I'm a beginner to the elder scrolls and I have never played Oblivion. I am wondering what the best race is for someone who is new to the elder scrolls. I'm guessing it's Nord but I want to be sure.

Dunmer (Dark Elf) is a good choice if you are new and looking for versatile characters. If you decide to be a Nord you are most likely gonna be stuck with Warrior-like skills, but since Skyrim has redone the whole attribute system, you could probably be able to play with any race.

It all depends how you want to play but tbh just pick which ever looks better in your eyes and go for it you always got another build if you want to try something else

Pick what ever you want it doesn't usually differ to much.

I feel stupid for asking this but what is a Dunmer? I never saw it in the preset faces unless it has another name

Dunmer are the most balanced race.

It's okay. I edited my post afterward and wrote Dark Elf behind. I'm sorry. :tongue:

Dunmer. Dunmer can feasibly be anything in the game very well.
Wizard? Dark Elves can do that.
Thief? Dark Elves can do that.
Assassin? Dark Elves can do that.
Warrior? Dark Elves can do that.
Battlemage? Dark Elves can do that.

Play as anything, there are no starter races or expert races because all of the races end up in the same place (level of power) in the end, just with different theatrical outcomes and beginnings and different ways to have played the game.

It depends on what you like the most, it's your choice, that's the fun of Elder Scrolls.

Usually Dark Elves are suitable for Jack-Of-All-Trades, they can basically do anything, along with Imperials.

Khajiits and Wood Elves make EXCELLENT thieves, along with Argonians.

While Redgaurds, Orcs and Nords make fantastic warriors.

The magic based classes are Breton and High Elves.


But choose whatever you like the most.~

http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1226437-dunmer-dark-elf-discussion/

I think breton is a great choice for a beginner. You get magic resist right off the hop which helps a lot with those pesky casters.

1. Decide what play-style you want to use.
2. Compare that play-style with each races skill bonuses.
3. Choose the race whose skill bonuses best suit your decided style.
4. ???
5. Profit.

That's my advice if you have decided on how you'd like to play. If you haven't, I agree with the guy who said Dark Elf. They are very versatile so you can figure out what you like as you go.

Dunmer. :thumbsup:

probably Nord since most NPC are Nords you most likely get a speech bonus ,making interaction easier.

That's a pretty good point actually dunmer are pretty versatile and looking rather beasty now probably a hood beginner race.

Dunmer are pretty good starter characters as they are overall quite versatile. Did I mention they also look badass?

There really isn't one. The game is designed so that the lowest common denominator, i.e. anyone who's ever played a video game before, can pick it up and play it with very few issues. The best advice is to choose the race you like the best.

If you've played other games, you may have a playstyle that you've picked up, however. If you like being a stealthy thief type, bosmers or khajit may be for you. If magic is your thing, Altmer or Breton work well. If you like to bullrush through the game swinging swords, Nords or Orcs (and Bretons too because of the Dragon skin power) work well. But the thing is, any of the races can achieve any of these playstyles eventually, just certain races have a better time of it early on, so you really can just choose a race based on which one you think looks the best.

This here is some solid advice for anyone starting out

Edit: Ninja'd lots, lol.

If you are not familiar with TES races, this http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Races may help you begin some research.

Hope this helps and gets you started.

Dunmer: Most balanced
Khajiit: Acrobatic
Breton: Mage
Imperial: For personality
Altmer: Best for mage
Bosmer: Good for acrobats and being a thief
Argonian: Good for acrobats and being a thief
Orc: Best for fighting
Nord: Also good at fighting
Redguard: Like Nord good at fighting but bad at magic and personality

Do we even know the diffrences between the races yet? Y'know besides appearance. Like, do we know their stats (health, magicka and stamina)? Or their skills and traits? Cause I don't remember hearing about it.

If I were to use a Nord people have said I would be a warrior character. Does that mean that I can't use magic or does it mean that I just wouldn't be good with magic.

If Skyrims racial advantages are somewhat like Oblivions, then Breton, because 50% free magic resistance is amazing when learning the game. And in Oblivion the extra magicka/restoration bonus was useful for most if not all characters to heal up after/during battle.


Oh and remember: "The jack of all trades is the master of none" when choosing a Dunmer which would be seen as a flaw by some people.

Race has almost no effect on your playstyle actually.. :shrug:
I'd stay away from Altmer though, since they have a lot of weaknesses.

I recommend Argonians ('cause they're awesome and spare you the time of looking for a cure for diseases and poisons), Bretons ('cause they have good magic defense), or just choose one you like the looks of.