The release of Skyrim Anniversary Edition brought a wave of excitement to fans of the beloved open-world RPG. With a promise of updated graphics, new content, and a wealth of Creation Club features, many players were eager to dive back into the world of Tamriel. But for some, a question arose: what exactly is the Anniversary Edition, and what version of Skyrim does it build upon?
The Origins of the Anniversary Edition
To understand the Anniversary Edition, we need to trace its lineage back to the original Skyrim release in 2011. This initial version, simply called “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” laid the foundation for the franchise’s success. It was followed by a Special Edition in 2016, which introduced a revamped engine with improved graphics and performance.
Skyrim: Special Edition brought with it several significant improvements:
- Enhanced Visuals: The Special Edition boasted improved textures, lighting, and effects, bringing Skyrim’s world to life with a new level of detail.
- Performance Enhancements: The updated engine significantly boosted performance, allowing for smoother gameplay and a more immersive experience.
- Mod Support: The Special Edition included a robust modding framework, enabling players to customize the game to their liking with thousands of user-created mods.
It’s important to note that the Anniversary Edition is built upon the Special Edition. This means that it utilizes the same engine and core gameplay mechanics as its predecessor.
The Anniversary Edition: What’s New?
The Anniversary Edition took the Special Edition as its starting point and added a plethora of new content and features, making it the most comprehensive version of Skyrim yet. Here’s a breakdown of the key additions:
Creation Club Content
One of the most significant additions is the inclusion of over 500 items from the Creation Club. This collection of curated mods, created by Bethesda and other developers, offers a vast array of new quests, items, and gameplay mechanics. The Creation Club content spans across multiple categories:
- Quests and Adventures: Explore new storylines, like “Saints & Seducers” or “The Cause,” offering hours of additional gameplay.
- Items and Gear: Acquire unique weapons, armor, and other equipment to enhance your character’s abilities and style.
- Creatures and Environments: Encounter new enemies, explore new dungeons, and experience immersive landscapes.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Discover unique gameplay features, like fishing or the ability to craft new potions and poisons.
It’s worth noting that not all Creation Club content is included in the Anniversary Edition. Some items are available as separate purchases, while others are included for free. The official website provides a detailed list of what’s included and what’s available for purchase.
Additional Content
Beyond the Creation Club offerings, the Anniversary Edition also incorporates several other additions, including:
- “The Fishing” DLC: This content introduces a new fishing mechanic, allowing players to catch various fish in different locations across Skyrim.
- “Survival Mode” DLC: This mode adds a layer of realism to the game, requiring players to manage hunger, thirst, fatigue, and other survival needs.
- Other Content: The Anniversary Edition also includes various smaller content additions, such as new character presets, outfits, and gameplay features.
What Does This Mean for Players?
Understanding the lineage of Skyrim’s different versions helps players make informed decisions about their preferred edition. Here’s a breakdown for different scenarios:
New Players:
- If you’re new to Skyrim, the Anniversary Edition is the most comprehensive and up-to-date version available. It offers the best visuals, performance, and content.
- However, if budget is a concern, the Special Edition is a great starting point and still offers a vast and immersive experience.
Existing Players:
- If you already own the Special Edition, the Anniversary Edition is a worthwhile upgrade if you’re interested in the new content and Creation Club offerings.
- However, if you’re happy with the Special Edition and aren’t interested in the new content, there’s no need to upgrade.
Modders:
- The Anniversary Edition features a robust modding framework, similar to the Special Edition, allowing players to customize their experience further.
- However, some modders have reported compatibility issues with the Anniversary Edition’s new content and systems.
Choosing the Right Edition for You
Ultimately, the best version of Skyrim for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a quick guide:
Anniversary Edition:
- Best for: New players and experienced players who want the ultimate Skyrim experience, including new content and Creation Club offerings.
- Pros: Most comprehensive content, updated visuals and performance, vast modding potential.
- Cons: May have compatibility issues with some mods, may be more expensive than the Special Edition.
Special Edition:
- Best for: New players on a budget or experienced players who prefer a more traditional Skyrim experience.
- Pros: Solid graphics and performance, a vast modding community, generally less expensive than the Anniversary Edition.
- Cons: Doesn’t include new content from the Anniversary Edition, may lack some of the newest features.
Original Skyrim:
- Best for: Players who prefer the classic experience and enjoy the game’s original aesthetics.
- Pros: Nostalgia value, may run better on older hardware.
- Cons: Outdated graphics and performance, no modding support, limited content.
No matter which version you choose, you’re guaranteed to be immersed in the enchanting world of Skyrim, filled with adventure, magic, and endless possibilities. So, whether you’re a seasoned Dragonborn or a newcomer to Tamriel, prepare to embark on an epic journey through a world that feels more alive than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Skyrim Anniversary Edition?
A: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is an updated version of the critically acclaimed open-world RPG, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It builds upon the Special Edition released in 2016, adding a wealth of new content and features. This includes over 500 pieces of content from the Creation Club, a marketplace of user-created mods, as well as the ability to play the game on new platforms, like the Xbox Series X|S and Playstation 5. This edition allows players to experience the vast world of Skyrim with new depth and detail, making it the most complete version of the game yet.
Q: What version of Skyrim is Anniversary Edition based on?
A: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is based on the Special Edition of the game, released in 2016. This means it includes all the graphical and performance enhancements introduced in the Special Edition, such as improved textures, lighting, and shadows. The Anniversary Edition adds to this foundation, incorporating new content and features that enhance the gameplay experience and provide players with even more ways to explore the world of Skyrim.
Q: What is included in the Anniversary Edition?
A: The Anniversary Edition includes a plethora of new content, mainly from the Creation Club. This includes new quests, dungeons, weapons, armor, spells, and more. The edition also includes several new gameplay features, such as fishing, survival mode, and a new “Saints and Seducers” questline. These additions, alongside the existing Special Edition content, provide players with a massive and diverse amount of content to explore and enjoy.
Q: What is the Creation Club?
A: The Creation Club is a marketplace of user-created content for Skyrim, curated and approved by Bethesda. This content includes new quests, weapons, armor, spells, and more. These items are available for purchase using in-game currency or real money. The Anniversary Edition includes access to over 500 Creation Club items, which significantly expands the game’s content and offers a unique way to personalize the player’s experience.
Q: Is the Anniversary Edition worth it for existing Skyrim players?
A: Whether the Anniversary Edition is worth it for existing Skyrim players depends on their preferences and what content they already own. If you haven’t purchased any Creation Club content before, the Anniversary Edition offers a significant value proposition. However, if you already own a lot of Creation Club items, the new features and quests might be the only things that tempt you. It’s worth considering what content you already own and how much you value the new features before making a purchase.
Q: Is the Anniversary Edition a completely separate game?
A: The Anniversary Edition is not a completely separate game. It’s essentially a massive update to the Special Edition, which is why you need to own the Special Edition to play it. The Anniversary Edition builds upon the Special Edition’s foundation, adding new content and features. It’s important to note that you can’t upgrade your original Skyrim game directly to the Anniversary Edition; you’ll need to purchase the Special Edition first.
Q: What platforms is the Anniversary Edition available on?
A: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available on a variety of platforms, including Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The game is also playable on the Xbox Series X|S and Playstation 5. It is important to note that the game may not have the same features on every platform. For example, the fishing feature is not available on the Nintendo Switch version.