Races In Skyrim The Elder Scrolls V

There are ten different playable races in Skyrim: The Elder Scrolls V. All of these Skyrim races have appeared in the past Elder Scrolls games in the other regions of Tamriel. When it comes to the appearance and history of the Skyrim races, they can be divided in three cathegories: human, mer (elven) and beast. The game offers a great variety of racial looks, from very pale till very dark skin color, the head shapes of, for example, Orcs, Imperials and Khajiiti (cat people) are very different. Each race is also slightly different in height. Altmeri (high elves) are the tallest which makes them the fastest runners in the game. Each Skyrim race also has their own unique abilities as well as enhanced skills. Each Skyrim race gets a +10 bonus to one skill and +5 bonus to five other skills. Although it's always nice to have a racial bonus that helps your play style, don't let the racial differences intimidate you. All skills can be improved while actually playing.

Each Skyrim race has unique powers which are either passive or can be activated once per day. Some racial skills are just weaker versions of skills which are acquired later.

All races begin with two spells: Flames (sets the target on fire, doing some damage over time) and Healing (heals the caster over time). The Breton race in Skyrim start out with additional spells: Conjure Familiar (summons a creature for 60 seconds), Dunmer race also start with Sparks (lightning damage over time that damages both health and stamina) and Altmeri can cause Fury (creatures till level 6 attack any nearby target).

Altmer
The Altmer also known as High Elves are tall and gold skinned. They are the most gifted in arcane arts from all the Skyrim races.
Racial Abilities:
High Elves are born with 50 extra magicka.
Highborn : Regenerate magicka faster for 60 seconds.

Argonian
Argonians also known as Saxhleel (people of the root) are scaly reptilian humanoids. They are swift swimmers and can breathe underwater. They worship Hist, a sacred tree whose sap they use to communicate with the tree and gain its powers.
Racial Abilities:
Argonians are 50% resistant to disease.
Water Breathing
Histskin : Invoke the power of the Hist to recover health ten times faster for 60 seconds.

Bosmer
The Bosmer or Wood Elves unlike other elves prefer simplicity in life. They are quick and agile which makes them excellent archers, thieves and masters of disguise.
Racial Abilities:
Bosmers are 50% resistant to poison and diseases.
Command Animal : Make an animal an ally for 60 seconds.

Breton
The Bretons are pale skinned, slim built and not as muscular as other human races. Because of the Elvish blood in their ancestry they make great sorcerers and their magical resistances make them great soldiers.
Racial Abilities:
Dragonskin : Absorb 50% of magicka from hostile spells for 60 seconds.
Bretons are 25% resistant to all magic.

Dunmer
Dunmer or Dark Elves possess a unique combination of cunning intellects and agile physiques. These qualities make them powerful and versatile warriors. These proud and even cruel people are really masters of all trades.
Racial Abilities:
Dunmers are 50% resistant to fire.
Ancestor’s Wrath : For 60 seconds, opponents that get too close take 8 points per second of fire damage.

Imperial
Imperials are well educated people. Their lawful nature makes them excellent diplomats and traders. They are skilled both in combat and magic.
Racial Abilities:
Voice of the Emperor : Calms nearby people for 60 seconds.
Imperials are lucky and always find more gold.

Khajiit
The Khajiit are the feline beast race in Skyrim. They make awesome thieves and assassins due to their impressive sneaking and acrobatic skills. They are very intelligent and agile.
Racial Abilities:
Night Eye : Improved night vision for 60 seconds.
Khajiit claws do 15 points of damage.

Nord
Nords are the native race in Skyrim. Frost doesn't seem to harm these people much and their martial abilities are superb. They are naturally tall and strong.
Racial Abilities:
Battle Cry : Target flees for 30 seconds.
Nords are 50% resistant to frost.

Orsimer
Orsimer also known as Orcs are the most notorius barbarians. Their unshakable courage, enthusiasm and rage make them feared warriors.
Racial Ability:
Berserker Rage : Orsimer take half damage and do double damage for 60 seconds.

Redguard
The dark-skinned, wiry-haired Redguards are natural born proud fighters. They are quick, strong and agile.
Racial Abilites:
Redguards are 50% resistant to poison.
Adrenaline Rush : Stamina regenerates 10x faster for 60 seconds.

I hope this brief summary of Skyrim races was useful for you when choosing which race should your play when emerging in the world of Skyrim. I myself am playing an Imperial warrior who is specialized in Heavy Armor, Two Handed Weapons and Speech. At first I found her quite cute but now she's dressed all in Dwarven armor which makes my character look like a guy. Haha, this motivates me to improve my smithing skills too. Thank god, the merchants of the opposite sex in Skyrim recognize her and give her nice discounts. Would you like to tell in comment section what kind of character do you have in Skyrim? ;)