The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

 PC
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 659 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 395 out of 659
  2. Mixed: 108 out of 659
  3. Negative: 156 out of 659

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  1. Valleymsx
    Nov 1, 2016
    10
    I think Bethesda has done great work with this Edition of Skyrim. The 64-bit version makes it more stable in my opinion. The graphical changes actually quite good, because there is more grass and plants, the trees looks better, sun glare, god rays, Depth of Field and the new lightning. And I can not forget to say that the viewdistance is a big improvement.
    Of course this can not compete    I think Bethesda has done great work with this Edition of Skyrim. The 64-bit version makes it more stable in my opinion. The graphical changes actually quite good, because there is more grass and plants, the trees looks better, sun glare, god rays, Depth of Field and the new lightning. And I can not forget to say that the viewdistance is a big improvement.
    Of course this can not compete with a modded 32-bit Skyrim, so this is compared with vanilla Skyrim.
    Absolutely worth the free upgrade or a buy for those who don't own the game.
    The PC is simply the best Skyrim version. very nice.    … Expand
  2. shArk87
    Oct 28, 2016
    10
    Simply amazing, it's the same game but totally overhauled. Me, as a pure TES enthusiast, i loved the changes. Skyrim is not my favourite the elder scrolls gamee but it's a pretty good game overall. I'm already replaying it on this special edition which is superb. I don't get why all the hate and negative scores given to this game. People, its a remastered version of the original, at leastSimply amazing, it's the same game but totally overhauled. Me, as a pure TES enthusiast, i loved the changes. Skyrim is not my favourite the elder scrolls gamee but it's a pretty good game overall. I'm already replaying it on this special edition which is superb. I don't get why all the hate and negative scores given to this game. People, its a remastered version of the original, at least bethesda put some work on it and released it for free, you should be thanfull.
    For me it's a clear 10/10, Bethesda just did everything right with this remastered special version    … Expand
  3. themerote
    Nov 20, 2016
    10
    Ok I'll keep it quick appart from 2 vital mods SKSE & SKUI that havent been converted yet, this is the SKyrim back in the day that I was hoping to get. Playing on vanilla the only thing I noticed was 60fps and some nicer textures, better draw distance, smoother seamless exploreing which didnt happen in the 2011 version, infact that version was a joke out of the box, only mods fixed it aOk I'll keep it quick appart from 2 vital mods SKSE & SKUI that havent been converted yet, this is the SKyrim back in the day that I was hoping to get. Playing on vanilla the only thing I noticed was 60fps and some nicer textures, better draw distance, smoother seamless exploreing which didnt happen in the 2011 version, infact that version was a joke out of the box, only mods fixed it a bit. SE runs perfect on my GTX970 AMd FX 8350 16 gb ram (Mid to High spec pc) over 100 mods installed including Redshader for graphics. The game looks amazing and plays unbelievably smooth and with Open Cties installed. I noticed some negative reviews here are saying it runs bad even on high spec PC's well mine is mid to high so anything lower than mine maybe these people need to get with the Jones'… Expand
  4. Xonerix
    Dec 13, 2020
    10
    Absolute masterpiece of an undying game for those who love RPGs with magnificent lore, atmosphere and music.
    This remastered version makes everything look even better and more immersive, all 3 DLCs included.
    I strongly recommend to play it without any mods to get the best experience of true Skyrim.
  5. AmbigousBarrel
    Nov 18, 2016
    10
    I think this remaster is pretty good personally. Anyone who has actually played the original without mods would see where the graphics have been improved, and as for bad performance, I don't know why others are reporting bad performance, but I don't have any issues at all, and it's not like I have a massively high end PC either...I have a AMD RX480 8GB with 16 gigs of 1600 MHz ddr3 ram andI think this remaster is pretty good personally. Anyone who has actually played the original without mods would see where the graphics have been improved, and as for bad performance, I don't know why others are reporting bad performance, but I don't have any issues at all, and it's not like I have a massively high end PC either...I have a AMD RX480 8GB with 16 gigs of 1600 MHz ddr3 ram and a I7 4770 not overclocked. I know that's not low end but still...There are more powerful CPU's out there and certainly more powerful graphics cards on the market so...yeah.

    Anyway back to the game! I haven't noticed any game play alterations so far, it seems to me to be a game that has been ported to Fallout 4's game engine with touched up graphics. Primarily the shadows spring to mind; the shadows on the original Skyrim where frankly shockingly bad with the hour cycle. It left a lot to be desired that's for sure. I have also heard from a good friend of mine who put's a lot of mods into his games where and when he can that the new Skyrim is more stable with mods for him at least.

    Lastly, I just want to say if your expecting this to be Elder Scrolls 6, then may I suggest you look up the definition of "Remaster" in a dictionary. Thanks for reading and happy gaming everyone!    … Expand
  6. chaos7
    Oct 27, 2016
    10
    This game is still epic. Ignore the people complaining that this is an issue and that is an issue. This is Skyrim and being buggy is what makes it Skyrim. Well, that and the mods. The graphics are simply amazing now, everything from the texture resolution to the god rays and effects. As far as balance and fixes are concerned, I have not spent so much time in the game yet to know for sureThis game is still epic. Ignore the people complaining that this is an issue and that is an issue. This is Skyrim and being buggy is what makes it Skyrim. Well, that and the mods. The graphics are simply amazing now, everything from the texture resolution to the god rays and effects. As far as balance and fixes are concerned, I have not spent so much time in the game yet to know for sure if they have done much but I did not face many bugs or glitches. Combat has been improved with an increased distance between opponents and I suspect that some of the weapon stats may ave been reworked, like Dawnbreaker although I'm not too sure. Everything else is regular Skyrim, which is in fact a good thing because there is no point in improving that which is already perfect. Overall, this is a great remaster. 10/10 would take an arrow to the knee again and fus ro dah that guard who talks about my beloved sweetroll.… Expand
  7. shatti
    Apr 20, 2019
    10
    extremely addictive to level up, at first you feel so overwhelmed by the dragons and everyone, so u just keep leveling and learning to be a powerful hero. ( the quests are fun, dlc's are great )
    and with ur sit of mods 1010
  8. hydrallus
    Oct 29, 2016
    10
    It was free. And it's Skyrim. What's more to say?

    The people complaining of price need to learn how to e-commerce. I checked my receipt and I got the legendary and now this for free at a total of $13. Not bad!
  9. aussiedude98
    Aug 17, 2019
    10
    One of the best games ever made.
    This is the best way to play it. (unless you have unlimited time to spend on modding)
  10. x6po6go6x
    Oct 28, 2016
    10
    This website is full of unwarranted negativity. The PC version of this game was free to everyone who already owned the content included in the Special Edition. So to everyone that's complaining about how the game compares to a heavily modded version of the game, go back to playing that version and stop crying. This remaster is obviously meant to improve the console experience and itThis website is full of unwarranted negativity. The PC version of this game was free to everyone who already owned the content included in the Special Edition. So to everyone that's complaining about how the game compares to a heavily modded version of the game, go back to playing that version and stop crying. This remaster is obviously meant to improve the console experience and it succeeds. This is a massive improvement over the XBOX 360 and PS3 versions of the game.… Expand
  11. baris697
    Oct 29, 2016
    10
    This edition is about graphical remaster, but whole game also seems a bit improved, smoother, less buggy. If you like the original game, it worth to play it again in this edition. If not, well there is nothing new what could change your mind.
    Content is mostly the same. At such huge game can not tell it at 100 % for sure and I do not remember whole game, it was a while from my previous    This edition is about graphical remaster, but whole game also seems a bit improved, smoother, less buggy. If you like the original game, it worth to play it again in this edition. If not, well there is nothing new what could change your mind.
    Content is mostly the same. At such huge game can not tell it at 100 % for sure and I do not remember whole game, it was a while from my previous experience.
    As I said, some of main bugs are fixed. When I say "bug", I mean broken feature, not gameplay or AI mistakes or bad habits.
    Many people do not like remasters, specially for a full price. But this game is a monument and it deserve have modern edition on current generation. Must buy for everyone, who has no experience with Skyrim.    … Expand
  12. VentasPhoenix
    Oct 28, 2016
    10
    Its pretty much the same game with better visuals so I am giving it the same rating as the previous game. There are just too many people hating it even though they probably got it for free like I did
  13. villibor
    Jan 6, 2017
    10
    Best game ever ....................................................................................................................................................................................
  14. FoxtrotEko
    Mar 8, 2017
    10
    Though no new gameplay features or quests were added, the jump from 32 bit to 64 allowed for a greater stability necessary on most weaker hardware, allowing for more mods to run at the same time. And as for the few graphic enhancements, they offered interesting additions for any who wishes to take screenshots in-game.
  15. Nahtanriel
    Jul 30, 2017
    10
    Fantastic entry to the Elder Scrolls series, and an absolute delight to play. Everything runs, and looks better than original vanilla Skyrim. Most bugs can be ironed out by a extremely amazing modding community. Well worth it in your gaming arsenal.
  16. UncleEd
    Feb 25, 2021
    10
    Skyrim, despite its flaws, is one of the most immersive video games I have ever played. The flaws are quite apparent as soon as you start the game. Melee combat sucks. Most questlines are not very good, a clear step back from Oblivion. But the world is so beautiful, cohesive and immersive, it’s easy to ignore Skyrim’s flaws.

    The attention to detail is astonishing. I have found myself in    Skyrim, despite its flaws, is one of the most immersive video games I have ever played. The flaws are quite apparent as soon as you start the game. Melee combat sucks. Most questlines are not very good, a clear step back from Oblivion. But the world is so beautiful, cohesive and immersive, it’s easy to ignore Skyrim’s flaws.

    The attention to detail is astonishing. I have found myself in awe in many situations where the world of Skyrim reacted in mind-blowing ways. I am not talking about scripted events, mind you. You can find your horse -Shadowmere- getting pissed at some enemies and climb hundreds of stairs to invade a bandit camp. You can become a vampire lord and play the game as such and it will still make sense within Skyrim’s world. On your journey to a mountain, you can see a dragon flying around, minding its own business. That said, you can engage with the dragon if you choose to. In Skyrim, you can pretty much go anywhere you like, anytime you like and engage with anything you see. For a game made in 2011, the ambition is spectacular. Even Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall was extremely ambitious when it came out in 1996, so you may think Elder Scrolls has always been an ambitious series. What takes Skyrim apart though is the fact that the game totally delivers in most aspects, despite being overambitious for a 2011 game. I loved Oblivion, but I can easily say Skyrim is the better game (except the questlines) and as far as the Elder Scroll series is concerned, Skyrim is up there with Morrowind.

    There is one more thing that should be mentioned. If you are into high fantasy, you likely have a special love for dragons. It has been 10 years since Skyrim came out, but it still is, by far the best dragon game ever made. Dragons are part of the game’s world and they never feel out of place. Yes, the fights can be quite easy, but it never feels scripted.

    Music is spectacular, although a more variety of songs would have been nice. Sound is really good too.

    In summary, Skyrim is the perfect comfort food. Yes, it is even more casualized than Oblivion. Combat Is bad. It’s very easy even in expert difficulty. But despite all these, Skyrim is extremely good at what it’s trying to achieve. Skyrim is the second-best Elder Scrolls game, second only to Morrowind.

    9.5/10

    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard:

    I played the vampire storyline as a diehard fan of vampires. I like the addition of vampires, but this DLC is a bit sloppy. There are way more bugs than the original game. You will have very long walks in between missions, which aim to extend the gameplay hours for no good reason. Ghost mount is quite cool and you will see some beautiful zones. It is Skyrim after all and although still better than most faction questlines, I expected better.

    8/10

    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn

    Definitely the best Skyrim expansion. It introduces a big island with full of quests to explore. The main questline story is not very good but the design of Apocrypha is amazing. What I loved the most about this expansion is the island of Solstheim where it takes place. It is an island from Morrowind and it does make you feel like you are playing Morrowind with Skyrim graphics.

    My major disappointment was riding dragons. It may be a good idea, but it’s very poorly implemented. Dragon control is weird and riding dragons in Skyrim is simply not fun.

    9.5/10

    My ranking of major questlines:

    Main Quest (great) > Dark Brotherhood (great) > Dragonborn (good) > Dawnguard (vampire) (good) > Civil War (imperial legion) (good) > College of Winterhold (alright) > Thieves Guild (ok) > Bard’s College (bad) > The Companions (bad)    … Expand
  17. DrFriendless
    May 13, 2018
    10
    I know Skyrim has its flaws, but I've been addicted to it twice - once for the original, where I played well over 100 hours, and once for the special edition where I did about the same again. It looks dated in 2018, but the variety of quests and the detail in the world remain the best out there.
  18. killer1237
    Oct 24, 2018
    10
    Skyrim is one of the best fantasy rpg games of all time and has the best mod support out of any game in existence. Expect 100-200 hours from the main game, 100 more from the dlc, and infinitely many hours from quest mods.
  19. Mikros99
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Skyrim is one of the best games of all time, this remastered version is not really big jump in graphics tho some things are little bit better but not as near as good as graphic mods u can get for "Oldrim", but I think it still deserves very high score because it is still Skyrim
  20. Ordnik
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    One of the best RPGs ever existed. The story, dialogue, music, ambiance, gameplay, characters, and everything else you can count, is so well done. With the mods, you can make the game slightly better. With tons of quests, content and lore, the journey almost never ends and the game does never bore you. The game is full of details. What an extraordinary game this is, I regret not playingOne of the best RPGs ever existed. The story, dialogue, music, ambiance, gameplay, characters, and everything else you can count, is so well done. With the mods, you can make the game slightly better. With tons of quests, content and lore, the journey almost never ends and the game does never bore you. The game is full of details. What an extraordinary game this is, I regret not playing the game earlier.… Expand
  21. ItzHexie
    Aug 2, 2022
    10
    I love this game, IT JUST WORKS, I'm glad that the in-game features are still in the game and that makes the game even better.

    Hopefully we see more Skyrim re-releases
  22. Bruterake
    Oct 15, 2020
    10
    Um dos melhores jogos que eu já joguei na minha vida de longe, instala uns 200 mod que mds é um jogo absurdo da pra ter tudo que você quer, comunidade top demais concertou tudo que tava ruim no jogo.
  23. rexhent
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    Best rpg to date. Does'nt deserve the low review score. You can cokmpletely ignore the creation club if you want.
  24. Honusan
    Aug 12, 2020
    10
    Очень крутая игра с глубоким и интересным сюжетом, крутой боевкой и захватывающим геймплеем. Благодаря огромному количеству модов, спустя многие годы в игру все так же интересно играть.
  25. Rafdragon
    Jul 5, 2020
    10
    The best RPG that ever existed!! Excellent!!! The freedom, the character build system, openworld, great history and perfect soundtrack.
  26. GustaCNXFL
    Mar 9, 2021
    10
    melhor RPG singleplayer de todos os tempos Skyrim e uma Obra Prima da Industria dos jogos
  27. J4CK001
    Aug 25, 2020
    10
    the low rating for low graphics and most of people don't use mods so they don't love the game
    one of my favorites games i ever played
  28. harmit900
    Sep 14, 2020
    10
    i have no words for this game other than that this game is game of the decade i have played many games from 2011 to 2019 no other game is more entertaining than this and the plus thing of special edition is better lighting this version we will be playing after 5 years and 10 years thats plus point of this version if ray tracing version not arrived
  29. ErayTellezi
    Feb 8, 2021
    10
    116 saatin sonunda şunu söyleyebilirim, oynadığım en iyi iki oyundan birisi. Diğeri Witcher 3. Hangisi daha iyi bilmiyorum. Skyrim çok daha serbestlik tanıyor. Olabileceğiniz ve yapabileceğiniz şeyler, dünyasının genişliği hakikaten benzersiz. Witcher ise duygusal olarak daha çok etkiliyordu. Hikayesindeki ara sahneler falan daha güzeldi. Tabii grafik kalitesi de epey önde. İkisine de116 saatin sonunda şunu söyleyebilirim, oynadığım en iyi iki oyundan birisi. Diğeri Witcher 3. Hangisi daha iyi bilmiyorum. Skyrim çok daha serbestlik tanıyor. Olabileceğiniz ve yapabileceğiniz şeyler, dünyasının genişliği hakikaten benzersiz. Witcher ise duygusal olarak daha çok etkiliyordu. Hikayesindeki ara sahneler falan daha güzeldi. Tabii grafik kalitesi de epey önde. İkisine de 10/10 veriyorum.

    Tüm loncalara girdim. Hepsinin hikayesini bitirdim. Ana göreve benzer yan görevlerin hemen hemen hepsini yaptım. Ufak tefek yan görevlerin de çoğunu yaptım. Dlc'ler bitti. Bir kaç eksiği dışında hakikaten muazzam oyun.

    Hiç beklemediğin yerlerde küçük hikayelere, maceralara denk gelmek, oradan işin saçma sapan fantastik yerlere varması... İşte bir oyunda aradığım bu. 10 metre ileride ne olduğunu asla bilmiyorsun. Rastgele bir npc ile konuşurken seni hangi maceraya yollayacağını, gittiğin yerde başına ne geleceğini asla bilmiyorsun. Oyunu oynarken fantastik dünyasından ötürü game of thrones ve lord of the rings'i özlediğimi fark ettim.    … Expand
  30. WhiterunGuard
    Oct 22, 2020
    10
    after a little while, its very fun, with alot of places to explore, and lots of quests. I recommend this game!
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Games Master UK
    Jan 1, 2017
    80
    The original version with graphics mods installed still looks better, so it's not worth the upgrade. [Christmas 2016, p.73]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Dec 12, 2016
    60
    Purely graphical upgrade with support of the Gen4 console modes that PC owners of the original game and all expansions get for free. [Issue #269]
  3. GameGrin
    Nov 11, 2016
    80
    Skyrim is still a great place to get lost in and the visual upgrade is welcome. It perhaps doesn’t go as far as it should and it’s a shame no other aspect of the game got looked at but it’s still well worth your time.
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