The enigmatic Khajiit of Skyrim are a race shrouded in mystery and intrigue. With their feline appearance, natural stealthiness, and unique abilities, they stand apart from other races in the world of the Elder Scrolls. But what lies beneath their fur and claws? Join us on a journey as we uncover the secrets of the Skyrim Khajiit, exploring their origins, abilities, and the challenges they face in a world that often misunderstands them.

Khajiits in Skyrim Overview
- Khajiit possess special abilities such as powerful claws, natural stealthiness and Night Eye vision that make them formidable.
- Khajiit have carved out a place for themselves in Skyrim’s society despite facing discrimination and exclusion.
- The Khajiit’s origin and characteristics are deeply affected by the lunar cycle, making them excellent thieves and assassins with unique unarmed combat strategies.
Unique Abilities Of Khajiit
As a playable race in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Khajiit possess special abilities that set them apart from other races. Their feline appearance makes them visually distinct and grants them unique combat advantages, especially when it comes to unarmed combat.
Some of the special abilities and advantages of Khajiit include:
- Powerful, razor-sharp claws that allow them to deal significant damage without a weapon
- Natural stealthiness, making them excellent thieves and assassins
- Skill bonuses in areas such as Sneak, Archery, and Lockpicking
These abilities make Khajiit a formidable choice for players who prefer a stealthy and agile playstyle.
But it’s not just their combat prowess that makes Khajiit unique; they also possess an inherent ability to see in the dark. With their Night Eye vision, Khajiit can easily navigate dark areas and maintain the element of surprise in combat or when sneaking around undetected. This extraordinary vision, combined with their agility and strength, makes them a formidable race in the world of Skyrim.
Unarmed Damage and Claws
The Khajiit possess a special racial ability: their khajiit claws attack. This attack is capable of dealing four times the amount of damage as compared to being unarmed. This damage is not affected by fire damage, making it a unique and powerful form of melee combat. The Khajiit have an unarmed capability of 22, which is greater than the harm of one-handed weapons. It is on par with the base damage of an Ebony Greatsword. This is due to their powerful unarmed claw attacks that make them formidable adversaries in close-range fights.
The natural unarmed damage of a Khajiit is 10, which is more than double the unarmed damage of four attributed to other races. Their inherent agility, strength, and racial bonus allow them to augment their unarmed damage with their claws, making them a force to be reckoned with in hand-to-hand combat. This makes them particularly deadly when weapons are scarce or they need to rely on their natural abilities.
Night Eye Vision
Khajiit possess a natural aptitude for enhanced vision in darkness, giving them a tactical advantage when it comes to stealth and exploration in low-light environments. This is especially useful in the early game when the player may not have access to spells or equipment that can enhance vision. Activating Night Eye is akin to shouting, and it significantly enhances night vision for a duration of 60 seconds, with unlimited uses.
This innate ability to see in the dark provides Khajiit with a distinct advantage in terms of stealth and exploration. They can easily navigate dark dungeons and caves without the need for torches or spells, allowing them to maintain the element of surprise against unsuspecting enemies.
This ability to traverse dark areas with ease makes Khajiit invaluable in the world of Skyrim, where danger often lurks in the shadows.

Skill Bonuses
At the commencement of the game, the Khajiit are endowed with the following bonuses:
- +10 Sneak (25 total starting level)
- +5 Alchemy (20)
- +5 Archery (20)
- +5 Lockpicking (20)
- +5 One-handed (20)
- +5 Pickpocketing (20)
These bonuses make them particularly adept in stealth-related areas, allowing them to move around undetected, craft powerful potions, and pick locks with ease. Their natural agility and strength also contribute to their proficiency in these areas.
These skill bonuses make Khajiit excellent thieves and assassins, as their natural abilities in:
- Sneak
- Alchemy
- Archery
- Lockpicking
- One-handed
- Pickpocketing
Allow them to approach situations stealthily and effectively deal with enemies from the shadows. Whether you’re planning a daring heist or seeking to eliminate a target without leaving a trace, a Khajiit character equipped with these skills is well suited for the task.

Khajiit in Skyrim Society
Despite their unique abilities and prowess in combat, Khajiit face discrimination and exclusion in the harsh world of Skyrim. Seen as drug addicts and thieves by many, Khajiit struggle to find acceptance in a society that often judges them based on stereotypes and misconceptions.
In this section, we will explore the reasons behind this discrimination, as well as the ways in which Khajiit have managed to carve out a niche for themselves in Skyrim’s society despite these challenges.
Discrimination and Exclusion
Khajiit are regularly subjected to unfavorable treatment by other races in Skyrim, resulting in their exclusion from cities and a life on the fringe of society. This discrimination is rooted in negative stereotypes, as Khajiit are often perceived as drug addicts and thieves. This perception is further exacerbated by their history of enslavement in Morrowind, particularly by dark elves, until slavery was abolished.
In combat, Khajiit are threatened with the possibility of being made into a rug or a carpet. Despite these challenges, Khajiit have found ways to adapt and survive in the harsh environment of Skyrim. They are commonly encountered travelling with caravans, peddling their wares around Skyrim, or working as assassins and thieves in secret. These roles, while not ideal, allow them to make a living and navigate the prejudices they face in Skyrim society.
Guild Involvement
The Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood are known to utilize the services of Khajiit. These organizations value Khajiit for their inherent stealth aptitude and nocturnal vision, making them highly sought after for their specialized skills. Khajiit who join these guilds can find a sense of belonging and purpose, as well as opportunities to hone their abilities and make a name for themselves in the criminal underworld.
Though society at large may shun them, Khajiit prove their worth within these clandestine organizations, earning respect and recognition for their unique talents. In this way, Khajiit are able to carve out a place for themselves within the shadows of Skyrim society, proving that even those who face discrimination can rise above adversity and find success in their chosen paths.

Origin and Lunar Influence
The homeland of the Khajiit, Elsweyr, is a land rich with history and culture. However, their origins are also deeply intertwined with the lunar cycle, which plays a significant role in determining their physical appearance and abilities.
In the following sections, we will explore the province of Elsweyr and the fascinating relationship between the Khajiit and the moons of Masser and Secunda.
Homeland: Elsweyr
The Khajiit homeland, Elsweyr, is a province located in the southern part of Tamriel. This land was once ruled by warring clans, but eventually fell under the control of the Aldmeri Dominion. Despite this, Khajiit have managed to retain their unique culture and maintain a strong affiliation with the Argonian race.
Elsweyr is a land of contrasts, with lush jungles, arid deserts, and verdant forests all coming together to create a diverse and vibrant landscape. This rich environment has shaped the Khajiit, making them adaptable and resourceful, while also influencing the development of their skills and abilities. In this land, they have honed their combat skills, mastered the art of stealth, and most importantly, learned to harness the power of the lunar cycle.
Lunar Cycle Effects
The lunar cycle holds great significance for the Khajiit, as it dictates the form a Khajiit will assume upon birth. The phases of the moons Masser and Secunda are responsible for the birth of a Mane, the spiritual leader of the Khajiit. This connection to the lunar cycle goes beyond mere superstition, as it influences not only their appearance but also their abilities.
The unique relationship between the Khajiit and the lunar cycle is a source of fascination for scholars and adventurers alike, as it offers a glimpse into the complex and enigmatic nature of these feline creatures. From their homeland of Elsweyr to the distant reaches of Skyrim, the Khajiit continue to captivate and intrigue with their mysterious connection to the moons above.

Creating a Powerful Khajiit Dragonborn
If you’ve decided to play as a Khajiit Dragonborn in Skyrim, you’re in for a unique and rewarding experience. By focusing on their natural strengths and abilities, you can create a powerful character capable of thriving in the harsh world of Skyrim.
In this section, we’ll discuss strategies for building a successful Khajiit character by focusing on stealth, light armor, and unarmed combat strategies.
Stealth and Light Armor
For a Khajiit Dragonborn looking to employ stealth and light armor, it is suggested to focus on skills such as sneak, archery, and one-handed weapons. Light armor is optimal for stealth, as it allows for greater mobility and less noise when moving, unlike heavy armor which could hinder stealth capabilities. To further enhance your stealth capabilities, consider choosing the Thief Stone at the beginning of the game. This standing stone accelerates the development of stealth skills, making it an ideal choice for Khajiit characters.
In addition to focusing on these skills, it’s crucial to take advantage of the Khajiit’s innate stealth skills and idiosyncratic capabilities. By honing these natural abilities, you can become a master of stealth and infiltration, able to bypass enemies undetected and strike from the shadows. With the right combination of skills, perks, and equipment, your Khajiit Dragonborn will become a force to be reckoned with in the world of Skyrim.
Unarmed Combat Strategies
To maximize the effectiveness of your Khajiit’s unarmed combat abilities, consider investing in the Fists of Steel perk, which increases the damage inflicted by Khajiit’s unarmed attacks. This perk, along with the Khajiit’s natural unarmed damage, makes them deadly in close combat. Before unlocking the Fists of Steel perk, you can also use the Gloves of the Pugilist to bolster your hand-to-hand combat abilities.
By focusing on unarmed combat strategies, your Khajiit Dragonborn can become a powerful and versatile fighter, able to deal significant damage even without a weapon. This strategy highlights the unique strengths of the Khajiit race and offers a fresh, exciting approach to combat in Skyrim.
Notable Khajiit Characters in Skyrim
There are several notable Khajiit characters that you will encounter throughout your adventures in Skyrim. Among these are Kharjo, a caravan guard who can become a follower after you assist him in retrieving a stolen amulet, and J’zargo, an aspiring mage at the College of Winterhold who can be recruited as a follower after completing a quest for him.
Both Kharjo and J’zargo can be recruited for the Blades, a group of elite warriors that play a significant role in the game’s main storyline. These characters, along with other Khajiit encountered throughout your journey, provide a glimpse into the rich culture and unique abilities of the Khajiit race, adding depth and diversity to the world of Skyrim.
Comparing Khajiit to Other Beast Races
Khajiit are a singular beast race with a diversity of aptitudes and functions in Skyrim society, which contrasts with those of other beast races such as Argonians. While both races face discrimination and challenges in Skyrim, their unique abilities and societal roles set them apart.
For example, Khajiit possess a range of exclusive capabilities, including Night Eye vision, unarmed damage and claws, and skill bonuses. In contrast, Argonians have their own set of abilities, such as the ability to breathe underwater and resist diseases. These differences showcase the rich variety of beast races in Skyrim and the distinct roles they play in the game’s world.

The Mysterious M’aiq the Liar
M’aiq the Liar is a Khajiit character in the Elder Scrolls video game series who has been featured in every game since Morrowind. He is renowned for his witty yet deceptive remarks, and is recognized as an Easter egg by the game designers. M’aiq serves to break the fourth wall and provide cryptic messages to the player, often containing humorous or deceptive information.
The presence of M’aiq the Liar in the Elder Scrolls series adds a touch of whimsy and humor to the games. He offers a unique perspective on the game’s events and serves as a reminder that, amidst the epic battles and world-shattering events, there is always room for a little bit of mischief and fun.
Summary
Throughout this exploration of the mysterious Khajiit race in Skyrim, we have uncovered their unique abilities, societal challenges, and deep connection to the lunar cycle. From their natural stealthiness and combat prowess to their role in the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood, Khajiit are a versatile and fascinating race to play in the world of the Elder Scrolls. As you embark on your journey through Skyrim, consider the untapped potential of these feline warriors and the secrets they hold
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best class for a Khajiit Skyrim?
Khajiit in Skyrim are best suited to the thief class due to their natural ability to be stealthy and their racial bonuses for light armor and one-handed weapons. Utilizing their agility, Khajiit can traverse Skyrim like no other race, skulking in the shadows while achieving maximum thieving proficiency.
With a little creativity, they have the potential to become the ultimate thief.
What is the rarest race in Skyrim?
Khajiit are the rarest race encountered in Skyrim, and even then, they are most often found as part of caravans travelling around the province. They are considered one of the ‘beast races’ along with the Argonians, meaning they are typically given a negative public image.
What are the benefits of being a Khajiit?
The Khajiit race offers great versatility and guile that are beneficial in many areas of life, making them formidable assassins, thieves, archers, and fighters. With natural bonuses to pickpocketing, stealth, resource recovery, as well as base health, magicka, and stamina, the Khajiit are perfectly suited for exploration and combat.
Their agility and dexterity make them excellent climbers, allowing them to traverse difficult terrain with ease. They also have a natural affinity for the arcane, making them powerful spellcasters. Additionally, their natural night vision gives them an edge in dark environments.
Do all Khajiit have the same abilities?
No, Khajiit do not have the same abilities. The species of cat-like humanoids differ from each other based on the lunar phase under which they were born. Each has distinct traits as a result.
Are Khajiit considered good or evil in Skyrim?
Most Khajiit in the game are neutral, but some may be hostile or friendly depending on the situation. In general, they tend to adopt whatever ethical stance suits them best in a given moment, so their overall alignment is often uncertain.



