Once you’ve played throughSkyrim10+ times, you find yourself getting into a sort of rhythm.You repeat the same steps, build the same characters, and complete the same quests.Before you know it, you’ve settled into a groove, and the game feels less appealing every single second you continue playing.
Sometimes, once you know everything there is to know, everything just feels too easy. In which case, you need to put limits on yourself, limits that you swear to follow, no exceptions.
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Once you explore these limits and push yourself past your previous boundaries, suddenly the world of Skyrim will explode in life and colour again, as though it were your first time in 2011 all over again.
This list will explore 10 ideas that will push you to your limit and reignite your passion for the world of Tamriel.
10Be A Pacifist
Violence Is Never The Answer
A pacifist. How on earth could that work? Well, firstly, it may help to write a little backstory for your character.Perhaps you’re a peaceful maiden or kind priest, specialising in restoration and following the word of your God.Thus, killing is forbidden…at least by your own hand.
Consider gathering a group of followers to do your dirty work for you while you heal from the backlines, or perhaps level your conjuration and do the very same with denizens from beyond. Maybe you could even lead your foes into deadly traps, or reverse-pickpocket them some poison.
Is that killing? Who is to say? Your morals may only stretch so far. The world of magic is at your disposal, it’s up to you how best you use it.
9Don’t Use Any Quicksaves
Every Action Has Consequences
Skyrim’s quicksave system has always been pretty overpowered. It incentivises you to save pretty much every time you do something.
Whether it’s something simple like jumping off a cliff, fighting a tough enemy, or even something more risky like pilfering something from someone’s pocket. It really eliminates any sense of risk you may have, because you can restart in an instant to try again.
Now, what if your actions had real consequences? You might think twice before picking that pocket, lest you find yourself incarcerated.You’ll prepare more before big fights, and perhaps do your best to tip the odds in your favour.All of this adds a delicious sense of risk and reward to your new playthrough.
8Companionless
All Alone In The Vast World
This is truly the trial of the self-reliant. This challenge means that you may no longer request the services of anyone! And I mean anyone!
This meansno followers or hired hands(even dogs), no using conjuration to summon atronochs or raise the dead, and you can’t evenmarry or adopt kids! How sad, I know. This challenge pushes you to express your knowledge of the game. Immerse yourself in the expansive wilderness,become a hermit in a little hillside cave if you wish.
You’re just an unfortunate nobody in a world that doesn’t care. But can you defy the odds and make it work?
7Penniless Pauper
Not A Septim To His Name
Endgame players of Skyrim will know how ridiculously easy it is to earn money in this world. After it’s selling enchanted items or totally busted potions, soon you’ll find yourself with more money than sense.
But have you ever considered just how often you spend that money? Every time you buy from a shop, purchase a house, or escape the clutches of the law. When you have unlimited cash, you don’t think about spending. Butwhen you’re forced to go cashless, well, that’s another story.
This is all about using the world to your advantage. No easy Smithing level-ups from Delphine, or alchemical ingredients, or even grabbing a horse and cart ride from outside Whiterun. You’re going to have to do everything for yourself! Ironman-Style. And remember, if someone gives you money? You throw it on the ground! This is the way.
6Try a Specific Build Run
D&D Character Sheet
This is a brilliant middle ground optionfor those who want a bit of a challenge but nothing too soul-crushing.
There are plenty of lists that give a bunch of ideas for you to build around. For example, you can try a holy Paladin build, a crazed Necromancer, or even a Wabbajack-wielding weirdo wandering around waving your chaotic staff.
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You can really dive into the story revolving around your character, and modify the rules based on their beliefs. This is really the roleplaying option, and honestly, this will help breathe some life into your next playthrough while adding a nice touch of difficulty.
5Switch It Up To Legendary Mode
Only The Brave, And No Cheating
Now this is a bit of an obvious option, but surprisingly easy to overlook. Legendary mode is tough! Seriously tough!The enemy’s health gets pretty crazy, and suddenly it feels like your attacks do nothing. Tis but a scratch indeed!
While most of us enjoy spending most of our time around adept and expert modes, this is a way to challenge yourself, but in an officially licensed capacity. Fights will take a lot longer, and you’re going to have to verify you’re maximising everything that you do. From enchantments to potions, spells, exploiting weakness, and also watching out how fast you level up.
In addition, you’ll have to watch out for that cheeky restoration exploit and the classic underground invisible chest in Dawnstar. You’re a legendary player, you don’t need to cheat to win… right?
4Apply a Few Mods
Just How Far Does This Rabbithole Go?
This is whereSkyrim’s possibilities open up to you. Once you’ve downloaded the mod loader of your choice, you can decide how difficult you want it.
While mods are endlessly customisable, they can also be a little bit overwhelming. I would suggest selecting a good 4–5 mods while you’re getting started, to modify bits and pieces of the game. Andno, I don’t mean the Thomas the Tank Engine Dragon mod.
Use This Essential Skyrim Mod
It’s like magic.
Things that alter and improve the AI of NPCs, or mods that add terrifying bosses, or perhaps even something that literally changes the actual combat of the game. This will force you to learn the rules from scratch, while still tickling that Skyrim itch. Once you’ve delved into the world of mods, there’s no going back!
3Evil Overlord
Thunder Crashes and Clouds Gather
All shall kneel before you and cower, for you are the True Lord of Crime. This playthrough will see you first become leader of the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood, which sounds pretty standard, right?
But then, everything changes. Instead of keeping a low profile,your job is to rack up the largest bounty possible all across Skyrim. Kill, steal and ravage your way across the land, leaving none standing.
Is this going to be easy? No, of course not. You’re going to be the most wanted person in the land, but that should give you all the more reason to keep going. Bonus points if you do this while being a Vampire. The common folk hate vampires, and you’ll accrue more bounty simply by transforming in front of people. Make them suffer and let the world bask in eternal night.
2Don’t Level Up!
Levels? Who Needs ‘Em?
There are plenty of games that people have battered themselves against, creating challenge runs to truly test their mettle. TheDark SoulsSoul Level 1 run is a great example of that, and one that may actually be trickier in Skyrim.
Have you ever even thought of playing Skyrim as a level 1 character, never being able to increase your skills or your stats?Me neither. But it is possible, if you have enough skill and patience, of course.
This is certainly not a challenge for the faint-hearted. Not only does this mean you can’t use regular weapons or magic, risking levelling up your stats by causing damage, but you’re barred from other activities like sneaking and enchanting, etc.
You can, however, use your fists,shoutsand staffs, as they don’t give xp! Or if you want a massive buff, become a werewolf or vampire! These forms also don’t give experience, meaning you can stay at a pure level 1. You’ll want to use as many passive buffs from jewelry and standing stones as possible to aid in your plight. Eventually, just maybe, you’ll conquer the world as a mere level 1.
1Play In Survival Mode
The Cold Seeps Into Your Bones
Anyone with Skyrim Special Edition will get this mode for free! This will really blur the lines between the game and the real world! What even is real life anymore?
This challenging game mode will add a huge number of changes that you need to be aware of so as not to perish in the freezing wastes of Skyrim. Just a few of these include:
All of these and more! So not only do you need to eat now, butyou also have to be careful what you chow down onlest you get food poisoning! Crazy, right?
While this all might seem a little bit extra, once you get used to it, it might actually be pretty hard to go back to the normal Skyrim! If you’re a fan of roleplaying and diving as deep as possible into your media, there’s no better way to enjoy Skyrim. It may drive you a little mad, but the challenge makes conquering this frigid land all the sweeter!
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