Massive Skyrim mod sends you on adventure to archipelago filled with fresh characters and quests

Modders have put an awful lot of effort into making sure Skyrim has continually evolved and expanded in the years since it was first released into the world.

Many have focused on changing the game by adding unique weapons, new crafting stations, and revised combat mechanics to it, with a few even going as far as giving your Dragonborn the chance to have an immersive brawl or earn Dibella’s blessing without rudely breaking into a temple.

If you want to pass the time while you wait for Starfield or Skyblivion to arrive by heading on a fresh adventure in Tamriel, a new mod might be worth adding to your load order.

Fancy going on an adventure to an archipelago in the Sea of Ghosts next time you fire up Skyrim?

The mod in question is called ‘Harthstone Isles’, and is the latest work to come out of the Arcane University. This initiative by some of the modders behind the Beyond Skyrim project, which has already brought the Cyrodillic province of Bruma to the game, and is designed to help prospective modders develop the skills necessary to contribute to large and complex mods.

Much like ‘Hestra's Nest’, released by the Arcane University’s students last year, this new mod allows the Dragonborn to travel to another freshly created location on Skyrim’s periphery, in the form of an archipelago in the Sea of Ghosts.

Boasting several interesting locations, including some sizeable dungeons, in addition to a cast of 14 NPCs with unique personalities, the Harthstone Isles look to make for a great place to explore, which is exactly what the mod’s five quests will encourage you to do.

They’re also steeped in plenty of lore, including the tale of their discovery via an inebriated East Empire Company ship captain, and come with their own unique soundtrack, meaning your precious immersion won’t suffer.

In order to kick off your adventure to the isles, once the mod’s installed, you’ll need to either seek out two NPCs bathing in the hot springs near Kynesgrove or travel to Windhelm’s docks.

Regardless of whether you’re now getting to know the residents of Harthstone, make sure to follow us for updates on Starfield, The Elder Scrolls 6, and the interesting world of Bethesda game modding, including our top mods of the month.