The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, released on November 2011 for the Personal Computer, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, is the fifth installment in Bethesda Game Studios' Elder Scrolls series. Skyrim is the first game in the series (and in the entire industry) to integrate Steam Workshop functionality (Team Fortress 2 was the first to include Workshop functionality, but Skyrim was the first to integrate it by letting users access the uploaded content directly).
Though the PC version of the game has received wide praise, the game is not without its (sometimes crippling) faults. Fortunately, the PC version has its advantages, allowing players to quickly implement fixes and essential mods without having to wait for official patches.
Issues and Fixes
Official High Resolution Texture Pack Fix
The Official High Resolution Texture Pack will conflict with any texture mods.
Solution: edit Skyrim_default.ini at Steam\steamapps\common\skyrim\Skyrim_default.ini. Edit the following line:
sResourceArchiveList2=Skyrim - Voices.bsa, Skyrim - VoicesExtra.bsa
Copy and paste this line instead of the line quoted and save the file:
sResourceArchiveList2=Skyrim - Voices.bsa, Skyrim - VoicesExtra.bsa, HighResTexturePack01.bsa, HighResTexturePack02.bsa
Afterwards edit the line in the exact same way in Documents\My Games\Skyrim\Skyrim.ini and save that file, too.
Finally, disable HighResTexturePack01.esp and HighResTexturePack02.esp through the Skyrim Launcher's "Data Files" option or by using the Nexus Mod Manager. [1]
Disable Mouse Smoothing/Acceleration
Mouse smoothing is a feature in game engines designed to give users a smoother feel to mouse movements. However, many users prefer to turn off this features as it may cause accuracy issues or feel unnatural/uncomfortable.
To disable mouse smoothing, navigate to Documents\My Games\Skyrim and edit SkyrimPrefs.ini. In the [Controls] section, change:
bMouseAcceleration=1
To:
bMouseAcceleration=0
After making the change, save the file. [2]
Quest Bugs
Please don't post quest bugs here. If you're looking for help to resolve an in-game issue such as quests, please look to the relevant wikis linked near the bottom of this article.
Fix Shadow Striping Caused by Lights
The mod Shadow Striping Fix is a popular mod which fixes an issue with shadows in vanilla Skyrim. It does not have a special requirement, and can be easily installed by using the Nexus Mod Manager. Alternatively, you may download the file manually and place its contents in the Steam\steamapps\common\skyrim\Data folder. Once you've installed the data files, enable "Shadow Striping Fix.esp" through the Skyrim Launcher's "Data Files" option or the Nexus Mod Manager.
Graphical Tweaks
Skyrim has its fair share of graphical bugs and faults. Fortunately, there are many tweaks available to PC users in order to rectify graphical issues.
Custom Resolution
Skyrim's launcher has a limited choice of game resolution options, which may not account for a large amount of users who want to use a custom resolution (e.g. 640x480 for players on low-end machines).
To use a custom resolution, you must edit the file SkyrimPrefs.ini found in Documents\My Games\Skyrim\SkyrimPrefs.ini. Edit the following lines:
iSize W=**** iSize H=####
Replace **** with the desired screen width (e.g. 1920, 1680, 1024). Replace #### with the desired screen height (e.g. 1080, 1050, 768). [3]
Change Field of View
Skyrim's default FoV is 75, which is OK for many people but may seem like too much or too little for others.
To change the default FoV, navigate to Documents\My Games\Skyrim and edit SkyrimPrefs.ini. Add the following line to the [General] section:
fdefaultfov=**
Next, edit Skyrim.ini in the same location. In the [Display] section, add the following lines:
fDefaultWorldFOV=** fDefault1stPersonFOV=**.0000
Change ** to your desired FoV (80, 90, 100, etc.) in all of the lines above and save the files. You should also set both SkyrimPrefs.ini and Skyrim.ini to be "Read-only" files. [4]
Enable Tree and Rock Self-Shadowing
By default, Skyrim's engine does not render shadows for trees and rocks.
To enable shadows for trees and rocks, navigate to Documents\My Games\Skyrim and edit SkyrimPrefs.ini. Edit the following lines:
bDrawLandShadows=0 bTreesReceiveShadows=0
To:
bDrawLandShadows=1 bTreesReceiveShadows=1
After making the change, save the file. [5]
Performance Improvements
There are some ways to improve Skyrim's performance without subtracting from it.
- SkyBoost is a third-party tool designed to remove coding bottlenecks from Skyrim's engine.
- Make sure that you are using the latest version, it may sometimes be found on the author's website.
- In order to install, consult the "readme" file that is provided inside of the archive.
- D3D9Gen b3 may or may not provide improved performance.
- Choose "Set my video card by text", choose the "SLOW" option and generate a d3d9.dll file. Move that .dll file to your main Skyrim folder (Steam\steamapps\common\skyrim\) and use the game's launcher to make sure your options were not reset. [6]
Borderless Fullscreen Windowed
It is possible to run Skyrim in Borderless Windowed Fullscreen mode by using a third party executable.
- Simple Borderless Window at Skyrim Nexus
- Follow the installation instructions found in the mod's description.
- If you are using the Skyrim Script Extender (see the Tools section), Simple Borderless Window should automatically find and use it.
General Crash Advice
- Make sure that you have the latest official update, or any well known unofficial crash fixes.
- Check for problems with your graphics driver (outdated, corrupted or buggy drivers can cause major faults).
- For Steam versions, verify game cache (right click the game in your library, choose "Properties", navigate to the "Local Files" tab and choose "Verify integrity of game cache").
- Try deactivating recently installed mods.
Official Updates
As of February 1st, 2012, the latest update for the PC version is 1.4. [7]
Downloadable Content (DLC)
- Official High Resolution Texture Pack - released on February 7th, 2012 as a free DLC. [8]
Mods
Skyrim, like many of Bethesda Game Studios' games, enjoys a prolific modding scene. Mods are usually uploaded to central hubs like Skyrim Nexus or Planet Elder Scrolls, where they can be downloaded easily and free of charge by users. Skyrim also marked a turning point in game modding, as it is the first ever game to utilise the Steam Workshop for public mod releases. Users can subscribe to mods through the Workshop and have them automatically delivered and updated by using the game's launcher. [9]
Some mods are not compatible with other mods. This can be caused by poor coding, engine issues or both mods altering the same game files. Incompatibility could cause game crashes, disappearing textures and other faults. It is generally recommended to read the descriptions and "readme" files of mods, as they contain installation guides and notes about compatibility and/or incompatibility with other mods. You should not use two mods that are known to conflict with each other if they do not have a compatibility patch.
Tools
- The Nexus Mod Manager is a useful tool which allows users to automatically download, install and manage mods found on the Skyrim Nexus. It is possible to install mods from Skyrim Nexus and the Skyrim Workshop at the same time, however, it is recommended to use only one tool as a mod manager. [10]
- The Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) is an essential third-party executable which expands Skyrim's native support for various mods. You will be required to use SKSE if you install any mod which lists SKSE as a requirement. There is no performance loss or downside to using SKSE other than compatibility with the latest Skyrim patch, since it takes a few hours for SKSE to update when an official patch is released.
- Better Oblivion Sorting Software (BOSS) is a program designed to help with sorting the load-order of mods. Using BOSS can minimise conflicts and prevent bugs.
User Interface
- SkyUI is a plugin which completely overhauls Skyrim's default (and PC-unfriendly) user interface. It is considered a must-have mod by many, as it is highly suitable for keyboard-and-mouse controls and includes sorting options, a search feature, support for high resolutions and more.
- Requires the Skyrim Script Extender.
- Categorized Favorites Menu expands Skyrim's default "favorites" interface, which is very obviously adapted for consoles and not a keyboard-and-mouse interface.
- Requires the Skyrim Script Extender.
Save File Location
Skyrim's saves are located in the Documents\My Games\Skyrim\Saves folder.
The game also creates a back up of the latest auto-saves and quick-saves. It is possible to export/import saves to/from the Xbox 360 by using this guide.