Magic in The Elder Scrolls comes from the use of Magicka which is essentially the raw energy from the realm of Aetherius into Mundus. Mortals can manipulate this energy thanks to the tears in the veil between their world and Aetherius, known as the sun and stars, created by the departure of the gods.
Magic in Dragon Age originates from the Fade, a parallel dimension inhabited by spirits and demons. Mages can tap into the Fade to cast spells, but this connection also makes them susceptible to possession by its denizens.
Bloodborne features a system of eldritch knowledge and blood ministration, where understanding the arcane secrets of the universe and using blood rituals can grant supernatural abilities, heal ailments, and transform beings. Includes cosmic entities and the use of blood as a source of power and madness.
Magic in The Legend of Zelda varies across titles but often involves the use of magical artifacts, the power of the goddesses, or ancient technology. In Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, Link uses magic spells granted by the Great Fairies, while in Breath of the Wild, technology from the ancient Sheikah race performs functions that appear magical, including manipulating objects and controlling elements.
Magic in Dark Souls involves souls and the First Flame. They can cast spells using the power of souls, with different schools of magic such as Sorceries, Miracles, Pyromancies, and Hexes, each with its own lore and source of power.
Magic in the Final Fantasy universe varies greatly across its many installments, often tied to the planet’s life force, crystals, or deities. In Final Fantasy VII, magic is harnessed through Materia, which are orbs that contain the essence of the Planet’s energy/Lifestream. Users can cast spells, summon powerful entities, and more by equipping these Materia.
NieR: Automata blends the concepts of advanced technology and magic, with androids and machines utilizing abilities that seem magical, such as summoning weapons and performing high-powered attacks. The underlying magic, known as Maso, originates from the “Drakengard” series, showing a unique fusion of eldritch magic with futuristic technology.
Warframe presents a universe where the Tenno wields advanced Warframe armors, endowed with abilities that merge technology and magic. These abilities stem from the Void, a chaotic alternate dimension with the power to alter reality and bestow remarkable powers upon those exposed to its energies. The Tenno, survivors of a spaceship accident that immersed them in the Void’s energies, gained the capacity to control the Warframes—sophisticated suits of armor crafted by the Orokin. Serving as conduits for the Tenno’s Void-derived powers, Warframes enable them to execute superhuman feats, manipulate energy, and subtly transform reality. Moreover, the Void is a crucial element in the “Warframe” universe, underpinning various technologies and artifacts, including the Orokin Towers—repositories of wealth and peril and pivotal to numerous missions.
In Hollow Knight, Soul represents the life force of Hallownest’s inhabitants and can be found in the air itself. The use of Soul to fuel spells and abilities. Soul is gathered by striking enemies, and it can be used to cast powerful spells or heal.
Divinity distinguishes between general Magic use and the potent Source. Magic is all around Rivellon. Everything has some Magic in it. Anyone can use Magic, it’s part of day-to-day life. Using it doesn’t make you a mage, even though there are different schools of Magic, such as Pyrokinetic, Hydrophist, Aerotheurge, Geomancer, Necromancer, and others. Like using a hammer doesn't make you a carpenter. Source is a much rarer and more potent form of magic, and anyone who can use Source is a Sourceror. Source is the essence of existence, it's concentrated in living things especially. Manipulation of Source allows for powerful spells, but there's a stigma associated with it. It's in a sense, forbidden blood magic. Also, the fuel for Source is a soul force, and by taking it you're consuming it and completely destroying the soul. On top of that, the use of Source in magic seems to attract Voidwoken, so that's why it's banned and considered dangerous. Sourcerors have to wear nullifying collars. Magisters don't care about regular magic, you're not messing with the essence of existence and you're not attracting eldritch horrors from another dimension when you use it.
In The Witcher, Magic is used by harnessing the power of Chaos, and it’s utilized by mages, druids, and priests through rigorous training. Witchers, like Geralt, undergo mutations that allow them to cast simple magical signs. There are also a myriad of magical creatures that use it. While a few simple spells, like a witcher's sign, can be used by anyone, only those born with the power, known as Sources, are capable of truly wielding its incredible power.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Magic comes from accessing various Warrens, each associated with different elements, forces, or aspects of reality. "Warren" could refer to either the physical other-world that could be travelled to, or to the form of magic which could be shaped by someone who could channel a Warren. Sorcerers can draw power from one or more of these Warrens to cast spells, summon creatures, and more.
