Ralof or Hadvar (alternate start)

⭐ ⭐ (698 endorsements) 📥 113,997 downloads 📌 v220206 📅 1/11/2018
⚪ Last updated 2023

By whatever · Gameplay

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 3/7/2023 📅 Created: 1/11/2018
⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
1🛠️ SKSE64 — Skyrim Script Extender 64 Download ↗
2🔧 USSEP — Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch Download ↗
3🖥️ SkyUI — SkyUI (MCM framework) Download ↗
4🧩 Address Library — Address Library for SKSE Plugins Download ↗
5🔧 SSE Engine Fixes — SSE Engine Fixes Download ↗

Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.

🔍 Analysis

  • 👍 0.6% endorsement rate
  • 🏆 #42 of 102 Gameplay mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

I know... I know... Alternate Start Live Another Life rocks, but this is simply a setting built into Skyrim itself which

bypasses the carriage ride and lets you choose who you wish to follow.

Ralof or Hadvar starting the Unbound quest.

Seems to be compatible with Opening Scene Overhaul. Load Ralof or Hadvar after it.

I don't think its compatible with any mod that alters the beginning of the game.

Update

-220209

I was concerned about the vanilla bandits not spawning in Helgen on the forth day because of compatibility w/ the mod Helgen Reborn that I've never played but always wanted to. I've tested it pretty extensively today w/ "Ralof or Hadvar" and from my testing it was always compatible. I just didn't know it. as a matter of fact it may be started prior to having the shackles removed from your character. As stated in the past when exiting the Helgen cave Helgen will already be on fire from the dragon attack. The fire will burn for 3 days and then will self extinguish.

Helgen Reborn changes with uploaded patch

  • []The patch is not imperative to have to be able run Helgen Reborn with Ralof or Hadvar. It simply addresses things that stuck out to me.

  • []Book doesn't auto spawn in player's inventory. Quest now starts with a note nailed to the Whiterun Drunken Huntsmen's entryway(see screenshot).

    []Book text was changed from technical instructions on how to get mod working to an in game Reward notice looking for the survivor of the Helgen disastor.

    []Resized Trigger to initiated dialogue with Balfring for the first time when entering either Helgen gate instead of just one.

  • Dialogue change from "You're looking for me? What are you talking about?" to "What do you want?" for fluidity the first time speaking w/ Patsy.

    I see no reason to ever not run the Helgen Reborn mod along side Ralof or Hadvar because it just provides a treasure trove of content in place of a simple vanilla bandit spawn. Don't rob yourself of great content. Helgen Reborn is not w/ out it's occasional bug at certain points because its so choreographed by scripts, but so far for me nothing that closing Skyrim and opening again didn't solve. Come to think of it I would say it would be an engine bug opposed to Helgen Reborn having the bug. We'll just have to wait for the boys over at OpenMW to make an OpenSky engine or officially support Skyrim data file within OpenMW.

    Update

    -220206

    Do not upgrade to this version until you are ready for a new game. Imperial archer was not obeying because creation kit changed form versions when updating to SE. They were purposely not suppose to change. Bandits are no longer spawning when the Helgen fire is extinguished after 3 days. Don't know why will revisit some day.

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

This mod lets you skip the carriage ride animation at the start of Skyrim by pressing the space-bar, saving time when creating new characters. It's a simple quality-of-life tweak for players who start new games frequently.

✨ Key Features

Press the space-bar to skip the carriage ride animation when starting a new game.
Simple gameplay tweak that speeds up character creation.
Compatible with alternate start mods? (Not specified, but likely works with them.)

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Community favorite with 698 endorsements and over 113k downloads.
  • Saves precious minutes for players who roll new characters often.
  • Lightweight and does exactly what it says—no bloat.

⚠️ Cons

  • Only skips the intro carriage ride; doesn't affect other lengthy sequences.
  • May conflict with mods that alter the intro sequence or add new starting scenarios.
  • Last updated in 2023, so it might not be compatible with the latest Skyrim patches or mods.
🎯 Is This For You?
For Skyrim players who start new games constantly and are tired of the unskippable carriage ride. If you're a completionist who only plays one character, you won't need this. Skip if you want more than just skipping the intro—this is purely a time-saver.
📦 Install:Easy· Under 1 minute

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Make sure to install this mod with a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 to keep your load order clean.
  • If you use other intro-skipping mods, disable them to avoid conflicts.
  • Test the mod on a new game to ensure the space-bar skip works as expected.

📊 Mod Details

Game
Skyrim Mods
Author
whatever
Version
220206
Downloads
113,997
Endorsements
698
Category
Gameplay
Created
1/11/2018
Updated
3/7/2023

🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods

Download from Nexus.

📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim →

Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.

🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Skyrim commands, item IDs, and more.

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