Navigating Skyrim Like a True Nerd

As I mentioned in the previous post, the world of Skyrim is as expansive and utterly immersive as a video game can be.  Skyrim features an in-game map feature that automatically stores newly discovered areas including towns, caves, hideouts and anything else Skyrim has to offer though it does not store every detail. But Bethesda bestowed upon it’s fans another map in a physical form  that is made of a “high-grade” paper that has the feel of cloth or burlap to emulate maps from medieval ages.

A huge world

In-game map courtesy of G4

This map is not only a great sentiment from a game dev to its fans but also another very entertaining way to enjoy the game. Though I am only 8 hours into the 300 hour game (give or take 100) I have begun marking every point of interest, big or small, on the authentic map Bethesda has ever so thoughtly bestowed upon me.  For example, I was traveling through a blizzard in a mountainous area covered in evergreens when I become upon a “Wisp Queen” and her persistent “Wisps.”  I perished in every attempt to defeat the witch.  I decided to mark upon the map her location  and return to defeat the demon at a time I am more powerful (this is a detail, as I mentioned above, that Skyrim will not automatically store on the in-game map).

I'll be back for you... winch!

X marks the spot

I think this is a great way for players to immerse themselves into a game that deserves to be immersed into (I think that makes sense).  It gives you the feeling you are a true navigator of a completely mythical world which is simply put, Frickin’ Awesome.  Believe it or not there is a way to take this one step further: don’t use the in-game map at all.  Turn off the nav points by making all quests inactive, rely stricly on the compass and use information learned through dialogue in the game by taking notes to navigate using the physical map.  I laugh to myself thinking about the devotion this option would take but if you had the time it would be a blast.  In minus 40 below 0 weather (yeah that’s how cold it is in Fairbanks, AK) I wish this was all I had to do.

What do you think, do you have what it takes to be a true Skyrim navigating nerd like me or do you think you could put me to shame and take it to the next level like in the option I mentioned above by not using the in-game map? Tell me in the comments section!