The Ultimate Skyrim Race Guide: Finding Your Perfect Dragonborn

There’s no single “best” race in Skyrim. The optimal choice depends entirely on your preferred playstyle and character build. While some races possess starting skill bonuses and unique abilities that lend themselves well to certain roles (mages, warriors, thieves), Skyrim’s leveling system allows any race to excel in any specialization. The true “best” race is the one that you find most enjoyable to play, as even a race that has negative synergy with your intended build can still become overpowered with enough time and effort.

Choosing Your Skyrim Race: A Deep Dive

The world of Skyrim offers a diverse selection of races, each with their own unique history, culture, and predispositions. Let’s examine each race to help you make an informed decision:

• Nords: The hardy natives of Skyrim, Nords are naturally resistant to cold and excel as warriors. Their racial ability, “Battle Cry,” causes enemies to flee. They receive a +10 bonus to Two-Handed weapons skill and +5 to Block, One-Handed, Light Armor, Smithing and Speech. Nords are a solid choice for players who envision themselves as honorable warriors or fierce barbarians. If you are looking for something that is lore accurate to Skyrim, the Dragonborn is most often portrayed as a Nord.

• Imperials: The civilized citizens of Cyrodiil, Imperials are skilled diplomats and merchants. Their racial ability, “Voice of the Emperor,” calms nearby people. They receive a +10 bonus to Restoration skill and +5 to Block, One-Handed, Heavy Armor and Speech. Imperials are well-suited for players who enjoy roleplaying as charismatic leaders or resourceful traders.

• Bretons: These inhabitants of High Rock boast a natural affinity for magic and resistance to it. Their racial ability, “Dragonskin,” absorbs magic from spells. They receive a +10 bonus to Conjuration skill and +5 to Alchemy, Alteration, Illusion and Restoration. Bretons are a strong choice for aspiring mages or anyone who wants to be well-protected against magical attacks.

• Redguards: Hailing from Hammerfell, Redguards are renowned warriors with exceptional stamina and swordsmanship. Their racial ability, “Adrenaline Rush,” rapidly regenerates stamina. They receive a +10 bonus to One-Handed skill and +5 to Archery, Block, Alteration, Smithing and Destruction. Redguards are ideal for players who prefer agile, combat-focused characters.

• Dark Elves (Dunmer): The ashen-skinned elves of Morrowind possess a natural resistance to fire and skill in magic and stealth. Their racial ability, “Ancestor’s Wrath,” surrounds the user in flames. They receive a +10 bonus to Destruction skill and +5 to Alchemy, Alteration, Illusion, Light Armor and Sneak. Dunmer are versatile and can be adapted to various playstyles, from stealthy assassins to powerful pyromancers.

• High Elves (Altmer): The tall, magically gifted elves of Summerset Isle possess a natural aptitude for magic. Their racial ability, “Highborn,” grants increased magicka regeneration. They receive a +10 bonus to Illusion skill and +5 to Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction, Enchanting and Restoration. Altmer are a natural fit for players who want to specialize in magic. High Elves are the longest lived race in the Elder Scrolls series.

• Wood Elves (Bosmer): The nimble archers and trackers of Valenwood are skilled in stealth and have a natural resistance to poison and disease. Their racial ability, “Command Animal,” makes an animal fight for you. They receive a +10 bonus to Archery skill and +5 to Alchemy, Light Armor, Lockpicking, Pickpocket and Sneak. Bosmer are excellent for players who prefer ranged combat, stealth, and exploring the wilderness.

• Orcs (Orsimer): The strong, resilient Orcs of Orsinium are renowned for their berserker rage and skill in heavy armor. Their racial ability, “Berserker Rage,” doubles damage dealt and halves damage taken. They receive a +10 bonus to Heavy Armor skill and +5 to Block, Enchanting, One-Handed, Smithing and Two-Handed. Orcs are an excellent choice for players who want to play as powerful, heavily armored warriors.

• Khajiit: The feline humanoids of Elsweyr are skilled in stealth and unarmed combat. Their racial ability, “Night Eye,” provides improved night vision. They receive a +10 bonus to Sneak skill and +5 to Alchemy, Archery, Lockpicking, One-Handed and Pickpocket. Khajiit are well-suited for players who enjoy stealthy characters and the life of a thief.

• Argonians: The reptilian inhabitants of Black Marsh possess a natural resistance to disease and the ability to breathe underwater. Their racial ability, “Histskin,” rapidly regenerates health. They receive a +10 bonus to Lockpicking skill and +5 to Alteration, Light Armor, Restoration, Sneak and Pickpocket. Argonians are versatile and are well-suited for explorers, rogues, or mages who rely on restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skyrim Races

What is the strongest race in Skyrim for a warrior build?

Orcs (Orsimer) are often considered the strongest race for a pure warrior build due to their “Berserker Rage” ability and starting skill bonuses in Heavy Armor and One-Handed weapons. Nords and Redguards are also excellent choices.

Which race is the best for a mage?

High Elves (Altmer) and Bretons are arguably the best races for a mage. Altmer receive a bonus to their magicka pool and skill with illusion magic, making them powerful from the start. Bretons receive a resistance to magic and a bonus to their conjuration magic, letting them survive the early game while summoning minions to do damage.

Is it possible to play as a stealth archer with any race?

Yes! While Wood Elves (Bosmer) and Khajiit receive initial skill bonuses in Archery and Sneak, any race can become a proficient stealth archer with enough training and skill point investment.

Does race affect dialogue options in Skyrim?

Yes, race can affect dialogue options. Some NPCs will react differently to you based on your race. For instance, Nords may be more welcoming to other Nords, while High Elves might face prejudice in certain situations.

Can I change my race after starting the game?

No, you cannot change your race after starting a game of Skyrim without using mods or console commands. Your race is a permanent decision made at character creation.

Which race is the most lore-friendly choice for the Dragonborn?

While the Dragonborn can be any race, Nords have the strongest connection to the lore surrounding dragons and Skyrim’s history. Promotional materials for Skyrim often depict the Dragonborn as a Nord.

Does the size of my character affect gameplay?

While not explicitly a major factor, some sources claim that size modifiers might impact movement speed or damage slightly, with larger races like Orcs and High Elves potentially dealing slightly more damage and moving faster.

What race has the longest lifespan in Skyrim?

Elves generally live the longest in Skyrim. High Elves (Altmer) can live for hundreds of years, with some reaching ages of 200-300 years or more.

Is there a “weakest” race in Skyrim?

No race is inherently “weak.” Some races may have starting skills that are less immediately useful for certain playstyles. In the end, any race can become powerful and effective with dedication and proper skill development.

Which race is best for crafting skills like Smithing and Alchemy?

Nords and Orcs receive starting bonuses to Smithing, making them good choices for that skill. For Alchemy, Bretons, Dark Elves, and Wood Elves receive starting bonuses. However, any race can become a master crafter.

What are the best racial abilities to use in Skyrim?

It depends on your playstyle. Orc’s Berserker Rage is powerful for warriors, Breton’s Dragonskin is excellent for mages, and Khajiit’s Night Eye is useful for stealth characters.

Which race is best for joining the Stormcloaks?

Nords are a natural fit for the Stormcloaks due to their strong connection to Skyrim and their desire for independence from the Empire.

Which race is best for joining the Imperial Legion?

Imperials are a logical choice for the Imperial Legion, as they are the citizens of Cyrodiil and represent the Empire’s authority.

How do starting skills and racial abilities impact the early game?

Starting skills can provide an initial advantage in certain areas, but they become less significant as you level up and develop your character. Racial abilities can offer unique tactical options and benefits throughout the game.

Where can I learn more about the lore and history of each race in Skyrim?

You can learn more about the lore and history of each race by reading in-game books, exploring different regions of Skyrim, and interacting with NPCs. You can also find a plethora of information about the world of Skyrim, game-based learning, and more from the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Choosing a race in Skyrim is a personal decision. Consider your preferred playstyle, desired character concept, and the racial bonuses that resonate with you. Remember, any race can become a formidable Dragonborn with the right skills and dedication!