Wood Elf, also called Bosmer, is one of 10 playable race options in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The Bosmer are a race of elves native to the dense forests of Valenwood in Tamriel and are known for their incredible agility and archery skills.

Wood Elf Race in Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Wood Elves, also known as Bosmer, are a race of elves native to the dense forests of Valenwood in Tamriel, the continent where the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim takes place. The Bosmer are known for their incredible agility, archery skills, and stealth abilities. They have a strong connection with nature, and their culture revolves around the Green Pact, a religious and cultural agreement that forbids them from harming plant life or using wood and plants for crafting or construction. Instead, they rely on materials like bone, stone, and metal, and they are strict carnivores, practicing cannibalism as part of their religious beliefs.
Wood Elf Racial Abilities
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Wood Elves have unique racial passive skills and abilities that make them particularly well-suited for certain playstyles, such as archers or stealthy characters:
- Resist Disease: Wood Elves have a 50% resistance to diseases, making them less susceptible to contracting various illnesses found throughout Skyrim. This passive skill can be particularly useful in situations where the player is frequently exposed to disease-ridden enemies or environments.
- Command Animal: As a racial power, Wood Elves can use the “Command Animal” ability once per day. This allows them to make an animal an ally for 60 seconds. It can be beneficial in combat situations, as the animal can help distract or attack enemies, giving the player more time to strategize or escape.
Wood Elf Starting Skill Levels
Redguards in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim start with the following basic skill levels:
- One-Handed (15)
- Two-Handed (15)
- Archery (25)
- Illusion (15)
- Conjuration (15)
- Destruction (15)
- Restoration (15)
- Alteration (15)
- Light Armor (20)
- Heavy Armor (15)
- Block (15)
- Sneak (20)
- Pickpocket (20)
- Lockpicking (20)
- Speech (15)
- Alchemy (20)
- Smithing (15)
- Enchanting (15)
Wood Elf Builds and Playstyle
Wood Elves’ natural proficiency in archery and stealth makes them an excellent choice for players who want to create a character focused on ranged combat or sneaking. They excel as hunters, thieves, or assassins, and their racial abilities complement these roles effectively. However, their versatility means that they can still be successful in other playstyles, such as magic or melee combat, depending on how the player chooses to develop their character.
Other Races in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The 10 possible race options available for players in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim include:



