You have to see it to believe it: Skyrim, Bethesda’s video game monument released more than fifteen years ago, is getting a spectacular second lease of life thanks to a free redesign carried out by fans. Under the leadership of modder DigitalDreams, the cult game is now displayed in an ultra-realistic 4K version, aimed at the new generation of PCs and consoles.
The feat is all the more impressive as this metamorphosis does not come from a publisher, but from the community. More than 3500 mods are brought together in a compilation called Elysium Remasteredradically transforming the original gaming experience. And this titanic work does not go unnoticed: the comparisons with The Elder Scrolls VIwhose release is slowly looming, become inevitable.
Elysium Remastered, the mod that transcends the original Skyrim
On YouTube, the gameplay video published by DigitalDreams leaves you speechless. The world of Skyrim, already vast, becomes more alive, more luxuriant, more credible than ever. “The displayed graphics have been completely overhauled in multiple ways, with the surface textures of cities and towns this time being considerably more realistic and in high resolution.”
This graphic facelift is not limited to a few cosmetic adjustments. The forest landscapes in particular benefit from an unexpected level of detail. “Similarly, forested areas feature entirely new foliage and the area’s few green spaces are significantly more vibrant and enjoyable to explore.”
Ray tracing and extreme realism: a Skyrim like never seen before
It is probably in its luminous rendering that this remastered Skyrim impresses the most. Thanks to ray tracing and dynamic shadows, exterior areas become the scene of striking realism. “Lighting is another strong point of the game, as significantly improved shadows and ray tracing add a special realism to Skyrim’s outdoor areas, while the sun moves across the sky as we explore.”
The sky evolves in real time, environments gain depth and texture, and every corner of the game seems to tell a new visual story. Nostalgia fades in the face of wonder.
An extreme version of Skyrim… while waiting for Elder Scrolls VI
This ultra-modified version will not please everyone. It departs significantly from the initial experience offered by Bethesda. “It’s important to note that the mod setup is so extensive that the end result differs significantly from what you’d expect when launching Skyrim.”
But for players looking for renewal or graphic perfection, it becomes almost essential. While rumors about Elder Scrolls VI are multiplying, this fan-made redesign fills a void, with a visual ambition that has nothing to envy of current AAA productions.