The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is considered one of the best open-world adventure titles of all time, but even the most seasoned players will find a hefty challenge with the game's survival mode. Skyrim was developed by Bethesda Softworks (Fallout) and takes place over 200 years after the events of The Elder Scroll IV: Oblivion. The story follows players on a quest to slay a dragon, but in keeping with series tradition, they're free to roam the vast map of their own free will in search of adventure.

Skyrim was first released in 2011 and provided gamers with a world teeming with characters and epic quests. No two playthroughs of Skyrim are quite the same, and while it received some negative feedback for numerous bugs and glitches, the sheer quality of the game couldn't be denied. This is one reason why nearly a decade on from Skyrim's release fans are still playing it and finding new secrets to uncover.

Related: The Fallout Games, Ranked

Fans who've played Skyrim to death and are still looking for a fresh challenge might want to check out the game's survival mode. Similar to the Fallout 4 survival challenge, Skyrim's mode stripes away a lot of the video-gamey elements and forces players to plan ahead. In Skyrim survival mode, the landscape itself becomes the biggest threat, but what does it change about the game?

Skyrim Arcwind Point

In survival mode, players will need to eat properly to maintain stamina and to keep warm. A warm meal is the most beneficial option but eating raw meat can lead to food poisoning. Sleep is another important element in Skyrim survival mode, reducing the player character's fatigue, which can otherwise have a negative impact on potions and magicka. It's better to rest in a bed indoors too since sleeping outside can leave characters drained.

Skyrim isn't the warmest place to roam either, so even dressing for the outdoors becomes essential. Traveling in snow or swimming in freezing water obviously has a negative impact on the character's heat level, which decreases health and movement speed. Standing next to a fire or eating something warm will help, but it's possible to die from exposure too. Selecting the right armor and clothing based on climate is also a must.

Skyrim survival mode also takes away the fast travel system and carrying weight has been halved. Carrying too much stuff drains stamina and causes fatigue. So basically, the survival mode turns the game into a hardcore challenge. Traveling across the map will require players to seriously think ahead, planning meals and sleep stops and thinking about the elements they will face, in addition to the enemies.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim survival mode is a healthy challenge that's probably not for newcomers, but it can also be an exhilarating new way to play through the campaign too.

Next: Why Fallout 4 Survival Mode Is The True Way To Play The Game