Skyrim: Anniversary Edition launched on November 11th, 2021 and is the latest upgrade of the fifth installment in the Elder Scrolls series, marking the game's transition to yet another generation of consoles.

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Skyrim is one of the most popular RPGs of all time, combining a rich open world with engaging combat and highly customizable character builds. Players have loved Skyrim since its release, and the Anniversary Edition gives old fans a conveniently packaged deal of all the content released for the game to date and gives new players a fantastic jumping-on point.

10 It Was Released On Skyrim's 10th Anniversary

Skyrim Anniversary edition cover art

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was first released on November 11th, 2011. The Anniversary Edition, appropriately enough, was released exactly ten years to the day after the initial game. Interesting to note is that the previous installment in the series, Oblivion, was released in 2006, just five and a half years before Skyrim. Even the third game, Morrowind was released just four years before that. New content for Skyrim, in concert with The Elders Scrolls Online expansions, seems to have replaced full new game releases.

9 It's The Most Complete Version Of The Game So Far

Skyrim DLCs cover art

The Anniversary Edition contains the entirety of Skyrim's base game, plus the three DLCs and upgraded graphics from 2016's Skyrim: Special Edition, plus all content to date from Bethesda's Creation Club.

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The Creation Club is a collection of additional content for Skyrim and Fallout 4 made by Bethesda and outside collaborators. It is essentially a heavily curated and premium library of mods. The Anniversary Edition allows players to access all of this content with a single purchase.

8 It Has A $49.99 Price Tag...

Skyrim hoard of gold in a basement

Anyone looking to pick up the Anniversary Edition can expect to pay $49.99 USD. This price point, about ten dollars less than a newly released AAA game, seems a bit steep for a decade-old game, but the sheer amount of content included is hard to argue with. Any gamers looking to maximize their hours-per-dollar will be sure to get their money's worth from the Anniversary Edition. That being said, most of what is in the Anniversary Edition has already been available in various ways, so new players are going to be the ones getting the most out of it.

7 ...Or $19.99 For Owners Of The Special Edition

skyrim beggar

Fortunately for long-time Skyrim fans, anyone who already owns the Special Edition can pay just $19.99 USD to get the Anniversary Upgrade, a DLC package that will bring their Special Edition up to date with all the new content in the Anniversary Edition.

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This is much cheaper than buying all the content separately on the Creation Club store, so it's a great deal for anyone looking to add even more to their Skyrim library.

6 Physical Versions Are Available

Skyrim anniversary edition boxes

Bethesda confirmed that, even in this age of largely digital releases, the Anniversary Edition will have a physical release for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The physical edition doesn't include any extras, just a game disc, and it carries the same price tag as the digital edition. The game disc will have all the content from the Skyrim Special Edition, and an internet connection is required to add all the Creation Club content.

5 A Next-Gen Upgrade Is On Its Way

skyrim next generation graphics

As consoles slowly move from the PS4 and the Xbox One to the next-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X, Skyrim is following suit. Owners of the Special Edition or the Anniversary Edition on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X or S will receive a next-generation upgrade for the game, free of charge. This upgrade features faster loading screens and graphics improved even above the 2016 Special Edition. This marks the third generation of consoles Skyrim will be playable on.

4 Achievements And Trophies Will Carry Over (Mostly)

Skyrim achievements

Skyrim completionists need not worry about losing their progress, as Bethesda has confirmed that any achievement and trophy progress from the Special Edition will carry over into an upgraded Anniversary Edition. This is a great feature for a game that has been around for so long, as it means not having to start over from scratch. The one exception is anyone upgrading from the PS4 version to the PS5 version, where trophies and achievements will not be transferable.

3 Fishing Is Now In The Game

skyrim fishing in a river

One of several features being brought in as a part of the Creation Club is a fishing mode that allows the player to catch over 20 different kinds of fish for food, trophies, and even an in-home aquarium. Several questlines help get the player acquainted with the new mechanic and guide them to the beautiful spots across Skyrim where fish can be found. In celebration of the anniversary, owners of the Special Edition will receive this update free of charge.

2 Survival Mode Is Added To The Special And Anniversary Editions

skyrim survival mode lean to and campfire

Another addition being added free to the Special Edition in honor of the anniversary is Survival Mode. First released on the Creation Club in 2017, this new gamemode forces players to suit up in warm gear and find shelter while exploring the game's colder climes, as well as adding a dynamic hunger and sleep tracking system.

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This gives new mechanical weight to sleeping and food, forcing the player to be strategic about their adventuring habits. Like everything on the Creation Club, Survival Mode will also be a part of the Anniversary Edition.

1 It Includes The Saints & Seducers Storyline

Skyrim Saints and Seducers armored foes in a lettuce field

One of the biggest draws of the Anniversary Edition's Creation Club content is the Saints & Seducers content package. S&S includes a whole new storyline across two main quests and a handful of sidequests, along with new items and enemies. It follows the player as they seek to thwart a mad mage who has allowed the veil between worlds to thin and allow the chaotic energy of The Shivering Isles, the realm of Daedric Prince Sheogorath, to seep through and wreak havoc. Saints & Seducers is the third and final piece of Creation Club content being added free to the Special Edition.

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