Dawnguard now available on PC

As stated on BethBlog, TES V: Skyrim first story-based DLC, Dawnguard, has been announced available on PC at QuakeCon 2012. I'm off to get it - let's see what it's got for me.

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.

Skyrim: Krosis fight

When the unwary Dragonborn comes to Shearpoint dragon lair on his Dragonborn business (killing dragons, that is), it's a mean moment when he goes a bit too near to the Word Wall and awakens something terrible.

Lets see what we have: an angry boss-level Dragon Priest with Ice spells and a nasty Fireball stuff, most likely accompanied by a Frost Atronach. On lower levels you're likely as good as dead the moment you charge him; so let's bee careful with this one.

Shearpoint location, image from elderscrolls.wikia.com

I tried to make Krosis fight with the dragon of Shearpoint several times, yet nothing came out. And if you are melee, I have some bad news for you: Krosis glides and slides faster than you most likely do, his frost spells further slow you down. Add a Frost Cloak spell that drains your stamina - so no power attacks. Due to his Greater Ward my "if you can't beat 'em, FUS-RO-DAH 'em" strategy didn't help either.

Krosis is pathetic without his magic and his use of fireball's AOE damage is intimidating. Thus he always tries not to charge you but to flank you. Still Krosis doesn't know the first rule of Skyrim ranged combat: whenever not shooting, make sure there's something between you and the enemy. So, my low-level friend, you should take up a spell like Lightning bolt, hide behind the Word Wall and come out occasionally, dodge his projectiles and land a blow or two. If you are a Breton (which are 25% resistant to all magic), you might visit the Atronach stone (to start absorbing magic damage and decrease the damage) and equip a Healing spell in one hand, an offensive spell - in the other, and take on Krosis directly. No matter what you choose, Krosis has a decent amount of health and you'll have a long fight on your hands.

Improving Your Skyrim Experience on PC

I know Skyrim came out almost a year ago and many thought they were done with dragon-hunting and stuff, but with DLCs coming out I guess it's time to FUS-RO-DAH the thin film of dust off the game's icon and become a Dragonborn once more.

TES V: Skyrim is a great game, yet I felt some amount of discomfort when started playing it. The problem is, it is optimized for console; and I'm a sworn PC player.

So let's break it all down to points. What's wrong with Skyrim PC experience, compared to my previous experience with Morrowind and Oblivion.

• the interface is optimized for game controller/keyboard, not mouse manipulation;
• the senseless horror of mouse acceleration;
• the FOV (field of view) is for viewing it from larger distance on TV screen;

Many of you will find other stuff to complain, but I think everyone will agree on these three points. So what should be done?