The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action-packed, open-world fantasy role-playing game that has enthralled gamers for years. With its rich storyline, stunning visuals, and endless character customization options, it’s no wonder that Skyrim has become a cult classic. However, with the release of multiple editions, fans have been left wondering: is Skyrim Legendary Edition the same as Special Edition?
The Origins of the Confusion
To understand the difference between Legendary Edition and Special Edition, we need to delve into the history of Skyrim’s releases. Initially, Skyrim was launched in 2011 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The game received widespread critical acclaim, but it wasn’t without its flaws. Bethesda, the game’s developer, released a series of patches and DLCs to address the issues and add new content.
Fast-forward to 2013, when Bethesda released the Legendary Edition, which bundled the original game with three DLCs: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. This edition was marketed as a complete package, offering the full Skyrim experience with all the additional content.
In 2016, Bethesda announced the release of Skyrim Special Edition, which promised improved graphics, new features, and mod support for consoles. This sparked confusion among fans, as they wondered what exactly differed between the Legendary Edition and the new Special Edition.
Skyrim Legendary Edition: A Bundle of Goodies
The Skyrim Legendary Edition is a compilation of the original game and its three DLCs:
- Dawnguard: This DLC introduces a new storyline that revolves around vampires and the fate of Tamriel.
- Hearthfire: Focused on home-building and family development, Hearthfire allows players to build and customize their own homes.
- Dragonborn: Set in the island of Solstheim, Dragonborn introduces a new main quest, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
The Legendary Edition is essentially a bundle of the base game and its DLCs, providing a complete Skyrim experience with all the additional content. It’s an excellent option for those who want to play the game with all the bells and whistles.
Skyrim Special Edition: A Graphical Overhaul
Skyrim Special Edition, on the other hand, is a re-release of the original game with significant graphical improvements. The game features:
- Remastered Graphics: Special Edition boasts improved textures, lighting, and animations, making the game look more stunning than ever.
- Mod Support for Consoles: For the first time, console players can experience the joy of mods, which allows them to customize their game with new content, quests, and gameplay mechanics.
- 64-Bit Engine: The Special Edition runs on a 64-bit engine, providing a smoother and more stable gameplay experience.
The Special Edition is more than just a graphical overhaul; it’s a reworked version of the game that takes advantage of modern hardware and software capabilities.
<h4<Key Differences Between Legendary and Special Editions
Now that we’ve explored the individual features of each edition, let’s summarize the key differences:
| Skyrim Legendary Edition | Skyrim Special Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | Original graphics | Remastered graphics with improved textures, lighting, and animations |
| DLCs | Includes Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn DLCs | No DLCs included, but can be purchased separately |
| Mod Support | No mod support for consoles | Mod support for consoles and PC |
| Engine | 32-bit engine | 64-bit engine |
As you can see, the main difference lies in the graphical improvements and mod support in the Special Edition. The Legendary Edition, on the other hand, provides a complete bundle of the base game and its DLCs.
Which Edition Should You Choose?
Deciding between the Skyrim Legendary Edition and Special Edition ultimately depends on your gaming preferences and needs.
If you’re looking for a complete Skyrim experience with all the DLCs, the Legendary Edition is the way to go. You’ll get the base game and its three DLCs, providing a rich and immersive gameplay experience.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking a visually stunning and more stable game with mod support for consoles, the Special Edition is the better choice. You can always purchase the DLCs separately if you want to experience the additional content.
A Word on Console vs PC
It’s worth noting that PC players have always had access to mods, which can significantly enhance their gameplay experience. If you’re a PC player, you might not need the Special Edition, as you can already enjoy mods and improved graphics through community creations and tweaks.
However, for console players, the Special Edition is a game-changer. It provides a level of customization and community engagement that was previously unavailable on consoles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Skyrim Legendary Edition and Special Edition share the same core gameplay, they cater to different needs and preferences. The Legendary Edition is perfect for those seeking a complete bundle of the base game and its DLCs, while the Special Edition is ideal for those wanting a visually stunning and more stable game with mod support for consoles.
Ultimately, the choice between the two editions depends on your individual gaming preferences and needs. So, which edition will you choose? Will you opt for the complete package of the Legendary Edition or the graphical overhaul of the Special Edition? The world of Skyrim awaits, and the choice is yours.
What is the main difference between Skyrim Legendary Edition and Special Edition?
The main difference between Skyrim Legendary Edition and Special Edition is the inclusion of DLCs (Downloadable Content) in the Legendary Edition. The Legendary Edition includes all three DLCs, namely Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, which are not present in the Special Edition.
In addition to the DLCs, the Legendary Edition also has some technical improvements, such as improved compatibility with modern operating systems, bug fixes, and stability improvements. These improvements make the Legendary Edition a more polished and refined version of the game compared to the Special Edition.
What is the graphical difference between Skyrim Legendary Edition and Special Edition?
The graphical difference between Skyrim Legendary Edition and Special Edition is significant. The Special Edition has improved graphics compared to the original Skyrim game, with features like remastered art and effects, volumetric lighting, and dynamic depth of field.
In contrast, the Legendary Edition has similar graphical capabilities as the Special Edition but does not have the same level of graphical enhancements. The Legendary Edition’s graphics are more comparable to the original Skyrim game, with some minor improvements. Overall, the Special Edition offers a more visually stunning experience than the Legendary Edition.
Is Skyrim Legendary Edition still supported by Bethesda?
Skyrim Legendary Edition is no longer officially supported by Bethesda, the developer of the game. The game’s support ended when the Special Edition was released, and Bethesda shifted its focus to the newer version.
This means that players of the Legendary Edition will not receive any new updates, patches, or technical support from Bethesda. However, the game’s community still provides support and creates mods to enhance the gameplay experience.
Can I play mods on Skyrim Legendary Edition?
Yes, you can play mods on Skyrim Legendary Edition, but with some limitations. Since the game is no longer officially supported, the modding community has shifted its focus to the Special Edition.
As a result, many mods designed for the Special Edition may not be compatible with the Legendary Edition. Players may need to search for older mods specifically designed for the Legendary Edition or modify the mods themselves to make them compatible with the game.
Is Skyrim Legendary Edition compatible with modern operating systems?
Skyrim Legendary Edition has some compatibility issues with modern operating systems, particularly with Windows 10. Players may experience problems with the game’s launcher, crashes, and other technical issues.
However, there are workarounds and patches available online that can help resolve these issues. Players may need to install additional software or modify the game’s files to make it compatible with their operating system.
Can I upgrade from Skyrim Legendary Edition to Special Edition?
Yes, you can upgrade from Skyrim Legendary Edition to Special Edition, but it requires a purchase of the Special Edition. You cannot simply upgrade from the Legendary Edition to the Special Edition for free.
When you purchase the Special Edition, you will get access to all the features, improvements, and DLCs included in the newer version. You can then transfer your save files from the Legendary Edition to the Special Edition, allowing you to continue your gameplay experience.
Is Skyrim Legendary Edition still worth playing?
Yes, Skyrim Legendary Edition is still worth playing, especially if you’re looking for a more nostalgic experience or want to play the game with all the DLCs included.
The Legendary Edition offers a unique gameplay experience, with some differences in gameplay mechanics and balance compared to the Special Edition. Additionally, the game’s community still creates mods and content for the Legendary Edition, which can enhance the gameplay experience.