For a new player who wants the most bundled official content, buy Skyrim Anniversary Edition. It includes Skyrim Special Edition, the three official add-ons, and bundled Creation Club content. If you already own Special Edition, compare the Anniversary Upgrade on your platform instead of buying the full game again. Special Edition remains a good fit if you do not want the extra content.
What is the difference between Special Edition and Anniversary Edition?
Special Edition is the base game in this comparison. Anniversary Edition is a fuller bundle: Bethesda lists the base game, the three official add-ons—Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn—and Creation Club content on its Anniversary Edition product page.
![ELDER SCROLLS V 5 SKYRIM SPECIAL EDITION [M]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QB2Ep+iFL._SL160_.jpg)
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Bethesda describes the Anniversary bundle as including quests, dungeons, bosses, weapons, spells, armor, and gameplay modes. The current product page says it includes over 500 unique pieces of Creation Club content. Bethesda’s 2021 FAQ uses a different measure, describing 74 Creations and over 500 individual elements; those figures count different things and should not be treated as interchangeable.
The key distinction is the bundled extras, not a universal graphics or performance upgrade. Bethesda’s free next-generation upgrade applies to owners of either edition on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, while the Switch 2 feature list is specific to that edition of the game.
#1 Best Overall
![The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Anniversary Edition) - [PlayStation 4] | kostenloses Upgrade auf PlayStation 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WubchYsEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Die Skyrim Anniversary Edition umfasst die Skyrim Special Edition sowie 74 Creations (darunter 26 brandneue) mit über 500 einzigartigen Inhalten aus dem Creation Club, darunter Quests, Behausungen und mehr
- Die Anniversary Edition enthält das Spiel mit allen drei Erweiterungen und liebevoll überarbeiteten Grafiken und Effekten
- Die Erweiterungen umfassen Dawnguard, Heathfire und Dragonborn
Which version should you buy?
| Situation | Best route | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| You’re new to Skyrim and want the most bundled official content | Anniversary Edition, full game | It combines the base game and official add-ons with Creation Club content. |
| You own Special Edition and want the Anniversary extras | Anniversary Upgrade | Bethesda offers the upgrade as the additional-content route, and it requires Special Edition. |
| You own Special Edition and do not want the bundled extras | Keep playing Special Edition | The additional bundled Creation Club content is the main edition difference. |
| You are buying for Nintendo Switch 2 | Compare the full edition or upgrade against your current Switch ownership | Bethesda documents separate full-game, upgrade, and free-download routes for eligible existing owners. |
| You are moving from PS4 to PS5 and care about trophies | Check the migration route before upgrading | Bethesda says trophies carry over except when upgrading the PS4 version to the PS5 version. |
How to choose between the full game and the upgrade
The Anniversary Upgrade is not a substitute for the base game. Bethesda says the digital upgrade requires Special Edition, so a new buyer without it should select the full Anniversary Edition. If you already own Special Edition, look for the upgrade in your platform’s storefront and confirm it matches your platform and region before purchasing.
Prices, platforms, and formats to check
There is no single current price established across platforms and regions. Bethesda’s November 2021 FAQ recorded launch MSRP of USD $49.99 for the full Anniversary Edition and USD $19.99 for the upgrade; those are historical launch prices, not verified current prices. Bethesda noted that prices and availability can differ by region and platform. Check your own storefront for the price and edition currently offered.
Rank #2
For Switch 2, Bethesda announced on December 9, 2025, prices of $59.99 for a new full-edition purchase and $19.99 for an upgrade. These are announcement prices, not confirmation of today’s price. Bethesda also said owners of the original Switch Anniversary Edition could download the Switch 2 version for free.
Format matters, too. Bethesda’s FAQ describes physical PS4 and Xbox One copies, but internet access is required to redeem and download the included Creation Club content. The Switch 2 announcement describes a physical code-in-box version and says Switch 2 versions are digital downloads. Check the listing and platform storefront carefully so you know whether you are buying a disc, a code, or a digital download.
Rank #3
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay. Required Content Download
- Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land in one of the greatest RPGs ever from the award-winning Bethesda Game Studios.
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Physical Deluxe Edition includes the base game, unique digital Akatosh and Mehrunes Dagon Armors, Weapons, and Horse Armor Sets, Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine story expansions, access to the Digital Artbook and Soundtrack App, and additional downloadable content: Fighter’s Stronghold, Spell Tomes, Vile Lair, Mehrune’s Razor, The Thieves Den, Wizard’s Tower, The Orrery, and Horse Armor Pack.
- Journey through the rich world of Tamriel and battle across the planes of Oblivion where handcrafted details have been meticulously recreated to ensure each moment of exploration is awe inspiring.
- From the noble warrior to the sinister assassin, wizened sorcerer, or scrappy blacksmith, forge your path and play the way you want.
What is included on Nintendo Switch 2?
Bethesda lists these Switch 2-specific features: enhanced resolution with DLSS anti-aliasing, improved load times, optimized performance, mouse control support, motion controls, Amiibo support, and Zelda-inspired in-game items. These features are for the Switch 2 edition; they are not a general benefit of Anniversary Edition on every platform.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Next-generation upgrades and trophy transfers
Bethesda says owners of Special Edition or Anniversary Edition on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S receive a free next-generation upgrade, described as adding enhanced graphics and faster loading. That means buying Anniversary Edition is not required solely to access that upgrade on those consoles.
Rank #4
- ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware Inc. and produced by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG and FromSoftware's largest game to date, set within a world full of mystery and peril
- Journey through the Lands Between, a new fantasy world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of the influential DARK SOULS video game series, and George R. R. Martin, author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire
- Traverse the breathtaking world on foot or on horseback, alone or online with other players, and fully immerse yourself in the grassy plains, suffocating swamps, spiraling mountains, and foreboding castles
- Create your character in FromSoftware’s refi ned action-RPG and defi ne your playstyle by experimenting with a wide variety of weapons, magical abilities, and skills found throughout the world
- Charge into battle, pick off enemies one-by-one using stealth, or even call upon allies for aid - many options are at your disposal as you decide how to approach exploration and combat
For a PS4-to-PS5 move, Bethesda identifies one trophy exception: trophies carry over except when upgrading the PS4 version to the PS5 version. If trophies matter to you, check Bethesda’s next-generation upgrade support information before changing versions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Samurai style provides a gameplay experience similar to previous Nioh titles.
- Players can enjoy intense and deadly face-to-face confrontations!
- Ninjas can equip a variety of “Ninjutsu” to outmaneuver foes while delivering devastating speed attacks!
- Eliminate foes with a flurry of backstabs and secret techniques!
- SteelBook Launch Edition includes: Nioh 3 GAME, SteelBook, Bonus DLC (download code), Lucky Tanuki Netsuke Charm, Kusanagi Netsuke Charm
Bottom line by buyer
- New player: choose the full Anniversary Edition if you want the base game, add-ons, and bundled Creation Club extras together.
- Special Edition owner who wants the extras: buy the Anniversary Upgrade, not another full-game copy.
- Special Edition owner who is satisfied with what they have: keep it; Bethesda provides the specified free next-generation upgrade for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S owners of either edition.
- Any platform or format: verify the exact edition, upgrade eligibility, download requirements, and local storefront price before checkout.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
