Self-imposed rules can significantly enhance the challenge and enjoyment of playing Skyrim. Here are some popular and creative rules that players have adopted to make their gameplay more difficult:
No Fast Travel: Players often restrict themselves from using fast travel, relying instead on horses or walking to explore the vast world of Skyrim more thoroughly.
No Permanent Followers: Many players choose not to have permanent companions, allowing only temporary allies for specific quests. This rule increases the challenge, as players must rely solely on their own skills.
Limited Crafting and Looting: Some players impose restrictions on crafting and looting. For example, they may only use items they craft themselves or limit looting to essential items. This adds a layer of realism and resource management.
No HUD or Crosshairs: Playing without a heads-up display (HUD) or crosshairs can make combat and navigation significantly more challenging, forcing players to rely on their instincts and memory.
Difficulty Adjustments: Players often raise the game difficulty to Legendary, which increases damage taken and enemy resilience. This can be combined with other rules for an even tougher experience.
Permadeath: Some players adopt a hardcore permadeath rule, where if their character dies, they must start over. This heightens tension and encourages careful gameplay.
Restricting Magic and Potions: Limiting the use of magic, potions, or shouts can force players to engage more with melee combat and strategy.
Roleplay Constraints: Many players create specific roleplaying constraints based on their character's backstory. For example, only using weapons that fit a character's background or avoiding certain types of loot.
Survival Mechanics: Incorporating survival elements such as regular eating and sleeping can add realism and challenge. Players might set rules for how often they need to rest or eat to maintain their character's health.
These self-imposed rules not only increase the difficulty but also encourage creativity in gameplay strategies and enhance the overall immersion in the Skyrim universe.