Your race sets your starting skill bonuses and a unique racial power. It nudges your early game but never locks you in — any race can master any skill. Here's the full list.
| Race | Racial Power | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nord | Battle Cry (foes flee) · 50% frost resist | Warrior · Two-Handed |
| Imperial | Voice of the Emperor (calm) · extra gold | Versatile · Sword & Board |
| Breton | Dragonskin (absorb spells) · 25% magic resist | Mage · Spellsword |
| High Elf (Altmer) | Highborn (regen Magicka) · +50 Magicka | Pure Mage |
| Dark Elf (Dunmer) | Ancestor's Wrath (fire cloak) · 50% fire resist | Battlemage · Assassin |
| Wood Elf (Bosmer) | Command Animal · 50% poison/disease resist | Stealth Archer |
| Orc (Orsimer) | Berserker Rage (2× dmg, ½ taken) | Heavy Warrior · Tank |
| Redguard | Adrenaline Rush (stamina regen) · 50% poison resist | Duelist · One-Handed |
| Khajiit | Claws (unarmed) · Night Eye | Stealth · Monk |
| Argonian | Histskin (rapid heal) · waterbreathing · disease immune | Stealth · Survivalist |
Three Beginner Builds
The Warrior
Race: Nord or Orc.
Skills: Two-Handed/One-Handed, Heavy Armor, Block, Smithing. Grab the Warrior Stone early and forge your own gear.
The Mage
Race: High Elf or Breton.
Skills: Destruction, Restoration, Alteration, Enchanting. Join the College of Winterhold for spells and training.
The Stealth Archer
Race: Wood Elf or Khajiit.
Skills: Archery, Sneak, Light Armor, Alchemy. The famous Skyrim power-fantasy — sneak attacks deal 3× bow damage.
💬 Community Strategies & Discussion
Did you find a hidden chest? Struggling with a boss? Share your tips and questions with other mercenaries below!