Sure, the setting feels vaguely medieval. But history buffs won’t find much here. But Skyrim (like most games these days) can be touched up with some mods. From more realistic armor to better medieval-themed music, and even some new role-playing mechanics, this list features everything you might need to turn Skyrim into a true medieval experience. Or at least into something that’s pretty close to it. No nitpicking here!
10. Yet Another Guard Armor
Check Out This Mod Want to know what turns any game into a proper medieval game? Armors. Or rather, realistic armors. Yet Another Guard Armor is a mod that gives us a replacement armor for several different Holds guards, ranging from the lowliest of grunts to the meanest of sergeants. Oh, and make sure you never walk by them wearing jewelry: these guys look a lot like Vikings to me. Better not tempt them back to their old ways!
9. Skyrim Weapon De-LARP-ification
Check Out This Mod Weapons in vanilla Skyrim look deadly enough to me. But probably not to our enemies. I never got why they wouldn’t run away at the sight of my huge swords and humongous axes… After I installed the Skyrim Weapon De-LARP-ification mod, I finally understood why. There’s nothing scarier than thickness. And if you want thickness, you want this mod. And please stop grinning. I’m talking about blades!
8. Celtic Music in Skyrim
Check Out This Mod Nothing enhances the Skyrim atmosphere more than some good music. And there’s no better choice for a true medieval Skyrim experience than the Celtic Music mod. You’ll find 79 new music tracks, which make for a total of a whopping 5 hours of new music. It all sounds so amazing that even the fiercest music critic out there would have to admit that this mod is seriously something else. Better yet, you can keep this running alongside the main game, since the mod doesn’t replace any of the vanilla music. Now that’s what I call a win-win situation.
7. Wildcat
Check Out This Mod I love Skyrim as much as any other fan. But I can’t deny that combat leaves something to be desired. I mean, why does it take so many hits to take down all those feeble-looking skeletons? Thankfully, this problem can be solved with the Wildcat mod. It’s a simple combat overhaul that introduces some nice mechanics like improved AI, faster and more visceral combat, and timed blocking. That last feature by itself was enough to win me over. Nothing screams “realistic medieval combat” like a perfect shield block. And a subsequent axe to the face.
6. Sutvaka Fortified Estate
Check Out This Mod Turning Skyrim into a proper medieval experience is probably hell for the hundreds of poor NPCs who barely manage to scrape by each day. But we’re the protagonist. And we get all the benefits. Like an amazing fortified estate! I’m sure you can take a glance at the images on the mod page to see why this is so great. The Sutvaka Fortified Estate mod offers some amazing things like a rest area with a hot spa, a Dwarven bath, plus a Tavern complete with a barkeep that knows what he should serve me before I even ask. Not to mention the guard barracks filled with loyal men ready to give up their lives to save mine.
5. Skyrim Horses Renewal
Check Out This Mod There’s nothing more Medieval than horseback travel. And vanilla Skyrim does feature this enough, only that animations are clunky, and the hair physics feels very underwhelming. There are lots of horse-related mods out there, but I really recommend Skyrim Horses Renewal if you’re going after a period-style playthrough. Now your horse will finally behave like the true mount that serves the savior of the world.
4. Dice Games In Taverns
Check Out This Mod I love taverns. I love their atmosphere. I love their horrible food. And I love their patrons. Especially if they like playing games. This isn’t a particularly complicated mod, since it only adds a simple dice game that can be played in taverns. But it goes a long way to improve Skyrim’s atmosphere, and makes it feel closer the Middle Ages (not quite, but closer!) I mean, have you ever heard of a medieval tavern where patrons wouldn’t try to kill one another for cheating at dice?
3. Archery Gameplay Overhaul
Check Out This Mod I really don’t get why RPGs always have to feature archery in some form. But they almost always fail to implement it properly. My character is a master archer: but I want wind speed and direction to matter! While realistic physics for archery are probably too much for a game like Skyrim, this Archery Gameplay Overhaul mod can be more than enough for a more enjoyable experience. It brings in new animations, decreases the draw time, and even adds an effective arrow stab move bash attack. Yep, just like they used to do in the Middle Ages. Probably.
2. Common Clothes
Check Out This Mod I know, I know. Armor sets are great. But if you want an authentic medieval experience, you can’t wear chainmail all the time. This Common Clothes mod may not be as flashy as most of the Skyrim clothing mods out there. But I’d say this mod is an essential download for anyone dedicated to a medieval atmosphere. Armor was expensive in the Middle Ages. Only a few could afford to purchase and maintain an armor set, so most people could only afford simple clothes. Kinda like the 100+ new outfits included in this mod. It’s true that these won’t protect you much in battle. But this is a sacrifice worth making if you’re seeking true historical accuracy!
1. Alternate Start
Check Out This Mod Being the Dragonborn is all well and good… only that it isn’t terribly realistic. People on the Middle Ages led much more modest lives, after all. So if you want to experience a life of modesty and poverty for yourself, I have a couple of words to say (or type). First, you’re crazy. Second, download & install the Alternate Start mod. With this add-on you’ll be able to make a few choices at the beginning of the game that will have an impact throughout your adventure. And there’s quite a lot you can change. This is easily one of the best mods for those who want to take role-playing in Skyrim to a whole new level. And I say it’s time for the common peasants to shine!
