One of the highlights ofThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis its physics engine. While large objects are attached to the scenery,most small objects are subject to physics. Players can take them, steal them, move them throw them, and collect them to create strange sculptures and piles of objects that tax their consoles to their limit.
However, the tutorial ofSkyrimdoesn’t really explain how players can grab and move objects, and they definitely don’t explain that playerscan grab and move bodiesas well. This ability is very useful since citizens will only report a murder the Dragonborn commits if they see the body. This guide will explainhow to move bodiesand other objects and the limitations of this ability.
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Body-Moving Basics
Objects that players can add to their inventory can also be manipulated. Instead of pressing the button to take or steal an object, click and hold the button to pick it up and start moving it. The object will move to the center of the player’s view and will move as players move and look around. Players can let go of the button at this point and keep manipulating the object. Pressing the button one more time will drop the object.
Heavy objects will move slower when manipulated, and players will move slower as they manipulate them. In addition, if players move or turn too fast, they’ll lose their grip on the object. This can potentially send the object flying into the distance, and players can throw items intentionally. Doing so can cause damage, but in generalarrows are a more reliable way to harm enemiesfrom a distance.
Bodies are containers rather than inventory objects, but players can manipulate them as well. Moving bodies uses the same mechanic as moving inventory objects, though bodies are heavy enough to cause players to move slower while dragging them. On the bright side, bodies are light enough to move over short fences and walls, drag up a staircase, or throw over taller walls. However, keep in mind thatbodies can glitch into walls and floors, and if they do, it can be impossible to move them.
Advanced Exploits
Something to keep in mind is that NPCs don’t care if players manipulate objects around them, even if its name is red and taking it would be stealing. Players can take advantage of this to grab an object off a merchant’s shelf, take it around the corner, hide, and then steal it where no one can see. The object still counts as stolen, but doing so is much easier than trying to steal something directly off the shelf.
As mentioned above, NPCs who find bodies will alert the guardsand raise the Dragonborn’s bounty. However, players can kill someone in secret and then hide the body to prevent this discovery from happening.
Players can also create piles and sculptures by dropping inventory objects and gathering them together using the manipulation function. Players have caused all kinds of chaosby blocking roads with cheese, collecting bodies into a massive pile, and otherwise making the most ofSkyrim’s physics engine.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis available now on PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
