If you’re looking to start your adventure in Tamriel, knowing how to buy Skyrim on PC is the essential first step. Purchasing Skyrim for PC is most commonly done through established digital game distribution platforms. This guide will walk you through every option, version, and step to ensure you get the right game for your journey.
How To Buy Skyrim On Pc
Your primary decision when buying Skyrim is choosing which version of the game to purchase. The game has been re-released and updated over the years, so understanding the differences is key to getting the experience you want.
The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Special Edition
This is the definitive and most recommended version for new players. Released in 2016, the Special Edition includes the base game and all three official add-ons: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. More importantly, it features a significant visual upgrade.
- Includes all official DLC content.
- Features remastered art and effects.
- Runs on a 64-bit engine, which is more stable and allows for better modding.
- Often the version that goes on sale.
The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Anniversary Edition
Released in 2021, this is an upgrade to the Special Edition. If you buy the Special Edition, you can usually purchase the Anniversary Upgrade separately. It bundles in hundreds of pieces of Creation Club content.
- Includes everything in the Special Edition.
- Adds over 500 pieces of Creation Club content (new quests, items, gear, etc.).
- This is the most complete package available.
The Original Legendary Edition
This is the original 2011 game bundled with its DLC. While you can still find it on some storefronts, it’s generally not advised for new purchases due to its older 32-bit engine.
- Often cheaper, but has technical limitations.
- Modding community has largely moved to the Special Edition.
- Can be less stable on modern Windows systems.
Where To Purchase Skyrim For Pc
You will buy Skyrim as a digital download from an online store. Each platform has its own launcher and friends list, but the game itself is the same. Here are the main storefronts.
Steam
Steam is the most popular platform for PC gaming and is the recommended storefront for most players. It offers frequent sales, a robust community, and seamless integration with the Steam Workshop for easy modding.
- Go to the Steam website or open the Steam client.
- Search for “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition”.
- Add the game to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- Once purchased, it will be added to your Steam library for download.
Gog.Com
GOG sells DRM-free versions of games. They currently offer the original 2011 Legendary Edition. This means you own the game files without needing a launcher, but you miss out on the newer Special Edition upgrades.
Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store occasionally sells Skyrim Special Edition. It may also offer exclusive coupon discounts during their seasonal sales. The game runs through the Epic launcher instead of Steam.
Authorized Third Party Key Sellers
Sites like Green Man Gaming or Fanatical often sell legitimate Steam keys at a discount. Always ensure you are buying from an authorized retailer to avoid revoked keys.
- Only buy from reputable sites listed on the game’s official website.
- These sites provide a Steam key you redeem within the Steam client.
- Prices can be significantly lower during sales events.
Step By Step Purchase Guide
Let’s walk through the most common scenario: buying Skyrim Special Edition on Steam. This process is very similar on other platforms.
Creating A Store Account
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a free account on your chosen platform. You’ll need a valid email address. This account is where your game library will be permanently stored.
Searching For The Correct Product Page
Be careful to select the right version. On Steam, search for “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition”. The “Anniversary Edition” is typically listed as an upgrade DLC on the same page or as a separate bundle. Double-check the description to confirm what’s included.
Completing The Transaction
Most platforms accept credit cards, PayPal, and other digital payment methods. After payment is confirmed, the game will be added to your account library. You can then download and install it through the platform’s client at any time.
Downloading And Installing The Game
Open your Steam (or other) client, navigate to your Library, find Skyrim, and click ‘Install’. Choose your preferred hard drive. The download size is roughly 15-20 GB for the Special Edition, so ensure you have enough space.
Understanding Pricing And Sales
Skyrim goes on sale very frequently. Patience can save you a considerable amount of money, especially if you want the complete Anniversary Edition.
Typical Full Price Points
- Skyrim Special Edition: Often priced around $39.99 USD at full price.
- Anniversary Edition Upgrade: Around $19.99 USD on top of the Special Edition.
- Anniversary Edition Full Bundle: Sometimes bundled for $49.99 USD.
When To Expect Discounts
Major Steam sales (Summer, Autumn, Winter) are a guaranteed bet. The game also usually goes on sale during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and The Elder Scrolls-themed events. You can set a wishlist alert on Steam to get notified.
Evaluating Bundle Deals
Sometimes the “Anniversary Edition” bundle, which includes the Special Edition game and the Upgrade, is cheaper than buying them separately. Always do the math during a sale. Also, check if The Elder Scrolls Anthology or other bundles include other games you might want.
System Requirements And Compatibility
Before you buy, it’s wise to check if your PC can run the game smoothly. Here are the official requirements for Skyrim Special Edition.
Minimum System Requirements
- OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel i5-750 or AMD Phenom II X4-945
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 470 1GB or AMD HD 7870 2GB
- Storage: 12 GB available space
Recommended System Requirements
- OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel i5-2400 or AMD FX-8320
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB or AMD R9 290 4GB
- Storage: 12 GB available space
Checking Your Pc Specifications
You can check your PC’s specs by pressing Windows Key + Pause/Break, or by searching “System Information” in your Windows start menu. Compare your CPU, GPU, and RAM to the lists above.
Post Purchase Setup And First Steps
Once the game is installed, you’re almost ready to play. Here are a few things to consider before you create your first character.
Launching The Game For The First Time
When you launch Skyrim, it may open a launcher window. Here you can adjust basic video settings like resolution and graphical quality. It’s best to set these to match your monitor and your PC’s capability. You can always change them later from the in-game menu.
Considering Mods Early On
While playing vanilla (unmodded) Skyrim first is a great experience, some mods are recommended even for beginners to fix bugs and improve quality of life. The Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch (USSEP) is almost essential. It’s available on Nexus Mods or the Steam Workshop.
Creating Your Bethesda.Net Account
If you plan to use the in-game Creation Club or mod menu on consoles, you might need a free Bethesda.net account. For PC modding through Nexus, this is not necessary. The game might prompt you to create one on startup, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Common Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them
A few common mistakes can lead to buying the wrong version or having a poor experience.
Buying The Wrong Edition
Accidentally purchasing the original 2011 version instead of the Special Edition is the biggest mistake. Always read the store page title and description carefully. Look for “Special Edition” or “Anniversary Edition” in the name.
Region Restrictions And Language
Ensure the game you purchase supports your language. Most storefronts will list supported languages on the product page. Also, be aware that some game keys have regional restrictions, though this is less common for major titles like Skyrim.
Ignoring The Return Policy
Most digital platforms have a return policy. Steam, for example, offers refunds for games played less than two hours and owned for less than 14 days. If the game doesn’t run on your system, check the refund policy immediately instead of waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Skyrim Special Edition And Anniversary Edition?
The Anniversary Edition is the Special Edition plus the Anniversary Upgrade. The Upgrade adds over 500 pieces of Creation Club content, including new quests, weapons, armor, and gameplay modes. The core game and engine are the same.
Can I Buy Skyrim On Pc And Play It On A Mac?
Skyrim is not natively supported on macOS. To play it on a Mac, you would need to use Windows virtualization software or Apple’s Boot Camp to run Windows on your Mac hardware, which requires a Windows license.
Do I Need A Powerful Gaming Pc To Run Skyrim?
Not necessarily. The Special Edition is well-optimized and can run on many older or less powerful systems, especially at lower graphical settings. Check the minimum system requirements listed above for a baseline.
Is The Legendary Edition Still Worth Buying?
For most new players, no. The Special Edition is more stable, looks better, and is the focus of the modern modding community. The Legendary Edition is only advisable if you find an exceptional deal and are comfortable with its limitations.
Can I Transfer My Old Save Files To The New Version?
Original Skyrim (2011) save files are not directly compatible with the Special Edition. There are community-made tools that can attempt conversion, but the process is not official or guaranteed. It’s best to start a new game when moving to the Special Edition.
Following this guide should make the process of how to buy Skyrim on PC straightforward. The key is to decide on the version you want, choose a reputable storefront, and wait for a sale if you’re not in a hurry. Once you have it installed, a vast world awaits your exploration. Remember to save your game often, as unexpected events, both good and bad, are part of the adventure in Skyrim.