Latest Update: March 25, 2026
Bretons are one of 10 playable race options in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Bretons’ natural affinity for magic makes them an excellent choice for players who want to create a character focused on spellcasting.
Skyrim Breton Race Overview
The Bretons are a race of humans with a significant touch of Elven ancestry, native to the province of High Rock in Tamriel. Known for their proficiency in abstract thinking, adaptability, and a strong affinity for magic, Bretons are often considered the most magically gifted among the human races. Their society is characterized by a feudal system, with numerous small kingdoms and city-states, each with its own unique cultures and traditions.
Skyrim Breton Pros and Cons
Pros
- Breton’s 25% Magic Resistance is the strongest passive in the game, allowing you to hit the 85% resistance cap much faster than other races.
- Dragonskin makes you the ultimate counter to powerful mages and dragons by absorbing half of all incoming spell damage.
- Starting with 25 Conjuration and a pre-learned summon spell provides a massive advantage for survivability from level one.
- Breton’s defensive racial bonuses make them incredibly versatile, allowing them to excel as tanky warriors just as well as mages.
Cons
- Dragonskin is a situational power that provides no benefit if you are fighting enemies that only use physical attacks.
- Female Bretons have the shortest character model in the game, which results in a slightly slower base movement speed.
- Unlike High Elves, Bretons do not start with a Magicka bonus, which can make the early levels of a mage build feel more restrictive.
- If you plan on using the Alchemy and Enchanting loop to craft perfect gear, the Breton’s natural resistances can eventually become redundant.
- Bretons lack the immediate offensive power of Orcs or High Elves better Racial Abilities, requiring more time to scale into a dominant damage dealer.
Skyrim Breton Racial Abilities
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Bretons have unique racial passive skills and abilities that make them particularly well-suited for certain playstyles, specifically those focusing on magic:
- Magic Resistance: Bretons have a 25% inherent resistance to magic, making them less vulnerable to magical attacks. This passive skill can be particularly useful in combat situations against magic-wielding enemies or when navigating areas with magical hazards.
- Dragonskin: As a racial power, Bretons can use the “Dragonskin” ability once per day. This allows them to absorb 50% of magicka from hostile spells for 60 seconds. It can be instrumental in combat, particularly against powerful magic users, as it not only provides protection but also refills the Breton’s own magicka pool.
Skyrim Breton Stats & Skill Levels
Bretons in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim start with the following stats and skill levels:
- One-Handed (15)
- Two-Handed (15)
- Archery (15)
- Illusion (20)
- Conjuration (25)
- Destruction (15)
- Restoration (20)
- Alteration (20)
- Light Armor (15)
- Heavy Armor (15)
- Block (15)
- Sneak (15)
- Pickpocket (15)
- Lockpicking (15)
- Speech (20)
- Alchemy (20)
- Smithing (15)
- Enchanting (15)
Breton Builds and Playstyle in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Bretons’ natural affinity for magic makes them an excellent choice for players who want to create a character focused on magic use, whether that be destruction, restoration, conjuration, alteration, illusion, or a mix of these. Their magic resistance and Dragonskin ability also lend them a unique advantage in magic-heavy combat situations. However, like all races in Skyrim, they can also be successful in other playstyles, such as melee or even archery combat, depending on how the player chooses to develop their character. Bretons can make excellent spellswords or battlemages, combining both magical and physical attacks in combat.
Skyrim Breton Race FAQ
Are Bretons the best race for a mage build in Skyrim?
Bretons are the best defensive choice for a Mage Build due to their 25% Magic Resistance, though High Elves offer more starting Magicka for offensive power.
1. How does the “Dragonskin” ability actually work?
Dragonskin grants a 50% chance to completely absorb the Magicka from incoming spells for 60 seconds.
2. Can Bretons reach the Magic Resistance cap?
Yes, their innate bonus makes it easy to hit the 85% cap by combining it with the Lord Stone and the Agent of Mara quest reward.
3. Do Bretons make good warriors or thieves?
Definitely, as their natural magic resistance protects physical builds from their greatest weakness: enemy spellcasters and dragons.
4. Why do Bretons start with a higher Conjuration skill?
Lore-wise, their mixed human and elven blood gives them a natural affinity for summoning spirits and outer-realm creatures.
5. Does Magic Resistance protect against dragon breath?
Yes, Magic Resistance reduces the damage taken from fire, frost, and shock breath attacks.
Explore other races in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The 10 possible race options available for players in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim include:
