The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimreleased in 2011 to a sea of critical and commercial acclaim, quickly becoming one of the defining games on the PS3 and Xbox 360. It’s an offering that boasts immense world-building and has the capacity for fun all over its sprawling map. Most other games that arrived all those years ago, even the beloved ones, are lost in time, with few people returning to the likes ofUncharted 3,Saints Row: The Third, orDragon Age 2in 2022. Meanwhile,The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis finding new fans all the time, and existing players are still discovering new ways to have fun in the expansive map.
Starfieldis the next project for developer Bethedsa, and while it will be a significant departure in setting fromSkyrim, many fans are hoping that ittakes cues from the Dragonborn’s unforgettable journey. Time will tell ifStarfieldreaches the lofty heights of Bethesda’s previous works, but it has a huge legacy to live up to. People are still playingSkyrimto this day for a number of different reasons, and thoughFallout 4released four years after it,Skyrimremains the gold standard of Bethesda’s role-playing releases. With a new entry on the way, it seemsThe Elder Scrollsis more popular than ever.
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Skyrim is Platform Agnostic
Bethesda may bewrapped up in the development forStarfieldtoday, but sinceSkyrimreleased over a decade ago, it’s been the subject of many remasters, rereleases, and platform changes. The game is available on so many devices and with anniversary and special editions aplenty that a massive amount of RPG fans have at least dipped their toe into its gigantic world. Availability is the best ability, and older games likePersona 4 Golden,The Last of Us, andResident Evil 2are finding new and renewed interest years after they initially launched on their respective platforms.Skyrimnever really left, with such a significant presence on the game industry from the very start.
Open-world RPGs are becoming increasingly popular, andSkyrim’s success is one of the reasons why. While titles likeElden Ring,Horizon Forbidden West, andAssassin’s Creed Valhallamay be the source of much chatter today, Bethesda’s crowning achievement is still recommended by many when the desire is to experience an expansive and diverse landscape. Its sequel,The Elder Scrolls 6is still far from its release, so fans are still discovering new ways to find enjoyment in its predecessor, and this has become simple because it’s easy to find. From the heightened power of the PC to the portability of the Nintendo Switch,Skyrimfeels at home on every platform it’s currently on.
Skyrim’s Quality Holds Up In 2022
Perhaps the most obvious reason whySkyrimis still popular in 2022 is its immense quality.Bethesda hit a home run withSkyrimin 2011by crafting an experience that is draped in superb world-building, intriguing locations and memorable quests that each feel more satisfying than the last. It’s a setting that players can be lost in for hours on end, and the way the land changes according to where the player goes is fantastic, even by today’s lofty standards. From the gothic, snow-capped walls of the College of Winterhold to the humble settlement of Riverwood, it’s a landscape that is fun to simply exist in.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntmay be a more distinguishable setting andHorizon Zero Dawnmay provide a more involved and engaging combat system, butSkyrimexcels in its ability to make a world that feels lived in and history-draped.The civil war between the Stormcloaks and Imperialssets the scene of a warring nation, and even if the player spends their time taking on side activities or achieving nothing while roaming the land, it’s easy for anyone assuming the role of the Dragonborn to feel like they’re making an impact on the world. It may not be as pretty as some of its newer RPG counterparts, and some of its weaknesses like combat are more obvious now than they were over a decade ago, butSkyrim’s quality still holds up, even in 2022.
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Skyrim is a Modder’s Paradise
Despite Bethesda working hard to makeSkyrimas accessible, visually pleasing, and enjoyable as possible, players often find new ways to make their own fun. Mods are not only welcomed, but encouraged, and there are so many customizable options that can make the gorgeous setting even prettier or more amusing. From something as pressing as adding a multiplayer to the amusingaddition of a hot dog stand to Solitude,Skyrimcan be adapted to suit the player’s needs.
Because of this, no two playthroughs of the game are the same. Not only are there a vast number of quests to undertake for the Thieves' Guildor the Dark Brotherhood, but there are endless options as to how the task will be completed, as well as options for adjusting the overallSkyrimexperience. In many ways,Skyrimis limited only by the imagination of its audience, and that only heightens the game’s already immense replayability.
Bethesda’s Crowning Achievement is More Popular Than Ever
Skyrimis still popular in 2022 for so many reasons, and continues to entertain gamers of all different backgrounds and preferences. Be it admiring the gorgeous scenery or taking advantage of its liberal approach to mods, players are continuing to find new ways to enjoy the experience. Its quality is evident, and it remainsthe bar whichStarfieldhas to leap overif it wants to take the mantle of Bethesda’s best work.
Unlike a handful of other games that released at the same time,The Elder Scrolls 5has immense longevity, which is worthy of much praise. Games are more diverse and, in many ways, better than ever, so it stands testament that a piece of media from eleven years ago is still so fun. IfStarfielddisappoints, fans will still have the magic ofSkyrimto fall back on.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis available for PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
