The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is one of the most beloved titles in the RPG genre, and developer Bethesda Game Studios has capitalized on this popularity by publishing versions of the game across different console generations. Bethesda had a…unique approach to filling the decade-long wait for The Elder Scrolls 6. However, there have been several updates and new content that you can try on different consoles.
Trying to bring something new to the table every few years by releasing the exact same game is no easy task, but Bethesda – with the help of its modding community – has managed to do it for the most part. Whether you’ve only tried the original game or played each of the SkyrimWith many different iterations, each version offers a slightly different flavor of the same dragon-slaying dish.
Skyrim Basic Edition (2011)
Computer, PS3, Xbox 360
Available for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 upon launch, the original Skyrim it was a truly epic RPG. There have been a number of hiccups involving bugs in the Skyrimbut these imperfections have cemented themselves in players’ memories, with some of the best flaws in Skyrim ending up being seen as captivating qualities. The unintentional silliness and hilarity that these bugs and glitches brought to an otherwise serious game was enough to immediately turn Skyrim in one of the most memorable (and meme-capable) games to ever exist.
One thing to note about the base edition is that not all versions are the same. The PC version has always been hailed as inherently superior for a number of reasons, including better graphics and frame rates. Additionally, modding and console commands were much easier to access when only playing on the PC iteration of the game. Skyrim.
The Xbox 360 version worked as expected, but Skyrim on the PlayStation 3 was heavily affected by a nasty bug that erased the game’s memory after a certain point of play time. This was eventually corrected, but Skyrim it was nearly unplayable on the PS3 at launch.
Skyrim Special Edition (2016)
PC, PS4, Xbox One
Five years after the fifth Ancient Scrolls title dropped, a remastered version was released for consoles and PC, with Nintendo Switch following three years later. As expected, the Skyrim: Special Edition included updated graphics and polished effects as well as all three DLCs – Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn – included in purchase. Also introduced mods for consoleswhich was a benefit previously only offered to the PC versions of the game.
However, more bad news for PlayStation gamers followed the release of the Remaster. Although the corrupted save bug has been fixedthe number of mods available for PS4 was just a handful compared to those allowed on Xbox. Sony implemented this restriction due to fears over the console’s security, and there wasn’t much Bethesda could do to fix it.
On PC, however, the Special Edition made mods better than ever. As a 64-bit version of the game, it can withstand heavy modding significantly better, resulting in the potential for more insane changes than ever before. While it took a while for the modding scene to reach the point it was in the original iteration of the game, trying to play the original on PC today will result in a lack of compatibility with many of the best Skyrim mods to review the game.
Skyrim Switch Release (2017)
Nintendo Switch
When Skyrim Special Edition port for Nintendo was finally released, some gamers were skeptical that a game as massive as Skyrim could run smoothly on a portable system. Skyrim on Switch it may not have survival mode, but it still works Special Edition very good. The Nintendo Switch port supported enhanced graphics and even offered motion control as an exclusive bonussomething that players found incredibly fun for its enigmatic difficulty.
In the modding scene, the launch of the Switch takes another step back, as the platform does not offer any compatibility with mods. As a consolation prize, motion controls are included for a variety of purposes, including general sword and board action, aiming bows, casting spells, and picking locks. It is also possible to scroll Skyrim in a Link outfit in the Switch versionan interesting addition to The Legend of Zelda fans.
Skyrim VR (2017)
SteamVR, PlayStation VR
Virtual Reality is a more recent trend in video games, but it Skyrim enjoyed it well. Skyrim VR added to Adventures of the Dragonborntaking on a whole new universe of immersion. At the same time the Special Edition was released for Nintendo Switch, Bethesda optimized Skyrim for VR on a variety of platforms that offer it.
VR in terms of slaying dragons and casting spells against the undead has introduced a whole new experience for even the most experienced Skyrim fans, injecting the gameplay with an additional layer of intensity and difficulty. Naturally, spending hours immersed in VR can lead to some fatigue compared to other Skyrim iterations, but it makes the rigors of being the Dragonborn feel a little more palpable.
Carving out an existence in Skyrim is difficult, and playing it in VR makes that more apparent than ever. Eat 20 slices of cheese and other foods in Skyrim At the same time, running for days on end and never getting any sleep can cause more harm to VR gamers than any other kind, a prospect that can be intimidating for some and exciting for others.
Skyrim: Anniversary Edition (2021)
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
More recently, Bethesda celebrated Skyrim10 year anniversary in 2021 with a special Anniversary Edition which was made available for all its platforms. Players can purchase the game as a whole, which includes all SkyrimThe base game and its three DLCs. Alternatively, you can update a copy of Special Edition for the Anniversary Edition for much cheaper.
Game updates include improved graphics and gameplay, as well as reduced loading screens. Fishing has been added as a new mechanic and all approved Creation Club mods are present, as well as some entirely new mods for tweaking the appearance of weapons and armor.
A few more additions to Skyrim: anniversary Edition includes a Survival Mode mod, which makes the consequences of the game much more realistic and dangerous. For example, the Dragonborn needs to sleep, cure any illnesses, and eat enough food before too much time passes, or they will suffer permanent damage. For those who have completed multiple playthroughs, these extra challenges may motivate them to start another one.
There are also some quests added in the latest edition of Skyrim, going by the name of Saints and Seducers. A number of new ingredients and crafting recipes are available to be found all over the world thanks to Anniversary Editionof Rare curiosities DLC. The exploration of new content makes this version without a doubt the most complete experience at the time of this writing.
Which version of Skyrim to play
Special and anniversary edition are great options
After all the years that have passed since the original release of Skyrimthe game’s initial incarnation was superseded by subsequent releases. For a general play, It’s better to look at the Anniversary Editionwhich contains the most impressive package of content and graphics in general.
THE Special Edition It’s still a great way to play, so upgrading shouldn’t feel obligatory. The PC is ideal for mods, but modern versions of the Xbox also surpass the PlayStation in this regard. Buying the game on Switch is great for portable gaming. The VR version can be overwhelming for a first playthrough, but it’s an interesting option for VR veterans or enthusiasts.
When downloading mods for SkyrimAlways be careful to only make changes to the game that your system can support. Considering how long modding has been active in the game, some mods can be very intensive and cause the game to crash if not implemented correctly.
Those who seek to see how Skyrim reproduced upon its initial release could check out the original versions, only to see the many flaws that defined an era in gaming history. While you might not like the agonizing loading screen times or the lack of mods and DLC content, it might be worth revisiting to see how far the new editions have taken this game over time.
Skyrim has been such a successful title that Bethesda deemed it worthy of multiple releases, and although this ritual has become a running joke among Ancient Scrolls fans, it seems that Skyrim will be making frequent appearances in game stores for a while. The only thing that will prevent the addition of new versions of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is the inevitable liberation from The Elder Scrolls 6.