The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

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Low Fantasy Skyrim?
Is there a list of mods that can make this game into a more grounded, low fantasy game?
I'm talking like no fantasy style weapons, no magic, no fantasy races (elves, orcs, etc) and no fantasy creatures (giants, trolls, spiders, golems, etc).
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Showing 1-15 of 24 comments
Alex Apr 27 @ 2:07pm 
Last edited by Alex; Apr 27 @ 2:10pm
Originally posted by Alex:
I would advise to play Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 & 2 instead.

https://isthereanydeal.com/game/kingdom-come-deliverance/info/

https://isthereanydeal.com/game/kingdom-come-deliverance-ii/info/
I've played KD1. I just wanted to know if there are any mods out there that can turn Skyrim into a more realistic world.
Alex Apr 27 @ 2:16pm 
Originally posted by Mistr James:
I've played KD1. I just wanted to know if there are any mods out there that can turn Skyrim into a more realistic world.
The world was designed as a fantasy world, though, and I haven't seen a mod which can tone down the fantasy level all by itself. That would be a major overhaul, anyway. Besides, I don't see the point of genre-switching it. Just buy a game in that particular genre.

You should look into collections, maybe there's something which strikes your fancy:
https://www.nexusmods.com/games/skyrimspecialedition/collections?sort=downloads
Last edited by Alex; Apr 27 @ 2:21pm
There are many mods to customize to tastes. However, at core The Elder Scrolls (not just Skyrim, but the whole series) is fantasy at the core. It is hard built into the game.

If you need to remove all fantasy elements, then it is not the game for you.

Consider: I want a bacon cheeseburger with no bacon or cheese. Then just order a hamburger to begin with instead of something you don't want.
Originally posted by Junipercat:
There are many mods to customize to tastes. However, at core The Elder Scrolls (not just Skyrim, but the whole series) is fantasy at the core. It is hard built into the game.

If you need to remove all fantasy elements, then it is not the game for you.

Consider: I want a bacon cheeseburger with no bacon or cheese. Then just order a hamburger to begin with instead of something you don't want.
I never said that I didn't like the high fantasy stuff of the game. I just wanted to see of it was possible to make the game into a low fantasy one because I was curious to see what it would look like and how is would play.
The changes you suggest would not turn into low fantasy but remove fantasy all together. You are asking to turn Skyrim into medieval or viking-like game.

Is it possible for someone to do, sure. It just would be very unlikely that someone built a mod to remove everything key about the game. If you can find one, well enjoy.

I stand by it would be better to buy a "low fantasy" (really no fantasy with what you suggest removed) game to begin with. Otherwise, why do you want to completely tear apart a game?
Alex Apr 27 @ 4:25pm 
Originally posted by Mistr James:
I never said that I didn't like the high fantasy stuff of the game. I just wanted to see of it was possible to make the game into a low fantasy one because I was curious to see what it would look like and how is would play.
It would be deadly. The main pivoting point which makes RPGs "possible" aren't skill points or something. It's actually healing magic, which enables you to recover far quicker than in reality, and without crippling side effects.

Imagine the following, "realistic", scenarios:

- You fail to block properly, and you break a bone. Great, without magic or potions, that'll heal in a month or three.
- Even worse, the bone shatters. You now have the choice, let if fester and die, or try to amputate the limb, and die.
- An arrow pierces your knee. You'll be unable to move that leg properly ever again. You spend the rest of your days as a cripple, begging for food scraps.
- Or, even worse, the wound festers, and you die. Slowly.
- You catch a disease, and with no convenient "cure disease" potion, you die.
- Your drakkar capsizes. Without "water walking" or "water breathing" spells, you drown.

See the pattern there? Applying "realism" isn't as great as you might think.
Last edited by Alex; Apr 27 @ 5:06pm
The game you're looking for is called gothic 1. A true masterpiece.
Originally posted by Alex:
Originally posted by Mistr James:
I never said that I didn't like the high fantasy stuff of the game. I just wanted to see of it was possible to make the game into a low fantasy one because I was curious to see what it would look like and how is would play.
It would be deadly. The main pivoting point which makes RPGs "possible" aren't skill points or something. It's actually healing magic, which enables you to recover far quicker than in reality, and without crippling side effects.

Imagine the following, "realistic", scenarios:

- You fail to block properly, and you break a bone. Great, without magic or potions, that'll heal in a month or three.
- Even worse, the bone shatters. You now have the choice, let if fester and die, or try to amputate the limb, and die.
- An arrow pierces your knee. You'll be unable to move that leg properly ever again. You spend the rest of your days as a cripple, begging for food scraps.
- Or, even worse, the wound festers, and you die. Slowly.
- You catch a disease, and with no convenient "cure disease" potion, you die.
- Your drakkar capsizes. Without "water walking" or "water breathing" spells, you drown.

See the pattern there? Applying "realism" isn't as great as you might think.
"Low fantasy" doesn't mean "simulate every nasty thing in reality". It's a move in the direction of realism, but I don't see anyone suggesting going all the way to the extreme. Not having magic doesn't mean the injury mechanics have to be mercilessly realistic. Call of Duty protagonists don't have to worry about knee injuries either.

Now, my take on how it would play (assuming the modders only removed the magical stuff, because there's an infinite variety of other changes that could be made): Every dungeon would be occupied only by bandits, wildlife, or absolutely no one. Some dungeons would have to be removed for being clearly high-fantasy. Nearly every major questline I can think of would have to be greatly cut down or removed entirely. Stealth archer would be more meta than ever because health for melee builds would be harder to replenish (even with the baseline regeneration that heals you over a couple minutes still in place).

Seems pretty lame tbh. I wouldn't play it, and I'm not surprised if no one has made it.
Radd Apr 28 @ 12:02am 
To make Skyrim feel less fantasy and more grounded, several mods focus on reducing magic, removing supernatural elements, and enhancing realism. Mods like "Less or No Magic," "Realistic Needs and Diseases," and "Wildcat" can help achieve this. Additionally, mods that replace fantasy armor and weapons with more realistic counterparts, like "NordWarUA's Vanilla Armor Replacers" and "LeanWolf's Better-Shaped Weapons and True Armor," can contribute to a more grounded aesthetic.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of mods that can help remove fantasy elements in Skyrim.

Reducing Magic:
Less or No Magic:
This LE mod reduces or removes magic from the game, making it more of a sword-based adventure.

Enchantments:
Some mods remove or rebalance enchantments, making them less powerful and relying more on traditional weapon stats.

Realistic Needs and Diseases:
INeed or Realistic Needs and Diseases:
These mods add realistic needs like food, water, and sleep, which can add a more grounded, survival element to the game.

SkySA:
This mod adds realistic animal behaviors, making them more believable and less fantasy-like.

Removing/Replacing Fantasy Elements:
NordWarUA's Vanilla Armor Replacers:
This mod replaces fantasy armor with more realistic and historical armors.
LeanWolf's Better-Shaped Weapons and True Armor:
This mod makes weapons and armor look more realistic and less fantasy-inspired.
Real Bows:
This mod makes bows more realistic, removing some of the fantasy-esque elements.
Animated Armoury:
This mod adds animations for weapons that Bethesda didn't put in, contributing to a more realistic feel.

Realism Enhancements:
SkyTEST: This mod adds realistic animal behaviors, making them more believable and less fantasy-like.
Wildcat: This mod enhances the realism of damage in the game.
Dangerous Enemies: This mod makes enemies more dangerous and realistic, reducing the reliance on magic and fantasy elements.

By combining these mods, you can create a Skyrim experience that is less focused on magic and fantasy and more focused on realism and survival.

I have done what you are asking by combining several hundred mods. It's difficult to find and compile them all, there is not a single list, spend a day or so researching and finding the mods you want, and you will have the playthrough you are looking for.

That said - the game is fun until about level 10/15 as a majority of the content is removed and not replaced. You'll want to download mods that expand the civil war story line, which add new mechanics and areas to attack/defend - otherwise, you'll quickly realize the empty world you've created - and maybe that's what you're going for. If so - pick up some mods that expand the family system so you can tend to your spouse and children. If you roleplay, stay true to a realistic character. Once had a mod you gain experience farming and farmed to level 20 or so. Completely Rp, only explored around my home. Very mundane but I enjoyed it. Kind of a challenge.

Good luck, lmk what you find!
Originally posted by Mistr James:
Is there a list of mods that can make this game into a more grounded, low fantasy game?
I'm talking like no fantasy style weapons, no magic, no fantasy races (elves, orcs, etc) and no fantasy creatures (giants, trolls, spiders, golems, etc).
er... play another game, you just said no to the main core of the TES series.
AstrOnUt Apr 28 @ 2:56am 
To Radd's great recommendations I'd add Skyrim Unbound, that can be setup to block the Alduin quest and make you a non-Dragonborn (no shouts as word walls are disabled, and no Dragons appear, means you can't do the Miraak quest though: which is probably another step in the right direction for what you asked :p ).
And if you're into immersion to the point of masochism there's Wounds, that adds a chance of picking up injuries when you get hit (fully customizable, lot of addons to make the mod more realistic but having them work can be a bit tricky).

Ps: fk I really hate that when someone asks something simple and 90% of the answers are "huh why would you even do that".
Problem here is the game is designed that without it there's no game left for instance take out dragons and the whole main quest is gone. What you ask for is an entirely different game. As for unbound or another alternate start ok, but the races, mechanics, etc remain the same.
Last edited by SpeedFreak1972; Apr 28 @ 3:39am
Originally posted by Mistr James:
Originally posted by Alex:
I would advise to play Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 & 2 instead.

https://isthereanydeal.com/game/kingdom-come-deliverance/info/

https://isthereanydeal.com/game/kingdom-come-deliverance-ii/info/
I've played KD1. I just wanted to know if there are any mods out there that can turn Skyrim into a more realistic world.

this will be like asking for sushi without rice and fish
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Date Posted: Apr 27 @ 1:57pm
Posts: 24