Ever spent three hours in a character creator just to realize you hate how your boots look? I've been there. Most people asking what Elder Scrolls race am i are looking for a personality match, but the game mechanics usually force you into a box based on whether you want to hit things with a hammer or throw fireballs. Tamriel is messy. It's a continent defined by thousands of years of migration, literal divine intervention, and some of the most complex racial dynamics ever written into a fantasy RPG.
Picking a race isn't just about the +10 to Two-Handed or the 50% Resist Frost. Honestly, it's about finding out where you fit in the chaotic history of Nirn. Are you a survivor? A scholar? Someone who just wants to be left alone in a swamp? Let’s break down the actual identity of these ten races so you can stop staring at the slider bars and start playing the game.
The Humans of Tamriel: Ambition and Resilience
Humans in The Elder Scrolls aren't just "default" settings. They are arguably the most aggressive and adaptable forces in the world’s history. If you gravitate toward human characters, you're usually choosing between political dominance, rugged survivalism, or pure martial discipline.
✨ Don't miss: Playing Ocarina of Time on GameCube: What This Version Changes and How to Beat It
Nords are the poster children for Skyrim, obviously. They’re hearty. They’re loud. They have a 50% resistance to Frost, which reflects their homeland's brutal climate. But being a Nord is more about "Shor’s bones" and the concept of a warrior’s honor. If you’re the type of person who values tradition and physical toughness over sneaky politics, you’re likely a Nord. According to lore experts at the Imperial Library, Nords believe they were literally breathed into existence on the Throat of the World. That’s a lot of ego to carry around.
Then you’ve got the Imperials. They’re the bureaucrats. The merchants. The people who built an Empire that lasted eras. Their "Voice of the Emperor" ability in Skyrim calms people down, which is basically the fantasy version of being a really good HR manager. If you’re the person in your friend group who settles every argument and somehow always has the most money in your Venmo account, you’re an Imperial. They are the masters of the "middle ground."
Redguards are different. They aren't part of the original "Atmora" migration that brought Nords to Tamriel. They came from Yokuda, a sunken continent, and they brought a level of sword-mastery that makes everyone else look like they’re swinging sticks. They value individual skill above all else. They’re the world’s greatest warriors, but they’re also fiercely independent. If you’re a "lone wolf" who trusts your own hands more than a government or a god, look no further.
Finally, the Bretons. They’re the "half-elves" of the setting, though they don't like the term. They have elven blood, giving them a natural resistance to magic (25% in Skyrim and ESO). This makes them the ultimate "Magic Tank." They’re often seen as knights or courtly mages. If you like complexity—being a bit of a nerd but also wanting to wear heavy armor—the Breton is your sweet spot.
✨ Don't miss: City of Tears Map Explained: Where to Find Cornifer and Unlock Every Shortcut
The Elves: Ancestry, Arrogance, and Arcana
Elves in Tamriel call themselves "Mer." They live longer, they remember more, and honestly, they can be kind of jerks about it.
Take the Altmer (High Elves). They are the tallest race and have the highest starting magicka. They believe they are the direct descendants of the gods. If you’re a perfectionist who finds everyone else’s incompetence a bit exhausting, you’re an Altmer. They are the undisputed masters of the arcane, but that comes with a "Highborn" attitude that doesn't always win them friends in the local tavern.
Bosmer (Wood Elves) are the complete opposite. They live in Valenwood, a sentient jungle. They follow the Green Pact, which—in its strictest lore interpretation—means they don't eat plants and are technically cannibals to avoid wasting meat. It’s wild. But in the games, they’re just the best archers. They’re short, agile, and connected to nature. If you’re a minimalist who prefers the outdoors and moves through life without leaving a footprint, you’re a Wood Elf.
Then there’s the Dunmer (Dark Elves). These are arguably the most complex characters in the series. They live in Morrowind, a land of giant mushrooms and active volcanoes. They’ve been cursed, betrayed by their own gods, and survived multiple apocalypses. They are cynical, tough, and deeply spiritual in a dark way. If you’ve got a bit of a goth streak and a "me against the world" mentality, the Dunmer are your people. Their 50% Resist Fire is also incredibly practical when you’re fighting dragons.
A Note on the Orsimer
Wait, are Orcs elves? Yes. The Orsimer were once followers of the god Trinimac before he was... well, eaten and excreted by Boethiah (it’s a long story). Now they are the pariahs. They live in Strongholds. They value strength, smithing, and "The Code of Malacath." If you feel like an outsider who finds solace in hard work and loyalty to a small, tight-knit group, you are an Orc. Their "Berserker Rage" is the best combat ability in the game, hands down. It doubles your damage. It’s pure, unadulterated power.
The Beastfolk: The True Outsiders
If you’re asking what Elder Scrolls race am i and you don't feel "human" or "elven," you’re looking at the Beastfolk. These are the most unique designs in the series.
- Khajiit: The cat-people of Elsweyr. Their forms are actually determined by the phases of the moons when they are born. Some look like house cats; some look like tigers; the ones we play look like humans with fur. They are the masters of stealth and trade. If you’re a bit of a wanderer, someone who likes a good joke, and maybe has a slightly flexible relationship with "ownership," you’re a Khajiit.
- Argonians: The lizard-folk of Black Marsh. They are perhaps the most alien race. They worship sentient trees called the Hist. They can breathe underwater, which is a literal lifesaver in certain dungeons. They have a massive health regeneration ability called "Histskin." If you are incredibly resilient, slightly mysterious, and feel a deep connection to your roots (literally), you belong in the marsh.
Statistical Breakdown of Racial Popularity
While personality matters, the numbers don't lie. Players tend to gravitate toward certain races based on the game's setting.
| Race | Typical Playstyle | Key Lore Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Nord | Warrior / Tank | Cultural Pride |
| Altmer | Pure Mage | Genetic Superiority |
| Khajiit | Stealth / Thief | Survival Instinct |
| Breton | Battlemage | Adaptability |
| Dunmer | Spellsword | Resilience |
In a 2022 player survey across The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and ESO, Nords remained the most played race, largely due to the "homeland" factor. However, Bretons and Altmer dominate the high-end "meta" for magic-based builds because their passive bonuses are simply too good to ignore.
How to Make the Final Choice
Stop looking at the stats for a second. Think about the environment. If you were dropped into Nirn tomorrow, where would you actually want to stand?
If you want to be the hero of the story, the one everyone looks to in a crisis, pick an Imperial or a Nord. You’ll feel like you belong in the center of the narrative.
If you want to be the smartest person in the room, even if no one likes you, go Altmer. You’ll have the magicka to back up your arrogance.
If you want to be a survivor who doesn't owe anyone anything, pick a Redguard or an Orc. You’ll find your own way, usually with a very sharp blade.
Practical Steps for Your Next Playthrough
- Check the Passive, Not the Active: Active abilities (like Adrenaline Rush) can only be used once a day in most games. You'll forget to use them. Focus on the passive bonuses, like the Breton’s Magic Resistance or the Khajiit’s Night Eye.
- Fashion Souls Matters: You are going to look at this character for 100+ hours. If you hate the way an Argonian looks in a specific type of helmet, don't play one. Seriously.
- Ignore the "Best" Build: Unless you are doing high-end veteran trials in Elder Scrolls Online, every race can do every job. You can be an Altmer warrior. It’s fine. The game won't break.
- Read a Book: Literally. Find an in-game book like A Children's Adad of the Mer or The Monomyth. If the creation story of a certain race clicks with you, that’s your answer.
The choice of race is the first real decision you make in any Elder Scrolls game. It sets the tone for your entire journey. Whether you're a Khajiit sneaking through the shadows of Riften or a High Elf commanding the elements in Summerset, just make sure the choice feels like you. Or, at the very least, make sure you like the tail.
To narrow it down right now: rank your top three priorities between Magic, Might, and Stealth. If you picked Magic first, look at Bretons or Altmer. If you picked Might, it's Nords, Orcs, or Redguards. If Stealth is your game, Khajiit and Bosmer are waiting. Everything else is just flavor.