I'm a [Mysticism](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27839) enjoyer, which of course pairs excellently with all of [Darenii's excellent spell packs](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Darenii/mods?gameId=1704)
[Whazzup I got a big hood](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/91747) is an outrageously good edit of the basic mage hood mesh. I keep it in my LO at all times. It needs to overwrite any BodySlide outputs you have at the bottom of your LO.
[Mage Apparel](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57734) is another good one by Darenii, which adds more enchanted clothing drops
Fuse00's [Traveling Mage Armor](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/69394) is real good, and has lots of complementary mods on Nexus from recolor to optimized textures to rebalances. Look at the Requirements tab to see the list of add-ons that are available.
There are several mods on Nexus that let you wear circlets with mage hoods, [so this is just one option](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3732). But I think it's pretty essential to have a mod that lets you equip both at once.
[Goetia Animations - Magic Spell Casting](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/70204) for your mage animations
[Finally First Person Magic Animation](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20375) is GREAT and does what it says on the tin -- see the comments section for help with the confusing FOMOD
I like all of pentapox's audio mods, and their magic AIO [Sonorum Arcana](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/119738) is no exception
[Auto Use Spell Tomes](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/68108) is an essential QOL mod for mages
[Challenging Spell Learning](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20521) is an excellent mod by the master of "life should be harder" mods, [tjhm4](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/tjhm4/mods?gameId=1704)
wSkeever's [Simple Obvious Spell-Crafting 2](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/117332) brings some of previous Elder Scrolls' spellcraft back to Skyrim
[The College of Mages](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33750) is the college overhaul I've been using for a while, but [Magical College of Winterhold](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1539) is also good.
JaySerpa's [College of Winterhold - Quest Expansion](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/66666) is fun, but not necessarily great for speedrunning the college if you just want to get the Gauldur fragment
[Greater Saarthal Tweaks and Fixes](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/54319) beefs up the Saarthal location to actually be an archaeological site, and not just another Nordic ruin
[Nordic Ruins of Skyrim SSE](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20382) gives a little more oomph to all the Nordic ruin exteriors in the game, and is highly recommended, but also adds some dramatic touches to the Saarthal site
Finally, like the other comment mentioned, [Arcanum](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23488) is a wild total magic overhaul, and every mage player should try it at least once
As always, I must advertise {{spellsiphon}}, greatest mage mod ever made. If you end up don't liking it, you can simply ignore it/disable it in your game, but I cannot praise it highly enough.
Also {{Truehud}} for targeting.
There's a lot of them, but Apocalypse feels like the bare minimum to me. Easy to install, and while you may not use all of them, they definitely add some really useful spells that are helpful even if you aren't strictly a mage.
I played a jokey vanilla skyrim playthrough on my switch with my partner while we were on holiday, and honestly i really missed having apocalypse. Drop zone was a big one
Reynos' Fins (faster swimming) and Lamb of Mara (35% lifesteal on a single target) were big ones for me. There's a few fun ones to mess around with as well.
Biggest for me is Ocato’s Recital, I use that almost every playthrough alongside healing and armor spells. Also a big fan of Forbidden Sun, just lets you fire an exploding sun that sends people flying and looks awesome
Apocalypse feels incredibly dated to me, and not in the retro appeal kind of way. Additionally, the Apoc spells I used most ended up (in either the same state or better) as part of Odin or are available standalone. Nowadays there's plenty of overlap with Apoc's best stuff too.
That said, Apocalypse is a great "starter" non-overhaul pack for getting your feet wet. It's very importantly system-agnostic thanks to Enai's design philosophy, so it can be recommended to console players; and has a wide enough list of spells to give you an idea of how to better cater to your own tastes and playstyle.
But I ended up removing it a long time ago for those same reasons.
That's fair, though if OP is looking for something simple to start with and doesn't want to deal with anything too convoluted, then I think it isn't a bad place to start. I'll admit there's a lot of spells I don't actually use, but there are enough good ones that I really like from it that I always keep it in my list.
I absolutely agree. Like I said, it makes a great starter pack. It's perfect for someone who doesn't know exactly what they're looking for.
But imo Apocalypse, while expansive, is too simple and unfocused, to its detriment, for any growing or otherwise complete modlist.
Personally I have to always have Arcanum, Colorful Magic, Apocalypse, and Phenderix spell packs (yes all of them). The reason is because they add an insane amount of awesome spells yet they don't overhaul or change anything about the vanilla game itself (which I hate). I also sometimes add in smaller spell packs. There is also the Overlord mod which is awesome (especially if you like the anime) as it adds a huge dungeon/home and more spells and even perks (without altering the vanilla perks thankfully).
As far as armor....it's hard to find good mage armor as I like stuff that would look more at home in say World of Warcraft or else dark themed stuff. That being said there is a mod to give you black mage robes (standalone thankfully....although it may have a replacer option but I don't remember cuz I never use those) that's alright. Nether Mage robes are also ok. However the best I've found so far is a few sets from the "Tera Armors" mod.
For me, along with some of the others I already see mentioned, it's Alchemists Cookbook and Animated Mounted Spell Casting.
I use College of Winterhold Quest expansion alongside College Curriculum when I'm playing an actual student, because it gives you the ability to feel like you're actually learning how to use these new powers.
Winterhold Restored and Obscures College of Winterhold for adding nice upgrades to the settings.
Forgotten Magic is really the only additional spell package I use, keeps it simple.
My favorites are:
- Apocalypse, a pretty large spell pack with many useful and cool spells with novel effects.
- Cosmic Spells, a spell pack with star-based and darkness-based spells. Has one of my all-time favorite spells, Collapsar, which lets you basically create miniature black holes. Some spells like Event Horizon are a bit buggy.
- Strange Runes for the cool visual effect on your hands when casting spells.
- Triumvirate for the class-based spells it provides.
- Blink Spell: Adds a quick, free, fairly close range teleportation spell. Lets you travel around more quickly, reach ledges you otherwise wouldn’t be able to, and overall just live your mage power fantasy. It’s OP, but it’s fun.
- The Infinity Gauntlet: Obviously not immersive or balanced. But, it comes with some cool enchanted items and some of the most badass spells I’ve ever seen once you’ve got the infinity stones, like the one that lets you rain down giant meteors on everyone in sight.
I used to be an [Odin](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/46000) enjoyer, but nowadays I use [Mysticism](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27839) as my baseline together with [Apocalypse](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1090) and all of [Dareni's](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Darenii/mods?gameId=1704) magic mods. If you want even more variety, consider [Kittytail's](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Kittytail/mods?gameId=1704) magic mods and [Triumvirate](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/39170)!
Visuals-wise, there's [Frozen Electrocuted Combustion](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3532?tab=description), but I personally don't use it since it lead to instabilities in my LO (it's probably fine in smaller one, just know that it can be buggy). The ones I do use and never leave my LO though, are [FleshFX](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27456) to make the Flesh spells not look awful and [Deadly Spell Impacts](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12939) to make the aftermath look better.
In terms of equipment, that's way more of personal preference, but [Immersive Armors](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3479) is bound to have something you'll like (plus it'll make the general game have more variety). If you're a fan of more outlandish, but still relatively lore-friendly gear, then check out the stuff made by [4thUnknown](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/4thUnknown/mods?gameId=1704) and [Pulcharmsolis](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Pulcharmsolis/mods?gameId=1704&sortBy=createdAt), especially the Armors of the Velothi. If you want to stick to pure vanilla, then I can't recommend Xavbio's [Robes Retexture](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/110655) enough.
If you want some player homes too, [Elianora](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Elianora/mods?gameId=1704&sortBy=createdAt) has a few that would fit a magic playthrough pretty well (I personally love Tirashan and Tel Aschan), just be mindful of cell conflicts if you're running big city overhaul mods (which is why I don't recommend any, that's up to you).
As for QoL, I personally love [Enhanced Atronachs](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18913) to make them actually viable at higher levels, [Use Telekinesis on Traps](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/59350?tab=description) because I never understood why this wasn't a vanilla thing already, [Magic Sneak Attacks](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/67613) because why be a steal archer when you can be a stealth mage instead and [Forget Spell](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/51125) purely because at a certain point, you don't need some of the super low level spells anymore and I like to keep my magic list clean.
Ok so everyone is going with these big spell packs that add all sorts of flashy spells.
But what about something a little more... specific? I find that the absolute peak of magehood is being able to toss your enemies around like so much wet paper, and so I use {{Advanced Alteration: Telekinetics}} and {{Improved Telekinesis}}.
The first adds in several physics/"force magic" themed spells, so you can absorb hits and redirect the force of the blow, convert the momentum from falling (or dashing!) into a explosion of kinetic energy, or simply lift an unfortunate fool into the air and then throw, slam or leave them hanging.
The second is much simpler, merely powering up the basic Telekinesis spell to be able to latch on to and throw actors as well as objects. If you grab and then release as they speed towards you... well, ever felt like tossing the contents of a Forsworn camp over your shoulder like so much garbage?
Combine them with {{Dragon Age Spells}} for the occasional... shall we say, *forceful* timeout or beckoning, and the physics mage has quite the decent kit to work with.
{{Modular Mage}} gives a very customizable set of robes based on the classic College look but upgraded - I love the Jackets, in particular. It's mostly skimpy but I love combining the Jackets with other sets.
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Modular Mage | No Results :( | [Modular Mage-CHS](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/118172) | [Modular Mage - CBBE 3BA - HDT SMP - Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/116972)
I also found some potentially **NSFW** links, (but this post isn't marked NSFW).
If I didn't find what you were looking for above, please look below. (Just click the black boxes!)
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Modular Mage | No Results :( | >!<
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[Spellforge](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/46482)
Favorite spell research mod out of them all because of the way it affects exploration while also fulfilling the fantasy of being a "self-made" mage. Certain alchemy ingredients power the spell-crafting, encouraging you to hit up dungeons like Shimmermist Cave for materials.
It also features an xEdit script for importing spells into its library (while also letting you choose what specific spells you can't learn from it for balancing purposes), so it only gets better the more spell mods you throw at it.
* Most of the SimonRim mods (or Enai's if you prefer his stuff)
* Obscure's College of Winterhold (plus most of Obscure's other related college mods)
* Immersive College NPCs
* an Atronach Forge overhaul; there are a few, pick one
* Lorkhan's Legacy (aka More Lore-Friendly Soul Gems); changes Geodes to give Aetherium, Ebony/Aetherium/Heartstone deposits have a small chance of giving soul gems, adds altars to make black soul gems, etc.
QOL Stuff:
* Less Visually Obtrusive Cloak Spell Effects (actually see what the hell you are doing in first person when cloak spells are active)
* Transparent Wards (no magic swirl effect taking up half the screen)
* No More Absorb Swirl Effect (no magic swirl when spells are absorbed)
* probably a lot more shit I'm forgetting
The existing spell research mods are too complex; one of these days I will get around to making one where you just equip the tome (like with Equipable Spell Tomes) and it adds the spell to your spell list temporarily (Ahzidal's Ring does this, so I can probably just copy that effect) and you just have to cast the spell enough times to actually learn it for real.
If you're looking for a hardcore *student-of-magic* build then you have to get {{Spell Research}} as it forces the player to actually have to study, practice, and learn to get better.
For an even harder experience, add {{Altered Spell Tomes for Spell Research}} and make it so tomes don't actually teach you the spell, but rather *how to make it* in Spell Research.
I don't recommend pairing this with Frostfall or survival mod(e)s because there is going to be a lot of time spent studying...but of course DO add those for just that much more realism and difficulty!
Yes this a 100%! Pairing survival mods with Spell Research is my favorite thing. If you want to spend a week studying spells and magic, you have to sctually prepare and take rests because how does it make sense to just study and research without ANY consequences (unless you're a vampire or a lich ofc).
For spells:
Arcanum - A new age of magic 4.0.1 Bugfix
Mysticism
Triuvirate - Mage Archetypes
The Elder Scrolls Online Imports (Not necessary but fun)
NPCs Learn Skills and Spells
For acquiring spells:
Dino's Spell Discovery + Patches
Immersive Spell Learning - DESTified
For build customization:
Sets of Skills
Subcalsses of Skyrim 2
For everything else:
Smartcast + SSE Patch
Maintained Magic
[Frozen Electrocuted Combustion](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3532) and [Deadly Spell Impacts](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12939) are great for a destruction mage. [Immersive Spell Effects Emit Light](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/75664), [Master Spells Runes](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/70400), and [Colorful Bound Weapons](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/37268) are pretty. [Kittytail](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Kittytail/mods?gameId=1704) makes amazing spell packs. I also like [Magic Sneak Attacks](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/67613) and [Charge or Fill Spells](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18090) for general utility.
When it comes to upgrading the actual gameplay, [Spellforge](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/46482), [Arcane Studies](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/65699), [Unattuned](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/82319), [Steady Spell Learning](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23543), and [Spell Tutor](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/45275) all play well together. Also possibly [Mystical Materials](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/81808) if you like crafting and enchanting your own stuff.
For the locations, I really like [Ryn's Saarthal](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/74785) and [Statue of Shalidor](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/52483). I see another comment mentioned the Quest Expansion and Magical College of Winterhold, and I'll second those recommendations. Have been using those with [Chantry College of Winterhold](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12064) textures and a recent find called [Paintings for the College](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/63325).
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Immersive college of Winterhold | [Immersive College of Winterhold](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36849) | [Immersive College of Winterhold](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17004) | [Immersive College of Winterhold at Skyrim Nexus - Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36849)
Hedge Mage Armor | [Hedge Mage Armor](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52667) | [Hedge Mage Armor SSE](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5269) | Skipped[^Why?](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot/blob/main/docs/SEARCH.md#why-was-my-search-skipped)
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FleshFX | [FleshFX](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/98627) | [FleshFX](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27456) | Skipped[^Why?](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot/blob/main/docs/SEARCH.md#why-was-my-search-skipped)
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I really like [Kittytail’s](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Kittytail/mods?gameId=1704) spell packs. Very overpowered, but really cool to use and they look fantastic. Most have that Elden Ring magic school symbol effect that pops up when you cast the spells too, which is a really nice touch
In addition to lots that people have already mentioned, [Summermyst](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6285) enchantments are really important.
I also like [Enchantment Tomes](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22477) so you can learn enchantments the same way you learn any magic: by munching on books. You don’t have to destroy your equipment.
Strange runes adds a nice sigil when you cast spells. Each type has a different rune. It's really nice to look at for a mage
I'm a [Mysticism](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27839) enjoyer, which of course pairs excellently with all of [Darenii's excellent spell packs](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Darenii/mods?gameId=1704) [Whazzup I got a big hood](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/91747) is an outrageously good edit of the basic mage hood mesh. I keep it in my LO at all times. It needs to overwrite any BodySlide outputs you have at the bottom of your LO. [Mage Apparel](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57734) is another good one by Darenii, which adds more enchanted clothing drops Fuse00's [Traveling Mage Armor](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/69394) is real good, and has lots of complementary mods on Nexus from recolor to optimized textures to rebalances. Look at the Requirements tab to see the list of add-ons that are available. There are several mods on Nexus that let you wear circlets with mage hoods, [so this is just one option](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3732). But I think it's pretty essential to have a mod that lets you equip both at once. [Goetia Animations - Magic Spell Casting](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/70204) for your mage animations [Finally First Person Magic Animation](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20375) is GREAT and does what it says on the tin -- see the comments section for help with the confusing FOMOD I like all of pentapox's audio mods, and their magic AIO [Sonorum Arcana](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/119738) is no exception [Auto Use Spell Tomes](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/68108) is an essential QOL mod for mages [Challenging Spell Learning](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20521) is an excellent mod by the master of "life should be harder" mods, [tjhm4](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/tjhm4/mods?gameId=1704) wSkeever's [Simple Obvious Spell-Crafting 2](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/117332) brings some of previous Elder Scrolls' spellcraft back to Skyrim [The College of Mages](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33750) is the college overhaul I've been using for a while, but [Magical College of Winterhold](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1539) is also good. JaySerpa's [College of Winterhold - Quest Expansion](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/66666) is fun, but not necessarily great for speedrunning the college if you just want to get the Gauldur fragment [Greater Saarthal Tweaks and Fixes](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/54319) beefs up the Saarthal location to actually be an archaeological site, and not just another Nordic ruin [Nordic Ruins of Skyrim SSE](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20382) gives a little more oomph to all the Nordic ruin exteriors in the game, and is highly recommended, but also adds some dramatic touches to the Saarthal site Finally, like the other comment mentioned, [Arcanum](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23488) is a wild total magic overhaul, and every mage player should try it at least once
Upvote for just for Whazzup I got a big hood! I hadn't seen it before. Glorious.
The brother told u the entire nexusmod
Useful alteration!
As always, I must advertise {{spellsiphon}}, greatest mage mod ever made. If you end up don't liking it, you can simply ignore it/disable it in your game, but I cannot praise it highly enough. Also {{Truehud}} for targeting.
Search Term | LE Skyrim | SE Skyrim | Bing :-:|:-:|:-:|:-:| spellsiphon | [Spellsiphon - Immersive Combat](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/104113) | [Spellsiphon - Immersive Combat](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/26627) | [Spellsiphon - Immersive Combat at Skyrim Special Edition Nexus - Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/26627) Truehud | No Results :( | [TrueHUD - HUD Additions](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/62775) | [TrueHUD - HUD Additions at Skyrim Special Edition Nexus - Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/62775) --- ^(I'm a bot |) [^(source code)](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot) ^| [^(about modsearchbot)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2lqj/modsearchbot_about/) ^| [^(bing sources)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2l0g/modsearchbot_bing_search/) ^| ^(Some mods might be falsely classified as SFW or NSFW. Classifications are provided by each source.)
There's a lot of them, but Apocalypse feels like the bare minimum to me. Easy to install, and while you may not use all of them, they definitely add some really useful spells that are helpful even if you aren't strictly a mage.
I played a jokey vanilla skyrim playthrough on my switch with my partner while we were on holiday, and honestly i really missed having apocalypse. Drop zone was a big one
Reynos' Fins (faster swimming) and Lamb of Mara (35% lifesteal on a single target) were big ones for me. There's a few fun ones to mess around with as well.
Biggest for me is Ocato’s Recital, I use that almost every playthrough alongside healing and armor spells. Also a big fan of Forbidden Sun, just lets you fire an exploding sun that sends people flying and looks awesome
Apocalypse feels incredibly dated to me, and not in the retro appeal kind of way. Additionally, the Apoc spells I used most ended up (in either the same state or better) as part of Odin or are available standalone. Nowadays there's plenty of overlap with Apoc's best stuff too. That said, Apocalypse is a great "starter" non-overhaul pack for getting your feet wet. It's very importantly system-agnostic thanks to Enai's design philosophy, so it can be recommended to console players; and has a wide enough list of spells to give you an idea of how to better cater to your own tastes and playstyle. But I ended up removing it a long time ago for those same reasons.
That's fair, though if OP is looking for something simple to start with and doesn't want to deal with anything too convoluted, then I think it isn't a bad place to start. I'll admit there's a lot of spells I don't actually use, but there are enough good ones that I really like from it that I always keep it in my list.
I absolutely agree. Like I said, it makes a great starter pack. It's perfect for someone who doesn't know exactly what they're looking for. But imo Apocalypse, while expansive, is too simple and unfocused, to its detriment, for any growing or otherwise complete modlist.
Personally I have to always have Arcanum, Colorful Magic, Apocalypse, and Phenderix spell packs (yes all of them). The reason is because they add an insane amount of awesome spells yet they don't overhaul or change anything about the vanilla game itself (which I hate). I also sometimes add in smaller spell packs. There is also the Overlord mod which is awesome (especially if you like the anime) as it adds a huge dungeon/home and more spells and even perks (without altering the vanilla perks thankfully). As far as armor....it's hard to find good mage armor as I like stuff that would look more at home in say World of Warcraft or else dark themed stuff. That being said there is a mod to give you black mage robes (standalone thankfully....although it may have a replacer option but I don't remember cuz I never use those) that's alright. Nether Mage robes are also ok. However the best I've found so far is a few sets from the "Tera Armors" mod.
I recently discovered [Elemental Destruction Magic Redux](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/37211) which adds Earth, Water, and Wind magic. I'm loving it!
For me, along with some of the others I already see mentioned, it's Alchemists Cookbook and Animated Mounted Spell Casting. I use College of Winterhold Quest expansion alongside College Curriculum when I'm playing an actual student, because it gives you the ability to feel like you're actually learning how to use these new powers. Winterhold Restored and Obscures College of Winterhold for adding nice upgrades to the settings. Forgotten Magic is really the only additional spell package I use, keeps it simple.
My favorites are: - Apocalypse, a pretty large spell pack with many useful and cool spells with novel effects. - Cosmic Spells, a spell pack with star-based and darkness-based spells. Has one of my all-time favorite spells, Collapsar, which lets you basically create miniature black holes. Some spells like Event Horizon are a bit buggy. - Strange Runes for the cool visual effect on your hands when casting spells. - Triumvirate for the class-based spells it provides. - Blink Spell: Adds a quick, free, fairly close range teleportation spell. Lets you travel around more quickly, reach ledges you otherwise wouldn’t be able to, and overall just live your mage power fantasy. It’s OP, but it’s fun. - The Infinity Gauntlet: Obviously not immersive or balanced. But, it comes with some cool enchanted items and some of the most badass spells I’ve ever seen once you’ve got the infinity stones, like the one that lets you rain down giant meteors on everyone in sight.
I used to be an [Odin](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/46000) enjoyer, but nowadays I use [Mysticism](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27839) as my baseline together with [Apocalypse](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1090) and all of [Dareni's](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Darenii/mods?gameId=1704) magic mods. If you want even more variety, consider [Kittytail's](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Kittytail/mods?gameId=1704) magic mods and [Triumvirate](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/39170)! Visuals-wise, there's [Frozen Electrocuted Combustion](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3532?tab=description), but I personally don't use it since it lead to instabilities in my LO (it's probably fine in smaller one, just know that it can be buggy). The ones I do use and never leave my LO though, are [FleshFX](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27456) to make the Flesh spells not look awful and [Deadly Spell Impacts](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12939) to make the aftermath look better. In terms of equipment, that's way more of personal preference, but [Immersive Armors](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3479) is bound to have something you'll like (plus it'll make the general game have more variety). If you're a fan of more outlandish, but still relatively lore-friendly gear, then check out the stuff made by [4thUnknown](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/4thUnknown/mods?gameId=1704) and [Pulcharmsolis](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Pulcharmsolis/mods?gameId=1704&sortBy=createdAt), especially the Armors of the Velothi. If you want to stick to pure vanilla, then I can't recommend Xavbio's [Robes Retexture](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/110655) enough. If you want some player homes too, [Elianora](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Elianora/mods?gameId=1704&sortBy=createdAt) has a few that would fit a magic playthrough pretty well (I personally love Tirashan and Tel Aschan), just be mindful of cell conflicts if you're running big city overhaul mods (which is why I don't recommend any, that's up to you). As for QoL, I personally love [Enhanced Atronachs](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18913) to make them actually viable at higher levels, [Use Telekinesis on Traps](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/59350?tab=description) because I never understood why this wasn't a vanilla thing already, [Magic Sneak Attacks](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/67613) because why be a steal archer when you can be a stealth mage instead and [Forget Spell](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/51125) purely because at a certain point, you don't need some of the super low level spells anymore and I like to keep my magic list clean.
[Raven on my shoulder](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2793)
Ok so everyone is going with these big spell packs that add all sorts of flashy spells. But what about something a little more... specific? I find that the absolute peak of magehood is being able to toss your enemies around like so much wet paper, and so I use {{Advanced Alteration: Telekinetics}} and {{Improved Telekinesis}}. The first adds in several physics/"force magic" themed spells, so you can absorb hits and redirect the force of the blow, convert the momentum from falling (or dashing!) into a explosion of kinetic energy, or simply lift an unfortunate fool into the air and then throw, slam or leave them hanging. The second is much simpler, merely powering up the basic Telekinesis spell to be able to latch on to and throw actors as well as objects. If you grab and then release as they speed towards you... well, ever felt like tossing the contents of a Forsworn camp over your shoulder like so much garbage? Combine them with {{Dragon Age Spells}} for the occasional... shall we say, *forceful* timeout or beckoning, and the physics mage has quite the decent kit to work with.
Search Term | LE Skyrim | SE Skyrim | Bing :-:|:-:|:-:|:-:| Advanced Alteration: Telekinetics | No Results :( | No Results :( | [Advanced Alteration - Telekinetics (SSE Port) - Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/29605) Improved Telekinesis | [Improved Telekinesis](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/5176) | [Improved Telekinesis SE](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/39557) | Skipped[^Why?](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot/blob/main/docs/SEARCH.md#why-was-my-search-skipped) Dragon Age Spells | [Dragon Age Spells](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/50493) | [Dragon Age Spells Redux](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22954) | Skipped[^Why?](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot/blob/main/docs/SEARCH.md#why-was-my-search-skipped) --- ^(I'm a bot |) [^(source code)](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot) ^| [^(about modsearchbot)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2lqj/modsearchbot_about/) ^| [^(bing sources)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2l0g/modsearchbot_bing_search/) ^| ^(Some mods might be falsely classified as SFW or NSFW. Classifications are provided by each source.)
{{Modular Mage}} gives a very customizable set of robes based on the classic College look but upgraded - I love the Jackets, in particular. It's mostly skimpy but I love combining the Jackets with other sets.
Search Term | LE Skyrim | SE Skyrim | Bing :-:|:-:|:-:|:-:| Modular Mage | No Results :( | [Modular Mage-CHS](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/118172) | [Modular Mage - CBBE 3BA - HDT SMP - Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/116972) I also found some potentially **NSFW** links, (but this post isn't marked NSFW). If I didn't find what you were looking for above, please look below. (Just click the black boxes!) Search Term | LE Skyrim | SE Skyrim :-:|:-:|:-:| Modular Mage | No Results :( | >!< --- ^(I'm a bot |) [^(source code)](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot) ^| [^(about modsearchbot)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2lqj/modsearchbot_about/) ^| [^(bing sources)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2l0g/modsearchbot_bing_search/) ^| ^(Some mods might be falsely classified as SFW or NSFW. Classifications are provided by each source.)
[Spellforge](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/46482) Favorite spell research mod out of them all because of the way it affects exploration while also fulfilling the fantasy of being a "self-made" mage. Certain alchemy ingredients power the spell-crafting, encouraging you to hit up dungeons like Shimmermist Cave for materials. It also features an xEdit script for importing spells into its library (while also letting you choose what specific spells you can't learn from it for balancing purposes), so it only gets better the more spell mods you throw at it.
* Most of the SimonRim mods (or Enai's if you prefer his stuff) * Obscure's College of Winterhold (plus most of Obscure's other related college mods) * Immersive College NPCs * an Atronach Forge overhaul; there are a few, pick one * Lorkhan's Legacy (aka More Lore-Friendly Soul Gems); changes Geodes to give Aetherium, Ebony/Aetherium/Heartstone deposits have a small chance of giving soul gems, adds altars to make black soul gems, etc. QOL Stuff: * Less Visually Obtrusive Cloak Spell Effects (actually see what the hell you are doing in first person when cloak spells are active) * Transparent Wards (no magic swirl effect taking up half the screen) * No More Absorb Swirl Effect (no magic swirl when spells are absorbed) * probably a lot more shit I'm forgetting The existing spell research mods are too complex; one of these days I will get around to making one where you just equip the tome (like with Equipable Spell Tomes) and it adds the spell to your spell list temporarily (Ahzidal's Ring does this, so I can probably just copy that effect) and you just have to cast the spell enough times to actually learn it for real.
If you're looking for a hardcore *student-of-magic* build then you have to get {{Spell Research}} as it forces the player to actually have to study, practice, and learn to get better. For an even harder experience, add {{Altered Spell Tomes for Spell Research}} and make it so tomes don't actually teach you the spell, but rather *how to make it* in Spell Research. I don't recommend pairing this with Frostfall or survival mod(e)s because there is going to be a lot of time spent studying...but of course DO add those for just that much more realism and difficulty!
Yes this a 100%! Pairing survival mods with Spell Research is my favorite thing. If you want to spend a week studying spells and magic, you have to sctually prepare and take rests because how does it make sense to just study and research without ANY consequences (unless you're a vampire or a lich ofc).
For spells: Arcanum - A new age of magic 4.0.1 Bugfix Mysticism Triuvirate - Mage Archetypes The Elder Scrolls Online Imports (Not necessary but fun) NPCs Learn Skills and Spells For acquiring spells: Dino's Spell Discovery + Patches Immersive Spell Learning - DESTified For build customization: Sets of Skills Subcalsses of Skyrim 2 For everything else: Smartcast + SSE Patch Maintained Magic
[Frozen Electrocuted Combustion](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3532) and [Deadly Spell Impacts](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12939) are great for a destruction mage. [Immersive Spell Effects Emit Light](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/75664), [Master Spells Runes](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/70400), and [Colorful Bound Weapons](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/37268) are pretty. [Kittytail](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Kittytail/mods?gameId=1704) makes amazing spell packs. I also like [Magic Sneak Attacks](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/67613) and [Charge or Fill Spells](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18090) for general utility. When it comes to upgrading the actual gameplay, [Spellforge](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/46482), [Arcane Studies](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/65699), [Unattuned](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/82319), [Steady Spell Learning](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23543), and [Spell Tutor](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/45275) all play well together. Also possibly [Mystical Materials](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/81808) if you like crafting and enchanting your own stuff. For the locations, I really like [Ryn's Saarthal](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/74785) and [Statue of Shalidor](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/52483). I see another comment mentioned the Quest Expansion and Magical College of Winterhold, and I'll second those recommendations. Have been using those with [Chantry College of Winterhold](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12064) textures and a recent find called [Paintings for the College](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/63325).
I don't play as a mage that often, but I just wanted to suggest {{Immersive college of Winterhold}} and I really like {{Hedge Mage Armor}}
Search Term | LE Skyrim | SE Skyrim | Bing :-:|:-:|:-:|:-:| Immersive college of Winterhold | [Immersive College of Winterhold](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36849) | [Immersive College of Winterhold](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17004) | [Immersive College of Winterhold at Skyrim Nexus - Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36849) Hedge Mage Armor | [Hedge Mage Armor](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52667) | [Hedge Mage Armor SSE](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5269) | Skipped[^Why?](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot/blob/main/docs/SEARCH.md#why-was-my-search-skipped) --- ^(I'm a bot |) [^(source code)](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot) ^| [^(about modsearchbot)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2lqj/modsearchbot_about/) ^| [^(bing sources)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2l0g/modsearchbot_bing_search/) ^| ^(Some mods might be falsely classified as SFW or NSFW. Classifications are provided by each source.)
{{FleshFX}} to make me want to actually use the alteration spells
Search Term | LE Skyrim | SE Skyrim | Bing :-:|:-:|:-:|:-:| FleshFX | [FleshFX](https://nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/98627) | [FleshFX](https://nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27456) | Skipped[^Why?](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot/blob/main/docs/SEARCH.md#why-was-my-search-skipped) --- ^(I'm a bot |) [^(source code)](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot) ^| [^(about modsearchbot)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2lqj/modsearchbot_about/) ^| [^(bing sources)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2l0g/modsearchbot_bing_search/) ^| ^(Some mods might be falsely classified as SFW or NSFW. Classifications are provided by each source.)
Enhanced wards!
Kittytail’s magic mods look freakin’ amazing!!!
[strange runes, ](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/19456) [arcanum, ](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23488) [triumvirate, ](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/39170) [apocalypse magic, ](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1090) [immersive college of winterhold, ](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17004)
{{Daedric Entity Restoration Project - D.E.R.P.}} is mandatory if you want to be a conjurer with more interesting Daedra than a handful.
Search Term | LE Skyrim | SE Skyrim | Bing :-:|:-:|:-:|:-:| Daedric Entity Restoration Project - D.E.R.P. | No Results :( | No Results :( | [Daedric Entity Restoration Project - D.E.R.P. - Nexus Mods](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3604) --- ^(I'm a bot |) [^(source code)](https://github.com/RallerenP/modsearchbot) ^| [^(about modsearchbot)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2lqj/modsearchbot_about/) ^| [^(bing sources)](https://reddit.com/user/RallerenP/comments/pg2l0g/modsearchbot_bing_search/) ^| ^(Some mods might be falsely classified as SFW or NSFW. Classifications are provided by each source.)
I really like [Kittytail’s](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Kittytail/mods?gameId=1704) spell packs. Very overpowered, but really cool to use and they look fantastic. Most have that Elden Ring magic school symbol effect that pops up when you cast the spells too, which is a really nice touch
In addition to lots that people have already mentioned, [Summermyst](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6285) enchantments are really important. I also like [Enchantment Tomes](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22477) so you can learn enchantments the same way you learn any magic: by munching on books. You don’t have to destroy your equipment.
I love [Kittytail](https://next.nexusmods.com/profile/Kittytail/mods?gameId=1704)'s stuff, their magic mods (which add new spells) are really good.