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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

92%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
stability, monetization
92% User Score Based on 197,689 reviews

Platforms

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About

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition offers a vast open world with limitless character customization options and choices. The three official add-ons, Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, provide additional storylines and gameplay features, including vampire lord transformation, home building, and island exploration with new shouts and dragon taming. This is a must-play for RPG enthusiasts seeking a complete and legendary experience in the critically acclaimed world of The Elder Scrolls.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition screenshot

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 197,689 reviews
story4.9k positive mentions
stability3.6k negative mentions

  • The atmospheric world of Skyrim, enhanced by its iconic soundtrack and breathtaking landscapes, creates an immersive experience that captivates players.
  • The game's open-world design and extensive side quests offer unparalleled freedom and replayability, allowing players to shape their own unique stories.
  • Skyrim's character development system is highly praised for its depth and flexibility, enabling players to customize their characters through a vast array of skills and playstyles.
  • The game suffers from persistent bugs and glitches, which can disrupt gameplay and detract from the overall experience.
  • Many players find the main storyline to be mediocre and lacking depth, with some quests feeling uninspired and repetitive.
  • The introduction of microtransactions and the monetization of previously free community mods have drawn significant criticism, leading to frustration among players.
  • story
    15,853 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Skyrim" is often described as a mix of epic and mundane, with a central narrative revolving around the player as the Dragonborn tasked with defeating the dragon Alduin. While the main quest is considered somewhat short and lacking depth, many players find the real charm lies in the extensive side quests and faction storylines, which are rich in lore and character development. The game's open-world design allows for a high degree of freedom, enabling players to explore, engage in various quests, and shape their own unique stories, often enhanced by a vibrant modding community that adds new content and experiences.

    • “What I love about this game is you can be dedicated to the lore so much to the point you can read Dovahzul and the godhead or barely know the plot of the game and still have a unique and enjoyable experience.”
    • “The main storyline, which centers on the dragonborn's quest to save tamriel from a dragon apocalypse, is gripping and well-crafted.”
    • “The game's storytelling is further enhanced by its excellent writing and voice acting, making it a truly immersive experience.”
    • “The main story is very mediocre, typical hero saves the day by slaying an evil dragon.”
    • “The overall quest line is garbage as well; it just feels uninspired, and the blades' stronghold you go to, which I felt should have felt more magical and mystical, felt dull and played down a lot.”
    • “The main quest is boring and never feels like there are any stakes, with the antagonist being able to be killed by an iron dagger.”
  • graphics
    10,623 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Skyrim" have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the visuals were impressive at launch in 2011, they now appear dated compared to modern standards. However, the remastered Special Edition offers enhanced graphics, including improved textures and lighting, which breathe new life into the game. The vibrant modding community further elevates the visual experience, allowing players to customize graphics extensively, making the game visually appealing even years after its original release.

    • “The remastered graphics make everything look sharper and more vibrant, and the game runs smoothly, enhancing the overall experience.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, especially when you use mods to enhance the visuals.”
    • “The special edition enhances the already vast and vibrant world of Skyrim with stunning graphics and art design.”
    • “The graphics are older now, the framerate a little rougher, but the heart remains untouched.”
    • “The graphics are a bit outdated, but the quality of everything else is beyond any RPG since... Bethesda, where did you go wrong?”
    • “The graphics still show their age, and while the special edition offers some improvements, it doesn't feel like a significant leap forward, especially when compared to what the modding community has already achieved for the original version of Skyrim.”
  • gameplay
    5,491 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Skyrim" is characterized by its vast open world, allowing for extensive exploration and a variety of playstyles, including combat, magic, and stealth. While many players appreciate the freedom and depth offered by the game, criticisms often highlight its repetitive mechanics, dated combat system, and reliance on mods to enhance the experience. Overall, the game remains engaging and enjoyable, particularly with the support of a robust modding community that continually revitalizes gameplay and adds new content.

    • “Skyrim's gameplay is characterized by its open-world design and player freedom, offering players unparalleled freedom to shape their own destinies.”
    • “The gameplay is engaging, with a variety of weapons and spells to choose from, and a skill system that allows players to customize their characters.”
    • “With thousands of user-created mods ranging from graphical enhancements to gameplay overhauls, the possibilities for customization are virtually limitless.”
    • “Skyrim is a mediocre and dumbed down RPG, with your classic Bethesda writing and gameplay; once you've played one, you've played them all.”
    • “The gameplay is very slow, janky, and doesn't feel right.”
    • “The core gameplay can feel somewhat clunky, a charmingly nostalgic jankiness that some might even appreciate.”
  • stability
    3,830 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of Skyrim, particularly in its Special Edition, remains a contentious topic among players. While many appreciate the game's expansive world and engaging gameplay, a significant number of reviews highlight persistent bugs and glitches that can disrupt the experience, ranging from minor visual issues to game-breaking quest problems. Despite these challenges, players often find humor in the glitches, and the modding community provides numerous fixes and enhancements, making the game more enjoyable for those willing to invest time in troubleshooting and customization. Overall, while the game is still considered a classic, its stability issues are a notable drawback.

    • “Game runs great, gameplay is as fun as it always has been.”
    • “A fair and balanced game with absolutely no glitches or exploits.”
    • “No glitches, no bugs, no exploits, and certainly nothing that ever stops the gameplay.”
    • “The sheer buggy-ness and fickle achievement system always seems to screw me over.”
    • “The game is notoriously buggy, unplayable without mods (which disable achievements) and has built-in ads in the title screen that you cannot dismiss.”
    • “Game is full of game-breaking quest glitches that were never fixed.”
  • music
    2,002 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," composed by Jeremy Soule, is widely praised for its iconic and immersive quality, enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Players frequently highlight the soundtrack's ability to evoke nostalgia and create a sense of adventure, with memorable tracks accompanying both exploration and combat. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitive combat music, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's enduring appeal and immersive experience.

    • “The music swells like a symphony, echoing the pulse of a world where dragons soar and legends are born.”
    • “The soundtrack still pops into my head, and 'Dragonborn' never fails to bring a smile to my face.”
    • “The atmosphere, the ambiance, the music, the scenery, the sense of discovery and the general open expanses of the Nordic wilderness are the primary draw for me.”
    • “The music is very repetitive, and it became tiresome hearing the same reused song in the same reused fight - you will experience this hundreds and hundreds of times.”
    • “The soundtrack is fairly decent, but the music sort of fades into the background rather than helping to immerse the player in the world better, which is a bit disappointing.”
    • “The bard's songs in taverns (if they can be considered part of the soundtrack) are of such poor production quality that I can't even find words for them.”
  • replayability
    1,898 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The replayability of Skyrim is widely regarded as exceptional, with many players highlighting its near-infinite potential due to a robust modding community and diverse character builds. Users frequently mention that each playthrough can feel unique, thanks to various quests, playstyles, and the ability to customize experiences through mods. Overall, the game is celebrated for its enduring appeal and extensive replay value, making it a timeless classic in the RPG genre.

    • “The quests and storylines are generally interesting, and there is a lot of replayability due to the different options that can be picked in some of the quests, and different ways of interacting with the world.”
    • “With its massive open world, compelling quests, and endless replayability, it’s no wonder the game is still beloved all these years later.”
    • “The freedom to shape your character and choose your path, whether as a noble hero or a cunning thief, adds to the game's replayability and depth.”
    • “Not much replayability, I'm afraid, except for trying new builds and seeing very minor different outcomes in some side quests.”
    • “The replayability seems to be unmatched, and each new game I start, I find myself as the Dragonborn, completing quest upon quest, finding hidden details I've (somehow) missed, and having fun completing tasks how I please.”
    • “Despite my extensive time with it, I've yet to complete every quest, a testament to its vast content and replayability.”
  • optimization
    1,482 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of Skyrim Special Edition has received mixed reviews from players. While many appreciate the transition to a 64-bit engine that enhances stability and allows for better modding capabilities, others report significant performance issues, including stuttering and frame drops, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the game runs more smoothly than the original version for some, but many users still experience optimization problems that detract from the gameplay experience.

    • “The remastered graphics make everything look sharper and more vibrant, and the game runs smoothly, enhancing the overall experience.”
    • “The special edition brings improved visuals, better performance, and all the DLC in one package, making it the best way to experience this legendary RPG.”
    • “The special edition runs far more smoothly than the original, with better optimization and stability.”
    • “Poorly optimized for a 2011 game.”
    • “This 'special edition' only really adds more performance cost for slightly better looking water.”
    • “The special edition is very unoptimized and it seems as if it was rushed and not meant for PC.”
  • humor
    1,095 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in Skyrim is a defining feature, characterized by a mix of intentional and unintentional comedic elements. Players frequently highlight the game's amusing glitches, such as flying horses and bizarre NPC behaviors, which often lead to hilarious moments during gameplay. Additionally, the quirky dialogue and absurd quest scenarios contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere, making the game a source of both laughter and nostalgia for many fans.

    • “There's something wonderfully magical about Skyrim—a blend of mystery, humor, and adventure that never fails to spark joy.”
    • “The glitches are hilarious and aren't game-breaking, and survival mode makes it fun to play instead of easy to become overpowered right away on the normal mode.”
    • “Skyrim is synonymous with buggy yet funny gameplay.”
    • “Not funny enough 0/10”
    • “But it's not funny.”
    • “This game has been re-done so many times it's not funny.”
  • monetization
    715 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of Skyrim has drawn significant criticism from users, who describe it as a blatant cash grab, particularly with the introduction of microtransactions through the Creation Club. Many players feel that the frequent re-releases and updates serve primarily to monetize previously free community mods, undermining the modding community and the game's integrity. While some acknowledge that the game remains enjoyable despite these monetization practices, the overwhelming sentiment is one of frustration over the intrusive ads and the forced monetization of content that was once freely available.

    • “While some may criticize the introduction of microtransactions, they are not necessary to fully enjoy the game.”
    • “There are so many good mods for this game that would be microtransactions in modern gaming.”
    • “Despite all the glitches, crashed games, and microtransactions, it is still the best game I have ever played.”
    • “The game is notoriously buggy, unplayable without mods (which disable achievements) and has built-in ads on the title screen that you cannot dismiss.”
    • “They somehow found a way to include microtransactions in Skyrim.”
    • “The introduction of paid mods and microtransactions was the final straw for me.”
  • atmosphere
    653 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in Skyrim is widely praised as one of its standout features, characterized by breathtaking landscapes, immersive sound design, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Jeremy Soule. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a rich, atmospheric world filled with diverse environments, from snowy mountains to dense forests, enhancing the sense of exploration and adventure. Despite its age, the game's atmosphere remains captivating, drawing players back for its enchanting ambiance and the freedom to roam its vast, detailed world.

    • “Whether you’re battling dragons atop snowy peaks, delving into ancient ruins, or simply wandering through bustling towns, the game’s immersive atmosphere remains unparalleled.”
    • “The atmosphere, the ambiance, the music, the scenery, the sense of discovery, and the general open expanses of the Nordic wilderness are the primary draw for me.”
    • “The game seduces the senses, drawing you into its world with rich, atmospheric detail that makes you want to stay forever, to taste every bite of its experience—be it the allure of a finely crafted dagger, the exhilarating rush of a battle, or the tender moments of quiet, intimate conversations with the characters who become so real, so unforgettable.”
    • “The atmosphere of these games is a D&D nerd's dream.”
    • “The atmosphere is unlike anything I've seen in the gaming industry so far.”
    • “The atmosphere, the tone, the lore... oh man, don't get me started about the music.”
  • grinding
    614 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting it can be excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time to achieve desired levels or complete quests. While some appreciate the depth and immersion that grinding provides, others find it repetitive and frustrating, particularly in relation to leveling up skills and completing side quests. Overall, players suggest that those who enjoy grinding will find satisfaction, but it may deter others who prefer a more streamlined experience.

    • “Best game of all time, I dare anybody to make a game with as much diversity in play style while feeling not grindy at all. I don't think anyone will ever best this game without using it as a blueprint.”
    • “Being able to just make something you are qualified to craft makes it so much more rewarding and not grindy.”
    • “It's not very grindy - I appreciate the flow.”
    • “Your victory is decided by how long you have grinded, and to be clear, I really hate grinding, certainly in a game like Skyrim.”
    • “The alchemy system along with the level-up grinding can be simply exhausting and unrewarding.”
    • “The worst part of the game, in my opinion, is the skill/leveling system, which only becomes worse as the game goes on and you have less and less to do, leading to boring, tedious grinding.”
  • emotional
    247 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is a significant highlight for many players, with numerous reviews expressing deep connections to the story, characters, and music. Players often describe experiences ranging from nostalgia and joy to sadness and introspection, indicating that the game evokes a wide spectrum of emotions. While some critiques mention a lack of emotional depth in the main narrative, the rich variety of side quests and the haunting soundtrack contribute to a memorable and immersive emotional journey.

    • “Just the music itself gives the game an indelible sense of place; you can feel the stories of the ancients in every yearning, heartbreaking note.”
    • “The haunting melodies of Jeremy Soule accompany your journey, creating an emotional depth that amplifies every moment, whether it's a dragon encounter high atop a mountain or a quiet stroll through a peaceful forest.”
    • “Skyrim has meant so much to me over the years; I'm honestly struck by the emotional impact moving on from it comes with.”
    • “The gameplay is shallow and uninteresting; there are few RPG mechanics at play here, and the game has the audacity to also have a really boring story too!”
    • “Incredibly boring storyline; I wasn't a fan of it one bit. Maybe it's because I played the game 5+ years after its initial release, but it just felt the same throughout my whole whopping 9.7 hours played.”
    • “Boring story.”
  • character development
    126 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" is widely praised for its depth and flexibility, allowing players to customize their characters through a vast array of skills and playstyles. The game features an intricate perk system and numerous skill trees, enabling unique character progression and diverse gameplay experiences. However, some critiques highlight a lack of meaningful narrative development for certain characters and repetitive quest structures, suggesting that while the system is robust, it may not always lead to engaging storytelling.

    • “One of the standout features of Skyrim is its character development system, which allows for unparalleled customization.”
    • “The character development mechanics in Skyrim are one of the most important elements of the game.”
    • “The freedom in character development is astounding.”
    • “Infinite character development options, but you will always be a stealth archer.”
    • “Quests are notoriously prone to breaking, dungeons suddenly become trite, little to no character development, and dialogue that feels clunky and forced sometimes.”
    • “Bad dialogues, there are no moral or any choices, no interesting characters, poorly written main story, boring quest, the series' worst character development (which is really hard to believe after Oblivion).”

Buy The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

150h Median play time
427h Average play time
25-615h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 946 analyzed playthroughs

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