Skyrim SE vs. Skyrim: What Are the Differences?

Key Points

• The Elder Scrolls series, which includes Skyrim, is one of the most successful video game sagas in history.
• Skyrim SE has improved stability, better graphics, and full mod support compared to the original Skyrim.
• Skyrim SE includes all three DLCs, while they were separate purchases in the original Skyrim.
• Skyrim SE introduced mod support for consoles, which was previously only available on PC.

The Elder Scrolls, the series to which Skyrim belongs, is considered one of the most successful video game sagas in gaming history. Released in November 2011, it featured a fantasy RPG world that shook the video game industry. For more than twenty years, fans have celebrated each release and immersed themselves in the world orchestrated by the developers of this great fantasy universe.

Undoubtedly, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is the most acclaimed release in this series. Re-released multiple times, it’s unbelievable how loyal the fans have remained. Dedicated enthusiasts fervently continue to play as the Dragonborn. If you’re new to Skyrim, you may be confused by the different versions there are of the game. This guide will help you differentiate between the classic edition of Skyrim and Skyrim: Special Edition.

Skyrim SE vs. Skyrim: Side-by-Side Comparison

GOATED, Period

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Xbox 360

$18.00

• Reimagines the open-world fantasy epic, pushing the gameplay to new heights
• Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want
• Skyrim's new game engine brings to life a complete virtual world
• Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities

Buy on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

09/21/2023 05:01 pm GMT

History of Skyrim 

Since its release in 2011, Skyrim has captivated gamers with a world of fantasy and action that is hard to find in other video games. The game was developed by Bethesda Game Studios, which launched the Elder Scrolls series in 1994. In June 2016, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition was released. This is a remastered edition of the original.

Skyrim, besides being the name of the game, is also the place where the events that we will go through take place. The protagonist of this story is the Dragonborn, which we can customize and attribute a variety of aspects and special abilities, depending on the player’s preferences.

One of the great attractions of this game is its big open world, in which the player carries out various quests to obtain weapons, armor, and more valuable objects. In Skyrim, we can follow these quests, or simply travel through the open world fighting the wide variety of creatures that inhabit it.

Skyrim SE vs. Skyrim: What’s the Difference?

Seeing as these two games were released five years apart from each other and for different console generations, we should probably talk about some of their key differences in more detail.

Platforms

Skyrim was originally released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Skyrim SE was available on the PS4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows platforms. Nintendo Switch also received this improved version three years after the original release.

One of the biggest differences between the versions is the way in which each interacts with your PC’s hardware. Skyrim SE is 64-bit, while the original Skyrim is 32-bit. The 64-bit version of Skyrim can use more RAM. It simply uses your PC’s resources better, while being far more stable.

Graphics and Gameplay

At launch, Skyrim suffered from issues like stuttering and frame drops that were later improved on the PC version. While this can still occur in Skyrim SE, the graphics engine was updated to better accommodate the capabilities of modern gaming rigs. This meant improved stability and performance compared to the original release. The change brought forth better memory management and fewer crashes on newer hardware.

In addition, various graphical details were adjusted and improved. Skyrim SE features higher-resolution textures, enhanced lighting effects, and better character models.

However, the gameplay mechanics remain the same as in the original game. This may be a bit old-fashioned for gamers used to modern combat games. Perhaps the gameplay is not Skyrim’s strong point, but for a game released in 2011, it is better than average. This disadvantage is offset by the incredible immersion that traveling through Skyrim generates for us.

Bugs and Glitches

Interestingly, this first version of the game was plagued with bugs that gave the game a certain charm. Players found these glitches hilarious, and they spawned an impressive number of memes based on them.

However, one of the most notable bugs did not please PS3 users. There was a bug that caused all game progress to be lost after a certain point, due to data storage failures. Of course, Bethesda took care of fixing it in later patches.

Although some of the glitches, like getting some houses and room decor free, were still active when Skyrim SE was released, later patches continued to address issues as they arose.

DLCs

There were three DLCs in the original Skyrim. Dawnguard, the first official DLC, tells the story of a battle between two vampire factions. The player is provided with a wide variety of new weapons, armor, and spells.

Additionally, Skyrim’s territory expands with new sections to explore. This expansion was released in 2012 for PC, and in 2013 for consoles. Hearthfire, also released in 2012, introduced building mechanics and resource gathering. Players were now able to build houses with wood and other items available in the world.

The last official DLC of the saga is Dragonborn, which among other features includes the possibility of riding dragons. This release further expands the narrative of Skyrim, with an antagonist named Miraak that the player must defeat to save the world.

Skyrim SE includes all three of these DLCs, whereas they were three separate purchases in the original Skyrim.

Mod Support

In the original version of Skyrim, console users could not access the mod creator, a feature so characteristic of this game. Previously, this feature was only available on PC. However, the Special Edition included support for official and unofficial (user-created) mods on consoles as well as PCs.

Award-Winning Remaster of the Original Classic

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Nintendo Switch)

$57.99

• The classic open-world adventure remastered in HD for modern consoles
• Includes all official DLC including Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn
• Exclusive features from The Legend of Zelda franchise
• Amiibo and motion control compatible

Buy on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

09/21/2023 05:27 pm GMT

Skyrim SE vs. Skyrim: Six Must-Know Facts

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is Bethesda Game Studios’ most popular title to date. It is estimated that it has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.
• Skyrim is one of the most influential RPG games of its genre. The player awakens in the role of Dragonborn, whose mission is to defeat the dragon that has been prophesied to destroy the world.
• The extensive customization capability of the main character is one of the most striking attractions of Skyrim. Also, the player can choose a first-person or third-person perspective.
• Skyrim is the name of the fantasy land where the story takes place, full of monsters and strange creatures. The player can freely explore the cities, caves, forests, and castles in search of more powerful weapons and armor.
• In the Hearthfire expansion, the option to build houses and adopt children was added. Players can now buy land, build various rooms, adopt up to two children, and have a wife.
• Skyrim has been a very influential game for developers in the industry. The Witcher 3, some Dragon Age titles, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are some of the games that have taken aspects of Skyrim to build their worlds.

Skyrim SE vs. Skyrim: Which One Is Better?

Since its release thirteen years ago, Skyrim has maintained incredible popularity. Because of this, Bethesda has dedicated itself to giving back to fans with multiple re-releases, expansions, and additional content. In Skyrim Special Edition, newer fans of the series can enjoy all the original magic of this universe in stunning graphics and performance. That is why we believe that this is the best version if you want to put yourself in the Dragonborn’s shoes.