The Races of Tamriel: A Complete Guide

Three broad groups, ten distinct peoples

Tamriel's playable races split loosely into Men, Mer (elves), and Beast Folk, each shaped by a different homeland and a different relationship to the continent's long, tangled history.

Men

Nords hail from Skyrim, hardy and famously resistant to frost and shock, culturally built around clan loyalty and a warrior tradition. Imperials come from Cyrodiil, the seat of the Empire, and lean toward diplomacy, trade, and disciplined military organization. Bretons, from High Rock, carry a strong hereditary talent for magic thanks to partial Elven ancestry. Redguards, from Hammerfell, are renowned warriors and among the most naturally gifted swordsmen and swordswomen in Tamriel.

Mer (Elves)

Altmer (High Elves), from Summerset, are the most naturally gifted at magic of any race and carry a long history of viewing themselves as culturally superior to other peoples. Dunmer (Dark Elves), from Morrowind, practice ancestor worship and were shaped heavily by centuries of both slavery and rebellion under and against Imperial rule. Bosmer (Wood Elves), from Valenwood, are bound by an ancient pact called the Green Pact that shapes strict cultural taboos around what they can eat and build. Orsimer (Orcs), found in strongholds across Tamriel rather than one central province, are skilled smiths and warriors organized around fortified clan communities.

Beast Folk

Khajiit, from Elsweyr, are a feline people whose physical form actually shifts depending on the phase of the moons at the time of their birth, giving individual Khajiit noticeably different appearances from one another. Argonians, from Black Marsh, are reptilian, naturally resistant to disease and poison, and able to breathe underwater, traits tied to their deep connection with the Hist, the sentient trees at the center of Argonian society and belief.

How much this actually matters in the games

Race affects starting stats, unique abilities, and how certain NPCs react to you, but every mainline game lets you build almost any playstyle regardless of race. It's worth picking based on which culture and homeland actually interests you rather than optimizing purely around starting bonuses, especially since Skyrim and later games let you respec fairly freely as you play.