Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail. The Special Edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features like remastered art and effects, volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, screen-space reflections, and more. Special Edition's new Snow Shader costs a decent chunk of frames (5.5 FPS), but IMO really improves the look of the game. If you are playing without an ENB, I'd recommend leaving it on. That being said, if you ARE playing with an ENB like Rudy's, you are actually SUPPOSED to turn it off, as the preset comes with its own even-better shaders for.
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1Version 1.6
1.5Bethesda 1.6 Patch Notes
1.5.3Specific Fixes and Balance Adjustments
2Version 1.5
2.7Version 1.5.39
2.8Version 1.5.23
2.9Version 1.5.16
2.10Version 1.5
3Version 1.4
4Version 1.3
5Version 1.2
6Version 1.1
6.2Version 1.1.51.08
This page lists all patches released for the Special Edition. Upgrading Skyrim to the latest patch is usually recommended, as many bugs and glitches are often fixed by the patches. You can find out about your version in the lower left corner of the 'System' screen (Esc on PC, Start then selecting 'System' on console). Extra details on specific platforms can be found on the related pages: PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Please note that having a designated patch installed will not guarantee that the issue it was supposed to fix will be fixed upon entering game. In some cases after a patch has been installed, players have noted that their previous save files have become unplayable, glitchy, and/or have other issues. As such, it may be necessary to start a new game file to have all issues resolved.
Version 1.6
Version 1.6.353
Version 1.6.353 was released on 6 January 2022 and was 74.5MB in size.
Fixes:
Fixed an issue causing PC players (Steam and Microsoft Store) to crash when entering Kolbjorn Barrow and the Dawnstar Museum.
Undocumented change: Additional UI elements have been added to the interface icons.
Version 1.6.342.0.8
Version 1.6.342.0.8 was released as an update for Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on 13 December 2021.
Added additional translations when downloading creations
Fixed light flicker in the Ragged Flagon Cistern
Fixed Palomino Horses missing mane textures
Fixed an issue some PC Steam players were experiencing when trying to upgrade using their keyboard
Fixed an issue where Creation Club Bundles were incorrectly showing as “Owned”
Fixed an issue some players experienced when trying to change button mapping.
Fixed crashing when spam casting Fireball.
[PlayStation 4/5 Only] Fixed an issue causing “out of memory” crashes
[PlayStation 5 Only] Fixed crashing after exiting the Pelagius Wing (Minds of Madness Quest)
[PlayStation 5 Only] Fixed a crash that would occur when trying to launch the game through “Activities”.
[Xbox Series X Only] Fixed an issue players encountered when naming their character, setting the default character name to “Prisoner”
[Xbox Only] Fixed an issue when using the “download all” button
We’ve included a fix that we believe will reduce instances of the 0kb space issue that some PlayStation players have experienced. While this should help mitigate cases, we are still investigating and working on a more comprehensive fix.
If you are still experiencing the 0kb issue on PS4 or PS5, please let us know.
If you encounter this issue on PS5, please let us know if you are running the PS4 or PS5 version. This information can be located on your dashboard.
'Ghost of the Tribunal' will also have a very small update to fix an issue with Ash Zombies spawning in and finding the player in the player's home. So be sure to navigate to the Creation Club page and hit 'download' for that creation as it is not automatic. ?️
Undocumented change: Ammo weights have been set to zero for all ammo such as arrows, bolts, and trap projectiles.
Version 1.6.323.0.8
Version 1.6.323.0.8 was released as an update for Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on 22 November 2021.
Fixed an entitlement issue that occurred when purchasing the Anniversary Edition upgrade on PS4 and then switching to PS5.
Fixed an issue where catching a fish wouldn't trigger the appropriate animation on PS4.
Fixed a problem preventing some doors in Rielle from opening properly.
Fixed an issue where Russian and Polish notes were not displaying text properly.
Fixed an issue where German and French players were given incorrect menu text when leveling up.
Fixed an issue where players were experiencing a 'black screen' and upon launching.
Steam 1.6 Patch Notes
Version 1.6 was released as an update for Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on 11 November 2021.
General performance optimizations
Minor art and lighting fixes
Adjusted creation quests so they no longer start upon leaving Helgen
Bug fixes and balance updates to the following Creations:
Alternative Armors – Daedric Mail
Alternative Armors – Elven Hunter
Alternative Armors – Ebony Plate
Alternative Armors – Ebony Plate
Arcane Archer Pack
Bone Wolf
Dawnfang & Duskfang
Dead Man's Dread
Chrysamere
Civil War Champions
Divine Crusader
Forgotten Seasons
Goblins
Hendraheim
Myrwatch
Pets of Skyrim
Plague of the Dead
Rare Curios
Ruin’s Edge
Saints and Seducers
Saturalia
Spell Knight Armor
Staff of Sheogorath
Stendarr's Hammer
Sunder & Wraithguard
Survival Mode
Tundra Homestead
Bethesda 1.6 Patch Notes
General
All creations have been updated so their quest (if they have one) does not initialize upon leaving Helgen, or loading a save past Helgen. Content can be encountered organically across Tamriel, or if you want to know the specifics, this information is available in each items’ store description.
Fixed minor art and sound issues on several creations.
Survival Adjustments
We have made a number of small balance changes to Survival’s mechanics
The rate at which your Hunger increases has been reduced by 25%.
The rate at which your Fatigue increases has been reduced by 10%.
The weapon speed penalties incurred while penalized by Hunger have been adjusted to 10% (Peckish), 20% (Hungry), 30% (Famished), 40% (Starving). Was 30% / 40% / 40% / 40%.
The Magicka and Stamina regeneration penalties incurred while penalized by Fatigue have been adjusted to 25% (Drained), 50% (Tired), 75% (Weary), 100% (Debilitated). Was 40% / 60% / 80% / 100%.
Hunger now increases more quickly while sleeping.
Sound effects for Hunger and Fatigue now play less frequently.
Potion of Blood now restores Hunger if the player is a Vampire.
There are also several fixes
Fixed an issue where Seared Slaughterfish and Charred Skeever Meat restored less Hunger than intended.
Fixed an issue where you would not warm up while in warm weathers or in warm interiors while transformed into a Werewolf or Vampire Lord.
Fixed an issue where Cold penalties on the Health meter would not update immediately after transforming back from a Werewolf or Vampire Lord.
Fixed an issue where the player continued to incur Survival penalties while in the Dreamstride during the quest Waking Nightmare.
Fixed a grammatical issue in the Fatigue tutorial prompt.
Fixed an issue where certain foods and beverages did not make the correct sounds when consumed, picked up, and dropped.
The following armor and clothing is now classified as cold: Armor of the Old Gods & Wedding Sandals
The following armor and clothing is now classified as warm: Boots of the Old Gods, Embellished Robes, Fur-Trimmed Cloak, Nobel Clothes, Refined Tunic & Ulfric’s Clothes.
Specific Fixes and Balance Adjustments
Arcane Archer Pack
Increase damage of telekinesis arrows from 30 to 111
Fire Arrows will now ignite oil pools.
Bone Wolf
Revenge perk no long applies towards the player if they are a vampire.
Bone wolves are now properly affected by spells that target the undead.
Dead Man's Dread
Added fast travel markers to docks from map inside the ship.
Fixed LOD for Blackbone Isle.
Slightly desaturated Captain’s Clothing to be more inline with other Skyrim outfits.
Civil War Champions
Fixed keyword on Tsun's Judgment from warhammer to battleaxe
Fixed Stormcloak officer not removing snow pelts
Divine Crusader
Added note explaining why some bandits could wear Crusader armor.
After committing multiple crimes, all Crusader's Relics will receive a penalty until the player completes a pilgrimage to remove them.
Goblins
Khajiit caravans now have a 15% chance of selling the Goblin Totem Staff.
Myrwatch
Fixed staff enchanter granting excessive XP.
Pets of Skyrim
Quest Journals are now droppable upon quest completion.
Plague of the Dead
Fixed some zombies having the wrong stats.
Saints and Seducers
Fixed crash that can occur when wearing the Madness Cuirass
Golden Saints Gauntlets and Madness Gauntlets now correctly work with the Fists of Steel perk.
Fixed exploit allowing the player to obtain an infinite number of copies of Staada's helmet.
Fixed summoned Staada using the wrong voice type.
Removed errant Falmer sword floating near Bleakwind Basin
Fixed barricade collisions sometimes not disappearing when barricade was destroyed.
Staff of Sheogorath
Updated presentation of Fork of Horripilation
Fixed Fork of Horripilation is being at a companion's feet when equipped.
Stendarr's Hammer
Corrected weapon's 'Smite' damage effect.
Sunder & Wraithguard
Fixed Sunder’s Fury effect from being tagged as fire damage.
Tundra Homestead
Barrels in exterior smithing area are no longer set to respawn
Version 1.5
Version 1.5.97
Version 1.5.97 was released as an update for Steam, PS4 and Xbox One on 21 November 2019.
Support for new CC content was added.
Wolves will now howl properly when idle.
Additional art resources centering around content for Shivering Isles has been included with the base game as modders' resources.
[INFO:01002F02] ('(whine)' in GRUP Topic Children of PetFramework_BranchDismiss_HoldTopic [DIAL:01002F00])
[INFO:01002F0E] ('(whine)' in GRUP Topic Children of PetFramework_BranchDismiss_HomeTopic [DIAL:01002EFF])
[INFO:01002F04] ('(grumble)' in GRUP Topic Children of PetFramework_BranchHomeCurrLocTopic [DIAL:01002EEB])
[INFO:01002F06] ('(squeal)' in GRUP Topic Children of PetFramework_BranchRecruitTopic [DIAL:01002F01])
[INFO:01002F0A] ('(squeal)' in GRUP Topic Children of PetFramework_BranchWaitResumeTopic [DIAL:01002EEA])
[INFO:01002F0B] ('(grumble)' in GRUP Topic Children of PetFramework_BranchWaitTopic [DIAL:01002EED])
[INFO:01002F09] ('(grumble)' in GRUP Topic Children of PetFramework_InventoryTopic [DIAL:01002EEC])
Added Subject.HasKeyword(one of the new CustomPetResponses)=0 conditions
Bug: the edit to [INFO:01002F0E] conflicts with a pre-existing (and unchanged) override in HearthFires.esm
Interior cell changes:
ccPlaceholder04Interior01 'Creation Club Cell' [CELL:01002FD2]
Added a door [REFR:0100309F] (places AutoLoadDoor01 'Passage' [DOOR:00031897]) (to Tamriel)
Removed old door [REFR:01002FDF] (places CreationClubPlaceHolderDoor 'Door' [DOOR:01002F3B])
Rearranged some statics
CTest 'Quick Test Cell' [CELL:000B1783]
Added a door [REFR:01003056] (places WRDragonDoor01 'Door' [DOOR:000252C7]) (to Solitude)
Also [REFR:01003066] (places WRDragonDoor01 'Door' [DOOR:000252C7]) (to Tamriel)
SolitudeWorld worldspace changes:
Added door ccBGSSSE025_DungeonEntrance [REFR:01003057] (places CreationClubPlaceHolderDoor 'Door' [DOOR:01002F3B] in GRUP Cell Persistent Children of [CELL:00037EE6] at -16,25) (to CTest)
Lots of ITMs
Tamriel worldspace changes:
[CELL:00000D74]
Added door [REFR:0100309C] (places AutoLoadDoor01 'Passage' [DOOR:00031897] at 44,-32) (to Placeholder04)
Added door EEJSSE004_WaririorDoor [REFR:01003058] (places CreationClubPlaceHolderDoor 'Door' [DOOR:01002F3B] at -20,-8) (to CTest)
Added ccBGSSSE040_NavCutVolume [REFR:0100309E] (places CollisionMarker [STAT:00000021] in GRUP Cell Temporary Children of [CELL:0000BDC9] at 44,-31)
Added ccBGSSSE040_EntranceBlocker [REFR:0100309D] (places RockCliff04 [STAT:00029D98] in GRUP Cell Temporary Children of [CELL:0000BDCA] at 44,-32)
Added other miscellaneous statics and trees
Changes to HearthFires.esm:
Updated player dialogue lines relating to Hendraheim mod (added FULLs to existing forms):
Added 37 meshes under meshescreationclub_shared, including some 'plantactivatorbehavior' HKTs
Added 38 textures under texturescreationclub_shared
Decreased the file sizes of textureseffectsprojected{diffuse,normal,normaldetail}.dds again
Version 1.5.80.0.8
Version 1.5.80.0.8 was released as an update for Steam, PS4 and Xbox One on 13 June 2019.
Backend changes to support new Creation Club content.
Fixed an issue with specular lighting on skin.
Undocumented Changes
Version 1.5.73.0.8
Version 1.5.73.0.8 was released as an update for Steam, PS4 and Xbox One on 13 March 2019.
Small backend changes for PC, XB1, and PS4.
Thieves Guild Hood will no longer disappear if player is a vampire (second instance on the variant record).
Vegetable Soup and Venison Stew now properly restore health.
Fixed a lighting error on the doors of Solitude (best seen on the door to Blue Palace).
Removed an extraneous floor piece from Folgunthur.
Added Files
Changes to Update.esm:
Fix to ThievesGuildVariantHelmetAA [ARMA:000E35CE] adding vampire race support (mirrors the Unofficial Patch except it doesn't include ElderRaceVampire)
Change to FoodRestoreHealthDuration 'Restore Health' [MGEF:001058A2] from a health regen to healing (mirrors the Unofficial Patch; affects Horker Stew, Venison Stew, Vegetable Soup, Juniper Berry Crostata, Chicken Dumpling)
Deleted [REFR:002A6D2E] (NorTmpHallBg1wayS01 [STAT:0001B1B6] in 'Folgunthur Crypt' [CELL:000AB531]) a floor piece that was placed near the ceiling, and will be mostly invisible to the player.
Moved SolitudeExteriorGuardMarker5 [REFR:0002A2C0] (PatrolIdleMarker [IDLM:000140BD] in [CELL:00000D74] at -18,24) (also moved by the Unofficial Patch)
Added and moved various terrain statics in a few Tamriel exterior cells
Added MUSCombatBossUmbra [MUSC:0100301E] with one track MUSCombatBossUmbra01 [MUST:0100301D] (dataMusicBGSSSE016_MUS_Combat_Boss_01.wav)
Added placeholder list ccBGSSSE003_LCharUndeadList [LVLN:01003024] containing only a rabbit
Added placeholder NPC ccBGSSSE003_LvlBoneWolfZombie [NPC_:01003025] templated from LCharUndeadList (18 placed references, mostly in pairs, Enable Parent-ed to a disabled marker)
Added empty list cc_ShiveringIsleIngredients [LVLI:01002FDA]
Added 1 placeholder cell for unreleased ccEEJSSE004
Additions to Skyrim.ccc, 10 placeholder cells for unnamed future CC locations:
Reduced file size of textureseffectsprojecteddiffuse.dds, projectednormal.dds, projectednormaldetail.dds for compression
Version 1.5.62.0.8
Version 1.5.62.0.8 was released as an update for Steam, PS4 and Xbox One on 5 December 2018.
Small backend changes for PC, XB1, and PS4.
Thieves Guild Hood will no longer disappear if player is a vampire.
Fixed specular with 'Mourner's Hat' and 'Hat' on male Argonians.
Fixed skinning and restored bridles on Imperial Saddle.
Version 1.5.53.0
Version 1.5.53.0 was released as an update for Steam, PS4, and Xbox One on 3 October 2018.
Small backend changes for PC, XB1, and PS4.
Version 1.5.50.0
Version 1.5.50.0 was released as an update for Steam on 29 August 2018.[1]
We're releasing a patch today with some small backend changes for PC, XB1, and PS4.
Version 1.5.39
Version 1.5.39 was released as an update for Steam and PS4 on 3 April 2018.[2]
New Features
Support for additional player homes
Bug Fixes
Minor bug fixes for Bethesda.net
Updated script functions for new Creations
Wolves have regained the ability to howl
Version 1.5.23
Version 1.5.23 was released as a stealth update on 30 November 2017. No official changelog has been posted by Bethesda, but the update includes the following:
New Features
Official support for Xbox One X
Bug Fixes
Updated script functions to support new Creations
Removed Report button from Mods (Users should report Mods on Bethesda.net)
Version 1.5.16
Version 1.5.16 was released as an update for Steam 7 November 2017.[3] It was released for Xbox One and PS4 on 9 November 2017.
Fixes
Fixed issue with rate of critters respawning in world
Fixed crash related to changing profiles (Xbox One only)
Fixed issues with screenshots displaying incorrectly in Creation Club/Mods
Message of the Day heading revised
Changed logic for how Creation Club content is initialized
Minor bug fixes to Bethesda.net
Version 1.5
Version 1.5 was released as an update for Steam, PS4 and Xbox One on 3 October 2017.[4]
New features
Message of the Day
Support for ESL file format
Mods - patch version numbers and notes added to Mod Details page
Fixes
Minor fixes to Bethesda.net functionality
Minor fixes to steam functionality
Version 1.4
Version 1.4 was released as a Steam update on 6 February 2017. The PS4 and Xbox One patches were released on February 9.[5]Fl studio latest version.
New features
Added Featured category for mods
Added ability to sort Highest Rated and Most Favorited filters by today, week, month and all time
Added number of ratings count to Mods Browsing Menu
Added number of favorites count to Mod Details page
Added required dependencies to Mod Details page
Fixes
General performance and stability improvements
Improvements to Reporting mods categories
Fixed occasional crashes while scrolling through Load Order menu
Improved Bethesda.net error messaging
Version 1.3
Version 1.3 was released as a Steam update on 21 November 2016, and was later updated on December 13.[6][7] It was released on PS4 (as 1.05) on 10 January 2017.
Fixes
General stability and performance improvements
Fixed an issue where Slow Time effects weren't behaving properly
Better support for 144hz displays
Fixed issue with being unable to log into Bethesda.net
Version 1.2
Version 1.2 was released as a Steam update on 11 November 2016. It was released on PS4 (as 1.04) on 14 November. It was released on Xbox One on 16 November.
Fixes
General stability and performance improvements
Fixed issue related to using alt-tab while playing the game (PC)
Fixed issue with water flow not rendering properly
Fixed crash related to changing from werewolf back to human form
Fixed crash related to reloading after changing Load Order of mods
General bug fixing and improvements with browsing Mods
Version 1.1
Version 1.03
Version 1.03 was released on PS4 and Xbox on 8 November 2016.
Version 1.1.51.08
Skyrim Special Edition Or Normal People
Version 1.1.51.08 was released as a Steam update on 7 November 2016.
Fixes
General performance and optimization improvements
Fixed rare issue with NPCs not appearing in proper locations
Fixed an issue with interface elements not appearing correctly on certain displays (Xbox One and PS4)
Fixed issue with saves erroneously being marked as Modded, even though no mods are active
Updated some sound files to not use compression
Notes
Patch — the notes for the patches to the original game, all of which are included by default in the Special Edition
Unofficial Skyrim Patch — an unofficial mod attempting to fix all the bugs not fixed by the official patches. Available on the PC, Xbox One, and Playstation 4.
References
^Skyrim SE patch 1.5.50.0
^The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition 1.5.39 Update
^The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition 1.5.16 Update
^The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition 1.5 Update: Live for all platforms
^The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition 1.4 Update
^Skyrim Special Edition 1.3 Update
^Skyrim Special Edition Game Updates
Retrieved from 'https://en.uesp.net/w/index.php?title=Skyrim:Special_Edition_Patch&oldid=2541592'
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim ($19.99 at Humble Bundle) is a sprawling open-world RPG to be reckoned with, even five years after its initial release. The world is overwhelmingly massive, and is chock full of monsters to slay, quests to undertake, dungeons to raid, and beautiful vistas to take in. Skyrim Special Edition improves the visuals, and makes the jump to 64-bit architecture, resulting in a slightly prettier and more stable video game than the original release. Unfortunately, Bethesda, the game's developer, made zero changes to the gameplay, interface, or presentation, so the same wonky AI, wooden NPCs, and laughable animations also appear in this game. To complicate matters, the 64-bit jump means that many of the complex, script-heavy mods created for the original release don't work in Skyrim Special Edition, leaving PC players with essentially a prettier version of the base game. Make no mistake: Skyrim is a great game, but it is probably not worth buying a second time; at least not until the mod community catches up.
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Dragon Slaying
You are Dragonborn, a person born with the soul and power of a mythical dragon. The destructive dragon Alduin has returned to the mortal realm with a host of dragons in tow, and the realm of Skyrim finds itself in grave danger. This is the canvas on which you draw your adventures. After the introduction, you are free to explore the realm, slay dragons, raid crypts and dungeons, or take on more malevolent roles, as you so choose. Regardless of your path, you'll be fighting, exploring, and interacting with NPCs during your travels. Not only is Skyrim dauntingly massive on its own, but this Special Edition also incorporates the previously released DLC, so the vampire-hunting Dawnguard, home-crafting Hearthfire, and ashen wastes of Dragonborn are part of the package.
Skyrim Special Edition's combat is fairly simplistic, but offers just enough meat to sink your teeth into. Each weapon type has light and heavy attacks that you use to chip away at your opponent's health. You can block attacks to deflect incoming damage, or parry an incoming attack to open your opponent and deal critical damage. Magic is equipped much like weapons, and you can cast an array of destructive spells to destroy foes. Particular magic types, such as illusion and restoration spells, are used to supplement your offensive skills. The character-building RPG mechanics are what give the simple combat its depth, and it is through leveling that I had the most fun in Skyrim's realm.
4.5
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (for PC)
4.5
D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die (for PC)
4.0
Batman: The Telltale Series (for PC)
4.0
The Wolf Among Us (for PC)
Excellent
The Walking Dead: A New Day
Like the original game, Skyrim Special Edition lets you build your character based on your own play style. If you make liberal use of archery, for example, you earn levels toward that field, which in turn nets you proficiency points. You then use these points to purchase more perks and enhancements for that skill. Once you level archery to 20, for example, you can unlock a perk that lets your arrows do critical damage to enemies that are unaware of your presence. Skyrim Special Edition offers 18 skill types to develop, including Lock Picking, Two-Handed Weaponry, and Destructive Sorcery. Not all skill types are offensive; Blacksmithing, Equipment Enchanting, and Alchemy are essentially support skills that are used to create useful equipment or items. Nonetheless, Skyrim Special Edition lets you develop your character very naturally and accommodates a wide variety of play styles, so it's easy to immerse yourself and build your character in whatever way you see fit.
As you explore, hunt, and murder your way across the game world, you come across NPCs and guilds offering work that befits a draconic warrior. The quality of these quests runs the gamut, from enjoyable to utterly tedious, depending on how you play your game. You will, of course, fetch random items, slaughter wildlife, and kill targets, which is standard fare in open-world RPGs. Most campaign and guild quests usher you towards the game's many dungeons to explore. As I thoroughly enjoy dungeon crawling, I have no qualms with this. Dungeons in Skyrim are labyrinthine, and are filled with loot to snatch up and pawn off, or dangerous boss monsters to strike down. Skyrim's quests are varied enough that you can easily find a few to enjoy as you play through the game.
Perhaps the oddest abilities at your disposal are Dragon Shouts, unique draconic spells that only dragons and the Dragonborn can use. You earn these by learning Words of Power hidden in shrines within dungeons. Once you acquire one, you must slay a dragon and absorb its soul to unlock the skill. Many Shouts are unique and interesting, but many are not very practical.
For example, Slow Time is a great Shout, as it slows down times for about fifteen seconds. You can even extend the duration of this effect with the right potions and perks, making it doubly useful. And Marked for Death is grossly overpowered, as it cripples your opponent's defense and damages them over time. On the other hand, I never utilized the animal-taming Shouts much, or the Shout that makes your enemies flee. The fire and ice-breathing Shouts are also seemingly useless compared to the others. Unlike spells, Shouts have their own unique cool down gauge, so you can use them to supplement your normal offensive skills.
Simulation Vs. Convenience
My previous experience with the Elder Scrolls series was with The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, a title that's part of the delightful Elder Scrolls Anthology ($19.99 at Humble Bundle) . I appreciated Morrowind's rich and alien realm, and how the developers sought to make it every bit as immersive and sim-like as possible. I loved that I had to follow directions to find key NPCs and learn where I needed to go. Reading road signs and getting lost was part of the experience. I had to make use of caravan transport to fast-travel between regions, which gave me a logical, in-game explanation for how NPCs and my own character got around. On the flip side, virtually every action in Morrowind is heavily stat dependent, so it plays more like a tabletop RPG presented in a first-person perspective. Basic combat became a chore, and my own ignorance on the leveling system compounded this until I couldn't bear to play the game anymore.
Skyrim Special Edition Or Normal Man
Curiously, Skyrim feels like a step away from the, at times, overwhelming RPG aspects of Morrowind. You can fight effectively with any weapon you pick up, and statistical dice rolls no longer determine enemy evasion: In Skyrim, if you swing at a rat, you're going to hit the rat. NPCs don't give you detailed directions any more; instead, a black and white marker highlights exactly where you need to travel. You can fast-travel to any place you've been to, which trumps any other method of in-game travel.
It's clear that these changes were made so that Skyrim would be more accessible to general audiences, but at the same time it feels like the more immersive RPG-elements were thrown on the chopping block to do so. I love that Skyrim's combat is not nearly as stat-driven as Morrowind's combat, but the streamlined quest directions and bold arrow markers make me wish that the game did a little less handholding.
Cracks in the Façade
Bethesda has made no real changes to the base game aside from the new visual flourish. Water is much prettier than the shimmering pools of snot in the original Skyrim, for example. Occlusion is more noticeable, so rain and snow won't fall through overhangs. Z-fighting, the ugly texture flickering that often affected distant mountains and surfaces in the original game, is no longer an issue, either.
These are all nice improvements, but I would have liked to see more beyond visual tweaks. Menu scrolling is still a tedious chore, so a better user interface would have been welcome. Likewise, improved animations would have enhanced the Skyrim experience, since characters and combat look rudimentary at best, especially when you shift into third-person view.
The stupid AI, and wooden voice work, which might have been charming five years back, is highly irritating today. Why do NPCs with families and businesses, armed with little more than a table knife, opt to fight a dragon rather than flee to their home? This is especially awkward because cities have guards meant to protect citizens. Likewise, why do the guards that revere my Dragonborn status at one moment, patronize me the next? Mods may have addressed many of the issues of the base game, but considering Bethesda's long-standing relationship with the mod community, I thought the company would duplicate the improvements made by said community, rather than just offering the same game again with a new coat of paint.
On a related note, Skyrim Special Edition offers mod support, but there is one key issue that needs to be addressed. The game's move to a 64-bit architecture means that the more complex, script-heavy mods that became popular with the original title are trickier to develop this time around. In fact, Skyrim Script Editor, a crucial program for creating advanced mods, has not yet been updated to accommodate Skyrim Special Edition—and it may be a long time before it is. This limits the mods to simpler graphical enhancements, so the lack of the useful game-altering mods from the original Skyrim release might be a deal breaker for some. For example, the SkyUI mod radically improved Skyrim's default user interface by rearranging gear and items, adding new icons, and even adding a search function. But because SkyUI requires the use of Skyrim Script Editor, this mod is incompatible with Skyrim Special Edition at the moment.
The game offers numerous adjustable graphics settings, including shadow quality and distance, god rays quality, ambient occlusion, and various depth of field sliders, so you can tweak the game to run as optimally as possible. Bethesda also improved the water effects, snow shaders, and particle effects to make Skyrim Special Edition's environments pop. The move to 64-bit architecture results in a more stable and snappier game overall. The game makes heavier use of bloom and anti-aliasing, though Bethesda went overboard with these features; the in-game textures are better than the original game's, but they look much too soft, as if the game is being displayed through a Vaseline filter.
As a Steam game, Skyrim Special Edition supports Steam Cloud Saves and Steam Achievements.
A Grand Adventure for Newcomers
Skyrim Special Edition is basically the original Skyrim with a fresh coat of paint. If you already own the first release game, there isn't much incentive to make the jump, because in all likelihood you have already modified the original game to run as well, or better, than this game. But if you skipped out on the DLC, or missed the boat entirely, Skyrim SE is a great RPG that is well worth picking up.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (for PC)
3.5
Pros
Includes previously released DLC.
Boasts improved stability and subtle graphics improvements.
Lore-heavy universe is immersive and fascinating.
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Cons
Skyrim Special Edition doesn't offer anything PC players didn't already have via the modding community.
64-bit support limits mod accessibility, crippling the greatest appeal for playing Skyrim on PC.
Skyrim Original Vs Special Edition
The Bottom Line
Skyrim is still a rock-solid RPG that's worth purchasing if you missed vanilla Skyrim. That said, if you already own and mod the original game, Skyrim Special Edition has nothing fresh to offer.
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