To join a Skyrim Together Reborn server, each player needs their own copy of Skyrim Special Edition, latest version, on Steam, on a Windows 8.1 or newer PC, with the Skyrim Together Reborn mod installed at the same version as the server. The PlayNHost server itself needs no copy of Skyrim.
What does every player need?
- Their own Skyrim Special Edition, latest version. The mod's FAQ calls the Steam version "the ONLY version that is supported". The official Supported games page also lists GOG: "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (Steam, GOG | LATEST VERSION)".
- A Windows PC. The mod's FAQ says: "For the mod itself you will need Windows 8.1 or higher."
- The Skyrim Together Reborn mod, installed with the official client setup guide (Mod Organizer 2 or Vortex). It is downloaded from the mod's Nexus Mods page.
- The same Skyrim Together Reborn version as your server. A player on another version is refused with
This server expects version ... but you are on version .... See Players see This server expects version on your Skyrim Together server. - A character past the Helgen intro. Players connect only after escaping Helgen.
The Anniversary Upgrade is not needed. The Supported games page says: "You do not need to buy the Anniversary Upgrade. We recommend playing without it for the best experience."
Which versions of Skyrim cannot join?
The Supported games page lists these as not supported:
- Skyrim Special Edition on consoles. The page says: "We will never support any game on any Console, since it isn't possible to do so."
- Skyrim Special Edition from Xbox Game Pass or Epic Games.
- Skyrim VR.
- The original Skyrim and Skyrim Legendary Edition.
- Cracked or pirated copies.
There is no crossplay: Skyrim Together Reborn is for Skyrim Special Edition on PC only.
Does the server need a copy of Skyrim?
No. The Skyrim Together Reborn server on PlayNHost is the mod team's own server program. It passes game state between players and never loads Skyrim, so it needs no game files and no Skyrim licence. Every player who wants to play still needs their own copy, including you.
Can players use other mods?
They can, but the mod team advises against it. Its FAQ: "Our official position is that you should not install any other mods for the best, most stable experience." If your group does use mods, everyone should run the same list. The server can enforce that: How to make everyone use the same mods on your Skyrim Together server.
What about the player's hardware?
The mod's troubleshooting page says the processor must support AES-NI; without it, the game crashes when it opens or connects. Older AMD Phenom processors are named as not supported.
Where does each player's progress live?
On their own PC. Characters, quests and items are in each player's own Skyrim saves, not on the server. A player who joins with a new character starts fresh; a player who brings an existing save keeps that character. Players should save often with F5.
Questions people ask
Can a friend on Xbox or PlayStation join? No. Skyrim Together Reborn runs only on PC.
Can a friend with Skyrim from Game Pass join? No, the Game Pass version is on the not supported list.
Can a friend on Steam Deck or Linux join? The mod's FAQ names only Windows 8.1 or higher for the mod and says Linux support would have to come from the community. PlayNHost has not tested it.
Do I need to buy Skyrim again for the server? No. The server needs no Skyrim; you need your own copy to play, like every player.
Next: How to join your Skyrim Together server and How many players can a Skyrim Together server have.
