Unveiling the Secrets of Dual Casting Conjuration in Skyrim
In the vast and magical world of Skyrim, mastering the art of Conjuration can transform you into a formidable force. One of the key elements of this school of magic is dual casting, but what exactly does it do for your Conjuration spells? In essence, dual casting a Conjuration spell, with the appropriate perk, significantly extends the duration of summoned creatures or bound weapons. This boon comes at a cost, demanding more Magicka but potentially offering a considerable advantage in combat. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of Conjuration dual casting and address some common questions.
The Core Benefit: Extended Duration
The primary effect of dual casting Conjuration spells is to double the duration of the summoned creature or the active time of a bound weapon. Imagine summoning a powerful Dremora Lord and having it fight by your side for twice as long. This extended duration can be invaluable in prolonged battles or when facing multiple opponents. This is especially true in the early game when your magicka pool is low and your conjuration levels are also low. Any amount of time spared from casting is a great thing.
Understanding the Mechanics
To unlock the full potential of dual casting, you must first acquire the Dual Casting perk within the Conjuration skill tree. Without this perk, casting a spell with both hands simply duplicates the effect of a single cast, without the added benefits. Once the perk is obtained, dual casting will not only extend the duration, but also will give you a brief stagger effect. It is a very short stagger, but could potentially give you an advantage in melee.
Is Dual Casting Always Worth It?
While the extended duration is appealing, the increased Magicka cost must be considered. Dual casting costs significantly more Magicka than a single cast. If you’re constantly running out of Magicka, single casting might be a more sustainable option. The decision ultimately depends on your playstyle, your character’s Magicka reserves, and the specific encounter you’re facing. If you are playing a high elf, there is a good chance you are not as worried about Magicka due to the racial abilities.
Bound Weapons and Dual Casting
For bound weapons, dual casting only affects the duration. It does not increase the damage or attack power of the weapon. While a longer-lasting bound sword or bow is convenient, it might not be as crucial as extending the lifespan of a summoned creature, especially because the damage output is already so high on these weapons. Recasting does not take very long, and if you are using a bound bow with the right perks, you can stagger-lock enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does dual casting do more damage with Conjuration spells?
No, dual casting Conjuration spells does not increase the damage output of summoned creatures or bound weapons. It only affects the duration.
2. Does dual casting level up Conjuration faster?
The act of dual casting itself does not increase the experience points (XP) gained. The XP is determined by the spell’s level and whether it’s successfully cast. However, using more Magicka to cast the dual cast spell will potentially level you up faster.
3. How much more Magicka does dual casting cost?
Dual casting costs approximately 2.5 times the Magicka of a single cast. This is a significant increase, so managing your Magicka is essential.
4. Does dual casting bound weapons increase damage?
No, dual casting only extends the duration of bound weapons. The damage remains the same.
5. What is the best bound weapon in Skyrim?
Many players consider the Bound Bow to be the best due to its unlimited magical arrows and high damage output, but it is often up to the player’s preferences.
6. Does using bound weapons increase Conjuration skill?
Yes, summoning bound weapons increases your Conjuration skill. Additionally, using the weapon in combat raises the associated weapon skill (Archery, One-Handed, or Two-Handed).
7. How can I grind Conjuration fast?
One popular method is to repeatedly cast Soul Trap on a corpse or a durable target like Shadowmere (obtained through the Dark Brotherhood questline). Another is to summon a bound weapon in the presence of an enemy.
8. What are the best Conjuration summons in Skyrim?
Popular choices include the Dremora Lord, Dead Thrall, Ancient Deathpriest, and Bone Colossus, depending on your playstyle and the enemies you’re facing.
9. Where can I find the best Conjuration spells?
Spell tomes can be found in various locations, including general stores, court wizards, and specific dungeons. Leveling up your Conjuration skill will unlock access to more powerful spells.
10. Does dual casting work with Thrall spells (e.g., Dead Thrall)?
No, dual casting has no effect on Thrall spells. These spells already have a permanent duration, so extending it is unnecessary.
11. Is it better to dual cast or cast two single spells in quick succession?
This depends on your priority. Dual casting provides extended duration, while casting two single spells in quick succession can offer higher damage per second (DPS), especially if you’re skilled at timing your casts.
12. What other schools of magic benefit most from dual casting?
Destruction and Illusion spells often benefit the most from dual casting. Destruction spells deal more damage and Illusion spells have a wider area of effect or affect higher-level targets when dual cast. Alteration dual casting is only for flesh spells.
13. How does the Dual Casting perk work exactly?
The Dual Casting perk increases the effectiveness of dual-cast spells (when cast with both hands simultaneously) at the cost of increased Magicka. For Conjuration, this means doubled duration.
14. Are there any glitches or bugs associated with dual casting Conjuration spells?
While rare, some players have reported occasional glitches where the duration isn’t correctly doubled. These are usually isolated incidents and can often be resolved by reloading a save.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the mechanics of games like Skyrim?
If you’re fascinated by the intricate design of games like Skyrim and want to delve deeper into the world of game development and learning through games, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society fosters research and innovation in the field of game-based learning.
Mastering Conjuration: A Summary
Dual casting Conjuration spells offers a valuable advantage by extending the duration of summoned creatures and bound weapons. While the increased Magicka cost requires careful management, the extended duration can be crucial in challenging encounters. By understanding the mechanics and limitations of dual casting, you can effectively harness its power and become a master of Conjuration in Skyrim.