Buffs are temporary effects that boost a character’s combat effectiveness. Conversely, debuffs are effects that compromise a character’s performance in battle. Whether you’re slaying creatures out in the wilderness or battling players in Cyrodiil, understanding the game’s buff/debuff system is an important part of combat mastery.
A few basics on buff/debuff effects:
Depending on the effect, a buff/debuff might be granted by abilities, potions, poisons, or gear set bonuses. Most (but not all) buffs/debuffs can be acquired from more than one source.
Basic effects related to buffs and debuffs are standardized, meaning that they remain consistent regardless of the source. However, effect durations, potential targets, and the conditions that trigger an effect can vary from source to source.
Receiving the same buff/debuff from two sources doesn’t double its power—it simply refreshes the effect’s duration.
Most buff/debuff effects feature a “minor” variant and a “major” variant. Minor/major variants are treated as separate effects, meaning that you can utilize both variants simultaneously. For example, Minor Brutality and Major Brutality can be active at the same time.
Acquiring Buffs
While it’s often easy to identify buffs that support your playstyle, finding an appropriate source for that buff can be considerably more difficult.
Buff Sources
| Base Buff | Effect | Sources (Minor) | Sources (Major) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aegis | Decreases damage taken in dungeons and Trials | Set bonus | Set bonus |
| Berserk | Increases damage done | Ability, set bonus | Ability, set bonus |
| Brutality | Increases Weapon Damage | Ability, Alchemy | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus |
| Empower | Increases the damage of your next attack | Ability (this effect does not feature minor/major variants) | |
| Endurance | Increases Stamina Recovery | Ability | Ability, Alchemy |
| Evasion | Increases chance to dodge | Ability | Ability, set bonus |
| Expedition | Increases movement speed | Ability, set bonus | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus |
| Force | Increases Critical Damage | Ability, set bonus | Ability |
| Fortitude | Increases Health Recovery | Ability | Ability, Alchemy |
| Gallop | Increases mounted speed | — | Ability |
| Heroism | Grants Ultimate over time | Ability | Champion System, set bonus |
| Intellect | Increases Magicka Recovery | Ability | Ability, Alchemy |
| Mending | Increases healing done | Set bonus | Ability, set bonus |
| Prophecy | Increases Spell Critical | Ability, Alchemy | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus |
| Protection | Reduces damage taken | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus | Ability, set bonus |
| Resolve | Increases Physical Resistance | Ability, Alchemy | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus |
| Savagery | Increases Weapon Critical | Ability, Alchemy | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus |
| Slayer | Increases damage done in dungeons and Trials | Set bonus | Set bonus |
| Sorcery | Increases Spell Damage | Ability, Alchemy | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus |
| Toughness | Increases Maximum Health | Ability | — |
| Vitality | Increases healing received | Ability, set bonus | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus |
| Ward | Increases Spell Resistance | Ability, Alchemy | Ability, Alchemy, set bonus |
All characters can make use of the same equipment and potions, but not all classes have access to the same abilities. It’s recommended that new players review their skill lines to assess any buff-related abilities that might be of use.