So, I have read a few discussions in various places about the avoidance of the main questline in Skyrim, and I wondered if anyone tried playing without questing?

The avoidance of all named side quests in Skyrim. This rules out things like "In My Time of Need," Daedric quests, and all the same. Misc tasks only. Bounties and fetch quests.

Guild joining quests are excluded, as guilds contain some misc tasks that fit to your character archetype and playstyle, so you're pretty much relying on exploration or jobs to level and grow your character.

Also, any quest that contains a reward that may be essential to the character are forgiven.

I know this is the approach for most "Dead is Dead" players, and I'm taking a similar approach for my first Oblivion playthrough and thought it would be a great idea for Skyrim if I ever get around to it.

So, what is the farthest you've been playing like this?

I once created a pure ranger female Bosmer that did this. She never entered a city. She only used what she could take from folks in the wild. She only ate what she could hunt. She only slept where she could find cover and feel safe.

It was probably my favorite playthrough.

To me, it sounds a little boring, but Dar'aziil seemed to enjoy it. I have never finished a game with all quests. For me, that is one thing I am doing now (I still won't do all), but I am having fun

by wanting to take a character to 100 level, at least. Sort of the opposite of what you are thinking, as I have to go back to many places several times, just to have stuff to do. (That is partly

why I have dl'd my first mods: Wymstooth and Falksaar.

Basically, I just believe if you want to do it, give it a try. We all have our different ways of staying interested in this wonderful game. Good luck!

This is the way I play about 60-75% of the time. It depends on the character. Some characters do no Bethesda quests, some do one or two, some may do a lot. It all depends on the character and the story I am telling.