Skyrim VR Survival Guide: Combat, PlayStation VR, Nexus Mods, and More

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR is next-level immersion for open-world fans who want to experience the plains of Tamriel first hand – and who wouldn’t? Bethesda released the VR variant in 2017, which injected new life into the now ten-year-old game. This guide will act as a survival guide to Skyrim VR, covering in-game combat, platforms like PlayStation VR, Nexus mods, and more.

Skyrim VR Basics

As with the base game, Skyrim VR is vast and encourages maximum exploration without the accompaniment of overbearing guidance.

You will never be bored in the world of Tamriel, as speaking to everyone you come across will trigger some sort of task.

The game also encourages you to play by your own rules, where thievery and murder is questionable, but nevertheless, present an option for you to choose.

Skyrim VR is a virtual reality representation of Skyrim Special Edition, with a few tweaks. As well as including the base game and all of the official DLCs – Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn – Skyrim VR also received the 64-bit engine upgrade that the special edition got and the VR version also received some updated mechanics for VR control.

PlayStation VR vs. PC

Altogether, Skyrim VR is an expensive investment and we’ve supplied a breakdown of each platform below:

PlayStation VR

The PSVR offers a complete Skyrim VR package to invest in, which is an advantage to people who are not versed in third-party programs or VR technology.

PSVR Skyrim bundle: Approximately $350.
PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB: Approximately $300.

While the PSVR headset is comfortable to wear, the graphics aren’t as good as some of the more expensive tech designed for PCs. The controllers are somewhat problematic in terms of button positioning and tracking, but the PSVR is a fast and cheap option for players dipping their toes in the water.

PC

The PC-based version of Skyrim VR is available to play on the WMR, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.

The PC version has the huge advantage of being able to run mods, which can all be experienced in VR.

• VR-capable PC: Approximately$700.
• Windows Mixed Reality: Approximately $400.
• HTC Vive: Approximately $500.
• Oculus Rift and Touch: Approximately $400.

As the table shows above, playing Skyrim VR on the PC is a lot more expensive, with the base game still sitting at around $60. The heightened price, however, reduces the amount of blur greatly and is technically much better quality than the PSVR.
Skyrim VR Mods

Mods are a bonus to the PC version of Skyrim and Skyrim VR, with hundreds of add-ons available to download from Nexus Mods.

Gamezo compiled an extensive guide on How to Mod Skyrim VR, which ushers you through all the prerequisite programs you need to download your first mod as well as the best mods to apply.

How to use the bow and arrow

Skyrim VR offers a realistic alternative to the base game’s point-and-shoot mechanic.

The VR action allows you to actually pull back the bow string (in the air of course) and relies on your skilful aiming to hit the target.

For the PSVR, the chances of you hitting your target depends on the position of your PS Camera. Placing the camera higher than your head and pointing it down to face your chest is a tried and tested placement.

It has also been reported that turning to the side whilst shooting will allow the camera to pick up your hand movements effectively.

How to master melee combat

An alternative to long-range action is the blunt force of melee combat, which is the preferred playstyle for a lot of Skyrim players.

Swords, hammers and maces are all available to attack enemies with, and swinging your controller aggressively is the simple, but not so flattering movement to achieve glory.

Besides providing a great upper-body workout, wielding two weapons in melee combat is effective against an enemy. Continuous swinging is likely to work in your favor if you don’t have any defensive options. However, you can easily block incoming attacks if you have a shield.

Backing your enemy into a corner is a sound strategy to perform and it is also worth noting to be careful of blocking with a shield, as hard hits can stagger you.

How to use magic

Skyrim VR offers the ultimate role-playing experience, where you are able to see magic surrounding your in-game hands as opposed to using a controller.

Using both hands when performing magic attacks is a must, where one hand can use Ward to block attacks and the other can be used to cast fireballs.

Despite the game’s lack of targeting mechanics, pointing the controller in the direction you want your fireball to travel should result in a successful hit.

Like everything in VR, practice makes perfect.