Skyrim is one of the most popular games of all time for Console gamers and PC gamers. Well, the impeccable storyline and amazing gameplay made it one of the best games of all time. With the open-world setting, the players used to roam around and complete the missions to proceed in the gameplay. The earlier versions were not that popular, but as the new versions kept coming, the popularity rose to new heights. Skyrim was launched in 2011 and had amazing graphics compared to that time and system support.
Well, the developers have released multiple versions of Skyrim, and they are quite confusing for the players. The Skyrim Legendary Edition and Skyrim Special Edition are the two versions that commonly confuse the players. If you are the one who got confused, then we are here to help you solve your confusion. In this post, you will learn about the difference between the Skyrim Legendary Edition and Skyrim Special Edition with ease. We are going to compare these two games and share the core differences, so you can make informed decisions on which game to purchase.
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Skyrim Legendary Edition Vs. Skyrim Special Edition
People say that Skyrim Legendary Edition and Skyrim Special Edition are pretty much the same. We do agree on the core of that. But both the games come with special features, which makes them apart, if not in the gameplay, then in other areas. Here are a few core differences between Skyrim LE and Skyrim SE for the gamers.
Version
Skyrim Legendary Edition is the original game that was launched in 2011. It’s the first generation of the game, hence the name Legendary. It’s the game that comes with all the mods, features and gameplay experience as the first game that was launched. The Legendary edition will help you enjoy the nostalgic gameplay with ease.
On the other hand, Skyrim Special Edition is the remastered version of the game. It comes with more features and also graphical enhancements. As it’s a remastered version, the minor bugs were corrected and also, the players will get a better gameplay experience with the same one.
Graphics Quality
The graphics quality of the Legendary Edition is not subpar but excellent. Compared to the games in that Era, Skyrim Legendary Edition has superb graphics quality. But in today’s world, it’s not sufficient, and people might find it choppy graphics. In short, the graphics quality is good but not that great.
Skyrim Special Edition is the remastered version, meaning everything has been redone from scratch. The graphics quality of the Special Edition of Skyrim is super excellent. The entire thing is changed, and the gamers can experience the same game in the higher quality visuals. The lighting, graphics, animations and even the textures are enhanced in the special edition. So, gamers with high-end consoles and PC can easily play and enjoy the superb graphics of the Skyrim Remastered version.
Optimization
The main difference between the Skyrim Legendary and Skyrim Special Edition is the optimization. The legendary edition was fully optimized for the consoles like Xbox 360 and PlayStation. The special edition, on the other hand, is properly optimized for the gaming consoles and also the PC. With the support for PC, it will run perfectly fine on any supported hardware without any hiccups. The optimization for the PC and other consoles is one of the biggest improvements in the Skyrim Special Edition over the Legendary Edition.
Mods
The Skyrim series games always came with the mods. The Skyrim Legendary Edition comes with all the popular mods that were made for the game. The third-party and the original mods are available in the Legendary Edition of Skyrim. But With the Skyrim Special Edition, the players get access to all of the mods, skins and many other things in the Legendary Edition and also have the ability to build new mods. As the Legendary Edition is hard to find, it’s always better to enjoy the same experience with the Skyrim Special Edition.
System Requirements
As Skyrim Special Edition is a new iteration or the remastered version of this game, it is quite essential to understand that it has higher system requirements. The Legendary Edition will work on any of the modern computers and consoles, but the Special Edition requires the special gaming computer to play the game at full settings and get the best frame rates. The Skyrim Legendary Edition would work flawlessly on Dual Core CPU, 2GB RAM and up to 8GB of storage space.
But the remastered Skyrim will need at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Phenom II series CPU, 8GB of RAM and also a minimum of 12GB of storage space. Not just that, it requires a dedicated graphics card with a minimum of 1GB video memory for properly rendering the high-quality graphics of the game.
Pricing and Value
Special Edition often comes at a slightly higher price due to its visual improvements and bundled DLCs. Legendary Edition may be more budget-friendly but lacks the same level of visual fidelity.
Community and Modding
The Skyrim modding community thrives for both editions, but Special Edition’s 64-bit support allows for more ambitious and stable mods. This makes it a favorite among modders.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Gameplay remains largely consistent between the two editions. Core mechanics, quests, and the vast open world are virtually identical, ensuring a familiar experience regardless of the version chosen.
Audio and Sound Enhancements
Both editions offer an immersive audio experience with a dynamic soundtrack and realistic sound effects. There are no significant differences in this aspect.
Updates and Patches
Special Edition tends to receive more frequent updates and patches from Bethesda, ensuring ongoing support and bug fixes. Legendary Edition, while still maintained, may not see the same level of attention.
Final Words for Skyrim Legendary Edition Vs. Skyrim Special Edition
Be it the Legendary Edition or the Special Edition, the players will be getting the same core of the Skyrim game. But, the Remastered version is pretty cool and comes with all the features of the original game and also the enhanced graphics. Skyrim has a special place in our hearts, and that’s why we prefer Skyrim Special Edition over the others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. Is Skyrim Legendary Edition the same as Special Edition?
Answer- No, they are different editions of the game with varying features and enhancements.
Q2. What are the differences between Skyrim Special Edition and Anniversary Edition?
Answer- Skyrim Anniversary Edition includes additional content and features, while Special Edition focuses on graphical improvements.
Q3. Which edition is better for modding?
Answer- Skyrim Special Edition is better for modding due to its 64-bit engine and improved stability.
Q4. Are there any differences in gameplay between the two editions?
Answer- The core gameplay and mechanics are nearly identical in both editions.
Q5. Which edition is more visually impressive?
Answer- Skyrim Special Edition offers superior graphics and visual enhancements.
Q6. Do both editions include DLC content?
Answer- Legendary Edition includes all DLC, while Special Edition includes DLC and additional enhancements.
Q7. Is there a price difference between the two editions?
Answer- Special Edition is typically priced higher due to its visual improvements and bundled DLCs.
Q8. Are there performance differences between the editions?
Answer- Special Edition is known for its enhanced stability and performance, especially on modern hardware. Legendary Edition may require more tweaking for optimal performance.
