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Do I Get Skyrim Anniversary If I Have Special Edition?

The short and direct answer is: no, owning Skyrim Special Edition does not automatically grant you the Anniversary Edition. While the Special Edition is a prerequisite for the Anniversary Edition, they are distinct versions of the game with different content offerings. To get the full Anniversary Edition experience, you’ll need to either purchase the full version or buy the Anniversary Edition Upgrade if you already own the Special Edition. Let’s delve deeper into what this means for you, and what the key differences are between these two popular versions of Skyrim.

What’s the Difference Between Skyrim Special Edition and Anniversary Edition?

Understanding the distinctions between these two editions is crucial in determining if the upgrade is right for you.

Skyrim Special Edition: The Foundation

The Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered version of the original Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It includes:

The base game
All three official DLC expansions: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
Remastered graphics and effects like volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, and screen-space reflections.
Support for mods on PC and consoles, making it a great entry point to a more enhanced Skyrim.

It’s a significant improvement over the original 2011 release, offering a more visually appealing and stable experience, and is often considered the definitive way to play Skyrim.

Skyrim Anniversary Edition: The Enhanced Experience

The Skyrim Anniversary Edition builds upon the Special Edition by adding a wealth of new content. It features everything in the Special Edition, plus:

Over 70 Creation Club content packs. These packs include a mix of new quests, items, characters, gameplay features, and more.
New gameplay features, such as fishing and survival mode.
Enhanced visuals and performance over the special edition.

Think of the Anniversary Edition as the Special Edition plus a massive collection of officially supported mods (Creation Club Content). It’s designed to give veteran players and newcomers alike a much more extensive and engaging Skyrim experience.

The Anniversary Edition Upgrade

If you already own Skyrim Special Edition, you don’t need to repurchase the entire game. Instead, you can opt to buy the Anniversary Edition Upgrade DLC. This upgrade adds all the Creation Club content from the Anniversary Edition to your existing Special Edition copy. This is often the more economical option for those who already enjoy Skyrim.

Why Consider the Anniversary Edition?

For those contemplating whether to get the Anniversary Edition or just stay with their Special Edition, here’s a breakdown:

Content: The sheer amount of new quests, items, and features in the Anniversary Edition can revitalize the game, making it feel fresh even after hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Community Approved: The Creation Club content is officially endorsed by Bethesda, ensuring that it works well with the base game. It offers a way to experience well-made, often community inspired content, that’s fully supported and tested.
Graphics Enhancement: While the Special Edition offers improved graphics, the Anniversary Edition offers slight enhancements and more features making it a more visually appealing game.
Long-Term Investment: If you’re a long-term Skyrim player, the Anniversary Edition adds significant playtime and possibilities, making it a worthy investment for lasting enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Skyrim Special Edition and Anniversary Edition, to give a better understanding:

1. Is the Anniversary Edition a separate game?

No, the Anniversary Edition isn’t a completely separate game. It’s more accurately described as the Special Edition with additional Creation Club content. If you own the Special Edition, you can simply buy the Anniversary Edition Upgrade to get the additional content.

2. Is the Anniversary Edition included in Xbox Game Pass?

No, the Anniversary Edition is not included in Xbox Game Pass. If you have Game Pass and want to experience the Anniversary content, you must purchase the Anniversary Edition Upgrade separately.

3. Do I need to buy the Anniversary Edition if I already have Special Edition?

No, you don’t need to buy the full Anniversary Edition if you own the Special Edition. You can purchase the Anniversary Edition Upgrade DLC. You will then get the same content from the full Anniversary edition.

4. How do I upgrade from Skyrim Special Edition to Anniversary Edition on PS5?

On the PS5, navigate to the Skyrim Special Edition game page, click the three dots, select “Select Version” and download the free PS5 upgrade. Then, when you start the game, you can access the menu and buy the Anniversary Edition Upgrade from there.

5. Is the Anniversary Edition Upgrade worth it?

Yes, the Anniversary Edition Upgrade is often considered worth it. Especially if you are a veteran Skyrim player, as it offers a large amount of new content, enhanced visuals, and is often well priced for what you get.

6. What exactly does the Anniversary Edition add to the game?

The Anniversary Edition adds over 70 Creation Club content packs, which include new quests, items, characters, gameplay features such as fishing, and more. It also includes the three DLC’s Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.

7. Does the Skyrim Anniversary Edition include all DLCs?

Yes, the Anniversary Edition includes all DLCs: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. These DLCs are also included in the Special Edition. The Anniversary Edition adds new Creation Club Content.

8. Do I need a Bethesda account for Skyrim Anniversary Edition?

A Bethesda.net account is required for online multiplayer and add-ons. However, everything else in the game is playable without linking your account.

9. Do I need to start a new game to access Anniversary Edition content?

No, you do not need to start a new game. You can continue your existing Special Edition save file. The Anniversary Edition content will become available as you play.

10. Does Skyrim Special Edition include all the DLCs?

**Yes, Skyrim Special Edition includes all official add-ons**: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.

11. Does the Special Edition have all the Creation Club Content?

No, the Special Edition does not include all the Creation Club content. Creation Club Content is a separate add on that only comes with the Anniversary Edition.

12. Is Skyrim Special Edition better than the original?

Yes, Skyrim Special Edition is considered better than the original. It features remastered graphics, smoother performance, and includes all three official DLC expansions.

13. How many hours of gameplay can I expect from the Anniversary Edition?

When focusing on the main objectives, the base game is around 30 hours, and if you go for full completion including the DLC’s and Creation Club Content the game could take up to 150 hours or more.

14. Is the Anniversary Edition worth it in 2023?

Yes, the Anniversary Edition is still considered worth it in 2023. It provides a substantial amount of content, enhanced visuals and a long term game for you to enjoy. It is also constantly supported by modders and the community.

15. Can I upgrade a physical copy of Skyrim Special Edition to Anniversary Edition?

Yes, if you have a physical copy of Skyrim Special Edition, you can still purchase and use the Anniversary Edition Upgrade via a digital code. This would then add all the content to your physical copy.

Conclusion

To summarize, owning Skyrim Special Edition does not grant you the Anniversary Edition. You need to either purchase the full Anniversary Edition or get the Anniversary Edition Upgrade if you already have the Special Edition. The Anniversary Edition provides a substantial amount of new content and improved visuals, making it a worthwhile consideration for both new and seasoned players. If you are looking to dive back into Skyrim, the Anniversary Edition might just be the perfect excuse.

Do I get Skyrim anniversary if I have special edition?