Elder Scrolls V Skyrim: Perks explained

In Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim the player's style and choices within the game will reflect their own custom class.

Previous Elder Scrolls games allowed the player to choose a preset group of skills that combined to make a predesigned or customized class. Leveling these skills leveled your character, which in turn allowed you to level your attributes (strength, endurance, etc.).

In Skyrim the player can utilize and improve upon 18 skills that are divided into three core groups: The Warrior, The Mage, and The Thief. Each skill has a series of perks (bonus abilities) that the player can choose from as he or she levels.

Let's break it down as I understand it…Using a skill, betters that skill as well as contributes to leveling your character. When your Character levels up you may choose from the perks that your levels in that skill allow. For example, if you happen to use Archery often, you will better that skill. When your character levels up you may then pick from perks such as your bow doing 20% more damage, zooming in, and so on. One perk is awarded per level and the standard level cap is 50 so you will have a limit of about 50 perks. It is possible to level higher than 50, but much more effort will be required to reach each level.


Personally, I find this system refreshing. Now every skill you level will contribute to you leveling as a character, instead of the core group you picked in Oblivion. Though looking at how many perks are available (280), I know it will be hard to fit the amount of perks I want into the level cap.

Below are links to Skyrim perks as per the Elder Scrolls Wiki. Follow each link to see the breakdown of each skill and the perks involved.

The Mage

Alteration
Conjuration
Destruction
Illusion
Restoration
Enchanting

The Thief

Alchemy
Light Armor
Lockpicking
Pickpocket
Sneak
Speech

The Warrior

Archery
Block
Heavy Armor
One-Handed
Two-Handed
Smithing