Four tweaks to improve Skyrim graphics

Ok, you might find Skyrim graphics impressive already, but the low-res textures always looked a bit blurry to me, and the shadows were a bit too ugly. So if you've got a high-end machine, let's make the world of Skyrim a bit prettier.

1. The first one is actually simple: download and install the official Skyrim: High Resolution Texture Pack for free, here's the Steam link. And here's a taste of what you'll get:

2. Now for the shadows. The first fix will fix jagged/pixelate shadows without hitting the performance. Just read my previous Skyrim tweek post to see how to modify settings and especially pay attention to the precautions and calls to backup the files you're modifying. When you're done, we're set to go.

Open SkyrimPrefs.ini and search for the following lines:

• ShadowMapResolutionSecondary=XXXX
• ShadowMapResolutionPrimary=XXXX
• ShadowMapResolution=XXXX

Where XXXX are values. Just change those values to 4096, save SkyrimPrefs.ini and close. Open the game - the difference should be apparent.

3. To fix twitchy or shaky shadows, open the same SkyrimPrefs.ini file and look for the following line:

• iBlurDeferredShadowMask=X

 Set value to 0. That should fix it.
4. Now, if you and your PC are up to the challenge, let's make the rocks and trees drop shadows upon themselves.

Once more open SkyrimPrefs.ini (once more making a backup) and find the following lines:

• bTreesReceiveShadows=0
• bDrawLandShadows=0

Change both shadows from 0 to 1. Pretty realistic already, isn't it?

This should do it for now.