Is Skyrim's map that bad or is it that I just didn't find the real map yet?

[Darth GTB]

I mean... I could only find like a bird's view of the whole terrain of Skyrim instead of a map. I frequently find myself running around a mountain to get somewhere and end up getting nowhere because I don't know where the roads are.

Is it possible to see an in-game map like Oblivion's map? I've been using an app with a map to help me know how to go to places...

[RajaAgni]

There are mods that add the roads to the map. I haven't played in years but you should be able to find one.

[Migel]

Make sure to tilt the camera angle to be directly from above. The 3D effect can really mess with your depth perception and cover up stuff. I personally don't use the map much since I pretty much know all of Skyrim at this point. I only pull it up for fast travel.

Still, on my modded playtroughs I use the paper map mod or an otherwise improved map with removed clouds and textures more representative of the actual game world.

So yes, the map sucks, and without mods, there is no alternative. Skyrim has a lot of dumb dead ends that have you backtracking because of an impossible slope, a random drop or a slippy rock face. If you want to avoid that just stay on paths that are carefully modeled out and have some clutter around them, or navigate between map locations shown on your compass. That'll reduce running into dead ends a fair bit, still sometimes you'll just end up with a massive obstacle in your way and no idea how to get to that next map marker. Not gonna lie, sometimes I just noclip somewhere if I feel bs'd too badly.

[FauxFurry]

There is indeed a world map and a local map that can be toggled between by hitting X on the controller when the map screen is being displayed.

[GIJoe597]

I have used this/these since I started playing. I do find them helpful, especially being able to see roads and the removal of the clouds while viewing the map.

https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5804

[Darth GTB]

Thanks, @GIJoe597! This map looks really good. The only downside is that I've just learnt that mods turn off achievements. I'll see what I'll do... I've seen another mod that fixes bugs in the game as well.

[smr1957]

To get achievements on a modded game, get this:
SSE Engine Fixes (skse64 plugin) - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17230

For that, you will also need SKSE64. This gives full info for that:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1197413219

You should also read the pinned topic Skyrim SE: Guides and Resources.

And refer to the pinned resource Helpful Links and References for guides , tutorials, vids, and other important information.

For the Unofficial Patch, go here:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/266

And if you decide to mod your game more later (it is strongly suggested to play it with just the patch and Engine fixes first), read this:
Excellent advice regarding modding Skyrim (essay written by PeggleFrank - written for original Skyrim, but basic principles apply to SSE, as well) http://steamcommunity.com/app/72850/discussions/0/343787920127409994/#c343787920127583150

And, most importantly, ask here if you are unsure of something.

Good luck!

[Darth GTB]

Hm... that looks good. I'll check it out when I get the time. That working, I'll have only the map and the unofficial patches because I can see why they would turn it off for mods. I'll try to keep it as fair as possible.

Thanks!

[Darth GTB]

I finally had some time to try this and I can only say this is way too much trouble just for getting an actually helpful map and some bug fixes. Looks way too shady business for me if you have to use third party software to do that.

Anyway, when I removed the map mod last week, it removed all my saves but the last one and now my saves have a dirty [M] in it, probably telling Steam my game is modded (which is not). In case I notice I'm not getting achievements, I'm back installing the mods, but without these third party software. Maybe trying the achievements in a second run in the future

Anyway, thanks for your suggestion.