The big idea of Skyrim is freedom. There are no classes, only choices. This guide uses Wikipedia's description of the game to explain how a build grows from your actions.
Key takeaways
- There are ten races, and each has skill bonuses plus a racial power.
- 18 skills are split evenly among combat, magic and stealth.
- Skills level by use, and each level-up gives a perk point.
The ten races
Humans: Nord, Imperial, Breton and Redguard. Elves: High Elf, Wood Elf and Dark Elf. Then the Orc, and the beast races Khajiit and Argonian. Each comes with a few starting skill bonuses and a special power, such as the Nord's Battle Cry. We do not list every bonus here because we could not verify them all, so check the in-game race screen.
Three simple build ideas
- Warrior: Use melee weapons and armor. Combat skills level while you fight, and perk points go into the skills you use.
- Mage: Use spells. Magic skills grow as you cast, and your Magicka bar matters most.
- Stealth: Sneak, sneak attack and pick locks. Stealth skills grow as you avoid being seen.
How perks work
When your character levels up, you can raise Health, Magicka or Stamina and spend one perk point. Perk points unlock bonuses in the skill trees. Spend them where you spend your time.
Choosing a race
- Look at the skills the race boosts.
- Look at the racial power.
- Choose the one that fits your fantasy. Nothing locks you in.
Shouts help every build
Shouts are learned from word walls and use dragon souls. They fit any style. See our beginner guide for the basics.
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Watch builds live
See what other players choose on the Skyrim hub.
