Skyrim Special Edition is getting a Hardcore Survival mode

When it comes to beating a dead horse Bethesda never knows when to let go with Skyrim. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition is both a mouthful and an all new Hardcore Survival mode to be released in an update early next month on PS4, Xbox One and Windows PC.

In the first week of the update players who download the update will obtain this special edition for free, afterwards this will become a full update to buy in the Creation Club. A price has not yet been set for any platform.

The mode is currently in the beta on Steam and shows how Survival mode will intensify the effects of the cold environment, requiring frequent rest and increasing the necessity of cooking and eating. It also disables fast travel – you can however still employ the services of carriages and boats, but time will still have passed without food or rest.

In the name of realism the carry weigh limit has been harshly cut, reduced to a much more realistic number. The number of weapon options a player can carry, or loot they can plunder, is now a big decision. Levelling now only occurs after sleeping in a bed and health will no longer regenerate slowly but with spells, food or potions only.

Some of these changes has some big implications for those who are either a Vampire or Werewolf, with both experiencing a much more difficult version of the game.

For a full and comprehensive look at this new Survival Mode take a look at the blog post from Bethesda. Also make sure you check out our full review of Skyrim: Special Edition right here.