INTRODUCTION
If you’ve ever fantasized about embarking on an epic adventure filled with magic, dragons, and ancient prophecy, then welcome aboard! You’ve stumbled upon the perfect guide to your next favorite game, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This action-packed, open-world role-playing game (RPG) allows you to dive into a rich fantasy world ripe for exploration. Far from being your run-of-the-mill RPG, Skyrim offers a unique gaming experience that you must embark upon. This guide will delve into everything you need to know as a beginner.
WHAT IS ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM?
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a part of the larger Elder Scrolls series developed by Bethesda Game Studios. Launched in 2011, it is the fifth installment in the series. Set in the northernmost region of the fantastical continent of Tamriel, named ‘Skyrim’, the game revolves around the player character’s quest to defeat Alduin the World-Eater, a dragon prophesied to destroy the world. Your character is a Dragonborn – a mortal with the soul of a dragon – which offers unique powers.
Skyrim stands apart from other games owing to its complex branching storyline, immersive gameplay, detailed world-building, and emphasis on player-choice. It shares commonalities with games like Witcher series in terms of its narrative style, but its expansive open-world and the detailed immersive experience it offers are unparalleled.
HOW IT WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
To begin, you need to create your own character. There is a wide range of races, including humans, elves, and anthropomorphic lizard or cat characters. Also, you can customize your character’s appearance to the minute details.
Once your character is ready, Skyrim introduces you to basic game mechanics before throwing you into the full expanse of the world. You can travel through towns, take on side quests, join guilds, engage in combat, and explore at your leisure. The purpose is to build your character’s abilities while progressively unraveling the central narrative.
As you engage in combat, your fighting prowess is rewarded with leveling up in skills like one-handed, two-handed, archery, destruction, etc. Moreover, the game offers a unique ‘shout’ mechanism, which enables your Dragonborn character to perform special dragon powers – once you learn the required “words of power.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To play Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on a device of your choice (PC, Playstation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch), you need to purchase a copy of the game. It’s easily available via online platforms like Steam or at local gaming retailers. There are additionally official expansions and DLCs (downloadable content) such as “Dawnguard”, “Hearthfire”, and “Dragonborn” that enrich the gameplay, and may be worth considering once you’ve mastered the base game.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Save often – The game doesn’t have an autosave feature.
2. Try out all skills before focusing on specific ones – this enriches your gameplay and character development.
3. Don’t rush through the main storyline – take your time to do side quests and explore.
4. Carefully choose your perks as you level up.
5. Trade goods and do small tasks to earn gold.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Popular YouTubers like theEpicNate315 offer in-depth Skyrim guides and interesting game lore. Websites like UESP (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages) and ‘r/skyrim’ subreddit are treasure troves of tips, tricks, and lore details.
GLOSSARY
1. Dragonborn – The protagonist, gifted with the ability to use Dragon Shouts.
2. Shouts – A unique power allowing the Dragonborn to release powerful attacks.
3. Leveling – Increasing your character’s prowess by gaining experience points.
4. Perks – Bonuses earned as your character levels up.
5. Elder Scrolls – Motifs recurring through the game series, representing knowledge and prophecy.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you have a basic grasp, go on and purchase the game. Allow yourself to be immersed in the vast world, partake in side quests, make friends (or enemies!), and most importantly, have fun. Remember, there’s no wrong way to play, and your journey in Skyrim is uniquely your own. Enjoy the adventure that awaits!
