The Best Skyrim Character: Warrior, Thief or Mage?

One of the questions that the Skyrim Fansite receives from casual and hardcore gamers alike is what is the best Skyrim character? The question of character is important, and careful consideration needs to be made before you start stomping throughout the frozen wastes of Skyrim, fighting dragons and exploring lost ruins. Honestly though, there really isn’t a best character per se — with a never ending combination of weapons, spells, Skills and Perks, you truly can create any type of character you wish. One type of character isn’t necessarily better than another, and often times the best character is determined by a gamer’s style of play.

Basically, there are three character types in the world of Skyrim (Warrior, Thief, and Mage) with additional specialty variations in between (Battlemage, Assassin, Necromancer, etc.). This opportunity to create any character you wish is one of the things that makes Skyrim so special, allowing gamers to truly immerse themselves into the role playing aspects of the game. Sound overwhelming? Then read on as we take a closer look at the primary characters of Warrior, Thief, and Mage.

The Warrior

Style of Play

Enjoys a good fight and doesn’t shy away from combat. Prefers to kick butt and take names. Good choice for players that enjoy weapons, armor, bashing skulls, hack n’ slash, and overcoming obstacles with brute force.

Racial Skill Advantages

Players that pursue the path of the Warrior should consider selecting either the Nord, Orc, or Redguard race. All three races receive certain bonuses above the base level of 15 in the following Skills:

Picking the Proper Perks

When choosing Perks, Warriors will want to increase their combat skills by following The Path of Might beneath the Skill Constellations. The Path of Might encompasses skills in:

Smithing (improves the value and properties of weapons and armor)
Heavy Armor (reduces damage)
Block (reduces damage)
Two-Handed (increases damage inflicted when using two-handed weapons)
One-Handed (increases damage inflicted when using one-handed weapons)
Archery (increases damage inflicted when using bows)

Pros and Cons

Pros: Powerful character at the beginning stages of the game, both offensively and defensively.
Cons: Strength can only get you so far. Warriors may find themselves at a disadvantage in situations where the use of stealth and magic are a better alternatives than bashing heads.

Specialty Variation

Battlemage: Follows The Path of Might and The Path of Sorcery to combine a Warrior’s toughness and skill at arms with a Mage’s ability to use magic. A potentially powerful character to play, but takes time to increase Skills due to the necessity of following two paths.

Helpful Hints

Don’t neglect your Block Skill! Blocking doesn’t sound exciting — especially if your playing style tends to be overly aggressive. However, the Blocking Skill will not only help reduce the amount of damage you take, but allows you to cause damage by bashing enemies with weapons or shields.

Thief

Style of Play

Enjoys keeping to the shadows, preferring stealth over combat. Likes the challenge of moving about unseen, and enjoys the thrill of picking pockets and picking locks. Good choice for players looking to use their intellect to overcome obstacles.

Racial Skill Advantages

Players that pursue the path of the Thief should consider selecting either the Argonian, Khajiit, or Wood Elf race. All three races receive certain bonuses above the base level of 15 in the following Skills:

Picking the Proper Perks

When choosing Perks, Theives will want to increase their stealth skills by following The Path of Shadow beneath the Skill Constellations. The Path of Shadow encompasses skills in:

Light Armor (reduces damage)
Sneak (the art of moving unseen and unheard)
Lockpicking (allows for the opening of locked doors and containers)
Pickpocket (stealing gold and valuables from unsuspecting targets)

Pros and Cons

Pros: A fun character to play for gamers looking for a unique challenge (sneak and stealth vs. hack and slash).
Cons: Unable to take advantage of the use of heavy weapons and armor afforded to the Warrior and the powerful spells of the Mage.

Specialty Variation

Assassin: Follows The Path of Shadow and The Path of Might to combine a Thief’s stealth with a Warrior’s toughness and skill at arms. Alchemy is a great supporting skill, for it allows the use and creation of powerful poisons. A potentially powerful character to play, but takes time to increase Skills due to the necessity of following multiple paths.

Helpful Hints

Increasing the Lockpicking skill early in the game will allow you to gain access to treasure chests and hidden rooms you’d never otherwise be able to access.

Mage

Style of Play

Enjoys using magic and casting spells as well as the acquisition of magical items. Would rather overcome enemies with a well-thought out spell than rush headlong into physical combat. Good choice for players looking to use their intellect to overcome obstacles.

Racial Skill Advantages

Players that pursue the path of the Mage should consider selecting either the Breton, Dark Elf, High Elf, or Imperial race. All four races receive certain bonuses above the base level of 15 in the following Skills:

Imperial,15,15,20,25,15,20

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Picking the Proper Perks

When choosing Perks, Mages will want to increase their magic skills by following The Path of Sorcery beneath the Skill Constellations. The Path of Sorcery encompasses skills in:

Illusion (manipulate the mind of those around you)
Conjuration (summon creatures to fight for you, create Bound weapons, trap souls of enemies)
Destruction (harness elemental forces of fire, frost, and shock)
Restoration (heal yourself and companions as well as turning the undead)
Alteration (manipulate the physical world around you)
Enchanting (create magic weapons and armor)

Pros and Cons

Pros: A very powerful character at later stages of the game.
Cons: Fairly weak at the beginning of the game; unable to rely upon the weapons and armor of other characters.

Specialty Variation

Necromancer: Follows The Path of Sorcery with a strong emphasis on the Conjuration, Illusion, and Alteration skills. Uses undead minions to defeat enemies.

Helpful Hints

Increase your Destruction skills as soon as possible in order to cause heavy damage to opponents. The Mage who can dual wield Destruction spells is a force to be reckoned with.