Skyrim is an open-world action RPG, and it works in first or third person. You play as the Last Dragonborn, set 201 years after Oblivion in the northern province of Skyrim, and your goal is to stop the dragon Alduin. But you can also spend your first hours doing anything else. The basics below come from Wikipedia and the Steam page.
Key takeaways
- You have three attributes: Health, Magicka and Stamina.
- There are 18 skills split evenly among combat, magic and stealth, and they grow by use.
- Each level-up gives you one attribute boost and a perk point.
- You can ignore the main quest as long as you like.
How leveling works
Skyrim levels up through use. If you swing a sword, your one-handed skill grows. If you cast spells, your magic skills grow. When your overall level goes up, you can raise Health, Magicka or Stamina and spend a perk point. This means your character becomes what you play.
Races
There are ten playable races: humans (Nord, Imperial, Breton, Redguard), elves (High Elf, Wood Elf, Dark Elf), the Orc, and the beast races Khajiit and Argonian. Each has skill bonuses and a racial power, for example the Nord's Battle Cry. A race is a nudge, not a rule.
Shouts
Shouts, also called the Thu'um, are three-word powers. You learn the words at word walls and unlock them with dragon souls. After each use there is a cooldown.
Crimes and bounties
- If a witness sees a crime, you earn a bounty.
- You can pay it, go to jail, or in some cases use a pardon.
- Essential characters cannot be killed, but killing other NPCs can break quests.
Five first-hours tips
- Explore. The world is full of caves and ruins.
- Pick the skills you enjoy using.
- Save often, and keep a couple of older saves.
- Do not kill characters you may need for a quest.
- Try a faction when you feel ready; see our quests and factions guide.
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Learn from streamers
See live Skyrim on the Skyrim hub. The game is rated ESRB M and PEGI 18.
