ESODecoded

Path of Darkness

Nightblade · Shadow · Active — base skill and all 2 morphs, exact values.

data retrieved 2026-08-23 · datamined via UESP

At a glance

Class / categoryNightblade
Skill lineShadow
Skill typeActive
Morphs2
Base cost3510 Magicka
Unlocks atLevel 20

Base skill & morphs

BASE Path of Darkness3510 Magicka · unlocks lvl 20

Create a corridor of shadows for 10 seconds, granting you and allies in the area Major Expedition, increasing Movement Speed by 30%. Effect persists for 4 seconds after leaving the path.

MORPH Refreshing Path3510 Magicka · unlocks lvl 20

Create a corridor of shadows for 10 seconds, granting you and allies in the area Major Expedition, Minor Endurance, and Minor Intellect, increasing Movement Speed by 30%, as well as Stamina and Magicka Recovery by 15%. Effect persists for 4 seconds after leaving the path. Heals 435 Health to you and allies in the area every 1 second.

MORPH Twisting Path2700 Magicka · unlocks lvl 20

Create a corridor of shadows for 10 seconds, granting you and allies in the area Major Expedition, increasing Movement Speed by 30% which persists for 4 seconds after leaving the path. Deals 377 Magic Damage to enemies in the target area every 1 second.

Morph differences

What each morph changes relative to the base skill — exact datamined text only, no recommendation of which to pick.

Path of Darkness BASE

Create a corridor of shadows for 10 seconds, granting you and allies in the area Major Expedition, increasing Movement Speed by 30%. Effect persists for 4 seconds after leaving the path.

Refreshing Path MORPH

Changes vs base: Create a corridor of shadows for 10 seconds, granting you and allies in the area Major Expedition, Minor Endurance, and Minor Intellect, increasing Movement Speed by 30%, as well as Stamina and Magicka Recovery by 15%. Heals 435 Health to you and allies in the area every 1 second.

Twisting Path MORPH

Create a corridor of shadows for 10 seconds, granting you and allies in the area Major Expedition, increasing Movement Speed by 30% which persists for 4 seconds after leaving the path. Deals 377 Magic Damage to enemies in the target area every 1 second.

Champion Points that modify Path of Darkness (5)

Matched by us from the datamined text on both sides — the star's own condition and this skill's own damage — not a relationship the game ships. Universal stars (Precision, Piercing, Fighting Finesse, Backstabber) apply to every damaging ability and are left out on purpose.

StarWhenThe star saysMatches because this skill…
Thaumaturgeonly while slotteddamage done with damage over time effectsdeals damage over time
Master-at-Armsonly while slotteddamage done with direct damage attacksdeals direct damage
Biting Auraonly while slotteddamage done with area of effect attackscan hit more than one enemy
War Magealways activeWeapon and Spell Damage to Magical attacksdeals Magic Damage (Magical)
Wrathful Strikesonly while slottedWeapon and Spell Damage to your damaging abilitiesdeals damage

FAQ

What are the morphs of Path of Darkness?

Path of Darkness has 2 morphs: Refreshing Path, Twisting Path.

What's the difference between the Path of Darkness morphs?

Refreshing Path: Create a corridor of shadows for 10 seconds, granting you and allies in the area Major Expedition, Minor Endurance, and Minor Intellect, increasing Movement Speed by 30%, as well as Stamina and Magicka Recovery by 15%. Heals 435 Health to you and allies in the area every 1 second.

Twisting Path: Create a corridor of shadows for 10 seconds, granting you and allies in the area Major Expedition, increasing Movement Speed by 30% which persists for 4 seconds after leaving the path. Deals 377 Magic Damage to enemies in the target area every 1 second.

How much does Path of Darkness cost?

3510 Magicka.

Where does Path of Darkness come from?

Nightblade · Shadow skill line.