Does Invisibility Work Against Falmer in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether invisibility is effective against the Falmer in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a common one among players. The short answer is: not entirely. While invisibility can certainly help, it’s not a guaranteed method to evade detection by these subterranean dwellers. Their blindness and reliance on other senses make them a unique challenge, requiring a different approach than typical enemies. This article delves deep into how invisibility interacts with Falmer, along with other relevant information you might find useful.
Understanding Falmer Senses and Invisibility
The Falmer, or Snow Elves, are a unique enemy type in Skyrim. Having been forced underground and afflicted by a degenerative process, they’ve lost their sight and developed highly acute senses of hearing, and likely smell. This is the crucial point when considering the use of invisibility. While becoming unseen is effective against many enemies, it only addresses one sensory input.
Invisibility makes the Dragonborn completely transparent, preventing detection through sight. However, the Falmer don’t rely on sight. They detect their environment primarily through sound and possibly smell. As such, an invisible character still makes noise when moving, which the Falmer can readily detect.
Therefore, simply casting the Invisibility spell won’t make you completely safe around Falmer. You’ll still need to take additional steps to ensure a truly stealthy approach.
The Importance of Stealth and Muffle
The key to avoiding detection by Falmer, despite their blindness, lies in mastering the art of stealth. A high sneak skill is paramount. This will make it harder for enemies, including the Falmer, to detect your presence.
Complementing your sneak skill, is the Muffle effect. This effect significantly reduces the noise your character makes while moving. This can be achieved through a Muffle spell or by using armor and equipment with a Muffle enchantment. By combining the Invisibility spell with Muffle, and a decent Sneak skill, you are significantly more likely to remain undetected.
Limitations of Invisibility
It’s also important to remember that while invisible, you still interact with the game world. Opening doors, interacting with items, or attempting to pickpocket will break invisibility. Similarly, any form of attack, even a sneak attack, will end the spell’s effect.
Therefore, when using invisibility, plan your approach carefully to avoid unnecessary interactions that will immediately make you visible again. Furthermore, although some may argue Falmer are undead, Invisibility does work on Falmer as they are living creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisibility in Skyrim
Here are some frequently asked questions about the invisibility spell and related mechanics in Skyrim to further clarify some points:
1. Does Invisibility work against Undead?
Generally, invisibility does work on undead. The illusion spell school includes ‘glamer’ magic, of which undead are not noted to be immune to and invisibility is not flagged as mind-affecting. However, it’s worth noting that even if undead are fooled by the illusion of invisibility, the same rules about noise and proximity apply.
2. Why does Invisibility sometimes not seem to work?
The most likely reason Invisibility doesn’t seem to work is due to a low sneak skill. Even with invisibility, if your sneak skill is low you’ll still be easily detected by both visual and sound-based enemies. Also, make sure you’re not making too much noise, as this can also break your stealth.
3. Is there an Invisibility spell in Skyrim?
Yes, the Invisibility spell is an Expert-level Illusion spell and is incredibly helpful for stealth builds. It is acquired by reading a spell tome that can be found in the world or purchased from specific vendors.
4. What is the best Invisibility potion in Skyrim?
A potent invisibility potion can be crafted using Vampire Dust, Ash Creep Cluster, and Elves’ Ear. This combination not only provides invisibility but also imparts Restore Magicka and Resist Fire effects, benefiting stealth mages.
5. Does the Invisibility spell trigger traps?
No, invisibility will not prevent traps from triggering. Traps detect your presence regardless of whether you are visible. An invisible character stepping on a trap will trigger it as normal.
6. How long does the Invisibility spell last in Skyrim?
The standard Invisibility spell lasts for 30 seconds unless you activate an object, attack someone, or make too much noise. However, performing a sneak attack with a dagger will keep you invisible until you slit your target’s throat.
7. What is the Shadow Stone?
The Shadow Stone provides a special ability to become invisible for 60 seconds once a day. It’s an alternative method of acquiring invisibility outside of spells or potions, though it’s limited in its use.
8. Is the Illusion skill useful for stealth?
Yes, the Illusion skill is exceptionally useful for stealth builds. Spells like Muffle and Invisibility are crucial for remaining hidden, and the Quiet Casting perk prevents casting spells from alerting nearby enemies.
9. What other things can affect stealth besides Invisibility?
Several factors affect stealth including your movement speed, the type of armor you wear, and the current weather or lighting conditions. Heavy armor, for instance, makes more noise and makes you easier to detect.
10. Is a stealth build viable in Skyrim?
Yes, stealth builds are incredibly powerful in Skyrim. They allow you to take down enemies easily and bypass entire sections of dungeons without engaging in combat. Stealth builds can be incredibly satisfying and rewarding.
11. Does Invisibility provide an advantage in combat?
Invisibility can provide an advantage in combat, particularly the first attack you make. The invisibility spell does not immediately end before an attack, meaning that your first attack will be given advantage. However, the spell ends once you attack. If you take the Assassin’s Blade Perk you also benefit from sneak attack damage.
12. Does Invisibility stop attacks of opportunity?
Yes, it does. Opportunity attacks are triggered by a visible enemy leaving your reach. Since an invisible character is not visible, they cannot trigger opportunity attacks.
13. Are there other ways to be hidden other than Invisibility?
Other spells such as Calm and Pacify can also be very useful when trying to remain unseen. They stop enemies from engaging with you. Other environmental elements such as fog and darkness, also help with remaining undetected.
14. Does Invisibility prevent enemies from using magical attacks?
No, invisibility does not prevent enemies from using magical attacks. While it renders you unseen, enemies can still target you with spells, especially if they have a sense of your location.
15. How do I know if my stealth is effective?
When sneaking, a small eye icon appears on your HUD. This indicator displays whether you are hidden, partially hidden, or visible. Use this indicator to gauge the effectiveness of your stealth strategy. The eye will be fully closed if you are completely hidden, slightly open if you’re partly hidden and fully open when detected.
Conclusion
While Invisibility is a powerful tool in Skyrim, it is not a foolproof method of evading the Falmer. You’ll need to combine the invisibility spell with a high sneak skill, the Muffle effect, and an understanding of the Falmer’s reliance on their non-visual senses to fully succeed in stealth encounters with these unique subterranean foes. Remember to carefully plan your approach, avoid unnecessary interactions and remain patient to become a master of stealth in the depths of Skyrim.