The Most Popular RPG of All Time Released 14 Years Ago Today (& It’s Time For Another Playthrough)

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Over the years, gamers have enjoyed many fantastic role-playing games. While numerous titles have gained devoted fans, one game consistently stands out in terms of popularity and enduring appeal: The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. Released on November 11th, 2011, it quickly became a hit, selling over 7 million copies in its first week. However, even then, few could have foreseen just how long its impact would last.

Skyrim is undoubtedly one of Bethesda’s most successful games. While previous Elder Scrolls titles were well-liked, Skyrim really launched the series to a new level of popularity. It continues to sell incredibly well, partly because Bethesda has repeatedly re-released it instead of releasing The Elder Scrolls 6. But what makes Skyrim one of the most famous and cherished RPGs ever made? With the game turning fourteen, I’m going to try and explain its enduring appeal.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Is An Accessible RPG with Infinite Replayability

I’ve been a fan of role-playing games (RPGs) for as long as I can remember, and I also really enjoy relaxing, cozy games. Surprisingly, Skyrim manages to be both! You’ll find it discussed in both cozy gaming communities and hardcore RPG forums, and that’s because it strikes a great balance. Unlike earlier Elder Scrolls games, Skyrim has a simpler skill system that lets you develop your character in a more flexible way. You don’t have to pick a specific class, so you can play however you want and let your skills grow organically. And yes, a lot of us end up becoming stealth archers every time we play!

Skyrim also broadened the appeal of RPGs, making them easier for newcomers to enjoy. While you still create and improve your character, it’s much harder to accidentally create a character that’s difficult to play. The game doesn’t force big choices at the start, letting you develop and change your character’s abilities as you progress. This makes it easy to get lost in the game, but it still offers plenty of depth and meaningful choices as you gain experience. With the addition of powerful Shouts, alongside traditional spells, armor, and weapons, you have a lot of freedom to create unique characters without being restricted by a specific class.

Skyrim is easy to get into, but its popularity goes beyond that. It’s one of the most replayable games out there, thanks to its huge open world packed with side quests, unexpected moments, and unique details. I recently started a playthrough aiming to complete all the quests I hadn’t before, and even after years of updates and expansions, Skyrim still manages to surprise players, even those familiar with the world of Tamriel. While the final questline can be lengthy, the world you discover afterward is absolutely worth the effort. The memorable characters, amusing glitches, and sheer number of choices for your next adventure make Skyrim a game you can return to again and again.

I have to say, one of the biggest reasons Skyrim is still so popular is definitely the modding community. I personally prefer playing the original, vanilla version of the game – that’s just me! – but I totally get that so many other players wouldn’t dream of playing without mods. Whether it’s something silly just for fun, or a mod that improves performance, those creators are a huge part of why Skyrim keeps going strong. They add so much replay value to a game that already has endless possibilities. Honestly, with or without mods, people just can’t get enough of Skyrim, and they keep buying it over and over!

Bethesda Keeps Re-Releasing Skyrim, And We Keep Buying It

From the start, Skyrim was a huge commercial hit, selling exceptionally well when it first launched and continuing to sell for over 14 years. Originally available on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, it’s since been re-released on every current gaming platform. It’s even playable on the Nintendo Switch, which is unusual for role-playing games that weren’t often made for handheld consoles. Skyrim also received three official expansions, adding new stories and areas to explore. These expansions, along with the re-releases, have encouraged players – including me – to purchase the game again on newer platforms.

Similar to games like Stardew Valley, many players own Skyrim on multiple platforms. I personally played it first on Xbox 360 and then again when I got a Nintendo Switch. But the game’s appeal goes beyond just the original release. Skyrim has been re-released several times, including the Skyrim Special Edition which brought the game and all its downloadable content to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. More recently, the 10th Anniversary Edition added even more content through Creation Club mods, on top of the base game and DLC.

In 2023, Todd Howard revealed that The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has sold over 60 million copies since its 2011 launch. This makes it one of the best-selling video games ever, and a top-performing role-playing game. Despite its reputation for bugs, Skyrim clearly has a dedicated fanbase who enjoy playing it repeatedly. From inspiring countless memes to the simple joy of a perfectly aimed arrow, Skyrim remains incredibly popular. Considering the game is now 14 years old, it’s no surprise many players, including myself, keep coming back for more.

What’s your most memorable moment from playing Skyrim? Share it in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-11 22:43