How Many Times Has Skyrim Actually Been Re-Released? (& Which Versions Are Actually Worth It)

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim originally came out in 2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Since then, it’s been re-released on so many platforms and in so many editions that it’s become a running joke among gamers. Just recently, Bethesda released a “new and improved” version for the Switch 2 (though whether it’s actually improved is debatable). With yet another re-release sparking jokes, I started to wonder: how many different versions of Skyrim are there, and are any of them worth buying again?

I’m a huge fan of Skyrim – it’s a game that really shaped who I am as a gamer, and even as a person (just look at the sweet roll sticker on my laptop!). I’ve only bought it again once, when I no longer had an Xbox 360. But clearly, a lot of people are still buying Skyrim, since Bethesda keeps releasing new versions. That got me wondering how many versions of Skyrim are actually out there, and which ones offer enough new content to justify buying them.

The Sum Total of New Skyrim Editions As of Late 2025

The original Skyrim launched in November 2011 for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. We’ll consider that as the first version, as it was released on all platforms at roughly the same time. Since then, several different versions of Skyrim have become available, and here’s a breakdown of those.

Skyrim Collector’s Edition (2011)

This edition was released at the same time as the regular version and came with some extra collectibles. However, the gameplay was exactly the same, so I don’t consider it a new release. It’s just another version you might find, and it will likely cost more than the original.

Skyrim Premium Edition (2012)

The Premium Edition came out about a year after the original game, and it was essentially a special collector’s package. It included the original game along with extras like a t-shirt, a novel, and a strategy guide. It also had a bonus disc with extra background information. While the game itself wasn’t updated, because it was released a year later, it can be considered a re-release.

Skyrim Legendary Edition (2013)

This is the first updated version of Skyrim that introduced meaningful changes. The Skyrim Legendary Edition includes the original game and all three of its expansions: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. It also added new features, like the challenging Legendary difficulty. Essentially, it was a complete re-release of the game.

Skyrim Special Edition (2016)

This version of Skyrim is an updated version of the game created for newer consoles. It first launched on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 and, similar to the previous Legendary Edition, includes all three downloadable content packs.

Skyrim for Nintendo Switch (2017)

The popular RPG from Bethesda came to the Nintendo Switch in 2017, including all of its extra content. This version is largely based on the 2016 Special Edition, but adapted to run well on the Switch. I recently played this version myself, and it performs surprisingly well.

Skyrim VR for PlayStation (2017) & PC (2018)

Do you remember when a virtual reality version of Skyrim came out? It slipped my mind too, but it did happen! It first launched for PlayStation VR and was later made available on PC. This VR edition combines the original game with all its downloadable content, redesigned for the virtual reality experience. People who can handle VR without getting motion sickness seem to really enjoy it.

Skyrim: Very Special Edition for Alexa (2018)

It began as a funny trailer making fun of how many times Skyrim had been re-released. Surprisingly, it evolved into a real Amazon Alexa skill! You can now “play” a simplified version of Skyrim using just your voice. It’s mostly a novelty, but it’s still pretty remarkable, so we’re including it here.

Skyrim Anniversary Edition (2021)

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Bethesda released an updated version of Skyrim on multiple platforms – PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch version following soon after. This version includes the original game, all its downloadable content, and a wealth of creations from the Creation Club, adding new quests, items, mounts, and armor.

Skyrim Switch 2 Edition (2025)

A new version of Skyrim is coming in 2025 for the Switch 2. It’s similar to the Anniversary Edition, but with better graphics, quicker loading, and improved performance. Early reactions have been varied, as some players report the game still doesn’t run smoothly despite the upgrades.

Skyrim has been re-released in updated versions around eight times, for a total of nine releases since it first came out. The exact number depends on how you count it – some people consider each console version a separate release, and Skyrim is available on 12 different consoles. However, I believe that if the game is released on multiple consoles at the same time, it should only count as one re-release.

Which Versions of Skyrim Are Worth Your Coin?

Over the years, there have been several versions of Skyrim, but it can be hard to know which ones are worth playing. The original version is difficult to find for sale now, as it’s been largely replaced by newer editions. However, if you’ve never experienced Skyrim before, it’s still a great starting point. Collector’s Editions can also be expensive to buy secondhand. Luckily, there are still modern versions available if you’re looking to jump in.

I think it’s best to get the game with all its downloadable content included. You’ll get the most playtime, and it really improves the experience. The Skyrim: Special Edition is a great choice, even if you’ve played the original, because it has updated graphics and all the DLC. It costs $39.99, but you can often find it on sale for less.

Okay, so if you’re like me and can never quite finish a playthrough of Skyrim – always planning the next one – the Anniversary Edition is probably worth checking out. It actually adds a good amount of new stuff with all the Creation Club content, and it’s only ten bucks more than the Special Edition. I’ve noticed it doesn’t go on sale as often, but you can still find it discounted sometimes.

If you enjoy virtual reality games, Skyrim VR appears to be a well-made version of the original. It offers a fresh way to experience the world of Skyrim if you own a VR headset and want to play as the Dragonborn again.

Have you purchased Skyrim multiple times? Share your experiences and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-11 22:16