Enderal

Enderal: The Shards of Order is a total conversion mod for the 2011 video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Developed by German studio SureAI, Enderal presents a completely new game world, lore, story, and gameplay systems separate from the Elder Scrolls universe. It is not an expansion or downloadable content (DLC) for Skyrim, but rather a standalone game requiring Skyrim to run.

Enderal features a complex and mature narrative focused on themes of existentialism, morality, and the cyclical nature of destruction. The story follows the player character, known as the "Warden," as they navigate a world facing an impending apocalyptic event referred to as "The Cleansing." The narrative is significantly more linear and story-driven compared to Skyrim.

Gameplay in Enderal is also distinct from Skyrim. The mod introduces a classless system based on memory points, which players allocate to different skill trees to develop their character. It also features a crafting system with unique recipes and resources, as well as a reworked magic system that emphasizes the importance of mana management and strategic spellcasting. Furthermore, Enderal includes survival elements, such as the need to eat, drink, and sleep, adding a layer of challenge and realism.

Enderal is notable for its high production value, including a fully voiced cast, original soundtrack, and meticulously crafted world. It has received critical acclaim for its compelling story, immersive atmosphere, and challenging gameplay, often being compared favorably to commercial role-playing games. The mod is freely available for download, requiring only a legal copy of Skyrim.