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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition

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Orc (Orsimer)

By
Scott Peers

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

The Orc Race, Skyrim.

Orc Race Abilities Overview

Default Stat Boosts

Stat Value
Heavy Armor +10
Block +5
Enchanting +5
One-Handed +5
Smithing +5
Two-handed +5

Special Race Abilities

Racial Abilities Notes
Beserker Rage You take half damage and deal double damage for 60 seconds

Orcs in RPGs rarely have a distinguished lineage. In most worlds, they are little more than sword-fodder for novice adventurers. The Elder Scrolls takes things to a new level, though; Orcs (or Orsimer - the “Pariah Folk”) are a race of Elves that were transformed into their hideous visage when their god, Trinimac, was consumed by the Daedric Prince Boethiah, and was later excreted out as Malacath. Trinimac/Malacath’s followers were likewise deformed and twisted by the incident. Make of that what you will.

Although their origins may be unappealing, their racial ability, Berserker Rage, is not. For one minute this ability will double the physical damage you deal, and cause you to receive half as much damage. This is a massive boon from the beginning of the game, to the end of your adventures, and it only gets stronger as your weapons do. The Breton’s passive, ever-present Magic Resistance might be more appealing overall, but it’s hard to argue with the potential utility of the Orc ability for any melee-focused class.

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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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