Best Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Races for Each Playstyle
Tamriel is filled with creatures from several different races, many of which can be used when creating your character. Each race has its unique stats and advantages that make it suited for specific builds and classes. If you want, you can determine the best races to pick for every specialization to maximize your gameplay.
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All Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Races
Oblivion features 10 races that players can use for their characters. These creatures come from different corners of Tamriel and belong to different factions. Many players pick their origins for role-playing purposes, but some consider the bonuses they get depending on what race they fall under. Here are all the available origins to choose from in Oblivion:
Argonian from Black Marsh
- Racial Skills: Water Breathing
- Bonus Points to: Alchemy (5), Athletics (10), Blade (5), Hand-to-Hand (5), Illusion (5), Mysticism (5), and Security (10)
- Bonus Resistances: Disease (75) and Poison (100)
Khajiit from Elsweyr
- Racial Skills: Eye of Night and Eye of Fear
- Bonus Points to: Acrobatics (10), Athletics (5), Blade (5), Hand-to-Hand (10), Light Armor (5), Security (5), and Sneak (5)
- Bonus Resistances: None
Redguard from Hammerfell
- Racial Skills: Adrenaline Rush
- Bonus Points to: Athletics (10), Blade (10), Blunt (10), Heavy Armor (5), Light Armor (5), Mercantile (5)
- Bonus Resistances: Disease (75) and Poison (75)
Nord from Skyrim
- Racial Skills: Nordic Frost and Woad
- Bonus Points to: Armorer (5), Blade (10), Block (5), Blunt (10), Heavy Armor (10), and Restoration (5)
- Bonus Resistances: Frost (50)
Breton from High Rock
- Racial Skills: Fortify Magicka 50 and Dragonskin
- Bonus Points to: Alchemy (5), Alteration (5), Conjuration (10), Illusion (5), Mysticism (10), and Restoration (10)
- Bonus Resistances: Magic (50)
Imperial from Cyrodiil
- Racial Skills: Star of the West and Voice of the Emperor
- Bonus Points to: Blade (5), Blunt (5), Hand-to-Hand (5), Heavy Armor (10), Mercantile (10), and Speechcraft (10)
- Bonus Resistances: None
Orsimer (Orc) from Orsinium
- Racial Skills: Berserk
- Bonus Points to: Armorer (10), Block (10), Blunt (10), Hand-to-Hand (5), and Heavy Armor (10)
- Bonus Resistances: Magic (50)
Bosmer (Wood Elf) from Valenwood
- Racial Skills: Beast Tongue
- Bonus Points to: Acrobatics (5), Alchemy (10), Alteration (5), Light Armor (5), Marksman (10), and Sneak (10)
- Bonus Resistances: Disease (75)
Altmer (High Elf) from Summerset Isles
- Racial Skills: Fortify Magicka 100
- Bonus Points to: Alchemy (5), Alteration (10), Conjuration (5), Destruction (10), Illusion (5), and Mysticism (10)
- Bonus Resistances: Disease (75) | -25 to Fire, Frost, and Shock
Dunmer (Dark Elf) from Morrowind
- Racial Skills: Ancestor Guardian
- Bonus Points to: Athletics (5), Blade (10), Blunt (5), Destruction (10), Light Armor (5), Marksmen (5), and Mysticism (5)
- Bonus Resistances: Fire (75)
Best Races per Class
Some Races are more suited to specific roles because of their bonuses. However, any character can play any class as they’ll eventually overcome their shortcomings as they progress through the game. Here are all the best races depending on the class or playstyle:
- Martial Classes (Warrior, Crusader, Knight, Archer, Scout, Rogue, and Barbarian): Orc, Nord, Redguard, and Imperials
- Magic Classes (Mage, Battlemage, Healer, Spellsword, Witchhunter, Nightblade, and Sorcerer): High Elf, Dunmer, and Bretons
- Stealth Classes (Thief, Acrobat, Assassin, Monk, Pilgrim, Bard, and Agent): Wood Elf, Khajit, and Argonians
Best Overall Race
Arguably, the best race for any class or playstyle is the Bretons. Considering their high INT and Willpower, they have the most well-rounded stats and bonuses. They’re natural spellcasters, and their resistance to magic makes them good in martial vs magic situations.
While both Khajiit and Dunmer are listed under specific categories, they’re considered fairly neutral races. They can fit most roles without gaining too many drawbacks or advantages. Their bonuses are great for any playstyle and are the most flexible.
