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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition

Dark Elf (Dunmer)

By
Scott Peers

This page details a brief overview of the Dark Elf (also known as Dunmer) race in Skyrim, including the default stat boosts for the race, special abilities, and a breakdown of how useful those abilities actually are.

The Dark Elf (Dunmer) Race, Skyrim.

Dark Elf Race Abilities Overview

Default Stat Boosts

Stat Value
Destruction +10
Alchemy +5
Alteration +5
Illusion +5
Light Armor +5
Sneak +5

Special Race Abilities

Special Ability Effect
Resist Fire Your blood gives you 50% resistance to fire
Ancestor’s Wrath For 60 secs opponents that get too close take 8 fire damage per second
Sparks Lightning that does 8 shock damage to Health and Magicka p/sec

As residents of the mysterious land of Morrowind, the Dunmer are a race that have been dispersed by the eruption of Red Mountain. They are essentially refugees in an unfamiliar, harsh, cold land full of Nords that are innately distrustful of elves, making a Dunmer protagonist a fairly interesting character choice, from a story perspective.

In terms of Dark Elf special abilities, their Ancestor’s Wrath and Sparks abilities are of very limited utility. Their damage is poor and, like the Breton’s Conjure Familiar ability, will quickly become obsolete as you level up. On the other hand, their Resist Fire boon is useful for the same reason the Breton’s Magic Resistance is. A persistent passive resistance to damage is always a good thing, even though the Breton’s 25% resistance to magic is more or less the same as 25% resistance to all three elements (fire, frost, shock, see here for a deeper explanation of that). Also, Skyrim is a cold place. You’re going to encounter a bit more frost damage than fire. However, if you must play a Dark Elf, you’ll definitely find it useful in some encounters.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Bethesda Softworks
  • Platforms,
    PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, XB 360, XB One
  • Genre
    Action RPG
  • Guide Release
    11 November 2021
  • Last Updated
    7 November 2021
    Version History
  • Guide Author
    Greg Wright

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Skyrim is the homeland of the Nords, a fierce and proud warrior people who are well suited for the bitter cold and mountainous terrain which defines the land. Now scarred by civil war, Skyrim faces its darkest days with the return of the legendary dragons and their leader, the World-Eater Alduin. The future of Skyrim and even the lands beyond hangs in the balance, as the people await the prophesized Dragonborn, a hero born with the power of The Voice and the only one who can contend with the dragons. You are that Dragonborn; your task is to investigate why the dragons are returning, and discover a way to defeat them. At the same time, you’re free to explore Skyrim at your own pace, uncovering its many wonders along the way.

Version 1.2

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