For those who like to play Skyrim as a stealth character, the bow and arrow is key to avoiding close combat, but sometimes this approach can have unexpected results, as one player recently discovered. Given the number of ways there are to play The Elder Scrolls 5, it's not surprising that Bethesda's 2011 epic RPG has stood the test of time. It may be dated now, with fans growing impatient for TES6, but its legacy is still going strong.
Whatever trope players go for, there's more than enough to keep the Dragonborn entertained. Players have the ability to build up prowess in strength and magic, of course, but the idea of picking enemies off from afar like an assassin is appealing to many, leading many to favor Skyrim's archery skill. As such, the bow is the trusted weapon of choice for a lot of players, and usually things go well when fighting someone off, even if the result is something totally unexpected.
Take Reddit user icy-winter-ghost, for example. In a recent post on the website, the Skyrim player uploaded a brief clip from their playthrough, adding that they felt sorry for someone in particular. In the video, the user can be seen being accosted by an assassin, which results in icy-winter-ghost shooting some fire arrows at the approaching enemy. However, while a couple hit their target as normal, one arrow has a bizarre effect on the would-be killer. When it strikes, it sends the assassin into the air, spinning like a leaf in a breeze, which ends with the attacker being hurled off the edge of a cliff and twirling into the distance.
There are lots of cool archery tricks that can be pulled off in Skyrim, but it's clear that this Reddit user was not expecting to see an assailant go hurtling into the sky because of an arrow. This is obviously one of the many glitches that still exist in the 11-year-old RPG. As amusing as it is to see, it's also another example of why TES5 has become notorious for its litany of bugs.
There are even some helpful glitches in Skyrim, but to many, the fact that they are still present after so many years and numerous re-releases is a problem. It's one of the reasons the game is still in the limelight. Aside from beautiful scenery, memorable characters, and swooping dragons, the little bugs players come across are partly responsible for the title's longevity, even its charm.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Anniversary Edition is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.