(I imagine the short answer for many is “extensive mods,” but I’m on PS4 so my choices in that area are a bit limited.)
I got really into Skyrim when I was unemployed during the summer of 2020. I’ve probably put in close to 1,000 hours to date. I still love the game, but unfortunately I’m now so familiar with the questlines, enemies, dungeons, and dialogue that it’s hard for me to continue enjoying it. Even if I put it down for 4-5 months, I still find myself a little burned out because I know it too well by this point.
Some might ask, “Why try to keep playing, then?” and it’s a fair question. Basically, I still like the mechanics of the game. I still enjoy a good dungeon crawl. Archery is an incredibly satisfying combat skill and I haven’t been able to find another game that’s quite as fun for archery. And tbh, Skyrim has become a comfort game for me when I need an alternate world to slip into for a few hours. I want to keep enjoying it. I’m just not sure how anymore.
For other players who’ve logged a lot of hours, I’m curious to know: How do you keep the experience fresh and interesting for yourself? Are there different RP strategies that you take? Do you mod the hell out of your game? Do you just embrace and enjoy the familiarity?
Have you tried limiting yourself to specific mechanics or set arbitrary stipulations for a specific playthrough? Like a no HP increases play through or a right-hand only run stuff like that?
I start off that way sometimes, but I’m usually not disciplined enough to stick through it. I think next time I do pick up the game, I’ll challenge myself to develop a character sheet and actually follow through.