Introduction to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, released on November 11, 2021, is a celebration of one of the most beloved and widely praised open-world RPGs of all time. This edition combines the original game, its expansion packs, and a wealth of additional content, offering both new players and returning fans a comprehensive Skyrim experience. In this article, we will explore what the Anniversary Edition includes, why it might be worth your consideration, and how you can acquire it.
Core Components
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
At the heart of the Anniversary Edition lies the The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. This is the remastered version of the original game, featuring enhanced graphics and performance improvements. If you're planning on experiencing the full Skyrim experience, this is the place to start. It provides a visual and technical upgrade that is worth the investment for those who want to revisit the game with fresh eyes.
All Three DLCs
Dawnguard
The Dawnguard DLC introduces vampire hunters and a new questline involving vampires and werewolves. As part of the Anniversary Edition, this content offers a thrilling and unique experience that can be enjoyed by both new players and those revisiting the game.
Hearthfire
The Hearthfire DLC allows players to build and customize their own homes and adopt children. This addition provides a deep sense of immersion and ownership in the game world, making your character's home and surroundings feel more personal.
Dragonborn
The Dragonborn DLC transports players to the island of Solstheim where they can confront the first Dragonborn. This content not only adds a new location but also introduces additional challenges and lore, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Additional Content from the Creation Club
The Anniversary Edition is not limited to just the remastered game and its expansion packs. It also includes over 500 pieces of content from the Creation Club, which features new quests, dungeons, bosses, weapons, spells, and more. This selection of content is designed to significantly enhance the gameplay experience, offering players a richer and more diverse adventure in Tamriel.
Additional Features for Enhanced Experience
In addition to the core components and the extensive content from the Creation Club, the Anniversary Edition comes with several features to further enhance the gaming experience:
New Enchantments and Bits of Content
The Anniversary Edition includes further enchantments for Xbox XS and PS5, as well as a couple of bits of CC content, primarily the survival camping and fishing, which are new additions. These are considered part of the “core game” and can be enjoyed alongside the rest of the content.
Cost and Acquisition Options
The paid portion of the Anniversary Edition can be bought as an upgrade for those who already own the original Skyrim Special Edition or are GamePass subscribers. It is not necessary to purchase the core game again. For new players who are starting with the Anniversary Edition, they will be able to enjoy all the content without incurring the cost of purchasing the original game.
It's worth noting that the cost of all the Creation Club content adds up to about 120, and even more content has been released since 2018. Therefore, the purchase of the Anniversary Edition represents a bundle offering much more than the individual cost of buying the game and unlocking all of this content separately.
Worth It or Not?
While some might argue that the additional content is not worth the money, especially when considering the availability of free mods, the Anniversary Edition offers a comprehensive and thoroughly enhanced gaming experience. For those who are fans of the franchise, the enhancements, the new content, and the bundled experience make it an attractive option.
Moreover, the experience of playing the game in its remastered form, with all its DLCs and additional content, offers a new and exciting angle for both new and returning players. This makes it a worthwhile investment for those who enjoy immersing themselves in a rich and detailed open-world RPG environment.