The Ultimate Guide to the Best Race for the Thieves Guild in Skyrim

The question plaguing every aspiring sneak thief in Skyrim: which race truly reigns supreme when it comes to mastering the art of larceny and skullduggery within the Thieves Guild? While Skyrim offers a plethora of races each with unique strengths, one stands out as the quintessential choice for those looking to become true masters of shadow: the Khajiit. Their innate agility, stealth bonuses, and natural night vision make them formidable members of the guild.

Why Khajiit Dominate the Thieves Guild

The Khajiit’s prowess in the Thieves Guild stems from several key racial traits:

• Night Eye: This active ability grants superior night vision, negating the need for torches or light spells in dimly lit dungeons and mansions. Perfect for navigating the shadows and catching unsuspecting victims off guard.
• +10 to Sneak Skill: A flat bonus to your Sneak skill provides a significant advantage from the very beginning. This allows you to remain undetected longer, making it easier to pick pockets, sneak past guards, and deliver devastating sneak attacks.
• Claws: While not a game-changer, the Khajiit’s claws provide a minor unarmed damage bonus. This can be useful in a pinch if you’re caught without a weapon or prefer a more subtle approach to eliminating threats.

Beyond racial abilities, the Khajiit aesthetic perfectly complements the Thieves Guild archetype. Their cat-like appearance adds to their mystique and makes them feel naturally suited to the clandestine world of thievery.

Honorable Mentions: Other Viable Thief Races

While Khajiit are arguably the best, other races can also excel in the Thieves Guild, especially with focused builds and strategic gameplay:

• Argonians: Their Histskin ability provides rapid health regeneration, making them surprisingly resilient in combat. Argonians are also immune to disease, useful for Skyrim’s many traps.
• Bosmer (Wood Elves): They have a +5 bonus to archery and sneak. “Command Animal” can be useful in certain situations, or at least funny.
• Dunmer (Dark Elves): While specializing more toward magic and combat, the Dunmer’s inherent resistance to fire can be invaluable when dealing with traps and magical adversaries. They also have a +5 bonus to sneak.
• Bretons: Their magic resistance helps them deal with traps, and their +5 bonus to sneak makes them good thieves.
• Redguards: Their Adrenaline Rush can allow them to take down enemies with power attacks, and their +5 bonus to sneak is useful.
• Orcs: With Berserker Rage and a +5 bonus to sneak, orcs can stealthily get into places and power attack.
• Imperials: Though not as naturally gifted at thievery as other races, Imperials’ bonus to speech can be helpful in talking your way out of sticky situations or securing better deals with fences.
• Nords: Battle Cry can work in a situation, but overall they make worse thieves.

Building Your Thief: Essential Skills and Perks

Regardless of your chosen race, maximizing your potential as a Thieves Guild member requires investing in the right skills and perks:

• Sneak: The cornerstone of any thief build. Prioritize perks that improve stealth effectiveness, reduce detection chances, and allow you to move silently.
• Lockpicking: Essential for accessing locked chests, doors, and other valuable loot. Invest in perks that make lockpicking easier and faster.
• Pickpocket: Allows you to steal items directly from NPCs. Invest in perks that increase your success rate and allow you to steal equipped items.
• Archery: Useful for taking out enemies from a distance or distracting guards. Perks that increase damage and critical hit chance are highly beneficial.
• Light Armor: Provides protection without sacrificing mobility. Perks that improve armor rating and allow you to move silently are crucial.
• One-Handed: If you choose to engage in close combat, invest in one-handed weapons like daggers. Perks that increase damage and critical hit chance are essential.
• Speech: Can get you out of trouble, so perks in speech can be helpful.
• Alchemy: Create poisons and potions that increase your chances of success.
• Enchanting: Use enchanted items to become a better thief and assassin.
• Smithing: Make quality weapons and armor to become more powerful.

Joining the Thieves Guild: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Locate Brynjolf in Riften: You can usually find him in the Riften marketplace during the day or in the Bee and Barb inn at night.
2. Complete “A Chance Arrangement”: This initial quest involves framing a local merchant and proves your willingness to engage in morally questionable activities.
3. Follow Brynjolf to the Ragged Flagon: After completing “A Chance Arrangement,” Brynjolf will lead you to the Thieves Guild headquarters, hidden beneath the city.
4. Take the Oath: Accept the Thieves Guild’s oath to officially become a member and gain access to their resources and quests.

Essential Thieves Guild Tips and Tricks

• Master the Shadows: Utilize dark areas and shadows to remain undetected.
• Distract Your Enemies: Use items like coins or arrows to create distractions and lure guards away from their posts.
• Exploit the Environment: Take advantage of high ground, hidden passages, and other environmental features to gain an edge.
• Invest in Skill Trainers: Regularly train your skills with trainers to improve your abilities faster.
• Complete Side Quests: Completing side quests for the Thieves Guild will reward you with valuable items, gold, and experience.
• Choose Your Targets Wisely: Avoid stealing from essential NPCs or those who are likely to cause trouble.
• Utilize Potions and Enchantments: Use potions and enchantments to improve your skills and abilities.
• Fence Your Stolen Goods: Find fences who will buy your stolen goods at a higher price than regular merchants.
• Be Patient: Thievery requires patience and planning. Don’t rush into situations without assessing the risks.

FAQs About Being a Thief in Skyrim

1. Can any race join the Thieves Guild?

Yes, any race in Skyrim can join the Thieves Guild. However, some races are inherently better suited for the role due to their racial abilities and skill bonuses.

2. Is it possible to complete the Thieves Guild questline without killing anyone?

Yes, it is possible to complete the main Thieves Guild questline without killing anyone. This requires careful planning, strategic use of stealth, and a willingness to avoid direct confrontation.

3. What is the best armor for a thief in Skyrim?

The best armor for a thief in Skyrim is light armor that provides bonuses to sneak, lockpicking, and pickpocket. The Nightingale Armor set, obtained during the Thieves Guild questline, is an excellent choice.

4. What is the best weapon for a thief in Skyrim?

Daggers are the preferred weapon for thieves due to their low weight and high sneak attack damage multiplier. Enchanting a dagger with a powerful effect like paralysis or absorb health can make it even more deadly. Bows can also be useful for taking out distant enemies.

5. Where can I find fences to sell stolen goods?

Fences can be found in various locations throughout Skyrim, including the Ragged Flagon in Riften, Tonilia in Thieves Guild, and various merchants who will buy stolen goods after you complete certain Thieves Guild quests.

6. How do I improve my sneak skill quickly?

The best way to improve your sneak skill is to repeatedly sneak past enemies without being detected. You can also train your sneak skill with trainers or read skill books.

7. What are the benefits of joining the Thieves Guild?

Joining the Thieves Guild provides access to exclusive quests, items, training, and a network of contacts throughout Skyrim. You also gain access to the Ragged Flagon, a safe haven for thieves.

8. Can I become the leader of the Thieves Guild?

Yes, you can become the leader of the Thieves Guild by completing the main questline.

9. What are the consequences of getting caught stealing?

If you are caught stealing, you may be arrested by the guards and forced to pay a fine or spend time in jail. Your bounty in the hold will also increase, making it more difficult to avoid detection in the future.

10. How do I avoid getting caught stealing?

To avoid getting caught stealing, remain hidden in the shadows, move slowly, and avoid making noise. You can also use potions and enchantments to improve your sneak skill.

11. Are there any unique items or quests that are only available to Thieves Guild members?

Yes, there are several unique items and quests that are only available to Thieves Guild members, including the Nightingale Armor set, the Thieves Guild Master Armor set, and various radiant quests.

12. Can I be a good character and still join the Thieves Guild?

It is possible to play a morally ambiguous character who joins the Thieves Guild for personal gain or to help others. However, the Thieves Guild is inherently a criminal organization, so it may be difficult to reconcile your actions with a strictly good character.

13. What is the relationship between the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood?

The Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood are separate organizations with different goals and methods. While both are criminal factions, the Thieves Guild focuses on theft and deception, while the Dark Brotherhood specializes in assassination.

14. How do I manage my bounty in Skyrim?

You can reduce your bounty by paying it off at a guard post, using a Thieves Guild contact to clear your name, or serving time in jail.

15. Where can I learn more about game studies and the impact of games on society?

You can learn more about game studies and the impact of games on society at the Games Learning Society. Explore their website at GamesLearningSociety.org for valuable resources and insights.

Final Thoughts

While skill, strategy, and perks play a crucial role, choosing the right race can give you a significant edge in becoming a master thief in Skyrim. The Khajiit offers a compelling combination of racial abilities and aesthetics that make them the ideal choice for aspiring members of the Thieves Guild. However, with the right build and dedication, any race can rise to the challenge and become a formidable thief. So, embrace the shadows, hone your skills, and carve your own path to infamy in the world of Skyrim!