I've never played an rpg before. Before I jump into this massive behemoth this weekend, what are some essential dungeons, cities, landmarks I should make sure I see?

The autumn forest around Riften. Absolutely beautiful, especially in the Special Edition.

I can't wait to see next gen forests.

Blackreach, Forgotten Vale, Soul Cairn. Those are just a few examples.

Any particular breathtaking massive cities?

I'm not sure if I would call it massive cities, but the closest city to be a massive city with a breath taking view is Markarth mostly for being located on top of the ruins of an Ancient Dwemer city with the surrounding hills/mountains.

But my favorite site that has a breath taking view is the Lost Valley Redoubt and after you have fighting the Forsworn there the reward is not only the loot, but amazing view of the landscape at least when it is not raining.

Markarth is a sight, even if its not a particularly pleasant place. Solitude is a nicer place and definitely worth a look. But its the sheer scope of the game thats impressive rather than individual areas, the cities worldspaces are quite small honestly.

Place I found while exploring:

Chillwind
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Chillwind_Depths

Anything as massive as Novigrad?

Novigard in Skyrim? What kind of location is that, must be from a mod?

And you would need a mega super computer for that.

Or just play Daggerfall

BLACKREACH!

blackreach!

that lake up river from Riverwood (where you can build lakeview) is pretty nice.. and the view from the top of Throat of the World is amazing



a quick question though:

if you have never play an RPG, how are you familiar with Novigrad?


just curious

Skyrim. All of it.

You're there.

Explore at your leisure.

Go where your character's desires and quests send you.

A change in weather and time can transform a bleak uninspiring area into a breathtaking view.

Novigrad runs just fine on consoles in TW3.

so, you have played RPGs then



and Novigrad runs fine because of how different the games are.. in Skyrim, you can interact with any object (you can pick of a bowl and throw it at people, grab any sword mounted on the wall, and drag objects or bodies around with you as long as you want, or just try and make a house of cards out of spare daggers).. that is alot more resource intensive than the Witchers static environments

Try this....


Walk.....don't run

In the frozen forests of The Pale....South of Dawnstar (a town on the north coast)


Do it at night....that is important for atmosphere


With the sound turned up


And try not to look over your shoulder


It is very beautiful....and creepy as hell....