I've hit a stand still : V - Skyrim

» Mon Jun 11, 2012 5:39 pm

If you are too powerful on one setting and too weak on the next setting up, something is seriously wrong. I suspect it is because you haven't learned much strategy playing on the lower setting.

The instant I lose a fight, I wait for the reload and think my way through what just happened and what could have stopped it. Did I use all my powers/shouts/scrolls/potions? Can I go get a follower? Is there a place I can duck behind or get on top of to heal up? Am I using the wrong damage type?

Here's what I suggest. Bump up to that higher level you're getting 'killed instantly' on and be patient. Learn how to fight. Learn to block. Learn to run, hit, run. Learn to poison and paralyze. Learn to stagger and stun. Use wards. Use arrows and stealth. Find a way to win. There's always a way.

One time I was having a bad run with an Undead boss guy. He killed me seven times in a row. Then I remembered my 'Bane of the Undead" scroll. Ohhhhhhh. He died right quick then. Every enemy has an 'easy' button except a few high end ridicubosses.

» Tue Jun 12, 2012 7:31 am

Hmmm... the last time I hit a stand-still, I tried the "permenant level 1 game style."

This is pretty different, and really allows you to role-play more. The basis is... you never level up. As you play, your skills will increase. The game will prompt you to level up... but you just never visit the perk screen. If you don't, you'll remain level 1 forever. You'll get slightly stronger as your skills go up, but never really too crazy, and health\stamina will stay at the base 100. As a result, enemies do not level up either. They stay balanced with your level. The game is just a lot more fun because the balance is better this way. A battle with 3 bandits is no longer a cake-walk. Easily a life-or-death situation around every corner.

When you get stronger gear, it makes a bigger difference than before. You can't craft anything crazy (no perks, remember), so all the stuff you find is way more valuable. Dungeons become more rewarding. Keep in mind though... that until you manage to get some pretty decent gear (skyforged steel items are actually very strong for this), you won't be able to take on a lot of enemies like sabertooths or trolls (unless you kite them with arrows).

When I played this style, I tried to play an average person just trying to get by. I'd take on bounty quests for money so I could buy the stuff I needed (the mod that increases bounty rewards helps a lot). I smithed my own gear, but it was never too powerful. According to my skill levels, I'd normally be 30-40. But the game still sees me as level 1, and wolves and such are also level 1-2. Giants are 32 by default... so be careful around them.

I tried to play as though I'm actually NOT the dragonborn, so I never completed the quest to bleak falls barrow. Therefore, no dragons in the world.

It's nice to give your character goals. Say, for example, you eventually want to make enough money to buy a house. Get a wife. Lots of possibilities here.

That's a good one, never thought of trying this. I RP as much as possible and restrict my char in gear and skills/perks but I'm pretty much at the point of leaving Skyrim until DLC. I'll try this play style to see if it breathes a week or two more life into my game, thanks.
It does occure to me though that if it was any other game than a TES I would just move onto a new game, now I'm bored with Skyrim though I keep trying to squeeze more life out of the game, refusing to admit that I'm done with this game. I think it's because the previous TES games kept me playing for much longer than Skyrim has and I can't admit that Skyrim hasn't entertained me like previous TES games have.