Races
ESO Race Guide: All Playable Races Explained
In The Elder Scrolls Online, each of the ten playable races comes with its own background, unique passives, and a bit of personality. While the differences can slightly support certain playstyles – like tanking, healing, or dealing damage – they won’t make or break your build. So don’t stress too much.
Think of it as picking the flavor of your adventure: want to feel like a proud Nord warrior, a clever Khajiit rogue, or a mystical Altmer mage? Go for it!
This guide gives you a quick overview of all available races and alliances in ESO, along with tips on which roles they naturally complement – without locking you in. After all, the best build is the one you enjoy playing.
Daggerfall Covenant
Breton
Spell-savvy people of High Rock, born of elven blood and steeped in knightly culture.
Redguard
Desert-born warriors from Hammerfell, famed for swordplay, grit, and resilience.
Orc
Strong and honorable, the Orsimer hail from Orsinium—masters of war and the forge.
Aldmeri Dominion
High Elf
Khajit
Moon-touched folk from Elsweyr, mysterious and agile, shaped by lunar phases.
Wood Elf
Wild hunters of Valenwood, living in harmony with nature and the Green Pact.
Ebonheart Pact
Argonian
Mystical lizardfolk of Black Marsh, deeply tied to the Hist and shrouded in secrets.
Dark Elf
Ash-born mystics of Morrowind, shaped by ancestors, fire, and ancient traditions.
Nord
Fierce warriors from Skyrim, proud and stoic, ever bound to the call of Sovngarde.
Independent Races
Imperial
Disciplined rulers of Cyrodiil, skilled in diplomacy, trade, and organized warfare.
FAQ about races
Does race matter in The Elder Scrolls Online?
How many races are there in The Elder Scrolls Online?
There are currently 10 races in ESO. Three for every alliance and one independent race – the Imperials. Bretons, Redguards and Orcs belong to the Daggerfall Convenant. High Elves, Khajit and Wood Elves are part of the Aldmeri Dominion and the Argonians, Dark Elves and Nords are members of the Ebonheart Pact.
Which race is best for beginners?
You can pick pretty much everything that feels good to you! If you really want to maximize your efficiency your choice might depend on your goals. Nords for example are good for tanking, Dark and High Elves are good for Damage. But every race has its own unique bonuses. I would suggest you to take a look at our detailed race guides above.
Do I have to pick a race based on my alliance?
Can I change my race later on?
Yes, you can – but it’ll cost you a Race Change Token from the Crown Store. So pick wisely… or keep your coin ready.
What’s the difference between the alliances?
Mostly lore and PvP. In PvE, you can play with anyone, but in Cyrodiil and certain story quests, your alliance defines your starting zone and main questline.
Are Imperials worth choosing?
Do racial passives really make a difference?
What if I just want to pick a race because it looks cool?
That’s honestly the best reason. You’ll spend a lot of time looking at your character – that’s why you shouldn’t choose a race only because of it’s benefit if you don’t like how it looks and feels.