The answer first
Update 7 raises the playable-race count to six: Umbrite, Al-Fijhani, Ruggite, Thrakh, Calyx, and Uruhan, the northern bearmen. Race still shapes your starting strengths and tradeoffs rather than permanently locking the build. To change race, activate the Race Change Mirror on the southern shore. A non-host co-op player must change race in their own single-player game so it carries into that multiplayer character.
Compare the six current starting identities
- Umbrite: starts oriented toward one-handed, two-handed, and Channeling skills.
- Al-Fijhani: starts with trading and lockpicking advantages in exchange for lower health.
- Ruggite: starts magic-oriented, with a spell and a fire weakness among its tradeoffs.
- Thrakh: favors carry capacity and swimming while starting weaker in archery.
- Calyx: favors Psionics and begins with Night Eye for dark-area visibility.
- Uruhan: Update 7’s northern bearmen; exact starting modifiers are not published here without current creator-menu evidence.
Race affects the opening, not your entire build
Current footage shows skills increasing through related actions. Level-ups also award points that can accelerate chosen skills, and perks add another layer. A starting penalty can be worked around; this page does not rank one race above every build.
Pick by your first-session problem
- Conventional weapon skills: inspect Umbrite.
- Merchant and lock utility: inspect Al-Fijhani.
- An early magic start: compare Ruggite and Calyx.
- Loot capacity and water exploration: inspect Thrakh.
- Dark-area visibility: inspect the Calyx Night Eye start.
Change race at the southern-shore mirror
Update 7 officially added a Race Change Mirror on the southern shore. Activate the mirror to change race at any time. This is the supported race-change path; the page does not invent a precise coordinate beyond the official shore description.
- Host or solo character: use the mirror in the current game.
- Non-host co-op character: change race in that character’s own single-player game, then return to multiplayer.
- Race-related dialogue received additional reaction lines in Update 7.
Use changeappearance for appearance, not race
Update 7 added the documented console command changeappearance. Treat it as an appearance command; use the southern-shore mirror for race changes. Update 6 had already added beard styles and linked beard color to hair color.
Video material
Frequently Asked Questions
How many playable races are there?
Update 7 confirms six: the original five plus Uruhan.
What is Uruhan?
Uruhan is the northern bearmen race added in Update 7.
Does race lock my build?
No permanent lock is supported. Skills improve through use and level-up points.
Which race has Night Eye?
Current footage shows Calyx beginning with Night Eye and a Psionics-oriented start.
How do I change race?
Activate the Race Change Mirror on the southern shore. Non-host co-op players should do this in their character’s single-player game.
Does changeappearance change race?
Update 7 labels it as an appearance command; use the mirror for race changes.
What is the best race?
There is no evidence-backed universal best race. Choose the starting tradeoff matching your priorities.
Sources used on this page
Official claims and third-party observations are labeled separately.
Related Guides
Understand the first-session loop and move into the right specialized guide.Spell Crafting
Reach the magic trainer and understand what is verified before trying to craft a spell.Quest Guides
Choose a verified quest route without guessing from outdated or incomplete directions.Co-op
Know what co-op officially supports and what to record when host and guest states diverge.