Yes, the Skyrim Anniversary Edition is absolutely worth buying in 2022, especially for new players to the game or hardcore Elder Scrolls fans looking to experience a refreshed and definitive version of the iconic RPG.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most acclaimed, influential, and beloved video games of all time. Originally launched in 2011, Skyrim‘s epic open world adventure in the frozen province of Tamriel captured the imaginations of gamers worldwide. Now, over a decade later, Bethesda has released The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition – a remastered version packed with a massive amount of new content for both new and returning players.
What does Skyrim Anniversary Edition include?
The Anniversary Edition includes the full base game of Skyrim and all three official add-ons – Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. On top of that, it bundles in every single piece of Creation Club content, adding over 500 new elements of content like:
- Over 20 new quest lines with new characters, locations, and stories
- New spells, shouts, and weapons like the Staff of Hasedoki
- New dungeons including Glamoril the Forsworn Citadel
- New followers like Nix-Hound, Daedric Mail Armor, and Rare Curios
- Survival mode adds food, sleep and temperature mechanics
- Fishing mechanic and expanded crafting system
- Saints & Seducers and other Creation Club content
In total, there is over 100+ hours of new adventures, quests, characters and loot for players to discover, on top of the already massive world of Skyrim.
How does Anniversary Edition improve upon Special Edition?
Compared to the previous Skyrim Special Edition release, the Anniversary Edition provides the following enhancements:
- Upgraded visuals and effects
- Improved performance – faster loading times
- Support for next-gen consoles – Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
- Over 500 pieces of new Creation Club content
- Fishing, survival mode, new quests and followers
- All new content from 10 years of Skyrim
When played on an Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 or high-end gaming PC, Skyrim Anniversary Edition offers better graphics, shorter load times, and smoother performance than ever before.
Is the upgrade worth it for Special Edition owners?
For players who already own Skyrim Special Edition on PC, the $20 upgrade price for Anniversary Edition is absolutely worthwhile. You get all the Creation Club content adding over 100 hours of new adventures for a very affordable price.
However, PlayStation and Xbox owners who already purchased Special Edition might find the $50 Anniversary Edition a tougher sell. While the next-gen optimizations and new content additions are great, you may not want to pay full price again for the game. My advice would be to wait for a sale if you already own Special Edition on console.
What‘s the best platform to play it on?
Skyrim Anniversary Edition is best experienced on PC where you can benefit from mods or on the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 consoles where the next-gen optimizations shine.
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions feature 4K resolution at 60 FPS, faster loading, ray tracing support, and integrated Creation Club content. PC still remains the ultimate platform for modding possibilities.
Some longtime PC modders had concerns about Anniversary Edition breaking existing mods. However, most popular mods have already been updated and the new content provides exciting opportunities for even more mods. I recommend PC gamers upgrade but be prepared to reinstall updated mod versions.
How does it compare to Elder Scrolls 6?
While we eagerly await news and an eventual release date for the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, Skyrim Anniversary Edition is the definitive way to enjoy the legendary 5th entry in the franchise in 2022.
Skyrim Anniversary Edition takes the iconic RPG and provides hundreds of hours of new adventures allowing both new and returning players to become fully immersed in the vast province of Skyrim like never before.
So even as we look ahead to the future, Skyrim Anniversary Edition is absolutely worth playing and serves as a phenomenal value that will satisfy your Elder Scrolls cravings for years to come.
Is Skyrim Anniversary Edition worth it? The verdict
For new players or previous Skyrim fans who‘ve never tried the DLCs or Creation Club content, Anniversary Edition is an incredible value that provides endless hours of adventure in a refined version of the beloved RPG.
Even for hardcore fans and modders, the new content additions breathe fresh life into Skyrim for a new playthrough. While console owners may wait for a sale, the Anniversary Edition is highly recommended for PC gamers and new players.
So yes, Skyrim Anniversary Edition takes one of the greatest video games of all time and makes it even better. With over 100 hours of new content, next-gen optimizations, and an active modding community, it is absolutely worth recommending in 2022 and beyond.
