How to assign a single Keystroke to multiple items

the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim

Skyrim is great during the gameplay but I dont like the menus at all. The problem is there are scenarios where I need to switch whole sets of armor, rings, necklaces and weapons very quickly.

For eg, I start quests with sneaking around, for that I use the nightingale armor and use detect life spell + soul trap elven dagger. Now, when a tough guy / boss comes in the way then I need to switch to heavy steel armor, necklace for block, shield and a strong sword. Then I need to switch back.

This involves so much menu navigation that I am starting to hate it. It would be superb if I could assign keys to scenarios like:

  1. Assassin – light armor + blade
  2. Warrior – heavy armor + one handed combat
  3. Sharp shooter – light armor + bow + arrows
  4. Mage – magica regen apparel + spells
  5. Thief – muffle apparel + blade + lockpick/pickpocket ring/necklace
  6. Business man – stuff to increase speech craft and price discount etc etc etc

God! Is it just me or it is such a pain to switch between these items in-game. All because I like efficient gameplay.

I know the game doesnt support this (I know about the Q – # shortcuts) but perhaps there are scripts or mods that allow assigning a keystroke to multiple items (apparel, weapons, spells, shouts, powers)?

Best Answer

A macro program like autohotkey is what you're looking for.

Since skyrim has a consolified interface, almost any action can be done with keystrokes alone.

The trick is to use the favorites menu, and walk trough it while selecting the things you want.

A macro I have for example is:

  • q opens quick menu

  • wwwwwwwwwwww moves to top of list (number of items in list.)

  • eseequips or unequips an unrelated weapon and shield

  • the desired weapon is has a known state (unequiped)

  • sse moves to wapon and equips it.

  • ssse moves to shield and equips it.

  • q closes quick menu.

It isn't instant or very quick, but it saves a lot of time.

However, this setup is fragile and basically only works when all items of the Quick menu have consistent names.