Hey guys! Choosing the right race in Skyrim can really make or break your gameplay experience. Each race has unique abilities and starting skills that cater to different playstyles. So, if you're wondering which race is the absolute best for your next character build, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the optimal character builds for each race in Skyrim.

Altmer (High Elf)

Altmer, or High Elves, are naturally gifted in the arcane arts. With a starting bonus to Illusion, Conjuration, Destruction, Restoration, and Alteration, they are primed to become powerful mages. Their Highborn ability grants them extra magicka, making them formidable spellcasters right from the start. When thinking about the best build, you have to consider how to make the most of these magical advantages.

The Master Mage Build

For the Altmer, the Master Mage Build is your go-to. This build focuses on maximizing your magicka pool and reducing spell costs, allowing you to unleash devastating magical attacks. The key skills include Destruction, Alteration, Restoration, and Enchanting. With Destruction, you’ll be incinerating enemies with fireballs, shocking them with lightning, and freezing them with ice. Alteration provides crucial defensive spells like Stoneflesh, which significantly increases your armor rating. Restoration keeps you alive with healing spells, and Enchanting allows you to create gear that reduces your spell costs and boosts your magicka.

• Skills: Destruction, Alteration, Restoration, Enchanting, and optionally Illusion for crowd control.
• Race: Altmer (High Elf)
• Stone: The Mage Stone early on, then switch to the Atronach Stone for increased magicka and spell absorption.
• Stat Allocation: Primarily Magicka, with some investment in Health to survive melee encounters. A ratio of 3:1 (Magicka to Health) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by using Destruction magic to deal damage from a distance. Use Alteration spells to boost your defenses and Restoration to heal when necessary. Enchant your gear to reduce spell costs and increase your magicka. As you level up, invest in perks that increase spell damage, reduce spell costs, and improve your survivability. The Illusion skill can be a great addition for crowd control, allowing you to pacify or frenzy enemies.

Gear and Enchantments

Your gear should primarily focus on reducing magicka costs and increasing your magicka pool. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify Magicka, Fortify Destruction, Fortify Alteration, and Fortify Restoration. The Archmage's Robes, obtainable from the College of Winterhold questline, are a must-have for any aspiring Master Mage. Combine these with enchanted rings, necklaces, and headgear to become an unstoppable force of magical destruction.

Why This Build Works

The Master Mage build synergizes perfectly with the Altmer's natural abilities. The Highborn ability provides a significant magicka boost, allowing you to cast more spells before running out of magicka. The Altmer's starting skill bonuses in magic schools give you a head start, making it easier to level up these skills early in the game. With the right gear and enchantments, you can become a true master of the arcane arts, capable of taking down even the toughest enemies with ease.

Argonian

Argonians are the reptilian natives of Black Marsh, known for their resistance to disease and poison, and their ability to breathe underwater. These traits make them excellent explorers and survivors. When choosing a build for an Argonian, consider their inherent resilience and adaptability.

The Stealthy Healer Build

One fantastic build for the Argonian is the Stealthy Healer. This build combines stealth, healing, and poison to create a versatile and deadly character. The key skills include Sneak, Restoration, Alchemy, and Light Armor. With Sneak, you'll be able to move silently and strike from the shadows. Restoration provides powerful healing spells and disease resistance. Alchemy allows you to create potent poisons and healing potions. Light Armor offers mobility and protection without hindering your stealth abilities.

• Skills: Sneak, Restoration, Alchemy, Light Armor, and optionally One-Handed for melee combat.
• Race: Argonian
• Stone: The Thief Stone early on, then switch to the Lady Stone for increased health and stamina regeneration.
• Stat Allocation: A balanced approach, with points distributed between Health, Stamina, and Magicka. A ratio of 2:2:1 (Health:Stamina:Magicka) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by using Sneak to avoid detection and position yourself for sneak attacks. Use Restoration spells to heal yourself and cure diseases. Create poisons with Alchemy to weaken your enemies before engaging in combat. If detected, use Light Armor to stay mobile and Restoration spells to stay alive. As you level up, invest in perks that increase your sneak effectiveness, improve your healing spells, and enhance your poison crafting abilities. The One-Handed skill can be useful for dealing extra damage in melee combat when stealth isn't an option.

Gear and Poisons

Your gear should focus on improving your sneak abilities, increasing your stamina, and enhancing your healing spells. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify Sneak, Fortify Stamina, and Fortify Restoration. The Nightingale Armor, obtained from the Thieves Guild questline, is an excellent choice for improving your stealth. Combine this with potent poisons like Paralysis Poison and Weakness to Poison to disable and weaken your enemies.

Why This Build Works

The Stealthy Healer build takes advantage of the Argonian's natural abilities and resistances. Their Histskin ability allows them to regenerate health quickly, making them difficult to kill in combat. Their resistance to disease and poison protects them from debilitating effects. With the right skills and gear, you can become a master of stealth, healing, and poison, capable of taking down even the toughest enemies with a combination of cunning and resilience.

Breton

Bretons are the human descendants of Elves and Men, known for their magical resistance and aptitude for spellcasting. With a natural resistance to magic and a bonus to Conjuration, they are well-suited for mage-oriented builds. Let's explore the best build for Bretons.

The Conjuration Tank Build

A fantastic build for the Breton is the Conjuration Tank. This build focuses on summoning powerful creatures to do your bidding while you provide support with spells and equipment. The key skills include Conjuration, Heavy Armor, Restoration, and Enchanting. With Conjuration, you can summon creatures like Atronachs and Dremora Lords to fight for you. Heavy Armor provides excellent protection, allowing you to withstand heavy damage. Restoration keeps you alive with healing spells, and Enchanting allows you to create gear that enhances your conjuration and defenses.

• Skills: Conjuration, Heavy Armor, Restoration, Enchanting, and optionally One-Handed for melee combat.
• Race: Breton
• Stone: The Lord Stone for increased armor rating and magic resistance.
• Stat Allocation: Primarily Health and Magicka, with some investment in Stamina for carrying capacity. A ratio of 2:2:1 (Health:Magicka:Stamina) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by summoning creatures to engage your enemies in combat. Use Heavy Armor to protect yourself from damage. Use Restoration spells to heal yourself and your summoned creatures. Enchant your gear to reduce spell costs and increase your conjuration effectiveness. As you level up, invest in perks that increase your conjuration duration, improve your heavy armor skills, and enhance your healing spells. The One-Handed skill can be useful for dealing extra damage in melee combat when necessary.

Gear and Summons

Your gear should focus on increasing your armor rating, reducing spell costs, and enhancing your conjuration abilities. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify Conjuration, Fortify Magicka, and Fortify Health. The Ebony Armor or Dragonplate Armor are excellent choices for providing maximum protection. Combine this with powerful summons like Dremora Lords and Storm Atronachs to dominate the battlefield.

Why This Build Works

The Conjuration Tank build leverages the Breton's natural magic resistance and aptitude for spellcasting. Their magic resistance helps them withstand magical attacks, making them more durable in combat. Their bonus to Conjuration allows them to summon powerful creatures early in the game. With the right skills and gear, you can become an unstoppable force, capable of summoning armies to do your bidding while you stand protected in heavy armor.

Dunmer (Dark Elf)

Dunmer, or Dark Elves, are known for their resistance to fire and their natural talent for Destruction magic. With a starting bonus to Destruction, Illusion, and Alchemy, they are versatile characters capable of both magical and stealthy builds.

The Pyromancer Assassin Build

For the Dunmer, the Pyromancer Assassin build is a fiery combination of destruction magic and stealth. This build focuses on using fire magic to incinerate enemies while remaining hidden in the shadows. The key skills include Destruction, Sneak, One-Handed, and Enchanting. With Destruction, you'll be unleashing devastating fire spells. Sneak allows you to move silently and strike from the shadows. One-Handed provides a backup for melee combat, and Enchanting allows you to create gear that enhances your fire magic and sneak abilities.

• Skills: Destruction, Sneak, One-Handed, Enchanting, and optionally Illusion for crowd control.
• Race: Dunmer (Dark Elf)
• Stone: The Thief Stone early on, then switch to the Lord Stone for increased magic resistance and armor.
• Stat Allocation: Primarily Magicka and Stamina, with some investment in Health. A ratio of 2:2:1 (Magicka:Stamina:Health) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by using Sneak to avoid detection and position yourself for sneak attacks. Use fire spells to deal damage from a distance. If detected, use One-Handed weapons to engage in melee combat. Enchant your gear to reduce spell costs, increase your fire damage, and improve your sneak abilities. As you level up, invest in perks that increase your sneak effectiveness, enhance your fire magic, and improve your melee combat skills. The Illusion skill can be useful for crowd control, allowing you to pacify or frenzy enemies.

Gear and Enchantments

Your gear should focus on improving your sneak abilities, increasing your fire damage, and reducing spell costs. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify Sneak, Fortify Destruction, and Fortify Magicka. The Shrouded Armor, obtained from the Dark Brotherhood questline, is an excellent choice for improving your stealth. Combine this with fire-enchanted weapons and apparel to maximize your damage output.

Why This Build Works

The Pyromancer Assassin build synergizes perfectly with the Dunmer's natural abilities. Their fire resistance protects them from their own fire spells and other fire-based attacks. Their starting skill bonuses in Destruction and Sneak give you a head start, making it easier to level up these skills early in the game. With the right gear and enchantments, you can become a master of fire magic and stealth, capable of incinerating enemies from the shadows.

Imperial

Imperials are the civilized and diplomatic race of Cyrodiil, known for their skill in commerce and combat. They have a natural bonus to Restoration and make excellent all-around characters. Let's explore the optimal build for Imperials.

The Imperial Legionary Build

For the Imperial, the Imperial Legionary build is a classic combination of heavy armor, sword and shield combat, and healing magic. This build focuses on being a durable and effective warrior, capable of both dealing damage and supporting allies. The key skills include One-Handed, Block, Heavy Armor, and Restoration. With One-Handed, you'll be wielding swords and maces with deadly precision. Block allows you to deflect attacks with your shield. Heavy Armor provides excellent protection, and Restoration keeps you alive with healing spells.

• Skills: One-Handed, Block, Heavy Armor, Restoration, and optionally Speech for improved dialogue options.
• Race: Imperial
• Stone: The Lord Stone for increased armor rating and magic resistance.
• Stat Allocation: A balanced approach, with points distributed between Health and Stamina. A ratio of 3:2 (Health:Stamina) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by equipping heavy armor and a one-handed weapon with a shield. Use Block to deflect enemy attacks and One-Handed to deal damage. Use Restoration spells to heal yourself and allies. As you level up, invest in perks that increase your damage output, improve your blocking ability, and enhance your healing spells. The Speech skill can be useful for negotiating better deals with merchants and influencing dialogue options.

Gear and Equipment

Your gear should focus on maximizing your armor rating, increasing your damage output, and improving your healing spells. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify One-Handed, Fortify Block, and Fortify Restoration. The Imperial Armor, obtainable early in the game, is a classic choice for roleplaying as a Legionary. Combine this with a powerful sword and shield to become a formidable warrior.

Why This Build Works

The Imperial Legionary build takes advantage of the Imperial's natural aptitude for combat and diplomacy. Their Voice of the Emperor ability can calm enemies, giving you a tactical advantage in combat. Their starting skill bonuses in One-Handed and Block give you a head start, making it easier to level up these skills early in the game. With the right skills and gear, you can become a true embodiment of the Imperial Legion, capable of defending the Empire from any threat.

Khajiit

Khajiit are the feline natives of Elsweyr, known for their agility, stealth, and skill in unarmed combat. With a natural bonus to Sneak, Lockpicking, and Archery, they are well-suited for stealthy and agile builds.

The Stealth Archer Build

For the Khajiit, the Stealth Archer build is a classic combination of stealth and ranged combat. This build focuses on taking down enemies from a distance while remaining hidden in the shadows. The key skills include Archery, Sneak, Light Armor, and Alchemy. With Archery, you'll be firing arrows with deadly precision. Sneak allows you to move silently and avoid detection. Light Armor offers mobility and protection, and Alchemy allows you to create potent poisons and buffs.

• Skills: Archery, Sneak, Light Armor, Alchemy, and optionally Lockpicking for accessing valuable loot.
• Race: Khajiit
• Stone: The Thief Stone early on, then switch to the Shadow Stone for improved stealth.
• Stat Allocation: Primarily Stamina and Health, with some investment in Magicka for utility spells. A ratio of 3:2:1 (Stamina:Health:Magicka) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by using Sneak to avoid detection and position yourself for ranged attacks. Use Archery to take down enemies from a distance. If detected, use Light Armor to stay mobile and evade attacks. Create poisons with Alchemy to weaken your enemies or enhance your arrows. As you level up, invest in perks that increase your archery damage, improve your sneak effectiveness, and enhance your alchemy abilities. The Lockpicking skill can be useful for accessing valuable loot and hidden areas.

Gear and Poisons

Your gear should focus on improving your sneak abilities, increasing your archery damage, and enhancing your stamina. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify Archery, Fortify Sneak, and Fortify Stamina. The Nightingale Armor, obtained from the Thieves Guild questline, is an excellent choice for improving your stealth. Combine this with powerful bows and arrows, as well as potent poisons to maximize your damage output.

Why This Build Works

The Stealth Archer build synergizes perfectly with the Khajiit's natural abilities. Their Claws ability provides a bonus to unarmed combat, making them dangerous even in melee encounters. Their starting skill bonuses in Sneak and Archery give you a head start, making it easier to level up these skills early in the game. With the right skills and gear, you can become a master of stealth and ranged combat, capable of taking down even the toughest enemies from the shadows.

Nord

Nords are the hardy and war-like race of Skyrim, known for their resistance to frost and their skill in combat. They make excellent warriors and are well-suited for melee-oriented builds. Let's dive into the best build for Nords.

The Two-Handed Warrior Build

For the Nord, the Two-Handed Warrior build is a classic combination of heavy armor and devastating melee attacks. This build focuses on wielding powerful two-handed weapons to crush enemies in close combat. The key skills include Two-Handed, Heavy Armor, Smithing, and Enchanting. With Two-Handed, you'll be wielding greatswords and warhammers with deadly force. Heavy Armor provides excellent protection, Smithing allows you to craft and improve your gear, and Enchanting allows you to create gear that enhances your combat abilities.

• Skills: Two-Handed, Heavy Armor, Smithing, Enchanting, and optionally Archery for ranged combat.
• Race: Nord
• Stone: The Warrior Stone early on, then switch to the Lord Stone for increased armor rating and magic resistance.
• Stat Allocation: Primarily Health and Stamina, with some investment in Magicka for utility spells. A ratio of 3:2:1 (Health:Stamina:Magicka) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by equipping heavy armor and a two-handed weapon. Charge into battle and use powerful attacks to crush your enemies. Use Heavy Armor to protect yourself from damage. Use Smithing to craft and improve your gear. Use Enchanting to enhance your combat abilities. As you level up, invest in perks that increase your damage output, improve your armor rating, and enhance your smithing and enchanting skills. The Archery skill can be useful for engaging enemies at a distance.

Gear and Equipment

Your gear should focus on maximizing your armor rating, increasing your damage output, and enhancing your stamina. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify Two-Handed, Fortify Heavy Armor, and Fortify Stamina. The Steel Armor, obtainable early in the game, is a solid choice for starting out. Combine this with a powerful greatsword or warhammer to become a formidable warrior.

Why This Build Works

The Two-Handed Warrior build takes advantage of the Nord's natural aptitude for combat and their resistance to frost. Their Battle Cry ability can scare away enemies, giving you a tactical advantage in combat. Their starting skill bonuses in Two-Handed and Heavy Armor give you a head start, making it easier to level up these skills early in the game. With the right skills and gear, you can become a true force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, capable of crushing enemies with ease.

Orc

Orcs are the strong and resilient race of Skyrim, known for their ferocity in battle and their skill in smithing. With a natural bonus to Heavy Armor, Smithing, and One-Handed, they make excellent warriors and craftsmen.

The Berserker Build

For the Orc, the Berserker build is all about unleashing raw power and aggression in combat. This build focuses on maximizing your damage output and survivability in close combat. The key skills include One-Handed, Heavy Armor, Smithing, and Enchanting. With One-Handed, you'll be wielding swords and axes with deadly precision. Heavy Armor provides excellent protection, Smithing allows you to craft and improve your gear, and Enchanting allows you to create gear that enhances your combat abilities.

• Skills: One-Handed, Heavy Armor, Smithing, Enchanting, and optionally Block for added defense.
• Race: Orc
• Stone: The Warrior Stone early on, then switch to the Lord Stone for increased armor rating and magic resistance.
• Stat Allocation: Primarily Health and Stamina, with a slight investment in Magicka for utility spells. A ratio of 3:2:1 (Health:Stamina:Magicka) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by equipping heavy armor and a one-handed weapon with a shield. Charge into battle and unleash a flurry of attacks on your enemies. Use Heavy Armor to protect yourself from damage. Use Smithing to craft and improve your gear. Use Enchanting to enhance your combat abilities. As you level up, invest in perks that increase your damage output, improve your armor rating, and enhance your smithing and enchanting skills. The Block skill can be useful for deflecting enemy attacks and creating openings for counterattacks.

Gear and Equipment

Your gear should focus on maximizing your armor rating, increasing your damage output, and enhancing your stamina. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify One-Handed, Fortify Heavy Armor, and Fortify Stamina. The Orcish Armor, obtainable relatively early in the game, is a solid choice for starting out. Combine this with a powerful sword or axe and shield to become a formidable warrior.

Why This Build Works

The Berserker build synergizes perfectly with the Orc's natural abilities. Their Berserker Rage ability allows them to deal double damage and take half damage for a limited time, making them incredibly powerful in combat. Their starting skill bonuses in Heavy Armor and Smithing give you a head start, making it easier to level up these skills early in the game. With the right skills and gear, you can become an unstoppable force on the battlefield, capable of tearing through enemies with ease.

Redguard

Redguards are the skilled warriors of Hammerfell, known for their expertise with swords and their resistance to poison. With a natural bonus to One-Handed, Smithing, and Alteration, they are well-suited for melee-oriented builds and can also make effective spellswords.

The Spellsword Build

For the Redguard, the Spellsword build is a versatile combination of melee combat and magic. This build focuses on wielding a sword in one hand and casting spells with the other, allowing you to adapt to any situation. The key skills include One-Handed, Destruction, Alteration, and Enchanting. With One-Handed, you'll be wielding swords with deadly precision. Destruction allows you to cast offensive spells like fireballs and lightning bolts. Alteration provides defensive spells like Stoneflesh, and Enchanting allows you to create gear that enhances your combat and magic abilities.

• Skills: One-Handed, Destruction, Alteration, Enchanting, and optionally Restoration for healing.
• Race: Redguard
• Stone: The Warrior Stone early on, then switch to the Lord Stone for increased armor rating and magic resistance.
• Stat Allocation: A balanced approach, with points distributed between Health, Magicka, and Stamina. A ratio of 2:2:1 (Health:Magicka:Stamina) works well.
• Gameplay: Start by equipping a sword in one hand and casting spells with the other. Use One-Handed attacks to deal damage in melee combat. Use Destruction spells to deal damage from a distance. Use Alteration spells to boost your defenses. Use Enchanting to enhance your combat and magic abilities. As you level up, invest in perks that increase your damage output, improve your spellcasting abilities, and enhance your enchantments. The Restoration skill can be useful for healing yourself and allies in combat.

Gear and Enchantments

Your gear should focus on increasing your damage output, improving your spellcasting abilities, and enhancing your stamina. Look for items with enchantments like Fortify One-Handed, Fortify Destruction, and Fortify Magicka. The Steel Armor, obtainable early in the game, is a solid choice for starting out. Combine this with a powerful sword and spells to become a versatile and deadly spellsword.

Why This Build Works

The Spellsword build takes advantage of the Redguard's natural aptitude for combat and magic. Their Adrenaline Rush ability allows them to regenerate stamina quickly, making them effective in prolonged combat encounters. Their starting skill bonuses in One-Handed and Alteration give you a head start, making it easier to level up these skills early in the game. With the right skills and gear, you can become a versatile and deadly spellsword, capable of adapting to any situation and taking down enemies with ease.

So there you have it, guys! The best character builds for each race in Skyrim. Whether you prefer to be a powerful mage, a stealthy assassin, or a formidable warrior, there's a build that's perfect for you. Now get out there and explore the world of Skyrim with your new character!