Skyrim: 10 Ways To Make A Second Playthrough Different

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” stands as one of the most renowned role-playing games ever made, and it justifiably holds this status. The expansive creation by Bethesda offers numerous chances for a unique playing experience each time you return to it.

To put it another way, since the game has been refurbished and relaunched multiple times, a good number of players who have bought it might have finished it numerous times.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve discovered some fantastic strategies to keep my favorite games feeling fresh and exciting, rather than repetitive. Here’s a peek at what I’ve found:

1. Explore side quests and optional objectives: These often provide additional context, characters, and challenges that can deepen your understanding of the game world.

2. Try different playstyles or character builds: If you usually go for stealth, try a more aggressive approach this time around. Or, if you’re a mage in an RPG, see what happens when you focus on melee combat.

3. Replay on a higher difficulty setting: This can make encounters more challenging and require new strategies, keeping the gameplay engaging.

4. Investigate hidden secrets or collectibles: These often reward unique items, story tidbits, or achievements that add to your overall experience.

5. Play cooperatively with friends or join online communities: Collaborating with others can open up new possibilities and perspectives that you might have missed on your own.

10. Pick New Allegiances

You Don’t Have To Stick With The Same Characters

As you engage in the game, you’ll encounter numerous groups you could become part of. For the initial play session, you may discover an affinity towards The Thieves Guild, The Dark Brotherhood, or The Companions.

Once you’ve finished your initial gameplay, you have the option to revisit the storyline to discover the outcomes when you choose to oppose those organizations.

After finishing your first round of play, you can come back and explore the different scenarios that occur if you stand against these groups.

In Skyrim, completing either The Thieves Guild or The Dark Brotherhood questline will allow you to freely traverse the game world. Additionally, you have the option to discover the consequences of aligning with the vampires instead of the werewolves within The Companions faction.

Exploring these fresh partnerships gives you a comprehensive perspective of the story, revealing different outcomes based on the influential groups or individuals in power.

9. Play The DLCs

DLCs Add Tons Of Additional Hours

An alternative method to significantly alter the narrative of the game is through exploring the Downloadable Content (DLC). Although they were released some time ago, many players may still not have had an opportunity to enjoy them.

The “Dragonborn” and “Dawnguard” downloadable content expansions introduce entirely fresh territories and groups to interact with. Moreover, they both offer numerous extra quests, ensuring countless hours of engaging gameplay.

Beyond these additional downloadable content packs, the “Hearthfire” expansion offers an exciting feature: the opportunity to construct and customize your very own residence within the realm of Skyrim. This added element can provide a distinct and immersive experience that the core game does not offer.

Additionally, this DLC offers an unexpected twist, allowing you to take on the role of a loving parent by adopting children, something perhaps unanticipated for the Dragonborn character.

8. Check Out The Creation Club

These Creations Don’t Get The Love They Deserve

The Creation Club, an essential aspect of the game, often fails to receive the appreciation it merits among series enthusiasts. Interestingly, many fans have yet to explore this feature at all.

As a devoted player, I can say this gaming hub hosts authorized mods and inventive content crafted by talented third-party developers. Being officially endorsed, the game graciously kept my achievements and trophies intact while these additions were in play.

Regrettably, the Creation Club ceased operations in 2023; however, those who possess the Anniversary Edition of the game retain the ability to utilize all 74 creations housed within the Creation Club.

As a gamer, diving into this updated content feels like stepping into an entirely fresh realm within the game. It offers brand-new quests, unexplored areas, cool armor sets, and even adorable new pets to collect!

7. Use A Different Build

You Can Create Any Build You Want

As a passionate Dragonborn player, I’d like to highlight one significant aspect that shapes my gaming experience: the build I choose. Whether I opt for a stealthy marksman or a powerful mage operating in the shadows, my selection greatly influences how I engage with the game.

In your initial gameplay, you could find yourself excelling as a sneaky character who seamlessly blends with The Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild. As you traverse through the game, you’ll also discover an array of vampiric abilities that powerful Vampire Lords possess.

Following that, I found myself immersed in crafting a combat-focused character that seamlessly fits within the diverse military groups and The Companions. I also seized the chance to delve deeper into the lore surrounding the werewolf traits.

Each build has a distinct style and gameplay, ensuring a unique experience for every player. Regardless of your choice, changing between them alters how you engage with the game.

6. Explore The Entirety Of Skyrim

Chances Are You Missed Major Things

A thought that may cross your mind, particularly if you’ve been a long-time player, is the assumption that you’ve already experienced all the game has to present.

It’s worth noting that Bethesda has concealed numerous elements across the Skyrim map, so if you wish to uncover all these hidden gems, be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to exploring the expansive wilderness of Skyrim (and its DLC areas).

When you scan the map of Skyrim, there’s an abundance of mysterious quests, forgotten caves, and concealed ruins waiting to be discovered. It’s possible to spend hundreds of hours playing without uncovering every secret.

Each playthrough offers a unique experience due to discoveries that continue to surprise you, even after you believe you’ve uncovered all there is to find.

5. Play The VR Version

Truly Find Yourself In The Game

One method Bethesda used to update the game significantly involves launching a Virtual Reality (VR) adaptation, enabling gamers to fully immerse themselves within the realm of Skyrim and Tamriel.

By using the VR edition, you’ll have an immersive experience where you can fully embody the Dragonborn, viewing the entire game through your character’s perspective. This unique viewpoint presents numerous possibilities for interaction and exploration.

One appealing aspect of the VR edition is its compatibility with customizable mods, enabling you to fashion a uniquely personalized VR gaming experience, custom-tailored to suit your preferences during gameplay.

Experiencing the thrill of immersing yourself into The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, viewing everything through the perspective of the central character.

4. Challenge Yourself

Create Your Own Unique Adventure

A fresh approach for your next gameplay could be setting up a personal, one-of-a-kind challenge as you embark on another round. For example, you might consider designing your own ‘challenge mode’.

Perhaps you’re considering a solo run of the game, aiming to finish it without any extra characters, or maybe you’re interested in a speedrun. Regardless, accomplishing either on your own should be quite manageable.

You might also consider finishing the game by steering clear of specific factions or limiting yourself to a particular quantity of Spells, Shouts, and so on. This way, you have the opportunity to craft a unique gaming experience and test your skills.

Through this unique approach, you’re able to shape things distinctly. It empowers you to craft a playthrough journey that is uniquely yours.

3. Download Various Gameplay Mods

Increase The Visuals Or Add A Little Flair

Skyrim boasts one of the most vibrant and active modding communities among games, with no indications of waning in the near future. This is wonderful news for players who continue to delve into the game world.

In simpler terms, you’ll discover mods that perform basic changes, such as enhancing the graphics, to give the gaming experience a feel reminiscent of games designed for contemporary console systems. A list of top mods compatible with the PlayStation 5 can be found here.

Furthermore, you might come across certain amusing modifications that spice up your gaming experience and alter how you engage with the game environment. A notable example is the “Really Useful Dragons” mod, where all dragons are transformed into Thomas the Tank Engine characters.

Regardless of your preferred approach to altering a game, modifications (mods) offer you an opportunity to significantly transform your experience within the virtual world.

2. Complete Survival Mode

Can You Truly Survive Skyrim?

An intriguing feature introduced with the Anniversary Edition of the game is the Survival Mode. This mode requires players to grasp the depth and expansiveness of Skyrim to survive and prosper effectively.

In addition to the standard gameplay, this mode incorporates elements such as hunger, exhaustion, freezing and warm water, and extreme temperatures, while also disabling fast travel. Furthermore, items become heavier and the effects of illnesses and ailments on your character are intensified.

In order to fully immerse yourself in Skyrim, you should play as if you were an actual citizen of its land. If your character dies in the game, remember that means they are permanently deceased. This mode of play offers a distinctive experience, making it feel like you’re living within the game’s world rather than just playing it.

Only the strongest players will be able to truly thrive in this version of the game.

1. Download The Mods That Add Additional Regions

Truly Dive Deep Into The Lore Surrounding The Elder Scrolls

To give a unique twist to your upcoming gaming experience, consider enhancing it by downloading mods that introduce entirely new game areas.

As an enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share my excitement about an incredible partnership among dedicated modding communities. Together, they’ve crafted expansions known as “Beyond Skyrim,” which add awe-inspiring elements to the game, taking it to new heights!

This project is currently focused on incorporating Bruma, Atmoria, and Morrowind into the game, which means players can expect countless hours of fresh gaming experiences filled with a wealth of novel material.

Incorporating such modifications into your game will give the impression that you are immersed in a world distinctly different from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

2025-04-09 19:10