Skyrim, one of the most iconic RPGs of all time, has been a fan favorite for almost a decade now. The game has undergone several iterations and updates over the years, each introducing new features, enhancements, and graphical improvements. Two editions of Skyrim that are often compared are the Skyrim Special Edition and the Legendary Edition. In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between the two, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and which one you should choose.
Skyrim Special Edition
The Skyrim Special Edition is the latest version of the game, released in 2016. It’s essentially a remastered version of the original Skyrim game, providing updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. All the DLCs released for the game are included in the package, including Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
One of the most significant improvements in the Special Edition is the graphics. The game now supports better textures, shadow effects, and lighting, providing greater immersion and realism. The improved lighting is especially noteworthy, as the game’s environments now look more vivid and natural. In addition, the game now supports mods for consoles, making it easier for console players to access and enjoy modded content.
Another notable change is the updated audio. The Special Edition features an updated soundtrack, and the sound effects have been remastered to provide a more immersive experience. The game is also more stable than the original version, thanks to several bug fixes and improvements in optimization.
Legendary Edition
The Legendary Edition was released in 2013 and is essentially the complete Skyrim package with all the DLCs included. It features the same gameplay mechanics and graphics as the original version, but with all the additional content that was released post-launch.
One of the advantages of the Legendary Edition is that it includes more content than the Special Edition. While the Special Edition includes all the DLCs, the Legendary Edition includes several more mods that add even more content to the game. These mods include Falskaar and Wyrmstooth, which provide new lands, quests, and characters.
Another advantage of the Legendary Edition is that it’s cheaper than the Special Edition. If you’re on a budget, the Legendary Edition is a great value for money. You get all the content that’s available for the game without spending too much.
Comparison: Skyrim Special Edition vs Legendary
When it comes to the graphics, the Special Edition is the clear winner. The updated graphics provide a much better overall experience, with more realistic lighting, better textures, and improved sound. However, for those who don’t have a powerful PC or console, the graphics updates might not be noticeable.
In terms of mods, both editions offer a great range of mods, allowing you to customize your gameplay experience. However, the Special Edition has an advantage here, as it supports console mods, making it easier for console players to access and enjoy modded content.
Another factor to consider is stability. The Special Edition is more stable than the Legendary Edition, thanks to several bug fixes and optimization improvements. However, the Legendary Edition is still a solid, stable game that rarely crashes or experiences significant bugs.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, both editions of Skyrim offer their own advantages and disadvantages. The Special Edition is the best choice if you want the best graphics and mod support, but it comes at a higher price. The Legendary Edition is a great choice if you’re on a budget and want more content, but the graphics and stability are not as good as the Special Edition. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.
Keywords: Skyrim, Special Edition, Legendary, updates, enhancements, graphical improvements, DLCs, Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn, mods, console, Falskaar, Wyrmstooth, stability, bug fixes, optimization improvements.