I've been playing Skyrin for a while. I dig it. I'm around lvl 21. But I feel I may not be playing it as enjoyably as I can. Maybe I just don't know my style of play. Might seem random, but thought I'd put it out there.

I know there's no right or wrong way to play, but I wanted to get people's input and suggestions. For example: follow the main quest, as it's more interesting; simply explore each city as the main quest takes you; or travel the world and hit all the taverns.

I've only played on the Xbox - played Morrowind, but really enjoyed Oblivion. In Skyrim my character is inspired by Elric of Melnibone - High Elf, two-handed sword, and focused on Conjuration. Admittedly, I do use other spells simply because they are fun. I'm playing on Normal. I do like a challenge but some things seem off, like wolves used to drive me nuts; in the beginning I was getting messed up on every little ride. Now the Dragons seem too easy. Not sure what's up. Sometimes I'd just like to travel and enjoy the country without constant attacks from wolves or other creatures.

So far in Skyrim, I haven't done that much of the main quest (haven't joined a side yet). I've spent most of my time around Whiterun, Winterhold, Windhelm and some quests around Riften. I own a house in Whiterun. I have Aranea (worshiper of Ashura?) as my follower, and Lydiai is my Housecarl. I can conjure a Flame Atronachs, but can't figure out how to get other Atronachs. (Lame, I know!)

I spend a lot of time finding ingredients, making potions, and a decent amount of time smithing. I always feel like I have too much stuff and become over-encumbered too often. I've pretty much stopped taking all the weapons from my dungeon quests, and only take gold and gems. I like to take the honorable approach for my character, so who knows how I'll deal with the Dark Brotherhood quests.

So I was just thinking, would some big or small changes really up the enjoyment? Should I jump full-on into the main quest? Should I use fast travel less? Find other followers? Visit each city to discover what tavern is the most interesting? I feel like I've spend too much time in dungeons fighting Drauger. Skyrim is huge and epic, but I feel like I've made it small with making potions and smithing. I enjoy all that, but what could make it even more interesting?

Any big or small thoughts, comments, or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!

You can get other Atronachs by leveling up your Conjuration and then buying spell tomes

I haven't found any people selling those tomes yet. It seems a bit different than Oblivion (train at each city, and buy spells there). Thanks.

You mentioned fighting dragons. check your misc. inventory for dragon bones/scales as they add up fast and could be what are over encumbering you..

If you're looking for playstyles, try reading some of these character builds (scroll down about 1/2 way & you'll see them -- directly above "discussion forums"). If you're not into role playing, it doesn't matter, there's still a lot of really interesting builds. I don't role play ever & I still find this site useful as all hell.


http://theskyrimblog.ning.com/group/character-building

EDIT: as for being overencumbered, just reevaluate how you loot. For me, I only loot things I intend to use (better weapon/armor than I'm currently using -- loot new, drop old), things I intend to keep (unique, one-of-a-kind items) or things I intend to sell (items that's weight can justify their value -- if an item weighs 20lbs, but is only worth 250 gold, I'm not taking it). You can also use the Steed Standing Stone that gives you an extra 100lbs capacity & renders all worn armor (inc. equipped shields) weightless.

I know sometimes when I play Skyrim and feel lost about what to do, I'll just look at my map. Find a direction that I have'nt traveled and set out and see what's out there. I'll use fast travel to head back to the cities and sell off my junk, and then fast travel close to my last location. When it comes to quests though I always like to travel on foot or horse.

On roleplaying all I can say is I help those that can't help themselves. Mix main quest with a healthy dose of free form quests. And never ever be in to big of a hurry to level or rush the game.

You could try tuning up your tradeskills (Smithing, Enchanting, Alchemy) because as you progress in levels, the game will start getting a lost harder. When your armor protects a little more and you sword hits a little harder, try toning up the difficulty. The game won't be as fun if it isn't a bit of a challenge.

You could find some named side quests if you haven't done them yet, like The Forsworn Conspiracy (Markarth), In My Time of Need (Whiterun), the Mind of Madness (Solitude). Just go to the different cities, and if you haven't done their quests yet, you'll find them.

Explore The Reach. I found TONS of stuff there yesterday that I've never seen, and I thought I pretty much had the entire map covered. You can't ever finish Skyrim, and that's the fun of it. Look on your map for a spot that seems to be empty, and go there.

Go south of Ivarstead. There is a very cool outdoor ruin there in the mountains, with a few rewards. If you know where it is, you can actually see the ruin itself on your map.


As for your Conjuration, I know you have to be a certain skill to get Frost & Storm Atronachs. If your skill is 50 or 75 respectively, they should start selling the tomes. If not, try the College of Winterhold, and find Phinis Gestor. You have to join to get into the building though, but I'd suggest doing that anyways if you're using any kind of magic.

Wow, that link looks really helpful! Just a quick look and I can seem some are really interesting. Thanks!

A lot of good suggestions. Thanks for the quest suggestions too. I assume these are a few interesting ones that stand out in your mind. I'll track them down. Oh I didn't realize I have so long to go before I can summon other Atronachs. Something to look forward to. Thanks again.

Yeah, maybe I just have to head out randomly more often to make the experience feel larger. True, I need to have a different mindset and be patient. A lot of games do make you feel like rushing. I guess because I have limited time, I want to feel a sense of accomplishment but these things take time. I need to chill a bit more, be ok with a slower pace. There are so many details, and it's so deep. When I spend hours on the details, like making potions, it's cool but I feel I'm missing something. Though potion-making was part of my characters make up. Thanks!