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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a single-player open-world action role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a single-player open-world action role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released in 2011, it is the fifth main entry in The Elder Scrolls series and is set in the fantasy province of Skyrim in the continent of Tamriel. The game is known for its large open world, main Dragonborn storyline, and extensive modding community.

Gameplay

Skyrim is an open-world role-playing game that lets players explore freely, complete quests, join factions, and develop their character through skills and perks. The main story follows the Dragonborn’s fight against the dragon Alduin, but the game also includes many side quests and exploration-based activities.

Release and editions

The original game launched in 2011 for Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Later editions such as Special Edition and Anniversary Edition added technical improvements and bundled additional content.

Setting and story

Skyrim is set in the cold, mountainous province of Skyrim in Tamriel. The setting includes political conflict among local factions as well as a larger dragon crisis.

Modding and community

Skyrim became one of the most heavily modded games of its era, with a large community creating visual upgrades, gameplay changes, quests, and quality-of-life improvements. Mod availability depends on platform and edition.

Key facts

  • It is the fifth main game in The Elder Scrolls series.
  • The player controls the Dragonborn, a character with the power to absorb dragon souls and use shouts.
  • The game takes place in the northern province of Skyrim, home to the Nords.
  • Skyrim has been re-released in multiple editions, including Special Edition and Anniversary Edition.
  • The game has a large modding scene on PC and consoles, especially on platforms that support creation content.
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Canadian context

Skyrim has a significant Canadian player base and remains widely available on Canadian console and PC storefronts; Canadian readers may encounter edition differences, platform availability, and mod support that vary by retailer and subscription service.

Frequently asked questions

What is Skyrim?
Skyrim is an open-world action role-playing game set in the fantasy world of The Elder Scrolls. Players take on the role of the Dragonborn and explore the province of Skyrim while completing quests and fighting dragons.
How to start Skyrim?
Start by creating a character, then follow the opening tutorial sequence and the early main quest path. New players usually benefit from focusing on the main story at first, while also experimenting with side quests and skills.
What are the best Skyrim mods?
Popular mods include visual overhauls, interface improvements, bug fixes, and gameplay expansions. Commonly recommended categories are the Unofficial Patch, texture and lighting mods, and quality-of-life mods; the best choices depend on platform and play style.
How long to beat Skyrim?
Main story completion is commonly around 25–35 hours, while a full playthrough with many side quests can take well over 100 hours. Completion time varies widely because the game is highly open-ended.
Is Skyrim on Game Pass?
Availability can change over time and by region, but Skyrim has been included in Xbox Game Pass at various points. The current catalog should be checked directly on the service for the latest status.
What is the Skyrim anniversary edition?
The Skyrim Anniversary Edition is a release of Skyrim Special Edition bundled with Creation Club content available at launch, including additional quests, gear, and gameplay additions.

References

  1. Bethesda — https://elderscrolls.bethesda.net/
    Supports: Anniversary Edition bundles Special Edition with Creation Club content released at launch.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_V:_Skyrim
    Supports: Skyrim is an action role-playing open-world video game by Bethesda Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks, released on November 11, 2011.
  3. Elder Scrolls Wiki (Fandom) — https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_V:_Skyrim
    Supports: Game is single-player, fifth main entry in the series, and set about 200 years after Oblivion.
  4. Fextralife — https://skyrim.wiki.fextralife.com/Skyrim
    Supports: Skyrim is an open-world action RPG set in the province of Skyrim with the Dragonborn main story.
  5. IGN — https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-elder-scrolls-5-skyrim/skyrim
    Supports: Skyrim is the primary explorable location in the game and is the homeland of the Nords.