A new mod will add Middle Earth’s trademarked Nemesis System to Skyrim, creating new roleplaying opportunities in Bethesda’s RPG. The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim launched back in 2011, but new enhanced versions have kept the RPG relevant more than a decade later. A big part of Skyrim’s longevity can also be attributed to the dedicated modding community, with modders adding Elden Ring-style messages, an RDR2-style sketchbook, and immersive pets to the game. Other mods seek to completely overhaul Skyrim, like the Skyblivion Mod that aims to revamp Oblivion using Bethesda’s updated engine.

Though Skyrim has been said to be one of the best RPGs of all time, modern competitors have incorporated updated systems the decade-old RPG can’t compete against. One example is the Nemesis System used in Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, which provides a deeply complex action experience. The system uses procedural generation to add named NPCs into the game, with unique visuals, stats, traits, strengths, and weaknesses. The system’s innovation has been praised across the gaming industry, and other games are rumored to use the Nemesis System, though that list is limited.

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Modder Syclonix posted an announcement on Reddit (via PCGamesN) claiming they are developing a new Skyrim mod that aims to add Middle Earth’s trademarked Nemesis System. The Shadow of Skyrim: Nemesis and Alternative Death System (SOSNADS for short) turns enemies who defeat players into a “Nemesis with a unique name,” increasing the NPC’s stats, providing special buffs, and giving them the ability to take the player’s gear. The mod also gives players a situational debuff after each defeat, while simultaneously respawning them to a new random location. Nemeses and dropped backpacks will be marked for players to track down, and defeating a nemesis will remove debuffs and add a new, relevant buff. Other features will be available when the SOSNADS mod drops, though players will have the freedom to customize or disable each individual system. Syclonix hinted at a possible June launch.

After its success in the Middle Earth games, WB’s Nemesis System was patented in 2021, stifling all potential uses for the in-game feature outside of WB Games. The long legal battle ended with an approval for the studio’s patent, despite the trickiness of securing patents for design features. The patent means no other game developers can use the system without expressed consent from WB Games, which means only future WB-developed games will be able to utilize it. Monolith Studio’s Wonder Woman is confirmed to feature the Middle-earth Nemesis System, which means players will at least have a new way to experience it in the future. The Nemesis System was revolutionary upon release, so it’s disappointing to some that other developers won’t be able to incorporate it into more games. Syclonix has obviously found a workaround, utilizing mod development to add the Nemesis System into already established RPGs.

Interest in the mechanic is warranted, as Middle Earth’s Nemesis System offers a rewarding gameplay experience, building relationships between the player and NPCs. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, especially since the mod buffs nemeses upon defeat. This could drastically increase a dragon or giant’s already enhanced stats, increasing the RPG’s difficulty and adding in new roleplay elements.

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Source: Syclonix/Reddit (via PCGamesN)