The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a complex open-world game, known for its intricate narrative and socio-political mechanics. Players log into an immersive world filled with classic fantasy elements, but with almost endless customizable options. There are several character builds, both archetypal and endemic to Skyrim, that stand above others for the best gameplay experience in Tamriel.
Before delving too deep into the intricacies of character builds, it's important for players to understand it's possible to continue customizing Skyrim character specialties throughout gameplay, long after initially creating a character. In addition to looting and purchasing useful items, players have the ability to augment or improve items through crafting. Certain quests will also lend themselves to different types of gameplay - for instance, becoming the Thieves Guild Master would hardly behoove a player looking to lead armies through Skyrim's civil war.
Character builds are created using so many components there are nearly infinite possibilities for players to customize, from racial abilities to looted items to crafted improvements. Then, as players level up during gameplay, a skill tree with 18 branches allows them to balance out or further strengthen abilities. Depending on how players want to interact with the role-playing elements and world of Skyrim, there are specific ideal builds to make the most of their gameplay experience.
Skyrim's Best Fighting Builds
Classic Knight
One of the first archetypes that comes to mind when designing a fantasy character is the classic knight in shining armor, something easily replicated in Skyrim. All of the human races, except Bretons, lend themselves well to a fighting character, as does the ferocious nature of orcs. When leveling up, players should focus on assigning skill points to the warrior attributes of heavy armor, block, two-handed and one-handed. Skyrim offers a number of fighting-based narratives, but the Companions quest will likely be the most satisfying for players hoping to walk the path of the knight. These players will want to focus on acquiring and honing items that bolster their armor class and deal powerful blows in combat.
Brawler
Players who don't want to bother with using weapons in Skyrim can easily build a character that relies only on the strength of their bare hands. A Khajiit is the best race selection, as the beast race bears claws that can deal extra damage in an unarmed strike. The best skills to focus on for this path are block, heavy armor, light armor and restoration, as lack of weapons will mean players need to focus on being able to take as much damage as possible and healing themselves. Likewise, enchanting will be an important skill, so players can learn fortify unarmed, which when applied to an article of clothing will further strengthen blows.
Ranged Fighter
Skyrim fighters who aspire to Lord of the Rings' Legolas-style combat, dealing heavy damage from a safe distance, should focused on ranged abilities. Bows and crossbows will be the weapon of choice here, especially the Dragonbone bow, and players should make leveling up their archery skill their top priority. Other useful skills would include light armor, sneak, and enchanting in order to make themselves a more efficient and well-rounded archer. Additionally, several of Skyrim's available spells are ranged, allowing players a bit more versatility during combat than shooting arrows.
Assassin
Players who relish being a rogue in Dungeons & Dragons will undoubtedly love playing an assassin in Skyrim. Once again, the Khajiit are an excellent choice, along with Argonians. Any Skyrim Daedric items will bolster skills needed to successfully create this character build, and the Dagger of Woe is the best item in the game for assassins. Useful skills to focus on include most of the abilities under the Thief guardian: sneak, lockpicking, and light armor. Although, one-handed is useful for wielding daggers or other concealable weapons as well. Assassins should focus on The Dark Brotherhood quest, as it is tailor-made for players who wish to walk this path.
Skyrim's Best Magic Builds
Ultimate Dragonborn
It is possible for players to stay on the central quest and become the most legendary Dragonborn Skyrim has ever seen. The best race for this path is the Dunmer, as they bear a natural resistance to fire helpful when fighting Skyrim's powerful dragons. In order to be the ultimate Dragonborn, players will need to master all of the dragon shouts, capped at 20 in the base game. This is achieved by slaying dragons across Skyrim and consuming their soul, as well as completing tasks for the Greybeards. The best way to fight a dragon is via ranged fighting, so players should focus on leveling up their archery skills. Players can also pick up bones from slain dragons, which in turn can be crafted into powerful armor and weapons.
Mage
Players also have lots of magical abilities at their disposal. There are five schools of magic in Skyrim: Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction, Illusion, and Restoration. Each school has their own branch on the skill tree. Enchanting is another skill, considered in-game to be both magic and combat related. Bretons and Altmer are the races best suited for magic-based gameplay, and players should focus on acquiring items that increase their magicka and add strength to their spells. Players can also use their magic to enchant items, overpowering weapons and armor for maximum damage, or more nefarious tasks like harvesting souls. Because magic in Skyrim is so diverse, players who want to be a powerful mage have the ability to be versatile in magic's application in roleplaying.
Skyrim's Best Roleplaying Builds
Stuff of Nightmares
For players who want to repel every NPC they encounter in Skyrim, there are a number of disdain and hatred-inducing builds for players to use. It's also possible for characters in Skyrim to turn into vampires or werewolves, which can negatively impact their reception in civilized areas of the game. Every race is susceptible to both the vampire disease and becoming a werewolf, though no player can be both at the same time. Players can also craft a fear effect, either through poison, spellcasting, or enchantments, which causes opponents to run from battle for a period of time. Many of the magic skills are useful, especially alteration and illusion, and speech is always a useful talent for intimidation.
Merchant
Like the Dungeons & Dragons bard class, Skyrim offers players a way to pursue the game's narrative in non-combative ways. These players rely on being likable, so human races are the best choice, though the only ones to avoid are Khajiit, Dunmer and Argonian. The most important skill to level up for this build is speech, as players will be able to talk to, trade with, and bribe NPCs accordingly. Alchemy and enchanting are also noteworthy, as they will allow players to craft items to sell and build a reputation as a merchant. It's worth noting players who choose this build in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim should make sure to have as many NPC companions with them as possible to aid in chance encounters with beasts and bandits that require combat.