If you’re looking for a fresh start in the world of Skyrim, Alternate Start – Live Another Life provides an exciting way to begin your adventure. This mod lets you choose from a variety of backgrounds and starts you off in a completely different place with different inventory and capabilities. It mixes up the formula, changes your identity with one of 24 different backgrounds, and allows you to make choices to carve out your own path through the world of Skyrim. Here are some great mods that will give you an alternate start without straying too far from the original base game. All these mods are free to download, so all that’s left is for you to dive in!
Immersive Citizens – AI Overhaul:
This mod strives to make NPCs feel more realistic and actually take part in their daily lives. It encourages them to have conversations between each other and have reactions tailored specifically towards certain players’ behaviour. This makes them feel like real people rather than just minor NPCs who sit around waiting for people to interact with them. If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience in Skyrim then this is a great way go about it as it makes citizens feel alive, engaged and fully part of the game’s world.
Alternate Start – Live Another Life:
As mentioned earlier, this mod provides players with a new way of beginning their story within Skyrim. It allows them to choose from 24 different backstories before diving into the game’s various stories content . This adds extra replayability as well as creating an immersive atmosphere that was previously absent from vanilla gameplay experiences found within the title.
Acquisitive Soul Gems Multiplied:
This mod adds an extra level of customisation when playing Skyrim by allowing players to use soul gems differently than before. Each type of creature now has its own soul gem which allows for more flexibility when enchanting weapons or items as well as storing souls captured from slain enemies or strengthen themselves through black magic spells such as resurrection amongst others . It also diversifies early level playthroughs due to its generous offering additional rewards/items when hunting down various creatures/enemies scattered throughout Tamriel’s dangerous wildernesses..
SkyUI
SkyUI is a popular mod for Skyrim that provides a much improved user interface, including a new rewards system for completing quests. With this mod, you will be able to easily navigate menus, compare items, and manage your inventory in a much better way. It also adds several new features such as a search bar, favorites list, and improved sorting of items. With SkyUI, you can customize your experience and make your playthrough of Skyrim even more enjoyable.
Overview
SkyUI is a mod for the PC version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim created by SkyUI Team. It is described as a “direct replacement for the Steam version of the game’s user interface”. The purpose of SkyUI is to optimize in-game menus for better performance and usability, to provide support for Advanced MCM, to add support for Controller and Keyboard input, and to make all in-game menus accessibly with both left handed and right handed modes.
SkyUI overhauls many aspects of vanilla Skyrim, including interface elements such as item lists, sorting options, quick search functions, favoriting items and categories, icons representing all items across inventories, HUD customization options within MCM (Mod Configuration Menu), gamepad support/carry weight indicators adapted over time with UI features that have been designed. In addition to improved menu navigation performance and design flow it also adds support for multiple language support allowing users worldwide to use text localization files specific to their language.
The mod also adds a variety of more complex features such as custom hotkeys (for fast interaction with specific objects), configurable action bar slots (to quickly execute actions by holding down one button), visual alerts when certain levels are reached (like when your carry weight is low), keyword search filters designed around each major menu type (to easily filter through clutter). It also provides better organization for inventories with separate tabs for weapons/apparel/armors/potions/scrolls – allowing users much easier navigation across all items..
Installation
SkyUI is a mod that seeks to improve the overall user interface of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It provides an entirely re-imagined interface, redesigned from scratch and integrating new features as well as reworking existing ones. Installing it is simple – a few steps and your game will be ready for a more streamlined and enhanced overall experience.
To install SkyUI, following these steps:
1. Install the mod using your preferred mod manager.
2. Start the game and enter the Data Files option of the launcher, where you should see “SkyUI” listed at the top of mods section in alphabetical order. Enable it if not already enabled and exit out of the launcher.
3. Start up Skyrim again and select SkyUI from Data files menu again if prompted to do so when selected from within main menu screen. This can prevent some crashing issues experienced by some users after installing SkyUI for first time or after updating major versions such as 5 or above (Please ensure all other mods are up to date before enabling this).
4. Enjoy a completely new user interface!
Features
SkyUI is a mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim created by Sky UI Team. It is a compilation of several interface overhauls, features and bug fixes designed to improve the game.
SkyUI features a number of improvements over the standard Skyrim UI, including:
-A brand new Inventory system that adds columns to differentiate armor and weapon types, adds categories and sort options, as well as streamlined navigation.
-An improved book menu with tabs for both spells as well as inventory items found within books.
-Enhanced map functionality with sorting and objective tracking.
-New map notes that can be placed on the world map, allowing players to remember notable locations quickly.
-Enhanced Favorites system which allows faster access to items or spells using radial menus instead of the current favorites wheel.
-Improved Loot Menu which displays pictures of found items next to their descriptions.
-Various bug fixes such as reducing lag when equipping new weapons or armors from containers.
The Forgotten City
The Forgotten City is a captivating alternate start mod for Skyrim that has become a fan-favorite for many gamers. This mod opens up a hidden city beneath the sea and you will have to unravel its secrets in order to survive the journey. With unique quests that are filled with captivating lore, the Forgotten City has all the suspense and adventure you need to make your Skyrim playthrough memorable. Let’s take a look at the details of this mod and why it’s become so popular.
Overview
“The Forgotten City”, a free PC mod for the popular RPG Skyrim, is an outstanding addition to the game. It takes players into a war-torn city overrun with both hordes of monsters and treacherous traps to outwit. The story of The Forgotten City follows the fate of a lost expedition that has been cursed in eternity – whether they fail or succeed is up to the player.
The Forgotten City offers an expansive world with high-quality visuals, creative gameplay elements, and enthralling voice acting performances that truly bring the characters to life. Every decision in this mod feels like it matters, as your choices will have direct and meaningful consequences. Coupled with challenging puzzles and enemy encounters, this mod easily provides tons of hours of engaged playtime for seasoned Skyrim fans or newcomers alike.
Installation
Skyrim offers some great alternate start mods that can make playing in the frozen land of Tamriel a real treat. Before you get started, it’s important to understand a few details about installation.
These mods are created by a third-party, so you will need to think carefully about where to install them and how they may interact with other Skyrim components. All mods should be downloaded from reliable sources and installed carefully according to the directions provided on the mod page or download page.
Each mod typically includes one or more executable files (often ending in .exe) which must be run before installing any mod files. Note that not all mods use executable files — always read the documentation provided by the creator before using any new mod for your game.
Once an executable file has been run and the mod is ready for activation, copy all mod files associated with your alternate start into your Skyrim Data folder. Then, launch the game and move on to configuring your new mod setup!
Features
The Forgotten City is the first mod to introduce a non-linear quest line, offering choices and outcomes that are affected by the actions of the player. The goal of your journey here is to put an ancient evil to rest and answer a 2,000 year old mystery. There are multiple ways to solve this mystery and no single path to take. Every action has its consequences: No two playthroughs can be exactly alike.
Aside from its unique in-game story, The Forgotten City also comes with unique features that set it apart from the other mods on this list. These include:
-A new city with more than twenty NPCs, innumerable secrets, and lush settings
-A central dream sequence allowing players to peer into the past
-Dynamic weather patterns that add atmosphere
-Meticulous voice acting in English by professional actors
-An unforgettable soundtrack crafted for over 50 minutes of playtime
-Dozens of puzzles with increased difficulty options
Falskaar
Falskaar is one of the best and most popular mods for Skyrim, offering an entire new game world to explore. This mod is free and compatible with the majority of other mods. It features over 20 hours of new content, including new areas to explore, new NPCs with unique dialogues, new dungeons and more. It also offers an original story that ties in the themes of the core game and adds to the existing lore.
Overview
Falskaar is an award-winning mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim that adds a whole new land to explore. Developed by Alexander J. Velicky and co-released with ModDB, it allows you to take a journey through the Wastelands of Falskaar and experience the land’s story, achievements, quests, dungeons, and more.
Falskaar is an entirely new world made up of 16 large pieces encompassing an entire continent. It features new dungeons and custom creatures not found in the vanilla game. Additionally, it has its own soundtrack with 21 original tracks written by three talented composers; has voiced NPCs; has 37 quests; and even holds over 10 hours of content for players to enjoy.
The mod was originally designed as Alexander’s entrance project for a job at Bungie Studios in 2015; however, he was forced to release it on June 23rd 2013 when his job got rejected due to technical difficulties being encountered by Bungie during playtesting. Although Falskaar was originally only available via ModDB, its success eventually led it to be featured on Skyrim Nexus – one of the most popular sites dedicated to modding skyrim – where it still lives today.
Falskaar is recognized as one of the best Alternate Start mods available today, having gained several major awards such as PC Gamer’s 2013 Best Mod Ever (June). Its popularity on Skyrim Nexus has broken multiple records with over 700 thousand downloads since its re-release in 2018. If you’re looking for an immersive alternate start mod that offers something different than what vanilla Skyrim provides, then look no further than Falskaar!
Installation
Falskaar is a free DLC-sized mod that offers an original new land to explore, lots of NPCs to meet and all new quests for players to complete. It’s also one of the few large-scale mod projects that are completely free and open source, so it makes a great addition to any collection. Installing Falskaar is easy, but there are a few steps involved that you’ll need to complete in order to get the mod running properly on your system.
Before installing the Falskaar mod, you will need to make sure you have Skyrim version 1.9 or higher installed. Once you have confirmed this, your next step should be downloading and installing the latest version of the Elder Scrolls Script Extender (TESVSE). This extension allows mods like Falskaar to work by providing an environment in which they can run on top of Skyrim’s engine.
After TESVSE is installed, simply download and unzip the latest version of Falskaar from its official website. Make sure that all files contained within the ZIP archive are placed in your Data folder inside your main Skyrim folder (usually located at C:/Program Files/Steam/SteamApps/common/Skyrim). Once this step has been completed, open up the Skyrim Launcher and select “Data Files”. In here you should see an option for Falskaar – tick this box and it will be activated along with any other mods you may have installed on your system!
Now go back into TESVSE and check if Falskaar has been marked as active – if not then return to Data Files once again and ensure it is correctly ticked under Active Mods. You can now launch Skyrim as usual with TESVSE running in order to start playing with Falskaar enabled!
Features
Falskaar is an incredibly detailed and well-crafted mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. With an epic storyline, new characters, multiple areas to explore, and dozens of hours of fully voiced dialogue, it provides the player with a completely unique experience.
The mod contains a new map about two-thirds the size of the original game, dozens of new NPCs that can be interacted with, over twenty unique dungeons and side quests to complete, books, spells and weapons to find and use in battle as you explore Falskaar, and tons of other exciting features all packed into one mammoth mod!
Some of Falskaar’s key features include:
-Original main quest line detailing Falskaar’s past
-A plethora of handmade side quests that are required for completion
-Unique weapon sets with special abilities
-Dozens of brand new books containing ancient tales and secrets
-Detailed character models with voiced dialogue (English)
-Beautifully handcrafted dungeons filled with secrets
-An extensive economy that changes based upon your progress in various quests and storylines.
Moon and Star
Moon and Star is one of the best alternate start mods for Skyrim. This mod allows you to customize your character’s race and backstory, setting you up for a new and unique adventure in Skyrim. Not only does this mod provide an alternate start to the game, but also adds new questlines, NPCs and items to the game. Let’s take a closer look at this mod and see what all it has to offer.
Overview
The world of Skyrim is a vast landscape full of exciting adventures and unique opportunities. There are many alternate start mods that allow you to begin your journey in vastly different circumstances. If you’re looking for a fresh way to explore the world of Tamriel, here’s our pick of the best alternate start mods available for free, organized by genre.
RPG Mods:
For those seeking an immersive role-playing experience, these mods will provide an entirely different beginning for your game:
-Convenient Horses: gives you the ability to purchase and take care of horses, from buying them from vendors to giving them armor and exploring Skyrim with them.
-Relationship Dialogue Overhaul: allows you to build more meaningful relationships with NPCs through additional dialogue options that significantly impact the story.
-Conversationalist Overhaul: provides enhancement to NPC conversations by making them react more realistically and providing greater depth in conversations.
Quest Mods:
These quest mods offer unique spin on missions and essentials elements of play that make each playthrough new and original. All three of these mods provide an alternate start point by cutting off access to Helgen right at the start!
-Lost Paladin’s Quest: puts your feet firmly in heroic shoes as you play out a hero’s quest line rather than spending hours mucking out stables or becoming radiant gophers for a group trainee bandits!
-High Gate Ruins Redux : an epic quest line which tasks players with reclaiming the lost fort High Gate Ruins which includes optional side quests such as collecting ancient artifacts hidden throughout Skyrim.
-Frostvale Expansion Project (FEP): objectives include helping reconstruct Frostvale Village from its desecrated state while giving players complete control over how they wish to rebuild this lost village.
Adventure Mods:
If you’re looking for more adventurous experiences, check out these alternate start mods full of thrilling journeys! All three provide interesting plots as well as various rewards players can choose light extra content plus an alternate starting point when beginning their playthroughs!
-Rise & Fall : uncover tales from past kings while traversing hostile lands as well as unearthing hidden treasures within ruins or sea caves inaccessible via land travel only.. -Stendarr’s Call : put yourself in front lines between warring Nord clans while preventing demons from spawning throughout rural Skyrim Also be sure look into Imperial Navy rebracingspecial assignments assigned Namira’s agents monsters lurking swamps frozen falls regions wreaking havoc upon local villages townspeople.. -Zaroyal Call Duty : receive password mystery organization set stop insidious necromancers corruptive powers controlling living dead turn tide against wretched cult create powerful artifacts as reward player completing mission become local hero savior people region .
Installation
Before you can start enjoying the most of your Skyrim mod, installation is necessary. While some alternate start mods come with an installer, others will require you to install manually. This guide will provide a general overview on installation for both scenarios.
Installer:
• Download the mod from Nexus or another download source of your choice.
• Activate the downloaded .esp in your Mods menu in-game or using a mod manager such as Vortex or Mod Organizer 2.
• If necessary, follow any additional instructions mentioned in the mod page
Manual:
• Download the mod from Nexus or another download source of your choice.
• Locate your game’s data directory within folder view explorer (default location is Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim). Copy and paste all files here manually.
• If necessary, follow any additional instructions mentioned in the mod page (such as another step).
• Activate any reliant .esp’s that are provided with the mod before you activate the main plugin file , following instructions provided by the author (or again, those found on Nexus).
Features
The Moon and Star mod for Skyrim adds a variety of new features to the game. You can now craft various items, kill dragons, join factions, adventure around unique locations, and explore never-before-seen graphics. This extensive mod also includes a quest line, changes the night sky texture with a high resolution moon and stars, adds realistic flora patterns and color variation to Skyrim’s environment. On top of these more in depth features are special enchantments on weapons, different lighting effects to reflect the time of day outside and interiors in caves or dungeons as well as shaders for all types of weapons. Additionally there are many custom race options that you can choose from including; Beastly races such as Werewolves, bears shapeshifters etc. As well as a multitude of hair styles and eyes to further customize your character creation even more. Furthermore there is the ability to spawn custom creatures but beware these creatures are more powerful then the ones in-game so be prepared for a challenge! All in all this mod has everything from new weapons/armor to voice acting giving it an extra layer of realism making it one must experience mods for true Skyrim fans looking for something deeper than vanilla content.
Enderal
Enderal is the first of the alternate start mods for Skyrim and it is completely free. This mod offers a completely new experience in Skyrim and it completely overhauls the game’s narrative. It reworks the main storyline, adds new quests, and introduces new characters. Enderal has also been praised for its immersive world and incredible attention to detail. Let’s look at some of the other mod options available for Skyrim.
Overview
Enderal is a massive mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim that completely overhauls the base game, adds brand new features, and reworks existing content. Developed by SureAI and taking over 2,000 hours of developmental time to create, Enderal completely changes the game’s setting by replacing all familiar locations with brand new ones, introducing unique characters and stories. This mod also includes a significant amount of new voice acting for some of its main characters and many side-quests available to complete. Additionally, Enderal offers dozens of hours of custom gameplay, crafting mechanics, character progression systems, enemy AI behavior as well as many other features to truly make it feel like a whole different game. This mod has quickly become one of the most popular alternate starts mods for Skyrim since its release in 2016 due to its high production values and attention to detail. If you’re looking for an exciting way to experience The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim again then Enderal should definitely be on your list!
Installation
Installing Enderal is no different than installing any other mod for Skyrim. All you need to do is extract) it to your Skyrim folder and activate it in the Data Files option. The mod has its own launcher, so there’s no need to open up the standard Skyrim launcher.
For all-in-one installers, Enderal can be installed via Nexus Mod Manager (NMM), MO2, and Vortex. The process remains the same — extract, activate — but using one of these managers allows you to easily search for and manage your mods without having to manually select each one.
It’s also important that you ensure that the correct version of Enderal is installed on your machine (usually the latest version). To find out which version you currently have installed, look at your mod manager or navigate to your game folder in Windows Explorer/File Explorer/Finder (steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition) and locate “Enderal – The Shards of Order”. The version should be written on the bottom-right corner of its icon. To update Enderal, simply go back and overwrite Enderal files from a newer version in order to install it again.
Features
Enderal, formerly known as ‘SureAI Skyrim’, is an expansive, total-conversion mod built on the Creation Engine. This mod turns Skyrim into an entirely new game and is available for PC, Xbox One and PS4. Enderal comes with a wide range of features that allow players to create and customize their own character from scratch with its user-friendly RPG system.
Players can freely explore Eztigrart, the vast continent of Enderal that hosts seven open world environments—ranging from snow-peaked mountains to thriving cities. Players can explore dungeons in search for powerful weapons and armor to assist with battle against monsters of all kinds.
Additionally, Enderal provides four distinct classes – Warrior, Mage, Rogue or Ranger– each developed with its own unique skill tree system allowing players to customize their character’s playstyle. Players can also upgrade existing skills while learning new ones at Sir Sadistic’s “School of Necromancy” allowing them to further advance their character’s power in combat
Enderal also includes various quests letting players interact with unique NPC’s throughout the story line while having access to special dialogue adjustments; personalize your characters look by being able to choose different hair styles , hair colors and advanced facial complexions not found in Skyrim. So come on over to Enderal – it promises great experiences!
