Is the Anniversary Upgrade the same as the Anniversary Edition?

The Anniversary Upgrade and the Anniversary Edition are not the same, as the Anniversary Edition is a bundle that includes the Special Edition and the Anniversary Upgrade, whereas the Anniversary Upgrade only contains the 70 Creation Club items that haven’t already been added to Special Edition for free. The Anniversary Edition is essentially the Special Edition with additional Creation Club content, making it a more comprehensive package.

Understanding the Differences

To fully grasp the distinction between the Anniversary Upgrade and the Anniversary Edition, it’s essential to consider what each offers and how they relate to the Special Edition of Skyrim.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs provide further insight into the Anniversary Edition and Anniversary Upgrade, and address common queries about their content, compatibility, and value.

1. What does the Skyrim Anniversary Edition include? The Skyrim Anniversary Edition includes the core game, pre-existing and new Creation Club content, plus all three official add-ons: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
2. Is the Skyrim Anniversary Upgrade the whole game? The Anniversary Upgrade includes entire pre-existing and new Creation Club content like quests, dungeons, bosses, weapons, spells, and more, but it is not the whole game; it requires Skyrim Special Edition to access this content.
3. What is the difference between Skyrim Special Edition and Skyrim Anniversary Upgrade? The main difference is that the Anniversary Edition contains both more content and better graphics, making it the best version of Skyrim available, while the Special Edition lacks the additional Creation Club content included in the Anniversary Upgrade.
4. Is Skyrim Anniversary Edition worth getting? Yes, it’s worth getting, especially for those who want improved visuals, Creation Club creations, and the three epic DLCs, and can find it at a cheaper price.
5. Does Skyrim Anniversary Edition ruin mods? Upgrading to Anniversary Edition can break most script extender required mods, but nearly every mod has been updated to be compatible with AE, so it’s best to wipe mods and start fresh.
6. Will Skyrim Anniversary Edition be a free upgrade? Unfortunately, the Anniversary Edition upgrade is not free; players must purchase it if they already own Skyrim Special Edition.
7. Can you upgrade original Skyrim to Anniversary Edition? Players who own the physical disc of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition can upgrade to the Anniversary Edition by having the disc in the console, installing it, and then purchasing the upgrade from the store.
8. How long is Skyrim Anniversary Upgrade? The Skyrim Anniversary Upgrade offers around 100 hours worth of additional content, including new items, quests, and collectibles.
9. Do you have to start a new game in Skyrim Anniversary Edition? No, you don’t have to start a new game; you can pick up where you left off on your other saved games, and it only affects hi-def users.
10. What is special about Skyrim Anniversary Edition? The Anniversary Edition and Upgrade include over 500 unique pieces of content from Creation Club, including quests, dungeons, bosses, weapons, spells, and more.
11. Is it worth upgrading to Skyrim Anniversary Edition? Yes, it’s worth upgrading if you’re new to Skyrim or want more content, as it includes plenty of new CC quests with strong loot, spells, novelties, and more substantial CC content quests.
12. Does Skyrim Anniversary Edition include DLC? Yes, the Anniversary Edition includes all three official DLCs: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, which do not need to be downloaded separately.
13. Do you need a Bethesda account for Skyrim Anniversary Edition? A Bethesda.net account is required for online multiplayer and add-ons, but everything else in the game is playable without linking your account.
14. Is Skyrim Anniversary Edition free if you own Skyrim? No, it’s not free; you must purchase the upgrade if you already own Skyrim Special Edition, and it will include all content from the Creation Club up until the point of the release of Anniversary Edition.
15. Is Skyrim Anniversary Edition better than Legendary Edition? The Anniversary Edition is better for those who can run it, as it includes more content and better graphics, but the Legendary Edition is preferable for those playing on a 32-bit OS or wanting to use Steam Workshop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the distinction between the Anniversary Upgrade and the Anniversary Edition is crucial for Skyrim players looking to enhance their gaming experience. While the Anniversary Upgrade adds significant content to the Special Edition, the Anniversary Edition is the most comprehensive package available, offering the best of Skyrim with its improved graphics and extensive Creation Club content. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, the Anniversary Edition is certainly worth considering for its wealth of additional content and enhanced gameplay.