The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an iconic open-world fantasy role-playing game that has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. Since its release in 2011, the game has undergone numerous updates, expansions, and modifications, which have significantly altered the gameplay experience. However, some players may yearn for the original, unadulterated Skyrim experience, often referred to as “vanilla” Skyrim. If you’re one of them, this article will guide you through the process of reverting to vanilla Skyrim.
Understanding the Different Versions of Skyrim
Before we dive into the process of reverting to vanilla Skyrim, it’s essential to understand the different versions of the game. The main versions are:
Vanilla Skyrim (2011)
The original version of Skyrim, released in 2011, is often referred to as “vanilla” Skyrim. This version of the game has not been modified or updated with any downloadable content (DLC) or patches.
The Legendary Edition (2013)
The Legendary Edition, released in 2013, includes the original game, along with three DLCs: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. This version also includes all the patches and updates released up to that point.
The Special Edition (2016)
The Special Edition, released in 2016, is a remastered version of the game, featuring improved graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and all the DLCs. This version also includes all the patches and updates released up to that point.
Reverting to Vanilla Skyrim on PC
Reverting to vanilla Skyrim on PC is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Uninstalling the Game
To start, you’ll need to uninstall the game from your computer. This will remove all the game files, including any mods or DLCs you may have installed.
Deleting the Game Files
After uninstalling the game, you’ll need to delete any remaining game files from your computer. You can do this by navigating to the game’s installation directory and deleting the entire folder.
Reinstalling the Game
Once you’ve deleted the game files, you can reinstall the game from the original installation media or by downloading it from Steam. Make sure to select the “vanilla” version of the game during the installation process.
Disabling Automatic Updates
To prevent the game from updating automatically, you’ll need to disable the automatic update feature on Steam. You can do this by following these steps:
- Open Steam and navigate to the game’s page.
- Click on the “Properties” button.
- In the “Properties” window, click on the “Updates” tab.
- Uncheck the box next to “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for Skyrim.”
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
Reverting to Vanilla Skyrim on Consoles
Reverting to vanilla Skyrim on consoles is a bit more complicated than on PC. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Deleting the Game Data
To start, you’ll need to delete the game data from your console. This will remove all the game saves, mods, and DLCs.
- On PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, go to the “Game” menu and select “Delete Game Data.”
- On Xbox 360 and Xbox One, go to the “Settings” menu and select “System.”
- Select “Storage” and then “Delete Game Data.”
Reinstalling the Game
Once you’ve deleted the game data, you can reinstall the game from the original installation media or by downloading it from the console’s online store. Make sure to select the “vanilla” version of the game during the installation process.
Disabling Automatic Updates
To prevent the game from updating automatically, you’ll need to disable the automatic update feature on your console. Here’s how:
- On PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, go to the “Settings” menu and select “System.”
- Select “Automatic Downloads” and then “Disable Automatic Updates.”
- On Xbox 360 and Xbox One, go to the “Settings” menu and select “System.”
- Select “Updates” and then “Disable Automatic Updates.”
Removing Mods and DLCs
If you’ve installed any mods or DLCs, you’ll need to remove them to revert to vanilla Skyrim. Here’s how:
Removing Mods
To remove mods, you’ll need to delete the mod files from your computer or console. Here’s how:
- On PC, navigate to the game’s installation directory and delete the “mods” folder.
- On consoles, go to the “Settings” menu and select “Mods.”
- Select the mod you want to remove and delete it.
Removing DLCs
To remove DLCs, you’ll need to uninstall them from your computer or console. Here’s how:
- On PC, go to the “Steam” menu and select “Library.”
- Right-click on the game and select “Properties.”
- In the “Properties” window, click on the “DLC” tab.
- Uncheck the box next to the DLC you want to remove.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
- On consoles, go to the “Settings” menu and select “DLC.”
- Select the DLC you want to remove and uninstall it.
Conclusion
Reverting to vanilla Skyrim can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can remove all the mods and DLCs and revert to the original, unadulterated Skyrim experience. Remember to disable automatic updates to prevent the game from updating automatically. Happy gaming!
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you revert to vanilla Skyrim:
Backing Up Your Game Saves
Before you start the process of reverting to vanilla Skyrim, make sure to back up your game saves. This will ensure that you don’t lose any of your progress.
Using a Mod Manager
If you’ve installed a lot of mods, it can be difficult to remove them manually. Consider using a mod manager like Vortex or Nexus Mod Manager to make the process easier.
Checking for Updates
After you’ve reverted to vanilla Skyrim, make sure to check for updates regularly. This will ensure that you don’t miss out on any important patches or updates.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common issues you may encounter when reverting to vanilla Skyrim, along with their solutions:
Game Crashes
If the game crashes after you’ve reverted to vanilla Skyrim, try reinstalling the game or updating your graphics drivers.
Missing Game Files
If you’re missing game files after you’ve reverted to vanilla Skyrim, try reinstalling the game or downloading the missing files from the game’s official website.
Mods Not Working
If your mods are not working after you’ve reverted to vanilla Skyrim, try reinstalling the mods or updating them to the latest version.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to revert to vanilla Skyrim without any issues. Happy gaming!
What is Vanilla Skyrim and why would I want to revert to it?
Reverting to Vanilla Skyrim means removing all modifications, also known as mods, from the game and returning it to its original, unaltered state. This can be a desirable option for players who want to experience the game as it was intended by the developers, without any changes or additions made by the modding community. Vanilla Skyrim provides a clean and stable gaming experience, free from potential conflicts or issues that can arise from mod incompatibilities.
By reverting to Vanilla Skyrim, players can also take advantage of official updates and patches released by Bethesda, the game’s developer, which may not be compatible with modified versions of the game. Additionally, some players may prefer the original game mechanics, graphics, and sound design, which can be altered or overridden by mods. Reverting to Vanilla Skyrim can be a refreshing experience, allowing players to rediscover the game’s original charm and challenge, without the influence of external modifications.
How do I prepare my game for reverting to Vanilla Skyrim?
Before reverting to Vanilla Skyrim, it’s essential to prepare your game by removing all mods and saving your progress. This can be done by launching the game and selecting the “Data Files” option from the main menu, then unchecking all mods and saving the changes. It’s also a good idea to create a backup of your saved games and any important files, such as character builds or screenshots, to prevent losing them during the reversion process. Additionally, you should check for any mods that may have made changes to your game’s configuration files, such as the Skyrim.ini or SkyrimPrefs.ini files, and restore them to their default settings.
It’s also recommended to disable any mod managers, such as the Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) or the Bethesda Launcher, and remove any mod-related files from your game directory. This will ensure a clean and complete removal of all mods and prevent any potential conflicts or issues during the reversion process. By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition back to Vanilla Skyrim and avoid any potential problems or errors that may arise from mod removal.
What are the steps to revert to Vanilla Skyrim?
To revert to Vanilla Skyrim, you’ll need to remove all mods and restore the game to its original state. This can be done by deleting the “Data” folder, which contains all mod files, and reinstalling the game from the original installation media or through the Bethesda Launcher. You’ll also need to remove any mod-related files from your game directory, such as the “Mods” folder, and restore the game’s configuration files to their default settings. Additionally, you should check for any remaining mod files or folders and remove them to ensure a complete reversion.
Once you’ve removed all mods and restored the game to its original state, you can reinstall any official updates or patches released by Bethesda, which will ensure that your game is up-to-date and stable. It’s also a good idea to verify the game’s files through the Bethesda Launcher or Steam to ensure that they are intact and not corrupted. By following these steps, you can successfully revert to Vanilla Skyrim and enjoy the game in its original, unmodified form.
Will I lose my saved games when reverting to Vanilla Skyrim?
When reverting to Vanilla Skyrim, you may lose access to your saved games, depending on how they were created and what mods were used. If your saved games were created with mods enabled, they may not be compatible with the Vanilla version of the game, and you may not be able to load them. However, if you created your saved games without mods or with mods that do not alter the game’s core mechanics, you may still be able to load them in the Vanilla version of the game.
To minimize the risk of losing your saved games, it’s recommended to create a backup of your saves before reverting to Vanilla Skyrim. You can do this by copying the “Saves” folder to a separate location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This will allow you to restore your saved games if you need to, although you may still encounter issues with mod-related data or game mechanics. By taking this precaution, you can ensure that your progress is preserved and you can continue playing the game without losing your characters or story progress.
Can I revert to Vanilla Skyrim if I have a heavily modded game?
Reverting to Vanilla Skyrim with a heavily modded game can be more challenging, as mods can make significant changes to the game’s files and mechanics. In this case, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure a clean and complete removal of all mods. You’ll need to remove all mod files, including those that may be embedded in the game’s configuration files or saved games. You may also need to restore the game’s original files, such as the Skyrim.exe or SkyrimLauncher.exe, which may have been modified by mods.
To revert to Vanilla Skyrim with a heavily modded game, it’s recommended to seek guidance from the modding community or online forums, where you can find detailed instructions and advice from experienced modders. You may also need to use specialized tools, such as mod managers or file cleaners, to remove all mod-related files and restore the game to its original state. By taking these steps, you can successfully revert to Vanilla Skyrim, even with a heavily modded game, and enjoy the game in its original, unmodified form.
How do I ensure a clean reversion to Vanilla Skyrim?
To ensure a clean reversion to Vanilla Skyrim, it’s essential to remove all mod files and restore the game’s original files. You can do this by deleting the “Data” folder and reinstalling the game from the original installation media or through the Bethesda Launcher. You should also remove any mod-related files from your game directory, such as the “Mods” folder, and restore the game’s configuration files to their default settings. Additionally, you should verify the game’s files through the Bethesda Launcher or Steam to ensure that they are intact and not corrupted.
By taking these steps, you can ensure a clean and complete reversion to Vanilla Skyrim, free from any mod-related files or modifications. It’s also a good idea to monitor your game’s performance and stability after reverting to Vanilla Skyrim, as some mods may have been masking underlying issues or conflicts. By keeping a close eye on your game’s behavior and performance, you can identify and address any potential issues that may arise during the reversion process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
What are the benefits of reverting to Vanilla Skyrim?
Reverting to Vanilla Skyrim can provide several benefits, including improved stability and performance, as well as access to official updates and patches released by Bethesda. Without mods, the game is less likely to experience conflicts or issues, resulting in a more stable and enjoyable gaming experience. Additionally, reverting to Vanilla Skyrim can allow players to experience the game as it was intended by the developers, without any changes or additions made by the modding community.
By reverting to Vanilla Skyrim, players can also take advantage of the game’s original mechanics, graphics, and sound design, which can be altered or overridden by mods. This can be a refreshing experience, allowing players to rediscover the game’s original charm and challenge, without the influence of external modifications. Furthermore, reverting to Vanilla Skyrim can provide a clean slate for players who want to start the game again from scratch, without the influence of mods or previous playthroughs, allowing them to experience the game in a new and exciting way.