With the Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim getting yet another re-release, it seems evident that Bethesda not only wants to celebrate the game's tenth birthday, but also wants fans to keep playing it for as long as possible, or until the next game comes about. As well as being one of many iterations, the new Anniversary Edition of Skyrim comes with extra content such as fishing, and the inclusion of many Creation Club mods. Speaking of fishing, one person tasked themselves with trying to beat the entire game using just the rods.
Uploading a video to their YouTube channel recently, user TheFogFrog posited the question of whether or not it was possible to beat the main quest of Skyrim using nothing but the fishing poles. They set themselves a number of criteria to ensure that they could complete the task, but also make sure that doing so was actually possible. The first rule was to not use anything except the fishing rods to deal damage. This included the use of magic or shouts, although shouts could be used for story progression only. They also said that they would allow themselves to use poison on the ends of the rods, and the game would be played on adept difficulty.
The final caveat was that the use of Skyrim's infamous follower Lydia would also be permissible, with the user saying that it would have been impossible to get to the end without her assistance. The video is an abridged version of the challenge, with TheFogFrog offering commentary throughout. After getting through the opening section without dealing any damage, they sourced a fishing rod by the river, with a total damage output of three, and the rest of the game could continue with the difficult task set.
Even with dual-wielded rods, they found themselves dying multiple times to some of the game's bigger enemies. Eventually, TheFogFrog made it to the end where they were confronted by Skyrim's mighty dragon Alduin where the player defeated them, proving that it was in fact possible to defeat the game using nothing but fishing rods.
As far as crazy Skyrim challenge runs go, TheFogFrog says that, while they encourage everyone to try their tactic, it was "more tedious" than challenging, despite the number of deaths. It goes to show that, after ten years and multiple iterations, The Elder Scrolls 5 is still a source of entertainment for many, and fans go to great lengths to prove that there is still life left in this decade old title.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Editon is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.