Path 11 · Open-world RPG · Bethesda Game Studios, 2016
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
The open-world classic: dragons, mountains, ruins and the freedom to ignore all of it and become a blacksmith. Still a great first big RPG.
Edition reviewed: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (2016).
Official artwork © Bethesda Game StudiosWhat you do
Wander a cold northern land, join guilds, learn dragon shouts and fight however you like, with sword, bow or magic.
Who it suits
Anyone who wants an open world to wander at their own pace. Very easy to drop in and out of.
01The first hours
You escape an execution, a dragon attacks, and then the world is yours. Most players get lost on the way to the first quest, and that is part of the charm.
02Settling in
The middle is whatever you make it: guild stories, dungeons, a house to decorate. Combat is simple, the sense of place is not.
03The long road
There is no real end, which can be a risk. Free saving means you can stop anywhere, so set your stopping point before you set off.
Why it works
- Freedom to go anywhere
- Easy to play in short bursts
- Huge amount to discover
Watch out for
- Combat feels old
- Endless by design, so plan your stops
The score
Overall 4.2 out of 5 · Heroic · how we score
Our verdict
The classic open world. Wander freely, but decide when you are going home.
Written by the Quest Lantern desk. Updated 22 October 2026. Facts were checked against the publisher and store pages at that date; prices and platforms can change.