The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is one of the most popular games of all time, and this year it's celebrating its 10th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Bethesda is releasing an anniversary edition of the beloved title on PS5/Xbox Series X. While some gamers might not be too excited with the thought of yet another re-release of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, it's hard to deny there are some iconic moments that gamers would love to relive. Skyrim is a huge game filled to the brim with memorable moments, and some of these unforgettable experiences could be a pleasure to retread all over again.
The anniversary update for Skyrim hasn't come as a surprise to most gamers, though Bethesda releasing it on PlayStation platforms might be for some. Since Microsoft acquired Bethesda, there have been questions surrounding how much the company would continue to release content on Sony's platforms. New titles like Starfield will be exclusive to Xbox and PC, which has caused concern for PlayStation gamers that Bethesda would no longer work with Sony and PlayStation. With the announcement that Skyrim's anniversary update will be released on PlayStation, gamers can be assured they'll be able to take on the role of the Dragonborn once again.
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Skyrim's Opening Sequence
Skyrim's iconic intro sequence sets the game up well. Being held as a prisoner, the Dragonborn is seemingly helpless against the forces of the Imperial Legion until a dragon attacks and creates chaos. After the dragon attacks, the Dragonborn is tasked with escaping the ruins of the settlement. The intro sequence is quite a visual spectacle and touches on major plot points, such as the Imperial Legion's presence in Skyrim, the role of Ulfric Stormcloak, and the destructive force of dragons. This is also where players create their character, which is a defining moment in most role-playing games. The beginning of Skyrim is a memorable affair that could look better than ever with its new update.
The Dragonborn's First Dragon Fight
There are numerous dragons in Skyrim, but few are quite as important as the first that the Dragonborn encounters. During an early mission from the city of Whiterun, players are tasked with fighting off an incoming dragon attack. Its arrival is quite the scene, and the fight itself encourages players to use melee and ranged tactics to take it down effectively. The most memorable aspect of the battle, however, occurs after the creature has been slain. In an unexpected turn of events, the very soul of the dragon is absorbed by the protagonist. This fight is memorable for its introduction to dragon combat and for initiating the Dragonborn prophecy aspect of the story in an epic fashion.
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Exploring Blackreach
There are no dungeons in Skyrim that can compare to Blackreach. The vast cavern is home to the Falmer, distorted versions of the proud Snow Elves, who have become twisted from their residence in the subterranean city, and the Dwemer experiments performed on them. Blackreach is home to some of Skyrim's deadliest threats, including automatons and all manner of monsters that reside there. The blue fungi give Blackreach a strong visual identity along with the Dwemer machinery left behind.
Blackreach is one of the biggest challenges a player can face in Skyrim, and the threats found in the huge underground city will have players carefully checking every corner. Exploring Blackreach is a treacherous but rewarding experience, where players can acquire rare items like Crimson Nirnroot.
The Mind of Madness Quest
The Daedric quests in Skyrim are some of the most memorable in the entire game. The gods of Oblivion task the Dragonborn with a variety of missions, but perhaps none are more purely entertaining than the quest involving Sheogroath. He is the Daedric Prince of Madness which is perfectly shown through his unpredictable nature and random actions. In Skyrim, Sheogorath decides he needs a vacation, and it's up to the Dragonborn to help bring him back to his people.
The ensuing quest, The Mind of Madness, is one of the wildest and outright comedic in the whole game. It contains some of the best dialogue in the game, thanks to the absurdity of Sheogorath, which is sure to encourage a few laughs from gamers once more in the new update.
Meeting Paarthurnax
Throughout the main questline, players will be tasked with ascending the massive mountain, The Throat of the World, to learn how to defeat the primary antagonist, Alduin. It's here that players will meet a friendly dragon known as Paarthurnax. At this point of the game, it has been well established that the dragons are here to bring destruction, and the arrival of Paarthurnax challenges the perception that all dragons are inherently evil.
Upon meeting the massive creature for the first time, it's understandable that players might be ready to attack, though this uneasiness is soon quelled through conversation. Speaking with the allied dragon at the highest peak in the province for the first time is an epic sight to behold that also provided an unexpected wrinkle in the main storyline. While players can visit Paarthurnax several times throughout the game, the first meeting can be considered so effective because it warps what players know about dragons in this world.
Skyrim is jam-packed with memorable moments that have stuck with players for nearly a decade. With its new update for the 10th anniversary, players will be able to experience it all over again, with the addition of a new fishing mechanic. There are countless moments that players hold dear from the base game, and the well-received Dawnguard and Dragonborn DLC packages. Releasing a new version of Skyrim isn't a totally unexpected move from Bethesda, but for some gamers, it's a welcome one. 10 years after its original release, Skyrim is considered one of the best titles in modern gaming, and it's loaded with iconic moments for players to relive.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – Anniversary Edition is set to launch on November 11, 2021, on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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