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13 Common Skyrim Special Edition Problems & How to Fix Them

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If you can’t wait for Bethesda’s next Skyrim Special Edition update take a look at this list of potential fixes for common Skyrim Special Edition problems on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC. We’ve updated it with some new fixes for 2017.

The Skyrim remaster’s been out for several months now and the feedback has mostly been positive. That said, Skyrim Special Edition isn’t a perfect game and there are a still number of issues plaguing the updated version of Bethesda’s classic.

Bethesda will release periodic Skyrim Special Edition updates for all three platforms but there’s no guarantee they’ll solve your issue. Bethesda’s software updates also typically bring their own collection of problems.

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While we wait for the developer to cook up a new patch, we want to try and help you fix the problems plaguing your game.

The list of fixes includes remedies for performance issues, installation problems, and more. We’ll continue to add to this list so keep an eye out for additional problems and fixes as we push further away from the game’s release.

How to Fix Skyrim Special Edition Installation Problems

As expected, some Skyrim Special Edition owners are running into installation problems. Some users are reporting slow downloads, others are running into downloads/installations that get stuck.

If you are running into slower than normal download speeds, try plugging an ethernet cord into your console or PC. This could speed up download speeds, especially if your system is far away from your router.

If your download keeps stopping for no apparent reason, try stopping it completely and trying the download again. You might also try restarting your PC, Xbox One or PS4.

For more advice head to Microsoft, Sony or Steam.

ps4-xbox

If you’re running into Skyrim Special Edition installation issues on your system, there are a few remedies you can try.

If you are experiencing your installation problems on Steam, head to its troubleshooting page to diagnose your problem.

If you are trying to install Skyrim Special Edition on the PS4 open your Notifications from the main PlayStation menu. Select Downloads and find the Skyrim Special Edition file you downloaded. Select Options and then select Install to jumpstart the process.

If you are trying to install the game on an Xbox One, you’ll need to find the game file in your download history. From there select the Skyrim Special Edition and select Install. For more, head on over to Microsoft’s support page.

If this doesn’t work for you and your installation continues to fail, it could mean that the game file is corrupt. If this is the case, you’ll want to delete all of the files associated with the game and try the download/installation again.

How to Fix PS4 Skyrim CE-34878-0 Problem

If your Playstation 4 spits out a CE-34878-0 error when you’re trying to play Skyrim Special Edition, there are several fixes to try.

Bethesda recommends downloading the latest Skyrim updates. If you aren’t, download the current version. If you’re on the current version, exit out of the game and restart your system. If that doesn’t help, Sony’s got a few remedies to try.

If a PS Camera is connected to your PS4, remove it and reboot the console. Once it’s back up go to Settings > User > Login Settings and turn Enable Face Recognition off.

If you’ve upgraded the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) inside your console, try re-installing the original HDD. This is pretty involved and should only be used in a last ditch effort.

How to Fix Invisible Character Problems

If your character suddenly turns invisible, and he or she might, there’s no need to panic. A simple fix should get rid of the problem.

To fix this issue, exit out of the game (assuming you have a recent save) and restart it. Load up your recent save and you should see your character again.

If you’re experiencing the issue on PS4 or Xbox One you might also want to reboot your console just to be safe.

How to Fix Skyrim Special Edition Launch Issues

Skyrim Special Edition players on PC have been reporting launch issues with the game. This is an extremely common problem and it’s one that you should be able to work out in a few steps.

If your game fails to launch properly after you select play, you’ll want to make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. Head here for NVIDIA graphic cards and here for AMD graphics cards.

Furthermore, you should check and make sure your PC is running the latest version of Microsoft’s DirectX. You can find the latest version right here.

You might also try disabling any non-essential applications you’re running in the background. Background apps have been known to cause launch problems.

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If the game fails to launch from Steam try running the game as an Admin:

  • First, right click the game in your Steam Library.
  • Next head to Properties and locate the Local Files tab.
  • Click Browse Local Files.
  • Locate the Fallout 4 application on your computer.
  • Right click it and head into Properties.
  • Select the Compatibility tab and check off the Run this program as an administrator box.
  • Click Apply and try running the game.

If this doesn’t work, try running Steam as an Admin:

  1. Go to your Steam install folder which should be located in: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam).
  2. Right click on the Steam application.
  3. Use the steps above to set it to Run as Administrator.
  4. Restart Steam and play the game.

We’ve also heard that Verifying the Integrity of the GameCache is a potential fix for this issue. Here’s how to do that in Steam:

  1. Right click the game in your Steam Library.
  2. Head into Properties and go to the Local Files tab.
  3. Click the Verify Integrity of Game Cache option.

If you haven’t updated your version of Windows in awhile you can also try updating the operating system to see if that fixes your launch problem.

How to Fix Your Game After Using Console Commands

If you decide to use console commands to manipulate your game and your game starts exhibiting problems after using said commands, you’ll want to revert back to a save you made before you started using them.

Console commands are PC only. They aren’t enabled on the Xbox One or the PlayStation 4 and never will be.

How to Fix Skyrim Special Edition Sound Problems

If your game’s sound suddenly cuts out, and this has already happened to us on several occasions, there are a few fixes to try.

One simple fix that’s worked for us in the past is a quick minimization to the dashboard or desktop if you’re on PC. Wait a few seconds and then open Skyrim Special Edition again to see if the sound comes back.

If that doesn’t work, try closing the game and restarting it (make sure you save before doing this). You might also try rebooting the system completely.

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If you’re running into audio issues on PC you’ll want to make sure your audio drivers are currently up-to-date.

If you are experiencing audio quality issues, note that Bethesda is reportedly working on a fix for those. An update is expected to push out in November though it’s not clear how it will address these problems.

If you’d rather not wait for Bethesda, take a look at this workaround.

How to Stop Skyrim Save Corruptions (Xbox One)

During your time with Skyrim Special Edition there’s a chance you might encounter a corrupted save. Here’s how to prevent that from happening on Xbox One.

First, after making a save, you’ll want to wait a minute or two before closing the game, turning off the console, or attempting to make another save.

We recommend deleting some saves if you have a ton built up. This has helped us cut down on the number of corrupt save files we encounter.

We also recommend turning the Xbox One’s Instant On feature on. To do that, head to this full length guide from Microsoft.

Bethesda notes that this “issue can occur when you delete all of the saves for one of your characters through the in-game load menu and then try to load saves of other characters.”

To fix this issue, close and restart Skyrim Special Edition. To avoid running into this issue in the future, delete saves from the main menu.

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If you’re using mods and you get corrupted save when you load into the game, you’ll want to make a brand new save and use that save going forward.

How to Fix Skyrim Special Edition Crashes & Freezes

Crashes and freezes are common Skyrim Special Edition problems. If you encounter these issues, try these fixes.

PCs utilizing two graphics cards have been known to cause this problem so if a driver update doesn’t help, try forcing your computer to recognize a primary GPU. For instructions on how to do that for an NVIDIA machine, head here. For AMD-powered machines, head here.

Anti-virus software has been known to cause Skyrim launch issues and black screen problems so we recommend adding the game as an exception or disabling your anti-virus software when you’re playing Skyrim Special Edition on your PC.

If your copy of Skyrim Special Edition is crashing and you’re running Windows 10, take a look at Bethesda’s own list of workarounds.

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If you’re playing on a PC and it’s right on the border of the minimum or recommended PC requirements, try changing the in-game settings.

First you’ll want to try resetting the game’s auto-detected video options:

  1. Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
  2. Select Skyrim Special Edition.
  3. Click Play to open up the Skyrim SE Launcher.
  4. From inside the launcher, click Options and then select the Reset button in the Detail section.
  5.  Launch Skyrim Special Edition.

If that doesn’t work, try toning down the godrays, shadows, decals, screen space reflections, and/or some of the other graphical options from the menu. You might need to use some trial and error.

If you’re running Skyrim Special Edition mods, try disabling your mods to see if that alleviates the problem. Mods have been known to cause crashes and lockups.

If you’re noticing an uptick in Skyrim Special Edition crashes on the Xbox One, first try restarting the game. If that doesn’t help, perform a power cycle:

  • Press and hold the Xbox button on the front of the console for 10 seconds.
  • Unplug the console’s power cable and wait for 10 seconds.
  • Plug the power cable back in and turn the console back on by pressing the Xbox button again.

If that doesn’t help, try reinstalling the game. If crashing continues, Bethesda recommends getting in touch with Microsoft.

If you are running into crashes on the PlayStation 4, Bethesda recommends restarting the game, power cycling the system or reinstalling. Same as the Xbox One.

How to Improve Frame Rate

If you want to improve the frame rate of your game on the PC, here are a few things to try.

First, try updating your graphics drivers. Head here for NVIDIA graphic card drivers and here for AMD graphics card drivers.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll want to try changing your in-game settings. Head into the game’s launcher and try toning down shadows, snow shader, lens flare, and more. Tinker with these options until you get the results you’re looking for.

You can also try forcing your computer to recognize a primary GPU. For instructions on how to do that on an NVIDIA machine, head here. For AMD-powered machines, head here.

If you’re playing the game on Windows 10, Bethesda recommends disabling Xbox DVR. To disable that, head here for instructions.

You might also try disabling your Skyrim mods, if you’re running mods, to see if that helps improve your frame rate.

How to Get NPCs Unstuck

If you discover that an NPC is stuck or missing and you can’t or don’t want to use Skyrim’s console commands to bring them back, here’s how to fix that.

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To fix this, you’ll want to go explore another part of Tamriel. Walk away or use fast travel. We recommend waiting a day or two.

Once you’ve been away for a bit come back to where the missing NPC is located and he or she or it should be there.

How to Fix Skyrim Vanishing Weapon Problem

Occasionally your weapon might disappear from your character’s hands. This is a common problem in Bethesda games and it’s one that you should be able to fix rather easily.

If your character’s weapon suddenly disappears, you’ll want to switch to another weapon/spell and then switch back.

The weapon that vanished should reappear. If it doesn’t, you’ll want to revert back to an older save. If that doesn’t work, restart your game and/or system.

If you’re running Skyrim mods on your Xbox One, PS4 or PC, try disabling mods to see if that fixes the problem.

How to Fix Broken Skyrim Quests

Bethesda’s patched up Skyrim Special Edition but there are still numerous issues with the game’s primary and secondary quests.

If a quest starts acting up, the first thing you’ll want to do is leave the immediate area, explore a bit and then come back to see if the problem is resolved.

If that doesn’t help, reload an earlier save and try the quest again. If that doesn’t help, search for a manual fix online via Bethesda’s forums or another resource.

Skyrim-mod-Quest-Debugger

If you’re fine with using a mod, and you own an Xbox One, take a look at Quest Debugger. It allows you to fix broken quests on your own.

How to Fix Skyrim Mod Login Issues

If you’re having trouble logging in to the mods menu in Skyrim Special Edition there are a few fixes to try out.

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First, you’ll want to verify your username and password details by signing in to your Bethesda.net account right here. If you’ve forgotten your user name or password, you’ll need to resolve that.

If you’re playing on a wireless connection, Bethesda recommends trying a wired connection to see if that helps. You might also try rebooting your router. Unplug it, leave it off for a few minutes, and then plug it back in.

You can also try unlinking and then re-linking your Bethesda accounts To do that, follow Bethesda’s instructions:

  1. Sign into Bethesda.net here and click Linked Accounts.
  2. Click the Unlink button under the “Steam”, “Xbox”, or “PlayStation” section to unlink your accounts.
  3. Open the game and attempt to access Mods again. You will need to re-enter your Bethesda.net account details.
163 PS4 & Xbox One Skyrim Mods You Should Try Right Now

A Quality Map

A Quality Map

One of our favorite Skyrim mods for PC is now available for console. 

A Quality World Map by IcePenguin is an essential mod for PC. And now that it's available for console, it's an essential mod for Xbox One. (It's not available for PS4 yet.)

Bethesda's vanilla Skyrim map is decent enough but this mod takes it to the next level with improved textures and detailed roads.

The developer has literally drawn out every single road in the game and needless to say, it's impressive. And useful. 

For more info, take a look at the video below.

Trust us, this one is very, very good. Give it a try today.

9 Comments

9 Comments

  1. John

    11/03/2016 at 10:45 pm

    Fast traveling away and waiting 2 days does not bring back missing or glitched npc’s. I’ve tried on numerous occasions

    • Illuzion

      01/07/2017 at 4:24 pm

      Actually they have that information wrong. Go to a different town (say solitude) and then click “Wait”. Wait for 24hours and repeat this 10 times (or 10 days in skryim), after that don’t fast travel to the location of the stuck NPC, instead walk there and it should be fixed.

  2. Rajat Thakur

    02/19/2017 at 5:38 am

    you have shown in picture regarding blood on ice bugs …i have legendary edition of skyrim and i want to initiate that quest without any bugs …so can you please tell me how you did that

  3. Rajat Thakur

    02/19/2017 at 5:43 am

    you have shown in picture regarding blood on ice bugs …i have legendary edition of skyrim and i want to initiate that quest without any bugs …so can you please tell me how you did that…
    its on pc..so console may help..plz help

  4. Rita Peak

    02/22/2017 at 6:45 pm

    Up to level 40 ps4 everything started slowing down , going thru doors, fast travel , takes 10 to 15 minutes help

  5. del

    02/24/2017 at 6:36 pm

    I obtain Auriels bow the only way out is to fast travel. When I try this, the screen freezes and I,m stuck. I,m using a PS4. I contacted the game maker heard zero. What can I do? Thanks for any help.

  6. Dave

    02/25/2017 at 4:47 pm

    I have seen a few issues. One in particular is when you kill linwe the Somerset shadows leader when you equip he’s sleeveless theives guild armour and go into 1St person the character has no arm when sheathing or unsheathing a sword. Also eyes don’t blink on main character. And I have noticed a few bugs also like if I get theives guild quest to change ledger numbers in helgas bunkhouse it sometimes won’t let you even touch the ledger and the waypoint shows on a box upstairs from the ledger so quest is impossible to complete unless you cancel it. There is also friezes every so often when I’m playing game. I’m on xbox one. Another error is when I’m given a quest from farkas in companions to scare a person into submission if it goes to the girl in the red wave ship I cannot initiate a punch up with her. She just keeps telling me to leave. :(. And I can’t complete the quest. It’s a bit annoying because unlike the theives guild quest I cannot cancel it either. :(. It’s a shame because this is by far my favorite fantasy game and I really enjoy playing it.

  7. Andy

    04/08/2017 at 2:59 pm

    Question a while back I was downloading mods for Skyrim SE PC and mistakenly downloaded one for the PS4 on my PC. I have been unable to uninstall this mod and would like it if someone can tell me how to get rid of it. Also I installed two more mods for the PC that were for the PC but the creator took the mods down and all NPCs including my character the skin does not match up with eachother. PLEASE IF ANYONE CAN EXPLAIN TO ME A SOLUTION PLEASE REPLY ASAP!

  8. GABEL

    05/12/2017 at 4:37 pm

    I JUST ORDERED (@FULL PRICE) SKYRIM SPECIAL EDITION (PS4) BEFORE I READ ABOUT ALL THESE PROBLEMS IT STILL HAS (PLAYED IT IN MY PS3 DAYS BUT NEVER FINISHED) AND NOW I FEEL LIKE CANCELING.

    I’VE ALREADY GOT FALLOUT 4, BUT SHOULD I GO AHEAD & CANCEL OR BUY THEN WAIT FOR FIXES FROM BETHESDA?

    AND TO THINK I CHOOSE THIS BUG-FILLED GAME OVER TITANFALL 2 AND/OR RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER.

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