5 Best Open-World Games To Play As A Black Mage

By Gerardo Molina

Published Oct 12, 2024

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Open-World

Summary

Diablo 4 features the Necromancer class, great for dark mage builds.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning offers dark magic combat options.
Skyrim allows players to explore as a powerful dark sorcerer.

Open-world games are extremely versatile thanks to the large variety of weapons, characters, enemies, and areas they feature. Not to mention, that players can free roam and complete main and side quests as they wish to level up and obtain precious items that can help them in their journey.

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When magic is added to the mix, it can help transform open-world games that are already great to begin with and turn them into a masterpiece. There are usually different types of magic which will vary depending on the game players are currently enjoying. However, few are as neat-looking and powerful as dark magic, which is harnessed by Black Mages and Dark Wizards. Here are some of the best open-world games in which you can play as a Black Mage.

5 Diablo 4

The Necromancer Starting Class Is Great

There was an 11-year gap between Diablo 3 and Diablo 4
Players can choose to be necromancers as a starting class

Diablo 4 is probably one of the most awaited sequels of modern times, as players had to be patient for several years before it was released. The plot takes place 50 years after the events of Diablo 3, when Lilith, a daughter of Mephisto, is summoned by cultists. Similar to its predecessors, Diablo 4 features an open-world environment where players can team up to face the different obstacles that will arise along the way.

The game features six different classes: The Barbarian, The Sorcerer, The Druid, The Rogue, The Spiritborn, and, of course, the Necromancer. While all the other five classes are also quite good, the Necromancer build is where it's really at. As players know, the necromancing arts are of a dark nature, interfering with the natural order of life, which makes them ideal for Black Mages. With skills like Decompose , players can use their necromancing skills to deal considerable damage to their enemies.

4 Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

A Wide World Full Of Enemies To Test Players' Dark Magic Skills On

Players should use their skill points to maximize their spells
Necromancing offers great options for combat

Taking on the role of the Fateless One, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning leads players on an adventure through a realm of fantasy and peril. The game allows players to customize their character, which means the Fateless One can either be male or female and have various different appearances depending on players' preferences.

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In this title, players can take on the role of a Black Mage and use many different spells that fit very well with the game's concept. One of the best tips to level up quickly and focus on developing magic skills is to skip most melee and ranged weapons and spend skill points on spells instead. This will help players become much more powerful sorcerers quicker, contributing to their Black Mage build. One of the greatest spells related to the Dark Arts in this game is Summon Faer Gorta, which allows players to conjure skeleton warriors animated by necromantic magic.

3 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Exploring Skyrim As A Dark Sorcerer Is A Blast

Players must prioritize spell-related skill trees to strengthen their Black Mage build
Wearing enchanted armor sets, rings, and necklaces can help boost players' spells

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is arguably one of the most popular games of the new millennium, as, even more than a decade after it was initially released, it keeps captivating newcomers and offering incredible experiences to veteran fans. Set in the fictional land of Tamriel, specifically in the northern region of Skyrim, the game will have players explore the frosty, mountain-ridden world to discover powerful weapons, defeat fearsome enemies, and even interfere in political conflicts. All to ultimately face the dragon Alduin and address the threat he poses to life in Skyrim.

Skyrim is one of those games that presents endless possibilities for players. Not only are there a wide range of spells that players can choose and perfect, but combining them with enchanted armor sets, talismans, and rings can further increase their power. If players want to get the full Black Mage experience, they should focus on maximizing the Conjuration, Enchanting, Destruction, and Alchemy skill trees. If they're planning on crafting enchanted rings, necklaces and armor, the Smithing and Enchanting skill trees should also get some love.

As for looks, while there are many great outfits in Skyrim, one of the most intimidating armor sets in the game is the Daedric Armor, which comes in black and has all the elements to complement the Black Mage look.

2 Hogwarts Legacy

Take Advantage Of The Three Unforgivable Curses To Become The Most Powerful Dark Mage In History

The game offers players tons of possibilities for different builds depending on their preferences
The Dark Wizard build in Hogwarts Legacy focuses on the three unforgivable curses

While games set in the Harry Potter franchise have always sold relatively well among the fandom, few have attained the level of success of Hogwarts Legacy. This open world title not only revolutionized the way players could explore the halls and outskirts of Hogwarts, but also gave them a wide variety of spells to design their perfect sorcery build. Although dark magic is forbidden by the authorities of the wizarding world, there are some who practice it regardless, taking advantage of cruel spells.

Three of the most powerful of the lot are known as unforgivable curses, and they are: Cruciatus, Imperius, and Avada Kedavra. Imperius is the most lenient spell, allowing the caster to control its target. Cruciatus, on the other hand, is extremely cruel, as it's designed to inflict blinding amounts of pain for an indefinite period. As for Avada Kedavra, well... that's instant death for anyone who's unfortunate enough to be struck by it.

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Among the many options available in Hogwarts Legacy, there's the possibility to make a powerful Dark Wizard build that will decimate any enemies players encounter on their journey. This build focuses heavily on the three unforgivable curses and includes Talents and Traits that boost their effects considerably.

1 Elden Ring

Multiple Spells And Staffs Open A World Of Possibilities For Dark Mage Builds

Players looking to make a Black Mage build should invest their Runes in the Intelligence Stat
Spells like the Night Comet are great for dealing with various enemies from a distance

Soulsborne games have always been known for being extremely challenging, and for giving players a ton of options regarding weapons, buffs, armor, and spells. However, it wasn't until Elden Ring was released that the bar was raised around what a Mage build could do. Most players choose to complete the game with Dexterity or Strength builds, as they're some of the most powerful, while Intelligence and Faith usually take the back seat. Luckily, spells like Night Comet have helped change the game, and now combat feels a lot more balanced, making Intelligence builds just as attractive (if not more) as other, more traditional alternatives.

For a Dark Mage build in Elden Ring, the first thing players will need is a high Intelligence Stat. While spells like Night Comet only need an Intelligence level of 38, many staffs, spells and buffs increase in damage and effectiveness when paired with higher Intelligence levels (60 or higher). The only drawdown to using a Mage build over a more traditional one, is that players will have to give up some of their Flask of Crimson Tears to fill a few Flask of Cerulean Tears . Otherwise, they'll quickly run out of FP.