Alright so if you’ve been reading my blog you know that I’m sort of obsessed with the new Elder Scrolls Skryim game. How obsessed? Well I put 71 hours into a character on the ps3 then decided to switch to the PC version… haven’t gotten far on there yet, but I’m doing what I can. The one thing I discovered about the PC version that improves it even more, is custom modifications made by the fans of the game.

I guess that’s the key benefit for any game on the PC over a console right? Anyways, unlike WoW, the mods on Skyrim can be a little tricky to install, so if you’re looking to venture into this wonderful world of customization, be sure to get the Nexus Download Manager. Skyrim Nexus is the site you’ll find 99% of the Skyrim mods on, and the site works hand in hand with the Download Manager (which they also own).

So once you get that, what mods do you want?? Well, I like to keep the game as original as possible when I install my mods, so I generally look over them carefully to see exactly how much of the game they’re going to change before deciding to install them. For the most part I went with graphical improvement mods, but I did sneak in a little UI mod, a map mod and a “glowing ore” mod to the mix.

Here are the mods I went along with:

• SkyUI

  This mod changes the menu system around to make it easier to browse through all the junk you acquire on your travels. It’s easily the most helpful mod I’ve installed yet.

• Confident ENB

  ‘This is an ENB profile tuned for a realistic look. Bright sunlit days, dark nights and dungeons, little bloom, with natural colors and contrast.’

• Skyrim HD

  This mod is a huge file and is rather computer intensive, so if you’re not already playing on at least “high” graphics in skyrim, don’t bother. However, if you have a relatively new graphics card, check this mod out for more detailed graphics throughout the game.

• Xenius Character Enhancement

  Provides improved character detail… specifically in the facial region.

• Quality World Map with Roads

  Exactly what it sounds like… it’s a modified world map that features the roads in the game. Very helpful for the weary traveler.

• Realistic Smoke and Embers

  A drastic improvement to the smoke and fire in the game. If you’re a destruction fire mage it’s a must have.

• Realistic Water Textures

  Offers different textures for different styles of water. Lake, stream, river, etc. Computer intensive, so be weary.

• Glowing Ore Veins

  Always frustrated that you can’t see the difference between the ore and a regular rock? Me too! This mod definitely helps distinguish between the two. Extremely helpful.

• Nicer Snowflakes

  The snow in the game isn’t all that impressive… this mod fixes that. It offers 4 different styles of snowflake. I went with the realistic ones.

That does it for the mods I’m currently using. Did I miss one of your favorites? Leave a comment below and let me know what mods you think I, or anyone else, must have to enhance their Skyrim experience. Thanks!