Despite being nearly 13 years old, “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” continues to captivate a dedicated player base. This enduring popularity isn’t just due to the game’s expansive world and engaging gameplay; it’s also the way players immerse themselves in their roles within the game. A fascinating aspect of this role-playing is the peculiar collections that players have built over the years, ranging from the mundane to the utterly bizarre. In this article, we’ll explore some of the strangest collection habits that Skyrim players have shared, offering insight into how deeply invested players can become in this beloved RPG.

The Allure of Skyrim’s Books

One of the most common items that players collect in Skyrim is books. The game features 337 different titles, amounting to a total of 316,000 words, making it a significant collection challenge for any player. Unlike many other collectible items, books in Skyrim serve multiple purposes. Not only can they be read to enhance skills, but they can also be displayed as part of a player’s in-game home decor.

For some players, organizing these books becomes a meticulous task. One player mentioned on Reddit that they organize their collection by genre, creating an extensive library within the houses they build in every playthrough. This kind of dedication not only shows a love for literature but also a desire to create a personal space that feels lived-in and real within the game world.

Others take a different approach, valuing the sheer volume of books over their organization. One player revealed that they have a character, Lucien Flavius, carrying almost every single book, note, and letter they come across, amounting to nearly 200 pounds of in-game weight. This highlights the depth of role-playing in Skyrim, where even the act of collecting becomes a narrative in itself.

The Unlikely Obsession with Boots

While books might be a reasonable collectible, boots are a far more unconventional choice. Reddit user cerart939 confessed to collecting various types of boots in the game, only to be surprised by the sheer number of variations available. This collection, however, eventually grew overwhelming, leading to the humorous decision to dump them all in the square in Riften—a decision that probably raised a few in-game eyebrows.

Interestingly, cerart939 isn’t alone in their fascination with footwear. Another player shared their particular interest in vampire boots, citing their dual appeal as both fashionable and light armor. This niche interest underscores how Skyrim’s extensive item variety can cater to even the most specific of player tastes.

Skulls: A Morbid Collection

Perhaps the most macabre collection shared by players involves skulls. Initially, the idea of collecting skulls seemed like a one-off oddity when one player mentioned their “skull throne.” However, it quickly became clear that this was a more common practice than expected, with another player admitting to collecting skulls to fill up their display cases.

Unlike books or boots, Skyrim features only one type of skull, making this collection more about quantity than variety. The stark visual of a display case filled with skulls adds a gothic and eerie atmosphere to any player’s in-game home, a stark contrast to the more traditional collectibles like books or armor.

Other Unusual Collections

Skyrim’s vast world offers countless items to collect, leading players to some truly peculiar hoarding habits. One player, for instance, decided to amass a collection of ladles, reasoning that this would be the most annoying item to steal from non-playable characters (NPCs). Their logic was that since ladles are the closest utensil to a spoon, stealing them would deprive NPCs of the ability to eat soup without spilling it everywhere—a minor but amusing form of in-game mischief.

Other players have taken to collecting more conventional items like cheese, with one user specifically hoarding fondue. But even food collections can take strange turns, as another player revealed their tendency to gather potatoes, leeks, cabbages, and wheat, which they then sell to farmers in Rorikstead, integrating their collection habit into the game’s economy.

Conclusion: The Endless Possibilities of Skyrim

Skyrim’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to let players create their own stories, whether through quests, exploration, or, as we’ve seen, through the items they choose to collect. These quirky collection habits highlight the depth and flexibility of the game, allowing players to engage with the world in ways that are uniquely personal. Whether it’s building a library, dumping boots in a town square, or crafting a throne of skulls, these collections reflect the creativity and imagination that keep Skyrim alive and well over a decade after its release.

Final Thoughts

The strange and fascinating collection habits of Skyrim players are a testament to the game’s lasting impact. As long as there are new items to discover and hoard, players will continue to find inventive ways to engage with this classic RPG, ensuring that Tamriel remains a vibrant and active world for years to come.

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