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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition

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Breton

By
Scott Peers

This page details a brief overview of the Breton race in Skyrim, including the default stat boosts for the race, special abilities, and a breakdown of how useful those abilities actually are.

The Breton Race, Skyrim.

Breton Race Abilities Overview

Default Stat Boosts

Stat Value
Conjuration +10
Alchemy +5
Alteration +5
Illusion +5
Restoration +5
Speech +5

Special Race Abilities

Special Ability Effect
Dragonskin Absorb 50% of magicka from hostile spells for 60 seconds.
Magic Resistance Breton blood grants a 25% resistance to magic.
Conjure Familiar Summons a Familiar for 60 secs.

The Bretons are naturally gifted with magic resistance, and adept at wielding it. This is mostly due to their heritage, with links to an ancient race of magically powerful Elves.

All Bretons are able to use some magic, namely their ability to cast the Conjure Familiar spell once per day, which summons a pathetically weak ghost critter to fight for you. It’s the least of their abilities, however. Their Dragonskin ability is poorly worded, but has a 50% chance to negate all damage from an incoming spell and reward you with the Magicka cost of that spell. It’s a nice boost in a pinch, and it’s calculated before Magic Resistance, providing an extra chance to shrug off nasty spells.

The (arguably) best Breton special ability is their inherent +25% resistance to magic. There are many ways to increase magic resistance in Skyrim - mostly by wearing enchanted armor or with potions - but having a base 25% resistance is something that’ll be a constant defensive boon to you, and it’ll make it that much easier to hit the cap of 85% Magic Resistance. Why does this rate so highly compared to, say, the Argonian’s water breathing or Histskin? Because it doesn’t have a duration and magic damage is something you’ll be encountering frequently throughout the game. It’s good stuff, and arguably makes Bretons the toughest race in the game.

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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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