Skyrim is a harsh nation, with many hardships and dangers. So, it only makes sense that many equally harsh and strong warriors hail from the frozen landscape.

Indeed, there's a particular favoritism toward those who use only their brawn on the battlefield, with an almost-open hostility toward the opposite: brains and magic (though sneaky thieves often aren't taken kindly to either). Look no further than the poor condition of the College of Winterhold for proof.

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Despite the favoritism towards warriors, it is not an easy path to walk, especially without any magic or stealth to bolster it. Still, it's doable, and out of 10 races, 5 are viable candidates for your pure warrior build.

Updated May 31, 2022, by Gabrielle Huston: We've added some extra details and fine-tuned this list to make sure you can build the warrior of your dreams.

5 Khajiit

Skyrim - Khajiit warrior

Unique Racial Power

Night Eye: Improved Night Vision for 60 seconds.

Unique Racial Effect

+15 Base Unarmed Damage

+10 Points To This Skill

  • Sneak

+5 Points To These Skills

  • Lockpicking
  • Pickpocket
  • Alchemy
  • Archery
  • One-Handed

There are two disadvantages to playing a Khajiit warrior:

  1. The majority of their skills lay in stealthiness over warrior status.
  2. They have no starting skills in any armor, meaning they'll have a greater disadvantage in defense compared to other races.

However, their skills in Archery and One-Handed Weapons are surprisingly good, and on top of that, they also have the unique inborn ability of stronger unarmed attacks over every other race. This means that, even with their weakened defenses, they can still pack a powerful punch in offense (both literally and figuratively). So, for players wanting a glass tank, maybe try playing as a Khajiit!

4 Imperial

Skyrim - Imperial warrior

Unique Racial Power

Voice of the Emperor: Calms nearby people for 60 seconds.

Unique Racial Effect

Find more gold when looting

+10 Points To This Skill

  • Restoration

+5 Points To These Skills

  • Heavy Armor
  • Block
  • One-Handed
  • Destruction
  • Enchanting

Cyrodiil's native people have an even split between magical and warrior skills. For those playing as pure warriors, though, not having access to said magic does put an Imperial at a slightly awkward disadvantage. Still, any awkwardness can be fixed with some good old skill grinding for the appropriate armors, shields, and weapons.

And if it ever comes down to that split second, on-half-a-health-point moment, having access to the inborn Voice of the Emperor doesn't hurt either. After all, the mark of a truly great warrior is also knowing when to stay their blade and resolve things peacefully. Right?

3 Redguard

Skyrim - Redguard warrior

Unique Racial Power

Adrenaline Rush: Stamina regenerates 10x faster for 60 seconds, once per day.

Unique Racial Effect

50% Poison Resistance

+10 Points To This Skill

  • One-Handed

+5 Points To These Skills

  • Smithing
  • Archery
  • Alteration
  • Destruction
  • Block

The people of Hammerfell make for fantastic fighters, as their renowned Alik'r warriors show. Though they have a few skills in magic, most of their abilities lay in fighting, and it's easily possible for players to never touch those magical capabilities when making warriors. Redguards have the best starting stat in One-Handed Weapons, meaning they can get a head start on a dual-wielding warrior or the typical sword-and-shield path.

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More importantly, they have access to the Adrenaline Rush ability, giving them fast-regenerating stamina — an important stat when executing power attacks, which are invaluable to fighters. So, for those wanting warrior characters, definitely consider playing as a Redguard.

2 Nord

Skyrim - Nord warrior

Unique Racial Power

Battle Cry: Targets flee for 30 seconds, once per day.

Unique Racial Effect

50% Frost Resistance

+10 Points To This Skill

  • Two-Handed

+5 Points To These Skills

  • Smithing
  • Block
  • One-Handed
  • Light Armor
  • Speech

Is it any surprise Nords rank among the best warriors in Skyrim? They're the only race without any bonuses to their magical capabilities, almost every skill bonus is in fighting stats.

Their best skill lays in Two-Handed Weapons, which, while the slowest of weapons, also deal the most base damage. Of course, their Armor and Block skills are also decent, meaning that they can take as much as they can deal.

Nords undoubtedly make for bulky tanks and fighters, and to top it all off, they have their fearsome Battle Cry. Whether for roleplay or gameplay purposes, there's nothing more satisfying than seeing enemies flee in fear from a strong character. Playing as a Nord guarantees that glorious sight.

1 Orsimer/Orc

Skyrim - Orc Warrior

Unique Racial Power

Berserker Rage: You take half damage and do double damage for 60 seconds, once per day.

Unique Racial Effect

Allowed to enter Orc mining camps and strongholds without needing to become Blood-kin first

+10 Points To This Skill

  • Heavy Armor

+5 Points To These Skills

  • Smithing
  • Block
  • Two-Handed
  • One-Handed
  • Enchanting

Surprisingly enough, the only warriors better than Nords are Orcs. Their culture values fighters just as much as (if not more than) the people of Skyrim. While not all their skills lay in the warrior class, those that do provide them with excellent stats in defense and offense, even better than Nords.

Being an Orc also gives players the advantage of automatic entrance into all Orcish Strongholds, meaning they'll have easier access to some of Skyrim's best smiths and their supplies. To top it all off, their Berserker Rage ability makes them even deadlier for a brief period of time, which can make the difference between life and death in battle.

So, for those wanting to be overpowered warriors, Orcs should definitely be at the top of the character list.

NEXT: All Skyrim Races As Mages, Ranked