If you‘re looking to pick up Skyrim for the first time in 2022, I recommend going with the Skyrim Special Edition. It provides the definitive Skyrim experience with improved graphics and performance compared to the original, plus all the main expansion content, for an affordable price.
Understanding the Different Versions of Skyrim
First released in 2011, Skyrim has seen a number of re-releases over the past decade. Let‘s break down what each version offers:
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – The original base game released in 2011 for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. Used a 32-bit engine with more limited graphics capabilities.
Skyrim Legendary Edition – The original base game plus the three major expansions Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn. Released in 2013.
Skyrim Special Edition – 2016 remaster with upgraded graphics and performance thanks to move to 64-bit engine. Includes all DLC content. Available on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Switch.
Skyrim Anniversary Edition – Includes Special Edition content plus all Creation Club add-ons like quests, dungeons and modes. Released in 2021 for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
While all versions share the same core gameplay and story, the technical capabilities and available content does vary. Let‘s dig deeper into the key differences.
Graphics and Performance
Thanks to the upgraded 64-bit Creation engine powering Special Edition and Anniversary Edition, these latest releases deliver drastically improved graphics over the original game. Volumetric lighting, higher resolution textures, dynamic depth of field, and other enhancements bring Skyrim to life like never before.
According to analysis by GameSpot, the newer versions can run Skyrim with up to 4K resolutions and 60 FPS framerates on supported hardware for incredible smoothness and responsiveness. They make use of hardware accelerated features like ambient occlusion to add realism.
The website Can You Run It notes that you‘ll need a much more powerful PC to run these enhanced editions compared to the original, which can run on virtually any low-end laptop. But for those with modern gaming PCs, it‘s a must have upgrade.
Content and DLC
A major difference between versions is what extra content is included:
- Legendary Edition bundles in the three major story DLCs released after launch – Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn.
- Special Edition incorporates all DLC by default.
- Anniversary Edition adds on every Creation Club module – over 500 pieces of new content like quests, dungeons, boss fights and gameplay modes.
For those yet to play Skyrim, having all the extra content included right away in Special or Anniversary editions is a great way to experience everything the game has to offer.
Specific examples of new Creation Club content in Anniversary Edition include:
- Fishing – A new recreation activity and associated quests.
- Survival mode – Makes staying fed, warm and rested more challenging.
- Saints & Seducers – Epic new storyline with additional NPC characters.
- Rare Curios – Hundreds of new items like spells and arrows.
Anniversary Edition brings a ton of new adventures and gear to discover. But for your first playthrough, the core game plus main DLC offers 100+ hours already.
Mod Support
One of Skyrim‘s major selling points is its incredible mod community, with players able to extensively customize and expand their experience. Which version you choose impacts available mods:
- The original release has the largest mod selection, with nearly a decade of mods available.
- Special Edition updated to a 64-bit engine, making many older mods incompatible without patching.
- Anniversary Edition added even more changes, breaking some recent Special Edition mods.
While the original Skyrim has the biggest mod scene, Special Edition‘s 64-bit stability and graphical upgrades make it recommended for heavily modded games according to analysis on PC Gamer. Just be aware of potential compatibility issues.
Gameplay and Design
In terms of core gameplay mechanics like combat, levelling and exploration, all Skyrim versions are virtually identical. The major differences come down to graphics, performance and content as discussed above.
However, Anniversary Edition does overhaul survival gameplay with needs like warmth and sleep being more critical. Plus fishing provides a brand new recreational activity for those looking to unwind in Skyrim‘s lakes and rivers.
Sales and Popularity
Ten years after launch, Skyrim remains hugely popular and is still getting new releases. Let‘s examine some data on its impressive sales figures:
| Total units sold | 30 million+ |
| PC units sold | Over 15 million |
| Special Edition launch month sales | Over 1.5 million |
Skyrim consistently ranks among the top played games on platforms like Steam and Xbox demonstrating its enduring popularity.
The chart below from SteamCharts shows the huge player spike when Special Edition launched, demonstrating strong demand for a remastered version.
[Insert player count chart over time for Skyrim]Reviews and Reception
All major versions of Skyrim have received glowing reviews recommending the open-world RPG experience. Here‘s a comparison of review scores for recent console releases:
| Version | Metacritic Score |
| Skyrim on Xbox 360 | 96 |
| Skyrim Special Edition on Xbox One | 88 |
| Skyrim Anniversary Edition on Xbox Series X | 86 |
While the original PC and console release achieved even higher praise, critics consistently rate both remasters as must-play titles. Impressively, over a decade after launch all versions still receive "universal acclaim".
Weighing Up Which Version to Buy
Based on this in-depth look, the Skyrim Special Edition stands out as the best option for most gamers looking to play Skyrim for the first time in 2022.
Compared to the original, Special Edition delivers a smoother, more immersive experience with its graphical enhancements and 64-bit engine optimizations. The gameplay itself remains untouched and just as compelling.
Meanwhile, the Anniversary Edition doesn‘t add as much value for new players. The wealth of Creation Club content won‘t mean as much until you‘ve already sunk dozens of hours into the core game and expansions.
Given Special Edition bundles in all the main DLCs by default, provides extensive mod support, and can readily be found discounted, it offers tremendous value. Modern console owners and PC gamers will appreciate its technical leap over the original release.
Unless you must have every single Creation Club module, or demand absolute maximum mod compatibility, the Skyrim Special Edition is the definitive package – over a decade later. Rediscover Tamriel like never before.
