I'm already at level 16 with a new character, the rules for this character are no magic or spells, this includes restoration spells and enchanted weapons and armor, now before the mages jump in this thread and set a flame atronarch on me, I've nothing against magic, I enjoy it very much with my other characters.

Basically I've set myself a challenge, I want to see if I can get through this game without those things, I am making exceptions for some jewelry, like pieces that increase sneak, the only real magic I am permitting is the dragonborn shouts because after all the character is dragonborn.

But I think I spoiled myself with earlier characters, it's proving a little difficult to get things done without the use of magic, the main example is the restoration spell, another is the insane amount of magicka potions you can find.

I think what I am asking here, has anyone else tried to get by without magic, if so, do you have any tips?

I have a character who hates magic and specifically mages.

He uses dual wield, archery, sneak as his main skills and supplements with light armor.

I am debating alchemy - so far he has avoided it as 'magic'.

I'm actually doing quite well with him and he refuses to use any magical items at all.

He will use Daedric bows if they are unenchanted but wrestles.

So right now he is level 33, using an ebony bow and ebony swords and wearing glass armor.

J

I've got 2 characters who don't use magic. One is focusing on 2H, Heavy Armor and Smithing. He is also a Werewolf and a member of the Companions. The 2nd is a Light Armor wearing Thief in the Guild who likes to dual wield a sword and dagger. Both are fun and challenging to play with. It's strange as I rarely find enchanted items while dungeon diving compared to my magic using characters. I wonder if that's by design?

Yeah i have a lvl 25 warrior that uses no magic, and i had a lvl 40 thief/archer (till i accidentally saved over him this morning ) who also didnt use any. playing on max difficulty is definitely tough, but i am making it work. you really have to plan out a fight before just running in lol. its fun

have you been living under a rock?! these forums are ripe with debates over the awful magic system in skyrim and how everything else has a much easier time! OF COURSE you can get by without magic, getting by WITH magic is the real challenge! you dont need enchanting, or even smithing; even if youre on master a shield or some sneak skill will do better than magic...

alteration is completely useless, restoration pretty much obsolete with regenerating health and the buttloads of health potions, destruction and illusion woefully unscaled, and conjuration invincible. so unless youve grown dependent on super-powerful conjured weapons and atronachs doing all the work for you, youll be quite fine without magic.