Quick Verdict: Skyrim Special Edition is the better pick if you want total narrative freedom in a classic fantasy RPG, with all its DLC bundled in and one of gaming’s biggest modding scenes behind it. Elden Ring is the better pick if you want FromSoftware’s demanding, combat-focused open world with deep build customization. Skyrim Special Edition costs $39.99 on Steam, Elden Ring costs $59.99, and both already have their own “how to get it free” guide linked below.
Skyrim Special Edition and Elden Ring are both landmark open-world RPGs, but they hand players very different kinds of freedom. One lets you ignore the main story entirely in favor of marriage, home ownership, and dungeon delving. The other builds its open world around punishing, deliberate combat and boss encounters. This guide breaks down where each one wins.
Skyrim vs Elden Ring at a Glance
| Category | Skyrim Special Edition | Elden Ring |
| Release Date | October 28, 2016 (original 2011) | February 25, 2022 |
| Price on Steam | $39.99 | $59.99 |
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios | FromSoftware |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Critic Score | 94 Metascore on PC (original release) | Mid-90s on Metacritic |
| Awards | Over 200 Game of the Year awards (original release) | Game of the Year, The Game Awards 2022; Golden Joystick Ultimate Game of the Year |
| DLC | Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn bundled into the base purchase | Shadow of the Erdtree (2024), sold separately |
| Best For | Players who want total narrative freedom in a classic fantasy RPG | Players who want combat-focused open-world exploration with deep build customization |
Setting and Freedom
Skyrim Special Edition gives you total narrative freedom, follow the main quest confronting the returning dragon threat, join a faction like the Companions, or ignore the story entirely in favor of marriage, home ownership, and dungeon delving. Elden Ring’s sprawling Lands Between is also largely non-linear, but its structure stays built around FromSoftware’s demanding boss encounters rather than open-ended life-sim freedom. Edge: Skyrim Special Edition, for genuinely open-ended, low-pressure exploration and role-playing.
Combat and Difficulty
Elden Ring uses FromSoftware’s punishing, stamina-based combat with deep weapon, spell, and Ashes of War customization, rewarding careful, technical play. Skyrim Special Edition offers more forgiving combat that freely blends melee, magic, and stealth, without the steep difficulty curve FromSoftware games are known for. Edge: Elden Ring, for players who want technical, high-stakes combat.
Modding and Longevity
Skyrim Special Edition is one of the most modded games ever made, still receiving new community content fifteen years after the original’s release, with the Steam version specifically preferred by serious modders for its SKSE compatibility. Elden Ring’s modding scene is real but considerably younger and smaller by comparison. Edge: Skyrim Special Edition, for the depth and staying power of its modding community.
Content and DLC
Skyrim Special Edition bundles all of its official DLC, Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, directly into the base purchase at no extra cost. Elden Ring’s 2024 Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is sold separately, adding meaningfully to the total cost of owning everything. Edge: Skyrim Special Edition, for bundling all of its expansions into a single purchase.
Access and Availability
Skyrim Special Edition is currently included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription on both Xbox and PC, giving subscribers a genuinely free way to play, with one caveat: the Game Pass PC version isn’t compatible with SKSE, so serious modders still prefer the Steam release. Edge: Skyrim Special Edition, for being immediately accessible to Game Pass subscribers at no extra cost.
Price and Value
Skyrim Special Edition costs $39.99 and includes all of its DLC in that price. Elden Ring costs $59.99, with its major expansion sold separately on top. Edge: Skyrim Special Edition, for the lower price paired with fully bundled content.
Which One Should You Play First?
- Want an open-ended fantasy RPG you can shape however you like: start with Skyrim Special Edition.
- Want FromSoftware’s demanding, combat-focused open world: start with Elden Ring.
- Already have Xbox Game Pass and want a proven, decade-plus classic at no extra cost: start with Skyrim Special Edition.
- Want the most critically decorated recent release with deep build customization: start with Elden Ring.
Overall Verdict
Skyrim Special Edition remains the more accessible, better-value pick for most players, with a lower price, all its DLC bundled in, one of gaming’s largest modding communities, and a genuinely free path through Xbox Game Pass. Elden Ring costs more and asks more of your patience and skill, but delivers FromSoftware’s most critically acclaimed combat and build variety in an open-world package. If you want freedom and value, start with Skyrim Special Edition. If you want a demanding, combat-driven open world with the strongest recent critical consensus, Elden Ring is worth the extra cost.
Get Both For Less
Both games already have their own dedicated guide on this site covering legitimate ways to get them below full Steam price. Read How To Get Skyrim Special Edition Free and How To Get Elden Ring Free for the full breakdown of both routes.
FAQ
Which is better, Skyrim or Elden Ring?
Skyrim Special Edition is the better pick for open-ended freedom, bundled DLC, and modding depth. Elden Ring is the better pick for technical, combat-focused gameplay and deep build customization. Neither is objectively better, they suit different playstyles.
Is Skyrim easier than Elden Ring?
Generally, yes. Skyrim’s combat is more forgiving and accessible, while Elden Ring is built around FromSoftware’s demanding, punishing boss encounters that reward careful, technical play.
Is Skyrim on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes. Skyrim Special Edition is currently included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription on both Xbox and PC, though the Game Pass PC version isn’t compatible with the SKSE mod tool.
Which has more downloadable content, Skyrim or Elden Ring?
Skyrim Special Edition includes all of its official DLC, Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, bundled into the base purchase. Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion is sold separately.
Which is cheaper, Skyrim or Elden Ring?
Skyrim Special Edition is cheaper at $39.99 compared to Elden Ring’s $59.99, and Skyrim’s price already includes all of its expansions.
