Character Selection Guide.

TES Skyrim is an RPG that will undoubtedly become one of the best games of the year. Before you start creating the same character that you made in Oblivion, hold on for a moment and read our Character Selection Guide. Familiarize yourself with the changes in the game to ensure that the class-character combination you choose suits you best.

Begin your adventure.

The first important decision in Skyrim is, of course, the choice of character. In Oblivion, you could create a more balanced, strong character. In Skyrim, that won't be the case; much depends on your initial choice. As soon as you gain freedom of action, before you wander through the mountains, think about what kind of character you want to create. The updated leveling system allows for creating characters close to traditional classes. Of course, you can develop several skill branches and create a somewhat balanced hero, but then, at higher levels, you will most likely miss out on enhancements for some skills. Since character development slows down at level 50, it's important to plan at least the first 10 to 20 levels.

Pay the most attention to skill enhancements (marked in the game as skill points, those very stars in constellations) – each new level allows you to unlock one enhancement. For each skill, there are several enhancements with varying level requirements. Review all enhancements and decide how you will allocate points according to the chosen race. By planning your character's development, your fighter will become deadlier, a mage's spells more effective, and a thief more elusive.

Creating an Assassin.

Making an assassin in Skyrim is much easier than in Oblivion due to the simplified system. Honestly, the only choice that affects something is the choice of race; after that, you can steal anything and allocate enhancements as you see fit. I have created a simple yet effective scheme for creating an assassin or thief. Choose a Wood Elf – even though Khajiits have a higher stealth bonus, the bonuses that Bosmer receive will be more beneficial in critical situations and during attacks from the shadows. Choose bow attacks as your primary attack type, and if you actively use poisons created with enhanced alchemy skills, your attacks will be even more effective. Lockpicking, Stealing, and Stealth at the starting level are also enhanced, so take advantage of it and fill your pockets. Also, Bosmer have an innate resistance to diseases and poisons, so you won't have to worry about that during battles. Use light armor and one-handed daggers as a supplement, but only after you have sufficiently developed your archery skill.

Creating a Mage.

Creating a Mage in Skyrim is a wise choice, as you won’t have to worry about dying in every new battle. The best magic bonuses are found among three races, each with its own features. I recommend choosing a High Elf if you've decided to become a mage. High Elves have bonuses to all five schools of magic, with the highest being to Illusion. They also have a bonus of 5 points to Enchanting items. It seems that wasn't enough, so they also receive a bonus of 50 points to magic, and their racial ability allows them to regenerate magic much faster. Focus on increasing magic; mix schools if you can level up two skills simultaneously, and enchant everything you can, even if you just plan to sell that item. There are virtually no penalties for armor, but it’s still better to wear robes or light armor for speed. Soon you will be able to handle almost any enemy without problems.

Creating a Warrior.

Creating a true destructive warrior in Skyrim is a pleasure. When choosing between a one-handed or two-handed warrior, you need not worry about weapon choice. Swords, axes, and maces will all develop the same ability. The only thing to decide is whether to go for slow, heavy two-handed weapons and heavy armor, or light fast one-handed weapons and light armor. If you want to be a tank, your choice is Orks. They have a starting bonus to heavy armor, blocking, one-handed weapons, blacksmithing, enchanting, and two-handed weapons – 10 points. You can absorb damage and deal significant damage with magical weapons that you create yourself. Plus, you gain the ability to use any weapon if you don't like swords or battle axes. To create a more agile but still strong warrior, choose Nords. Sons of Skyrim have a bonus of 10 to two-handed weapons, allowing you to deal considerable damage, while the 5-point bonus to blocking, light armor, one-handed weapons, blacksmithing, and speech will be excellent support. Additionally, Nords have a 50% resistance to cold, which is the biggest plus in the game. However, Nords have no bonuses to magic, so at the start of the game, you will need to rely on shops, where a bonus to Speech will come very handy.

Creating Your Own Hero in Skyrim.

If the characters created above are not quite to your liking and you want to create your own unique character, you will find information on the bonuses of 10 playable races useful. Fortunately for you, I will tell you about them.

Argonians: 50% resistance to diseases and the ability to breathe underwater. Their racial ability allows them to heal faster. Bonus 10 to Lockpicking, and 5 to Alteration, Light Armor, Stealing, Restoration, and Stealth.

Bretons: Natural resistance to magic 25%, the only additional bonus. Their ability Dragon Skin allows them to absorb spells once a day. Bonuses of 10 points to Conjuration and 5 points to Alchemy, Alteration, Restoration, Illusion, and Speech.

Dark Elves: Dunmer have a 50% fire resistance as their racial ability. Their ability Ancestor's Wrath allows them to engulf themselves in flames. Bonuses of 10 points to Destruction and 5 points to Alchemy, Illusion, Alteration, Light Armor, and Stealth.

High Elves: Racial ability – an additional 50 points of magic. The Highborn ability allows them to regenerate magic faster. Bonuses of 10 to Illusion and 5 to Conjuration, Destruction, Restoration, Alteration, and Enchanting.

Imperials: Racial ability allows them to find more gold from slain enemies. Their ability, Voice of the Emperor, allows them to charm and calm enemies. Bonuses of 10 to Restoration and 5 points to Destruction, Enchanting, Heavy Armor, Blocking, and One-Handed Weapons.

Khajiits: The advantage of Khajiits is that their unarmed attacks deal more damage due to claws. They can see in the dark with the Night Eye ability. Bonuses of 10 to Stealth and 5 points to Alchemy, One-Handed Weapons, Archery, Lockpicking, and Pickpocketing.

Nords: Innate resistance to cold 50%, racial bonus. Their ability Battle Cry can cause enemies to flee. Bonuses of 10 points to Two-Handed Weapons and 5 points to Blacksmithing, Blocking, One-Handed Weapons, Light Armor, and Speech.

Orcs: Orcs have only racial enhancements; in Skyrim, they have no special abilities. Their racial enhancement allows them to absorb 50% of damage dealt and deal more damage. Bonuses of 10 to Heavy Armor and 5 to Enchanting, Blacksmithing, Blocking, Two-Handed, and One-Handed Weapons.

Redguards: Natural resistance to poisons 50%. Their ability allows them to deal more damage in battle. Bonuses of 10 to One-Handed Weapons and 5 to Destruction, Alteration, Blacksmithing, Blocking, and Archery.

Wood Elves: Bosmer have natural resistance to poisons and diseases of 50%. They can command woodland creatures once a day. Bonuses of 10 to Archery and 5 to Alchemy, Lockpicking, Stealing, Stealth, and Light Armor.

Once you create your character and choose who you want to be, you can begin your journey through the lands of Skyrim. Unlike Oblivion, there are areas here designed for higher levels, and trust me, the game will make you aware of it. Stay away from trolls. I recommend wandering around Helgen, Riverwood, and Whiterun for at least the first 10 levels before heading to Windhelm and Winterhold. But what is lovely about such games is the freedom. I can tell you how to pass the game faster and easier, thus robbing you of all the pleasure of completing the game.