OK, let me clarify. I've literally only had the game for a week or two. I bought it solely to familiarize myself with the game mechanics of the Elder Scrolls Online, I played my first ESO beta this weekend, and absolutely loved it. Sure, Skyrim is marginally better looking and the environment more interactive - but I don't enjoy the solitude of single player gaming very much. I like the world to feel alive and vibrant - and it helps to see a ton of other players running around.

That being said, Skyrim is a great game. I'm at level 23, and have traveled mostly east and west. And - I'm getting a bit bored. I think my problem may have been that I've become too focused on random exploration, and so am not doing as many quests. Of course, when I explore I encounter many caves, forts etc. - but they all feel fairly familiar. And with very few exceptions, all the enemy characters are pretty simple to kill (I'm on mid-level difficulty - adept, I think it's called).

So what have you found increases your fun factor with the game?

* Raising difficulty level?

* Completing all quests encountered while exploring?

* Sticking to story quests?

* Seeking out unexplored areas of the map?

Just curious as to what others have generally done to get the most out of this game. Thanks in advance.

Have you done the MQ up to where you can get dragons into the game? If not, that would be my first suggestion.

My second suggestion would be to join a guild. Lots of nice benefits, and if you're feeling lonely playing a single-player games it's nice to be part of something.

Also try getting a follower if you don't like adventuring alone.

What class are you playing as Harry?

Now I'm not much of an On-line gamer, I don't like dealing with what other people are doing.

I think one of the biggest things that would make this game much more fun is if your character has a "job". Now this can just be joining a guild and following the questline or Being a Mercenary or a smith's apprentice ( you go find all the thing's you need to progress to master smith).

It's not just a RP, as the ESO is also RP'ing, but the fact that you can't ask a group member what they want to do, you can't chat with anyone. What you do is completely up to you, not a group decision. Now I could be wrong, but that's the way I see them. JMO.

Yes, I've fought several dragons so far - 3 or 4, and am playing with a follower (Lydia). As for guilds - is that to say it's possible to play co-op on this game? Is that was a guild allows? I had no idea, if that's the case! Or perhaps you're referring to an NPC guild?

And who's Harry? Am also not sure what you mean by class in Skyrim - pls excuse my ignorance. I'm an Orc in heavy armor with a sword/shield, if that helps....

There's only NPC guilds in the game, but they can help you further define your class. Seems as you're playing a badarse Orc, you should probably look into joining the Companions in Whiterun. If you're bored with the game, that could be your next step Harry.

Try to mix exploration, quests, and interesting goals. For example, play a guild questline rather than mindlessly wander for everything you do. There are some great quests out there, but do the main ones first: warrior, mage, thief, and assassin.

I always try this when I need an enjoyable break from the monotony.

• Mess around with various magical items, artifacts, and spells.
• Find and enjoy small, detailed areas with great views.
• Collect unique weaponry, clothes, and even various scribblings, books, and journals one may find (they're fun to read later).
• Investigate the dragon cult's history and ruins.
• Upgrade apparel and weaponry, not just in damage but in aesthetics.

Once, I went completely without clothes, took a wooden sword, cranked the game up to master (highest at the time), and kicked the crap out of some people. Another time, I managed to raise several dozen undead chickens and assault a city. My final example: I found glitched arrows that, upon shooting, flare like comets and rocket people high into the sky and far away.

Make up some stories, some adventures of your own. When you've completed every quest, you'll find that after a long period of time, you'll actually want to return to those quests.

I'd try Oblivion too, if you haven't. It's very similar to Skyrim, though it has milder weather and less advanced graphics.

Thanks all - great suggestions.

And Rubeus - what's the deal with Harry? Gotta admit, I sometimes play other games using Harry as part of the gamer tag. Have never done it on this forum, so you're freaking me out. How'd you come up with Harry?!?!?

Download a darker dungeons mod. It actually makes dungeons (which account for a good chunk of Skyrim's gameplay content) exciting.

Do not fast travel....you'll become amazed at the small details found along the way. And, yes, a companion and maybe a dog, will make it less lonely.

We know who you are Harry...

Since you're an Orc, have you visited the Orc Strongholds yet? I love to brawl with the Orc Chiefs to show them who's boss...simple little pleasures like that make the game more enjoyable imo as they help to breakup the hero biz.

Don't worry Harry, just keep playing.

My suggestion to making the game more fun is to play the quests, especially now since it's your first time. Play through the different factions and the Daedra quests, I'd also suggest you try crafting if you haven't already.

Hagrid calls everyone Harry.

That sounds like fun, I'll have to give it a whirl.