The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim entered a new frontier of gaming with the release of Skyrim VR in 2018. Sadly, bugs, as well as an antiquated UI and graphics, made Skyrim VR a clunky mess upon release. Modders have really stepped up in fixing these problems, as well as adapting classic mod content for use in the new version.
They’ve also embraced the appeal of a VR action-RPG, adding elements that help fully immerse players into one of gaming’s most iconic open worlds. Modders on Nexus Mods have reshaped Skyrim VR from a rehash of the original to an experience that embraces the technology. From utility to cosmetics to fun new features, these must-have mods will make you really feel like the Dragonborn.
10 Realistic Mining For VR
This mod is exactly what it says in the title. In vanilla Skyrim VR, players are automatically placed in third-person when chopping wood and mining ore. Realistic Mining and its subsequent add-ons allow players to stay in the zone with first-person chopping and mining. The player must move their arms in order to successfully attain resources, an effort that makes every new material feel earned.
Realistic Mining is by no means a game-changing mod, ranked low since it’s only useful in specific situations. It does help to iron out one of the baffling choices made in the vanilla game, though. Mod creator Xiderpunk is one of many whose creations fix odd code included by Bethesda.
9 Dragonborn Speaks Naturally
There’s very little choice in how the Dragonborn behaves in Skyrim, which limits the extent of roleplay. Using voice recognition software, though, this next mod achieves incredible things. You can now fully embody your chaotic-neutral hero (or whoever you imagine your Dragonborn to be) by reciting dialogue options to NPCs with your actual voice.
Dragonborn Speaks Naturally is ranked low because installation is complex and buggy, but creator Cuebit is working out the kinks. The payoff for getting it to work is a huge boost to player immersion.
8 Navigate VR – Equipable Dynamic Compass And Maps
Turning playthroughs into epic journeys is a fun way to spice up a new run. There are plenty of mods that do just that, where players must stay warm, sleep and eat in order to survive. Navigate VR – Equipable Dynamic Compass And Maps fits right into that category, turning the world map into a parchment you must hold.
The mod includes a functioning compass, which players can carry in their off-hand for active navigation. Creator TheRetroCarrot even made a compass bag and map case for placing in-world. Navigate VR isn’t higher on the list since its effect on overall gameplay is pretty minimal, even if its assets are well-designed. Nonetheless, you’ll feel like a true explorer of Skyrim’s fascinating locations with this awesome mod.
7 Simple Realistic Archery VR
Skyrim VR allows for a pretty realistic archery experience, but everything can be improved. Simple Realistic Archery VR combines the desire for realistic combat with an ease of use that keeps the player in the game without frustrations.
This mod, developed by Closeded, allows players to map hotkeys to their controller to avoid navigating menus. The bow automatically loads after firing in vanilla, but now the player must reach over their head and press a button to bring down an arrow. It isn’t ranked higher because it doesn’t change much from a gameplay perspective, but continually needing to reequip arrows certainly adds stakes and excitement to combat.
6 Be Seated Skyrim VR Edition
When it comes to fully putting players into the game, Be Seated Skyrim VR Edition encourages roleplay for roleplaying’s sake. Creator CylonSurfur took the simple concept of being able to physically sit down when sitting in the game and expanded on it.
If in a tavern, the mod also includes a restaurant-style ordering system. Enjoy sipping your flagon of ale (with liquid that decreases as you drink) or eating a hearty stew while seated. For such a seemingly inane interaction, being able to sit down and dine at any of Skyrim’s iconic taverns does wonders for player immersion. Be Seated is only used in specific situations, but these little moments of immersion are certainly worthwhile.
5 MageVR
Modders have always improved the rather disappointing magic system in Skyrim, but nothing makes you feel like an all-powerful wizard like physically gesturing to perform a spell. MageVR by AWildMuKen utilizes VR to its fullest, integrating customizable hand movements that can be set to specific spells. Either draw symbols in the air or wave your hands in sequence to activate a spell.
Where this mod struggles is with the set-up, which is kind of a pain. It can be used to change your gestures for bows too, which means hopping through settings to equip arrows.
4 Onyx VR Weathers
Because Skyrim VR utilizes the base game instead of the Special Edition, its graphics are trapped in 2011. For many, Cathedral Weathers and Obsidian Weathers are standbys when it comes to delivering beautiful environments in regular Skyrim. Onyx – VR Weathers by Wolfman5750 utilizes traits of both iconic weather mods, optimized for VR.
Onyx uses a custom script based on Obsidian weathers to create beautiful skies, sunlight, and weather. Combine it with an ENB and HD texture mods to give your Skyrim the makeover it deserves. Onyx’s only real detriment is that it can be buggy if it clashes with other weather-related mods.
3 SkyVRaan – Shimmering VR Waters
Now, onto some of the truly game-changing mods for VR. SkyVRaan – Shimmering VR Waters, another mod by Wolfman5750, is a popular water texture mod that increases the transparency on all of Skyrim’s waters, and adds a shimmery reflective effect to the water’s surface. It also works to fix the LOD for distant bodies of water, so they look as good as the water nearby and not like big blue blobs.
Now exterior bodies of water accurately reflect nearby objects, and the player is able to see the plants and rocks underneath without having to worry about render issues. This mod is well-praised because of how seamlessly it works with other environment mods, such as those that effect lighting and textures. SkyVRaan makes major improves to the game’s visuals with only a few tweaks, making it the best environment mod for Skyrim VR.
2 PLANCK
Physical Animation and Character Kinetics, or PLANCK, is a complete rework of your physical interactions with NPCs. Mod creator FlyingParticle also made HIGGS – Enhanced VR Interaction, a mod which changes how physics and collision work throughout Skyrim VR. PLANCK specifically improves how combat feels, re-integrating hit detection, weapon velocity, and even damage dealt based accurately on player movement.
The effect of this mod is felt the second you enter combat. Swinging down with a two-handed weapon crushes enemies, while grabbing an unaware NPC and slitting their throat with a dagger makes for a sick assassin kill. Any NPC can be shoved, grabbed, and held, all in the direction of player movement. Say goodbye to your hits sliding through enemies like an invisible butter knife. PLANCK and its parent mod HIGGS are the best mods for optimizing SkyrimVR to the hardware. The quality of gameplay skyrockets with these meticulously-crafted physics mods at work.
1 VRIK Player Avatar
Nothing breaks player immersion like the constant reminder that their character is lacking a body. What’s the point of decking yourself out in cool armor and weapons if you can’t even see them? VRIK creates an avatar of the player’s body that’s visible in first person, wearing the armor you have equipped. It’s designed to move with you, even your hand movements. Its coolest features are the holsters all over your body where your equipped items can be physically placed for you to whip out at any time.
Mod creator prog0111 implements a new control scheme that’s far more cohesive with VR gameplay than the classic menu system. Use a potion, cast a spell, toggle crouch and shout without fumbling with the UI. VRIK deserves the number one spot because none of the mods on this list would be possible without it, vastly improving player immersion and making Skyrim genuinely fun to play in VR.