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Frequently Asked Questions

What is SkyrimNet?

SkyrimNet is a next-generation AI framework for Skyrim that enables intelligent, dynamic, and immersive NPC behavior — all running entirely in-process as a native DLL.

Unlike traditional mods that rely on hardcoded dialogue trees or slow external servers, SkyrimNet uses large language models (LLMs), templated logic, and real-time game state data to let NPCs:

  • React naturally to your actions
  • Remember and reference past events
  • Carry on meaningful conversations
  • Express desires, fears, or motivations, being shaped by them dynamically
  • Perform actions on their own, according to their personality and situation

Whether you're building a romance system, intelligent enemies, or dynamic questlines, SkyrimNet provides the foundation for deep, lifelike AI behavior inside Skyrim.

What makes SkyrimNet different from other Skyrim AI mods?

SkyrimNet runs entirely in-process as a DLL, meaning it does not require any external servers, Python scripts, or WSL/Linux environments. This results in:

  • Faster performance
  • Lower system resource usage
  • Real-time, memory-based AI reactions, fully costumizable
  • Much simpler setup for modders and players
  • The capacity to call upon any asset of the game, instantly, with the web ui
  • Powerful but simple tools to create npc actions and behaviours without any coding skills

How does SkyrimNet handle AI decisions?

SkyrimNet uses LLM-driven prompts and smart decorators to evaluate in-game context and decide which NPC should respond and how. It selects responses dynamically — no rigid trees or fixed scripts required.

What are decorators in SkyrimNet?

Decorators are logic modules that:

  • Add detailed context to actors, objects, or events
  • Transform game data into LLM-friendly summaries
  • Can be extended via Papyrus scripts

Does the SkyrimNet Web UI work without Skyrim running?

No — the SkyrimNet Web UI requires a running, loaded Skyrim game to function.

This is because the Web UI is powered by live data streamed directly from the in-process DLL, allowing it to:

  • Inspect real-time NPC states, locations, and memory
  • Modify variables and trigger actions immediately
  • Reflect the actual in-game world with full context

While this means you can’t use the UI from your browser without Skyrim running, the tradeoff enables unprecedented access and control over Skyrim’s systems — far beyond what’s possible with savefile parsing or offline tools.

SkyrimNet’s Web UI is a live control surface for a living world — not a static modding interface.

Is SkyrimNet a paid mod or subscription service?

NoSkyrimNet is a free, open passion project, the brainchild of a very talented developer, Min, who is building it out of love for Skyrim and AI-driven modding, aided by a small team of volunteer devs.

You don’t need to pay anything to download, install, or use SkyrimNet. However, if you'd like to support the developer, you can do so viaKo-fi.

The only potential cost involved is usage of external LLMs (large language models), which power the AI interactions. These may have minimal fees depending on the provider you choose — but a single dollar often covers hours of in-game AI behavior, according to most LLM pricing estimates.

SkyrimNet gives you access to deeply immersive AI-driven gameplay, without locking anything behind a paywall.

Can I write SkyrimNet extensions using Papyrus?

Yes! SkyrimNet provides a Papyrus API to:

  • Register custom decorators
  • Handle event callbacks
  • Extend behavior without C++

Are different models used in different situations?

Yes. SkyrimNet supports multiple LLM backends based on situation, such as:

  • Combat: fast, focused models
  • Dialogue: creative, expressive models
  • Meta: very fast and precise, for decison making

Does it poll game variables constantly?

No. SkyrimNet reads game data on demand during decoration. This makes it faster and avoids the overhead of constant polling.