This Skyrim strategy guide provides a walkthrough of sorts. It does not discuss specific quests (much) but rather aims to set you up to kick ass while you explore.

Wondering where to start? Try the Grand Plan.

This guide does not rely on exploits, glitches, or mods.

This guide was primarily written for personal use, to streamline future playthroughs.

Updated 2021-10-26

This guide assumes you have the Skyrim Special Edition, which comes with all the DLC.

Dragonborn DLC

It's awesome. You get a huge island to explore with tons of useful stuff in it.

If you don't have it, ignore the Ahzidal and Sallow Regent stuff.

The Unofficial Skyrim Patch mod

It's not essential but it fixes a ton of bugs.

Get the right one for your version of Skyrim.

Alt+Tabbing

Skyrim can be a handful to Alt+Tab out of.

• If you get a double mouse cursor, Alt+Tab out, move your mouse all the way to the right, and Alt+Tab back in.

• If Skyrim doesn't respond when you Alt+Tab back in, Alt+Tab twice more.

• If you lose track of your mouse cursor when you Alt+Tab out of Skyrim, right-click to make it show up.

Dual monitors

If you have the Skyrim Special Edition, press Shift+Windows Key+Right (or Left) Arrow Key at startup while the Bethesda logo is showing to move Skyrim over to your other monitor.