Necromancy in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim offers one of the most rewarding paths for players who enjoy a darker, more manipulative approach to combat. Instead of direct confrontation, the necromancer manipulates death itself to control the battlefield. Whether raising fallen foes or commanding spectral allies, necromancer builds are versatile, thematically rich, and deadly when refined. Below is a breakdown of the top necromancer builds, each tailored for a distinct playstyle, but all capable of dominating Skyrim’s harsh landscape.
1. The Classic Conjuration Necromancer
This build sticks closely to traditional necromantic gameplay, focusing on raising the dead and overwhelming enemies with summoned thralls.
Core Skills:
- Conjuration (Necromancy, Twin Souls, Dark Souls)
- Restoration (Necromancer’s Amulet synergy, self-sustain)
- Alteration (for defensive buffs like Ebonyflesh)
- Enchanting (for boosting magicka regeneration and Conjuration cost reduction)
Recommended Gear:
- Necromancer’s Amulet
- Black Robes or Ahzidal’s Armor Set
- Ring of the Erudite (from the Dawnguard DLC)
Tactics:
- Start combat by raising the dead from previous battles.
- Use Twin Souls to field two thralls at once.
- Buff with defensive Alteration spells and stay behind the action.
Strengths:
- Excellent for crowd control and battlefield manipulation.
- Scales well with higher-level thralls like Dremora Lords or powerful humanoid enemies.
2. The Vampiric Deathmage (Dawnguard Build)
Combining necromancy with Vampire Lord powers offers a potent synergy. The Vampiric Deathmage plays as a dark sorcerer capable of resurrecting corpses while dealing devastating damage through vampiric spells.
Core Skills:
- Conjuration
- Destruction (especially frost and drain spells)
- Illusion (for calm/fear effects)
- Vampire Lord Perks (especially Corpse Curse and Blood Healing)
Recommended Gear:
- Volkihar gear or Ancient Vampire Armour (mod-dependent)
- Ring of the Beast or Blood Magic rings from the Dawnguard DLC
Tactics:
- Begin in mortal form to raise minions.
- Switch to Vampire Lord form mid-battle for area control and aggressive magic.
- Use Corpse Curse to paralyse powerful targets and maintain battlefield dominance.
Strengths:
- Dual-form versatility with overwhelming mid-to-late game power.
- Strong roleplay potential and natural alignment with dark factions.
3. The Battlemage Necromancer
This hybrid build blends necromancy with frontline combat. The Battlemage summons the dead but isn’t afraid to wield a sword or destruction spell in the thick of battle.
Core Skills:
- Conjuration
- One-Handed or Destruction
- Heavy Armour
- Enchanting
Recommended Gear:
- Ebony or Daedric Armour, enchanted for magicka sustain
- Miraak’s Sword or Bound Sword (for Conjuration synergy)
Tactics:
- Use raised undead to absorb enemy focus while you engage with melee or elemental magic.
- Prioritise durability and sustainability on the frontlines.
Strengths:
- Versatile in combat, not dependent on stealth or mobility.
- Effective against single enemies and groups alike.
4. The Illusionist Necromancer
This build revolves around psychological warfare, using Illusion to control minds while reanimating corpses to confuse and overpower enemies.
Core Skills:
- Illusion (Calm, Fear, Frenzy, Dual Casting)
- Conjuration
- Sneak
- Alchemy (for invisibility and paralysis poisons)
Recommended Gear:
- Shrouded Robes or custom-enchanted mage gear
- Necromancer’s Amulet or gear enchanted for Illusion cost reduction
Tactics:
- Remain hidden, sow chaos with Frenzy spells, then raise the dead mid-fight.
- Use Fear and Calm to create openings for reanimation.
Strengths:
- High control over engagements with minimal direct confrontation.
- Ideal for players who enjoy stealth and manipulation.
5. The Bonelord (Modded Build)
For those using mods like Undeath, Ordinator, or Apocalypse, the Bonelord build unlocks high fantasy necromancy with skeletal armies, custom undead, and unique death-themed spells.
Core Skills:
- Conjuration (enhanced with mod-specific perks)
- Alteration
- Alchemy or Destruction depending on the mod’s features
Recommended Mods:
- Undeath (for lich transformation)
- Ordinator (for extended perk trees)
- Apocalypse – Magic of Skyrim (adds new necromancy spells)
- Path of Sorcery or Forgotten Magic Redone
Tactics:
- Raise skeletal minions and liches with custom spells.
- Craft specialised undead or unleash wide area-of-effect death magic.
Strengths:
- Immense power scaling, especially with lich transformation.
- Offers the most complete necromancer fantasy experience in Skyrim.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Necromancer builds in Skyrim require clever use of terrain, timing, and spell management. Whether you prefer pure spellcasting, a vampiric hybrid, or a manipulative illusionist, necromancy can be as brutal or subtle as you want it to be. With the right approach, the dead will always fight for you, and your enemies will rarely stay down for long.
