High Elves, also known as the Altmer, are one of 10 playable race options in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The High Elves are a race of elves native to the Summerset Isles.
High Elf Race Overview
Known for their superior intellect, magical prowess, and tall, golden-skinned appearance, the Altmer are typically recognized as the most magically-gifted of all races in Tamriel. They have a complex society that values ancestry, heritage, and the arcane arts, and they are the driving force behind the Thalmor, a powerful and controversial political faction within the game.
High Elf Racial Abilities
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the High Elves have unique racial passive skills and abilities that make them particularly well-suited for certain playstyles, specifically those focusing on magic:
- Highborn: High Elves have the “Highborn” racial power, which they can use once per day to regenerate magicka extremely quickly for 60 seconds. This ability can be invaluable for players who use a lot of magic in combat, as it can allow them to cast many more spells in a short period of time.
- Fortify Magicka: High Elves start the game with an additional 50 points in their magicka pool, thanks to their “Fortify Magicka” passive skill. This is a significant boost, especially in the early game, and it further emphasizes the High Elves’ specialization in magic.
High Elf Starting Skill Levels
High Elves in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim start with the following basic skill levels:
- One-Handed (15)
- Two-Handed (15)
- Archery (15)
- Illusion (25)
- Conjuration (20)
- Destruction (20)
- Restoration (20)
- Alteration (20)
- Light Armor (15)
- Heavy Armor (15)
- Block (15)
- Sneak (15)
- Pickpocket (15)
- Lockpicking (15)
- Speech (15)
- Alchemy (15)
- Smithing (15)
- Enchanting (20)
High Elf Builds and Playstyle
High Elves’ 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. They excel as mages, wizards, or sorcerers, and their racial abilities significantly enhance these roles. However, with the right development and equipment, they can also be adapted to other playstyles, such as melee or archery combat, if the player so chooses.
Other Races in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The 10 possible race options available for players in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim include:
