Hi all,

Having purchased the game when it first got released but not playing it that much due to playing other titles and not having the time. I'm now thinking about getting to know Skyrim and having a venture through it.

Also, is it a good idea to play the game without any mods? I've tried a couple of mods in the past but never got into using them or trying out different mods.

Thanks

I currently don't own any of the dlc. Does this have an impact on what the base game offers?

You should at least have the unofficial patches for your run.

Give it a good run in the Vanilla game. It is a very good game to play even with out mods.

The DLC games are great to get with the game. It adds new armors and enemies that can help you level. For example, the ancient Nordic.

Thanks,

I didn't know about the unofficial patches. I'm not sure what they are so I'll have to do some research.

I missed the Steam sale not long ago. I should have purchased the dlc then!

They basically fix bugs and stuff. Good to have. Like really good.

I see. Thanks for the advice!

I'd like to create and build a ranged character if possible. I've also got the 600+ page strategy guide book so I'll have to give that a read.

Have fun! Seriously, that's the most important part. It's a huge game. So don't be a stranger if you've got any questions about the game. People around here have figured just about everything out.

Thanks again!

Talk to everyone. That's it.

If on PC and depending on your rig, play Vanilla to start with Sir.
When not in game review texture mods, lighting mods, weather mods and select at least one mod to enhance the Follower experience. Add mods incrementally and keep checking your FPS.

Check out Gopher on YouTube to get started and make selections for mods based on his thorough and informative reviews.

The purpose here is to add to your immersion.

And that's when the magic happens.

Take your time, don't rush through the game and talk to the bartenders in the taverns, they give out handy rumors that can lead to sidequests.

I wouldnt recommend to get mods just yet. experience the game the way it is before downloading mods at least. use the unofficial patches though if you want. they fix a lot of bugs. they can be found on nexus.

If your on the PC then I suggest Skyrim Nexus for mods and download and install the latest unofficial patches.

If you want a vanilla play through to get the feel for the game. Thats good. But I would recommend depending on your PC's capabilities, some texture mods.

Also you can't go wrong with Immersive Armors.

The Unofficial Patches are basically essential. Must have. No excuse.

Also SkyUI is something every PC player should use. Makes the horrible UI more fluent, aesthetic and most importantly, functional.

inb4 ladyonthemoon gives you all a withering look for saying unofficial patches are essential (but they are).

I see you have the strategy guide. It's nice if you want to learn the basics or to help if you get stuck somewhere (though in general opinion, http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Main_Page is better for that), but I advise against looking up quests and locations. Skyrim is jam-packed with big and small things to discover and it's really, really satisfying if you find them on your own. Get lost, talk to people, check every nook and cranny, don't follow a walkthrough. Exploration is one of the strongest points of this game, so spoiling its secrets is counterproductive.

You don't need to hurry with buying the DLC, they have a lot of content meant for high level characters. IMO Dragonborn feels most natural if you start it after, or near the end of the main quest. But DG and HF integrate some neat features with the base game, like house building, arrow crafting, werewolf and vampire perks etc., so you may want to get them first.

Don't spend too much time on the forums. Exposing yourself to negativity before you have formed your own opinion of Skyrim may poison whatever love you might have developed for the game.

Truth right there.

A couple of complainers and wishers around. And even though it's supposed to be spoiler free, it's old enough now that people mention things that are kinda' common knowledge but can still really mess up some WOW moments for a new player.

XBox player here. Been playing with some gaps since day 1 and still find new things.

Just play and don't worry whether you're "doing it right"

Enjoy.