Skyrim is getting a paid Survival Mode update

The The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released almost six years ago but the game is still going strong. Bethesda just announced that Skyrim Special Edition version 1.5 will introduce a new Survival Mode that will make the gameplay a lot more challenging.

It's similar to the survival mode found in Fallout 4 and it makes the game environment a lot more realistic. Fast travel is disabled and players will need to eat food to restore stamina. Hunger will impact your ability to wield most weapons but you'll also have to be careful what you eat. Raw meat, for instance, can give you food poisoning.

Similarly, you will need to rest from time to time as fatigue will impact your magicka. But the resting location will also play a role in terms of how refreshed you'll feel, sleeping indoors in a bed will give you the Well Rested bonus while sleeping outside will leave you drained.

Other gameplay aspects you'll need to mind include cold and warmth. The colder regions of Skyrim as well as bad weather will have a negative impact on your health and abilities, and could even result in death. In other words, this mode will make playing Skyrim a living hell. Full details can be found at the Bethesda blog.



PC gamers can beta test Survival Mode via Steam, while the version for the PS4 and Xbox One will follow early October. Unfortunately, this will not be a free update. Gamers will be able to try Survival Mode free for one week once it launches but after that, you'll have to pay an unknown fee.