Skyrim: 10 Ways To Make A New Playthrough Harder

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After I’ve played through the game multiple times, I find myself slipping into a familiar pattern. I repeat the same actions, create the same characters, and accomplish the same missions. Before long, I’m stuck in a routine, and the game loses its charm with each passing moment I keep playing.

At times, when you’ve mastered all there is to learn, tasks may seem overly simplistic. To keep things challenging and engaging, it’s beneficial to set personal boundaries for yourself, vowing to adhere to them without any exceptions.

After exceeding your old limitations and venturing beyond familiar territory, Skyrim may seem brand new to you, filled with vibrancy and color just like it did when you first played it back in 2011.

This rundown delves into ten intriguing concepts designed to challenge you, and rekindle your enthusiasm for the realm of Tamriel.

10.
Be A Pacifist

Violence Is Never The Answer

A more expressive rephrasing could be: Instead of saying “a pacifist,” let’s imagine your character as a tranquil soul, perhaps a gentle maiden or compassionate priestess, devoted to healing and guided by the teachings of their deity. This individual strictly adheres to non-violence, meaning they would refrain from taking another life, at least directly.

Instead of handling tasks yourself while recovering, you might assemble a group to carry out your orders. Alternatively, you could summon creatures from another realm to perform the same duties. Additionally, you could guide your enemies into lethal traps or secretly plant poison on them.

As a gamer, I find myself often questioning the lines between right and wrong in this enchanted realm. After all, who am I to judge what’s acceptable when I hold the power of magic? It’s ultimately my choice to decide how to wield this gift for the greater good or otherwise.

9.
Don’t Use Any Quicksaves

Every Action Has Consequences

The quicksave feature in Skyrim is quite powerful, often encouraging frequent saves due to its convenience. This makes it tempting to save after almost any action taken.

Regardless if it’s a straightforward action such as leaping from a cliff, facing a formidable foe, or even a daring move like swiping something from someone’s possession, the ability to quickly redo the attempt erases any feeling of danger or uncertainty.

In this scenario, imagine if every action you took had actual repercussions. Instead of acting on impulse such as stealing, you might weigh the potential consequences, like ending up in jail. Similarly, before getting into big fights, you’d plan ahead and try to boost your chances of success. This added element of risk and reward makes your upcoming adventure all the more exciting!

8.
Companionless

All Alone In The Vast World

This situation is a test of self-sufficiency; you’ll have to manage without any help from others, whatsoever!

This rule implies that not only humans, but even pets are included, and there’s no allowance for conjuring atronochs or resurrecting the deceased. It’s unfortunate, I know. This restriction encourages you to showcase your understanding of the game by fully embracing it. Feel free to explore the vast wilderness, if you prefer, take up residence in a secluded hillside cave.

In this vast universe, you may seem like a mere underdog, often overlooked. Yet, could you rise above the challenges and carve out your own path to success?

7.
Penniless Pauper

Not A Septim To His Name

Experienced gamers in the world of Skyrim are well-versed in the fact that earning money becomes incredibly simple, almost to a point of absurdity. Whether it’s trading enchanted goods or concocting overpowered potions, you’ll soon amass more wealth than good judgment allows.

Have you ever pondered over the frequency at which you utilize your money? Whether it’s when shopping in a store, investing in a property, or even trying to evade legal troubles. When you have an abundance of funds, spending doesn’t cross your mind much. But when you’re compelled to live without cash, that changes the narrative entirely.

This journey revolves around making the most out of what’s available to you. No shortcuts like leveling up Smithing with Delphine, or finding alchemical supplies, or even hitching a ride on a horse-drawn cart from Whiterun. You’ll have to manage everything independently! This is similar to the Ironman gaming mode. And keep in mind, if anyone offers you money, just let it fall on the ground! That’s the path to follow.

6.
Try a Specific Build Run

D&D Character Sheet

This choice offers a good balance, providing just the right amount of difficulty without being overly demanding or overwhelming.

You will find many lists brimming with creative concepts for you to explore. For instance, you might opt for a devout Paladin character, a deranged Necromancer, or perhaps a peculiar wanderer carrying a Wabbajack staff and causing chaos wherever they go.

In this approach, you’ll have the freedom to fully explore the narrative centered on your character, adjusting the guidelines according to their values. Essentially, this method is referred to as roleplaying, and it’s an excellent way to infuse energy into your upcoming game session while also introducing a challenging yet engaging element.

5.
Switch It Up To Legendary Mode

Only The Brave, And No Cheating

Indeed, the Legendary mode can be quite deceptive as it seems straightforward, yet it’s often overlooked. It’s a real challenge! The enemies’ health bars skyrocket, and all of a sudden, your attacks feel utterly ineffective. ‘Tis merely a scratch compared to their resilience!

Instead of mainly hanging out with proficient and skilled individuals, this offers a chance to test your abilities in an officially sanctioned environment. Battles will be drawn-out, requiring careful consideration of every action. This includes the strategic use of enchantments, potions, spells, finding vulnerabilities, and being mindful of how quickly you progress in levels.

Beyond that, keep an eye open for the tricky restoration trap and the timeless hidden treasure chest in Dawnstar. As a seasoned pro, you surely don’t resort to underhanded tactics to emerge victorious, correct?

4.
Apply a Few Mods

Just How Far Does This Rabbithole Go?

Here’s where you’ll find instructions for setting up your chosen mod loader. After downloading your preferred mod loader, you get to choose its level of complexity.

When it comes to modifying games, they offer endless possibilities but can sometimes be too much at first. My advice would be to choose around four to five mods as you’re starting out, to gradually alter various aspects of your gameplay experience. And please, not the Thomas the Tank Engine Dragon mod!

Modifications that enhance and transform AI for NPCs, introduce formidable bosses, or even modify the gameplay mechanics themselves will provide a fresh learning experience. These tweaks might make Skyrim feel like a whole new game, keeping the familiar charm while challenging you to adapt to new rules. Once you start exploring mods, there’s no turning back!

3.
Evil Overlord

Thunder Crashes and Clouds Gather

In this game, you’ll be the undisputed ruler, inspiring fear and submission from all who cross your path, as you are the True Mastermind of Criminal Activities. Initially, you will ascend to lead the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood, which, at first glance, may seem like a typical progression, but hold on… there’s more!

However, a turnaround occurs, and instead of maintaining a low-key presence, your mission becomes one of making the biggest impact possible throughout Skyrim. Go on rampages, rob and plunder at will, leaving no opposition in your path.

Is this task straightforward? Definitely not. You’ll become the most sought-after individual in the realm, which makes it even more crucial to persist. If you manage to accomplish this while being a Vampire, you’ll earn extra recognition. Remember, humans despise vampires, and your mere presence will increase their distress. Embrace the eternal night and let the world endure its perpetual darkness with you.

2.
Don’t Level Up!

Levels? Who Needs ‘Em?

Many games provide opportunities for individuals to engage in tough challenge runs, showcasing their skills and determination. For instance, the “Soul Level 1” run is quite popular, and it might even prove more challenging in the game Skyrim.

Have you ever pondered the idea of embarking on a Skyrim adventure as a starting-level character without any opportunity to enhance skills or statistics? I haven’t, but given the right amount of expertise and perseverance, it can indeed be accomplished.

In simpler terms, this isn’t an endeavor for the timid or faint-hearted. Here, you can’t rely on standard weaponry or magic to progress, as doing so would prevent your stats from advancing. Moreover, you’ll be prohibited from engaging in activities such as sneaking, enchanting, and other similar actions.

Instead of gaining experience points (xp), you’re allowed to employ your fists, clubs, or staffs since they don’t award any xp. If you’re seeking a significant boost, consider transforming into a werewolf or vampire – these forms also don’t grant experience, keeping you permanently at level 1. To help you in this challenge, make use of as many passive bonuses from jewelry and standing stones as feasible. With persistence and luck, you may eventually rule the world, even starting at a lowly level 1.

1.
Play In Survival Mode

The Cold Seeps Into Your Bones

For those who own The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, you’ll receive this new mode at no extra cost! It’s going to make it hard to distinguish the game from reality! I mean, what exactly qualifies as “real” these days?

This difficult game setting introduces numerous alterations you should keep in mind to survive the frigid wilderness of Skyrim. Among these adjustments are:

This way, it conveys the same information but with a more conversational tone and a slight reorganization for clarity.

  • Hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Cold
  • Warmth
  • Disabled Fast Travel
  • Reduced Carry Weight
  • Diseases

Not just these, there’s even more! Therefore, it’s important to eat now to avoid food poisoning. Isn’t that surprising?

Though it might initially appear excessive, once accustomed, it could prove quite challenging to revert back to standard Skyrim gameplay. If immersion and deep exploration in your entertainment is your preference, there’s no better choice than Skyrim. It may push your limits a tad, but the struggle adds an extra sweetness to dominating this frosty land!

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2025-06-02 19:10