Game reviews / The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
2016 · PC · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · Action RPG · Open-world · Fantasy
3 scored sources · 2 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Critics agree that Skyrim Special Edition remains a remarkably expansive role-playing adventure, defined by its freedom, exploration, emergent stories, and enormous amount of content. The remaster improves lighting, textures, loading times, console performance, and adds mod support, making it the strongest console version available at launch. However, the underlying game shows its age: combat is clumsy, menus are cumbersome, writing is uneven, and many dungeons and quests feel repetitive. The upgrade is an excellent entry point for newcomers, but returning players may find the visual improvements and technical refinements insufficient to justify another purchase.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-21
Pros
- Vast, immersive open world with excellent exploration
- Exceptional freedom, character customization, and replay value
- Improved visuals, performance, loading times, and console mod support
Cons
- Dated combat, menus, and interface
- Uneven writing and shallow main campaign
- Repetitive dungeons, glitches, and limited PlayStation mod support
Review sources
3 sources found across 2 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- GamesRadar+ · United Kingdom · 90/100
- Push Square · United Kingdom · 70/100
- Destructoid · United States · 75/100