Free Skyrim multiplayer mode supports 700 players, but bad apples aim to ruin it

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has a free online multiplayer mode called Keizaal Online, but it’s drawn the attention of griefers and trolls.

Online roleplay is nothing new, and it’s certainly not a new concept to RPG games. The whole point of playing an RPG is to act in a role.

However there are some players out there who take their fictional lives a little too seriously, which is a steadfast way to attract the wrong kind of attention. That’s something Skyrim players using Keizaal are quickly learning.

Keizaal Online is a multiplayer server that strips out the NPCs from Skyrim, allowing up to 700 players to populate its world instead.

Every in-game store and role needs to be filled by another player, who you can communicate with through in-game proximity chat.

It’s quite popular, and even at the time of writing there’s over 500 players currently active in it, with more probably joining around peak times.

Like many we’ve known about it for a while, but it’s come a long way since it first launched and even has a roadmap of new content planned. It should keep us occupied until The Elder Scrolls VI’s next reveal trailer in 2030…

What drew our attention to it recently though is a TikTok by genuinelemonyt, who’s recently started joining the server and come across some less-than-friendly inhabitants.

Regardless of whose side you’re on in the above altercation, the fact of the matter is viral content like this is exactly what spurs other would-be content creators into joining these worlds themselves.

Red Dead Redemption Online is another good example, as while the console version of the mode is dying a death, the PC version is somewhat thriving. That’s because players are making their own fun by hosting online roleplay servers, but again it’s attracted the attention of online griefers seeking to wind people up for clicks.

There’s fault on both sides. People shouldn’t be going out there to disrupt other people’s fun for TikToks, but at the same time there are plenty of players out there who take games like this too seriously, making them prime targets for this type of content.

How to join Skyrim’s Keizaal Online server and play yourself

If you want to try the multiplayer mode for yourself, doing so is relatively simple, but it’s worth pointing out that you’ll need a copy of The Elder Scrolls V: Special Edition from Steam specifically.

Then simply join the Keizaal Online Discord server, which is a requirement if you want to play, and download the launcher.

After that, open the launcher, direct it to your copy of Skyrim, then ensure the Vortex mod manager is installed on your PC.

Finally, use Vortex to download and install the ‘Keizaal Online Collection’ and hit play, which will download the required mods to gain access to the server.

It’s pretty straightforward, and well-worth playing if you’ve always wanted to play Skyrim with friends. Just be mindful of other people once you’re in.

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