Audio Overhaul mod for Skyrim Special Edition is a free mod that enriches the game’s sound effects and makes it sound realistic. The mod covers almost everything in the game like the wind howling, dogs barking, sounds in the distance, room-dependent echoes, arrow impacts, etc. It gives you an immersive Skyrim experience. Even the footsteps of your character were remade to change, depending on what he wears. 

Other audio mods like Sounds Of Skyrim and Immersive Sounds Compendium come close to AOS on multiple fronts. Depending on what players look for, they can choose different types of audio mods.

Over the distances

AOS increases the range of sounds depending on what made the sound. For example, the weapon impact audio range was increased by 200%, but the range of an NPC eating an apple is almost the same. You’ll often hear what you can see; a dog barking, a forge working, a spell impact, etc.

Weapons, spells, and weight effect

The mod gives new drawings and sheathing sounds for each weapon. The draw doesn’t sound like the sheath and is different for each weapon. The sounds of weapon swinging were also remade. For bows, the drawing and shooting effects were made from an actual medieval bow. The arrows now have whistling projectile sounds. 

The magic casting, projection, and impact were made from scratch. Impact sounds are more explosive, projectiles are more aggressive, and wielding sounds are distinctive to each spell. Different spells have their unique sounds. The way your character’s footsteps sound was remade to accordingly fit what armor he wears. Depending on the weight of what he wears and the weapons he has, the footsteps can sound heavy or light.

Ambiance

Ambient sounds are crucial for making a game feel natural and immersive. AOS has about 400 new ambient sounds. If you stand still, you can hear numerous sounds like birds chirping, forges working, hammers falling, bees, rocks falling, etc. Depending on the area you are in, you can hear different things. For example, in the Reach, you can hear eagles, rocks falling off mountains, and in the Tundra, you can hear the grass rustling, insects, etc. Fire crackling, waterfalls gushing, and windmills were also remade to sound even more realistic.

Sounds good

Audio Overhaul for Skyrim SE is an excellent audio mod. The level of detail and the effort to create this mod is quite apparent as the improved sound effects make the game richer, where you can even distinguish even the smallest of sounds.  

AOS is much more immersive, realistic, and fun to play.  While most bugs and issues have been resolved, sometimes the effects were overdone. For example, the reverberations in halls are too much. Overall, it’s a great audio mod.