We’ve waited so long for so little information, but it’s official: Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a remastered comeback of the much-loved PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 game that plunged thousands of players into hundreds of hours of gameplay and it’s returning to consoles all over the world this October.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim first launched for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 in 2011, set two hundred years after its predecessor, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim continues to be a phenomenal game even years after it came out that players have been clamoring for a sequel, or at least a remaster, for those who might want to pick up the game for the newer generation consoles.
Now, we’re only a few more weeks from the release of the official Skyrim remaster, the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. What are we expecting from this remaster?
Gotta Be Mobile confirms that Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition will only launch for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PC, not the older generation consoles. Why? Well Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is basically just an upgraded port of the original title for the upgraded generation consoles, so we’re not expecting new content to come with the remaster. In fact, Bethesda Softworks’ Pete Hines already confirmed that contrary to rumors, no new DLC will be released for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition.
@lgalloway_smith not gonna happen
— Pete Hines (@DCDeacon) July 10, 2016
The three DLCs for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, will all be included in the special edition.
Interestingly, there are also perks for those who own and played Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on the PC. Bethesda confirmed last E3 that if you own the original PC version of Skyrim and have purchased the three DLC add-ons on Steam, you will get a free upgrade to the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition when it releases in October.
If you own #Skyrim and all its add-ons or own Legendary Edition on Steam, you’ll get a free upgrade to Skyrim Special Edition on Oct 28 #BE3
— BethesdaGameStudios (@BethesdaStudios) June 13, 2016
Also, Hines confirmed that existing save files on the PC could be continued through the Special Edition. Save files on the older generation consoles Xbox 360 and PS3, though, are not transferable to Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Chatting w Todd just now, able to confirm on Skyrim SE for PC: 64-bit Saves should transfer Separate creation kit to upload mods to Bnet
— Pete Hines (@DCDeacon) June 15, 2016
If you’re wondering why the PC version is so much more flexible and forgiving than the console ports, Eurogamer notes that Hines explained it’s because the PS4 and Xbox One are entirely new platforms for the game; Skyrim was already available on the PC.
While Express UK confirmed that Kinect Dragon Shouts are no longer supported on the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, mods will become a new feature on the consoles. Much like with Fallout 4, mods for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition will be downloadable on the Xbox One. Mods will not be available on the PlayStation 4, however, as per Sony’s refusal to let Bethesda put mods on their console.
PS4 Mods Update https://t.co/gyPmGqXBxc
— Bethesda Softworks (@bethesda) September 9, 2016
To commemorate the return of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Bethesda is holding a concert featuring the music of Skyrim . But while a lot of fans were thrilled with the news, Skyrim ‘s composer Jeremy Soule isn’t a fan of the upcoming concert.
To Celebrate the release of Special Edition, come to the London Palladium to experience #Skyrim ‘s music live! #SkyrimConcert pic.twitter.com/WCZmVNObHM
— The Elder Scrolls (@ElderScrolls) September 30, 2016
It seems the original composer was not in any way included in the creation of the said concert, IGN reports , and would not “endorse a concert that is trading on my name and music that has absolutely no oversight or involvement on my part.”
If you have yet to get a copy of the remaster and would like to play it on the newer-gen consoles, this is the best time to do so. You can opt to purchase the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Dovahkiin bundle, exclusive to Best Buy , which not only comes in a collectible steelbook case but also with a Dovahkiin mask.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition makes a comeback this October 28.
[Featured Image via Bethesda]