The Simple Joy Of Living Off The Land In Skyrim As A Hunter-Gatherer

thegamer.com:

The beauty of Skyrim's sandbox is how it makes pretty much any play style viable. Sure, you can embrace your destiny as the Dragonborn and save the realm from Alduin the World Eater. But it's just as easy, and in fact encouraged, to ignore that path and make your own stories. Whether you want to play as a pacifist, an illusionist, a pugilist, or a mudcrab, the game will support just about any character you have in mind—and often without having to use mods. I've been playing this game regularly for over a decade now, and I'm still finding new ways to experience it.

My latest discovery is how much fun it is playing Skyrim as a hunter-gatherer. That is, a simple Nord who lives off the land, foraging, fishing, and hunting rather than adventuring. I don't delve into crypts, battle monsters, or take on dangerous quests. I wander the wilderness, pick flowers, hunt deer, catch fish, and get to bed at a decent hour every night. It's a surprisingly engaging, and incredibly relaxing, way to engage with Skyrim's world. You just have to come up with a few rules to give your playthrough some structure, else it can feel aimless.

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First, I install the Live Another Life mod and choose the 'I am camping in the woods' option. I suddenly find myself in a forest near Riverwood decked out in some basic fur armour, and my non-adventure begins. There's starting gear in a nearby sack, but ignore it and decide to make my own way. I walk to Riverwood and chop firewood, selling it to a lumberjack named Hod. I raise enough money to buy a hunting bow and a quiver of iron arrows: a first step towards self-sufficiency. In my head my character is a loner who never relies on the help of other people.