Like may here, I've built a character and done a fair share of level spamming, namely alchemy, enchanting, and smithing. The world itself isn't so scary anymore, and even tough battles are just a few extra healing potions away from victory. At this point, before starting a new (anti-spamming) build, I'm trying to find ways to stay challenged.

All I have so far is that each arrow must be a head shot, and the arrow stays when looting (to mark the kill). It is fun, yes, but I'm sure there's more I can do, while awaiting a CS...

Thoughts?

EDIT: Anybody just crank up difficulty? Did it feel natural, or artificial?

Marry someone to adventure with, and when they inevitably die have it change your character on a fundamental level that allows you to do things out of character, yet still continue on in a logical story arc.

Right, I love it... Flip the switch so to speak. Interesting...

Last I checked, skyrim nexus had some combat mods that add challenge if your on PC. You could also make a new character. I also suggest NOT smithing until bethesda rebalances it because it's probably the reason why a lot of people are over powered and what not.

Kinda know what you mean. My first character I made did almost everything. Game got boring when i could kill dragons without any tactics. Ive started over like a hundred times, but i don't have the patience to force myself to gimp my character. Game gets boring unless you give it a two week break or something.

Well if it is a challenge your after.. Don't go for Blacksmithing or Enchanting, only go for Alchemy.. Play a warrior character (Personaly i use a sword and board, tried two handed first with my playstyle but it was to compromised and i died really easy). Don't use magical equipment. Of course if you loot a weapon with a magical property, with higher base damage.. I would use it and not recharge it when its empty.. This makes the game grand fun And keeps me playing on Adept. I tried the harder modes but thats insane (atleast for me)

So in short my playstyle is;
1) No magical equipment except looted (Dont recharge when empty)
2) No healing spells
3) Use of only clairvoyance spell
4) No enchanting/smithing

Thats one way to get a challenge, without making things complicated..

The two handed weapon is by far the most unbalanced weapon type in the game. i will not make another two handed user simple because when i use one the game's difficulty is removed. and i would agree with the enchanting and smithing, with normal enchants and smithing upgrades i am running a ungodly two handed weapon. I think by allowing for two enchants for weapons and equipment beth might have made things to easy.

I like setting restrictions. RPing...

No armor.
Can only deduct 25% of cost in any magic school.
Only use bound sword. (very difficult but fun)
Only have 150 hp and stamina. (lvl 70 so you can imagine how hard this is) around 1000 magicka with enchantments.
no companions

Adds some spice and difficulty

Am not sure what you ment regarding the two handers. But i assure you, i did not wanna troll the two handed users, i just said that i could not handle it Am not saying its to crap for the playstyle.

I haven't gotten past Whiterun yet and I'm only level 10. Since I've heard so much about the leveling imbalance this game has, I'm deliberately not really using enchantment or smithing. I only upgrade my weapons/armor and only enchant with enchanted loot that I can disenchant and then I buy the soul gems that I need. Of course, doing it that way has left me penniless in the game and that's on default sell/buy ratios (not modded)! I do loot everything, but it would be more realistic if the carry weight was enforced, meaning instead of just not being able to run, you should not be able to take the stuff at all!! I also use a bit of alchemy to create potions, but mostly I just use food. I'm playing a warrior (one-handed plus shield), so I don't bother with spells.

Plus 300lbs is too much weight to carry unless your an orc. Make it 150. Armor included or not, up to you.