{{Image Mark|572|341|Adept Destruction|mark_alt=Adept Destruction: 50 Destruction. Cast Adept level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=topright}}
{{Image Mark|623|226|Expert Destruction|mark_alt=Expert Destruction: 75 Destruction. Cast Expert level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=topright}}
{{Image Mark|618|74|Master Destruction|mark_alt=Master Destruction: 100 Destruction. Cast Master level Destruction spells for half magicka.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|683|422|Rune Master|mark_alt=Rune Master: 40 Destruction. Can place runes five times farther away.|position=topright}}
{{Image Mark|274|494|Augmented Flames|mark_alt=Augmented Flames (2 ranks): 30/60 Destruction. Fire spells do 25/50% more damage.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|253|360|Intense Flames|mark_alt=Intense Flames: 50 Destruction. Fire damage causes targets to flee if their health is low.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|390|438|Augmented Frost|mark_alt=Augmented Frost (2 ranks): 30/60 Destruction. Frost spells do 25/50% more damage.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|370|274|Deep Freeze|mark_alt=Deep Freeze: 60 Destruction. Frost damage paralyzes targets if their health is low.|position=left}}
{{Image Mark|480|433|Augmented Shock|mark_alt=Augmented Shock (2 ranks): 30/60 Destruction. Shock spells do 25/50% more damage.|position=bottomright}}
{{Image Mark|476|232|Disintegrate|mark_alt=Disintegrate: 70 Destruction. Shock damage disintegrates targets if their health is low.|position=topleft}}
{{Image Mark|678|654|Destruction Dual Casting|mark_alt=Destruction Dual Casting: 20 Destruction. Dual casting a Destruction spell overcharges the effects into an even more powerful version.|position=right}}
{{Image Mark|733|530|Impact|mark_alt=Impact: 40 Destruction. Most destruction spells will stagger an opponent when dual cast.|position=right}}
}}
{{NewLeft}}
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Perk
!class=unsortable|Rank
!class=unsortable|Description
!class=unsortable|[[Skyrim:Form ID|ID]]
!class=num_sort|Skill Req.
!Perk Req.
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Novice Destruction}}''
| Cast Novice level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000f2ca8}}
|
|
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Apprentice Destruction}}''
| Cast Apprentice level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000c44bf}}
| 25 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Adept Destruction}}''
| Cast Adept level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000c44c0}}
| 50 Destruction
| Apprentice Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Expert Destruction}}''
| Cast Expert level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000c44c1}}
| 75 Destruction
| Adept Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Master Destruction}}''
| Cast Master level Destruction spells for half magicka.
| {{ID|000c44c2}}
| 100 Destruction
| Expert Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Rune Master}}''
| Can place runes five times farther away.
| {{ID|00105f32}}
| 40 Destruction
| Apprentice Destruction
|-
|rowspan=2|''{{LE|Augmented Flames}}''
| 1
| Fire spells do 25% more damage.
| {{ID|000581e7}}
| 30 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
| 2
| Fire spells do 50% more damage.
| {{ID|0010fcf8}}
|<span style="display:none">30</span> 60 Destruction
| Augmented Flames Level 1
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Intense Flames}}''
| Fire damage causes targets to flee if their health is low (under 20%).
| {{ID|000f392e}}
| 50 Destruction
| Augmented Flames
|-
|rowspan=2|''{{LE|Augmented Frost}}''
| 1
| Frost spells do 25% more damage.
| {{ID|000581ea}}
| 30 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
| 2
| Frost spells do 50% more damage.
| {{ID|0010fcf9}}
|<span style="display:none">30</span> 60 Destruction
|Augmented Frost Level 1
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Deep Freeze}}''
| Frost damage paralyzes targets if their health is low (under 20%).{{intnote|stability|†}}
| {{ID|000f3933}}
| 60 Destruction
| Augmented Frost
|-
|rowspan=2|''{{LE|Augmented Shock}}''
| 1
| Shock spells do 25% more damage.
| {{ID|00058200}}
| 30 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
| 2
| Shock spells do 50% more damage.
| {{ID|0010fcfa}}
|<span style="display:none">30</span> 60 Destruction
| Augmented Shock Level 1
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Disintegrate}}''
| Shock spells disintegrate targets if their health is low (under 15%).
| {{ID|000f3f0e}}
| 70 Destruction
| Augmented Shock
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Destruction Dual Casting}}''
| [[Skyrim:Magic_Overview#Dual-Casting|Dual casting]] a Destruction spell overcharges the effects into an even more powerful version.
| {{ID|000153cf}}
| 20 Destruction
| Novice Destruction
|-
|colspan=2|''{{LE|Impact}}''
| Most destruction spells will stagger an opponent when dual cast.
| {{ID|000153d2}}
| 40 Destruction
| Destruction Dual Casting
|}
{{Note|stability|†|This effect is affected by any [[Skyrim:Alteration|Alteration]]-modifiers, such as the [[Skyrim:Stability|Stability]] perk.}}
==Spells==
{{Skyrim:Destruction Spells}}
===Spell List Notes===
{{Skyrim:Spell List Notes|noheader=1}}
===Magical Effects===
The following individual effects are all considered to be part of the school of Destruction (see the individual effect pages for full details on availability; the [[Skyrim:Magical Effects#Destruction|Magical Effects]] article also provides a summary):
* [[Image:SR-icon-spell-Fire.png|24px|Fire Damage]] [[Skyrim:Fire Damage|Fire Damage]]
* [[Image:SR-icon-spell-Ice.png|24px|Frost Damage]] [[Skyrim:Frost Damage|Frost Damage]]
* [[Image:SR-icon-spell-Shock.png|24px|Shock Damage]] [[Skyrim:Shock Damage|Shock Damage]]
* [[File:DB-icon-spell-Whirlwind.png|24px|Whirlwind Cloak]] [[Dragonborn:Whirlwind Cloak|Whirlwind Cloak]] {{DB}}
== Skill Usage==
Be aware that increasing your Destruction skill level decreases the casting cost, but does not increase the spell damage. To keep using Destruction magic effectively against tougher opponents, you will need to either learn stronger spells, pick the damage increasing perks, or both.
Shock spells reach their target nearly instantaneously, much faster than the other elements, so you do not have to lead your shot when targeting moving opponents.
Rune spells can only be placed close to the caster, and the continuous-damage Novice-level spells [[Skyrim:Flames|Flames]], [[Skyrim:Sparks|Sparks]], and [[Skyrim:Frostbite|Frostbite]] have a very limited range. However, the range of Rune spells can be improved with the [[#Rune Master|Rune Master]] perk.
It is best to use Rune spells in close quarters or tight entrances, and is especially useful for those that mix stealth and magic. They are also useful for triggering [[Skyrim:Draugr|draugr]] that are hidden in crypts. What's more, if you have the ''Rune Master'' perk, runes can be used as an instantaneous mid-range attack.
Use the various cloak spells when battling multiple enemies, as any nearby opponent that you are not focusing on will still take damage. Be aware, however, that cloak spells will only level your Destruction skill on a per cast basis, not a per damage basis.
When facing a difficult opponent with high health, such as a [[Skyrim:Dragon_Priest|dragon priest]], it is often helpful to make use of the dual-casting ''Impact'' perk. This effectively allows you to stagger-lock the opponent, preventing them from retaliating. Larger opponents like dragons and [[Skyrim:Dwarven Centurion|Dwarven Centurions]] can only be staggered if you have the ''Augmented'' perk that corresponds to your spell (for example, ''Augmented Fire'' for [[Skyrim:Firebolt|Firebolt]]).
Note that the ''Dual Casting'' perk is magicka inefficient, as it means only 10% damage increase for 40% higher magicka cost. Unless you have a lot of magicka or a lot of casting-cost-reducing gear, it is more efficient to cast two normal spells with both hands (you can still cast two single-cast spells after acquiring the perk by activating one hand then the other in rapid succession, rather than activating both hands simultaneously for the dual-cast version). However, dual casting has two advantages that, situation depending, may outweigh the additional cost: the DPS of dual casting is higher, and the ''Impact'' perk provides a guaranteed stagger, depending on the spell. The stagger effect has no effect if the target is already staggering, thus a good balance between efficient damage and shutdown of the target is to alternate a dual-cast with two quick double casts. ''Impact'' does not work with constant 'stream' spells (Flames, Frostbite), Novice-level spells, the Wall-type Expert spells, or Master-level spells.
Note that any spells that require preparation time to be cast stop your magicka from regenerating for the duration of the charge up until the spell is cast. This means that both preparing and holding spells, and casting spells in rapid succession reduce the amount of time available for magicka regeneration, and make sustained casting difficult. In order to maximize natural magicka regeneration while in combat, it's best to minimize any time spent "waiting" to cast a fully-charged spell.
When using Fireball or Chain Lightning, it is better to aim at the ground or wall near the target than at the target itself. There is no proximity falloff to damage in the area of effect, and the wall or ground near a moving target is far easier to hit than the target iteslf. Use those spells (and Ice Storm as well) to attack areas, not specific targets.
==Skill Increases==
===Character Creation===
The following [[Skyrim:Races|races]] have an initial skill bonus to Destruction:
* +10 bonus: [[Skyrim:Dunmer|Dunmer]]
* +5 bonus: [[Skyrim:Altmer|Altmer]], [[Skyrim:Imperial|Imperial]], [[Skyrim:Redguard|Redguard]]
===[[Skyrim:Trainers|Trainers]]===
* [[Skyrim:Wuunferth the Unliving|Wuunferth the Unliving]] in [[Skyrim:Windhelm|Windhelm]] (Common)
* [[Skyrim:Sybille Stentor|Sybille Stentor]] in [[Skyrim:Solitude|Solitude]] (Expert)
* [[Skyrim:Faralda|Faralda]] in the [[Skyrim:College of Winterhold (place)|College of Winterhold]] (Master)
===[[Skyrim:Skill Books|Skill Books]]===
* ''[[Skyrim:The Art of War Magic|The Art of War Magic]]''
* ''[[Skyrim:Horror of Castle Xyr|Horror of Castle Xyr]]''
* ''[[Skyrim:A Hypothetical Treachery|A Hypothetical Treachery]]''
* ''[[Skyrim:Mystery of Talara, v3|Mystery of Talara, v3]]''
* ''[[Skyrim:Response to Bero's Speech|Response to Bero's Speech]]''
===[[Skyrim:Free_Skill_Boosts|Free Skill Boosts]]===
* +1 Destruction reward (and other magic skills) from [[Skyrim:Pantea_Ateia|Pantea Ateia]] ([[Skyrim:Bards_College|Bards College]]) for completing the quest [[Skyrim:Pantea's_Flute|Pantea's Flute]].
* +5 Destruction (+5 every magic skill) by selecting "The Path of Magic" when reading the [[Skyrim:Oghma Infinium|Oghma Infinium]] after completing the quest [[Skyrim:Discerning_the_Transmundane|Discerning the Transmundane]].
===Gaining Skill XP===
* The XP gain for Destruction skill is dependent on the base magicka cost of the spell and the damage inflicted on a target. Thus, increasing the difficulty level will slow down skill development, as your damage output will be lower. Lowering the difficulty below Adept (gaining bonus damage) will not increase the XP gains. Dual Casting does not increase XP gain.
* To level this skill, you must cast a spell on a valid target. This can be exploited by casting the spells on essential targets that will not turn hostile. Some of these targets include [[Skyrim:Shadowmere|Shadowmere]], [[Skyrim:Hadvar|Hadvar]] or [[Skyrim:Ralof|Ralof]] during [[Skyrim:Unbound|Unbound]], the [[Dragonborn:Riekling Chief|Riekling Chief]] during [[Dragonborn:The Chief of Thirsk Hall|The Chief of Thirsk Hall]]{{DB}}, [[Skyrim:Esbern|Esbern]] before [[Skyrim:A_Cornered_Rat|A Cornered Rat]], [[Skyrim:Paarthurnax_(dragon)|Paarthurnax]] before starting [[Skyrim:Paarthurnax (quest)|his quest]], [[Skyrim:M'aiq_the_Liar|M'aiq the Liar]], [[Skyrim:Ancano|Ancano]] before the conclusion of [[Skyrim:Revealing_the_Unseen|Revealing the Unseen]], conjured creatures, and [[Skyrim:Torture_Victim|torture victim]]s.
** Note that the target in question must actually sustain damage for it to count. For this reason, casting spells on invincible targets such as [[Skyrim:Child|Children]] and [[Skyrim:Brynjolf|Brynjolf]] will not level your skill.
* [[Skyrim:Regenerate Magicka|Regenerate Magicka]] effects help reduce downtimes while training.
* It is possible to reduce or even completely eliminate the magicka cost of spells by stacking [[Skyrim:Fortify Destruction|Fortify Destruction]] enchanting effects. The [[Dragonborn:Secret of Arcana|Secret of Arcana]]{{DB}} power does the same thing, but only for 30 seconds.
** The Secret of Arcana shout can be exploited using concentration spells, as the spell will continue to cost 0 so long as spell is uninterrupted.
* Casting Blizzard will increase Destruction Skill even if there is no opponent. Since the spell does a small amount of damage to you, this appears to count as a valid opponent. Although you can only obtain Blizzard at skill level 100, if you subsequently make your Destruction skill [[Skyrim:Skills#Legendary_Skills|legendary]], you can then use Blizzard to level it.
==Notes==
*Projectile spells shoot at 1 spell per second (2 if dual cast), much faster than even the fastest bow with the [[Skyrim:Quick Shot|Quick Shot]] perk.
*When you bash an opponent with a [[Skyrim:Torch|torch]], it will count towards leveling your Destruction skill: the fire damage from the torch is registered as magical fire damage like that of a spell, similar to how [[Skyrim:Dragon_Shouts|dragon shouts]] can be blocked by [[Skyrim:Ward|Ward]] spells, because they are considered magical attacks.
* [[#Destruction Dual Casting|Destruction Dual Casting]] enables you to cast a 220% strength version of the spell at 280% of normal cost when simultaneously casting the same spell from both hands.
*Rune spells can be used to draw [[Skyrim:Draugr|draugr]] out of their sarcophagi. Even "at rest," they will set off nearby runes and take damage from them. This is useful in barrows with large numbers of draugr, as it allows you to take them on one at a time. Furthermore, since [[Skyrim:Wall_of_Flames|Wall of Flames]] does not wake enclosed draugr, it can be applied around or in front of a sarcophagus before awakening the draugr within, resulting in nearly instant kills as they emerge. [[Skyrim:J'zargo's Flame Cloak Scroll|J'zargo's Flame Cloak Scrolls]] will also draw out draugr as the Rune Spell.
*[[Skyrim:Ice_Storm|Ice Storm]] can travel through walls or other obstructions and damage unseen foes.
*With a high enough skill level in Destruction, passing guards may say, ''"Destruction magic's fine; just don't go burning down any buildings"''.
*If the Impact perk is taken, Ice Storm will stagger all foes within its area of effect when dual cast, unlike Fireball and Chain Lightning, which will only stagger the target they hit directly.
==Bugs==
{{Bug|With the ''Disintegrate'' perk, if Lightning spells are used as a finishing blow to kill a dragon, the dragon's soul may not be absorbed.|OSP}}
{{Bug|The Cloak spells will dismiss summoned creatures because they are programmed to dispel any spell with the "that spell looks dangerous" flag. This was meant to dispel an existing cloak, but also affects other spells.|USKP|1.0}}
{{Bug|Many effects are not correctly affected by the ''Augmented Flames'', ''Augmented Frost'', and ''Augmented Shock'' perks. These perks rely upon the <code>MagicDamageFire</code>, <code>MagicDamageFrost</code>, and <code>MagicDamageShock</code> keywords to identify which magic effects should be enhanced by the perks, however many spell effects are missing those keywords—specifically, all Rune and Cloak spells.|USKP|1.0}}
*{{Bug|Conversely, all [[Skyrim:Damage Stamina|Damage Stamina]] enchantments are affected by the ''Augmented Flames'' perk.|confirmed=1|modnotes=EnchStaminaDamageFFContact incorrectly has MagicDamageFire applied.}}
{{Bug|The ''Deep Freeze'', ''Intense Flames'', and ''Disintegrate'' perks will cause your cloak spells to kill followers who are in bleedout.|USKP|1.2.3}}
{{Bug|If you kill anything with a frost spell, have the ''Deep Freeze'' perk, and try to reanimate them, they will just walk in place and do nothing.|confirmed=1}}
{{Bug|If you jump up and down repeatedly in a forge, you will be set on fire, which will slowly increase your Destruction skill. This does not work with special forges like the [[Skyrim:Skyforge|Skyforge]].|USKP|1.2|this no longer gives you Destruction experience}}
{{Bug|If you have the ''Disintegrate'' perk and use Lightning spells to kill enemy soldiers during the Civil War battles where they continuously respawn, the respawned enemy soldiers may be invisible.}}
{{Bug|The Wall spells do a direct damage of 8/sec and 20/sec to anything that touches them. At no point do they do the 50/sec stated in the spell description.|USKP|2.0.7|trackerid=17365}}
{{Skyrim Destruction Effects}}
{{Skills in Skyrim}}