The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Does The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition run on Windows 11, Mac, Linux and Steam Deck?

Windows 11	Expected to work. It is sold for Windows today and no problem is on record. Source
Windows 10	Yes. The store lists it in the system requirements. Source
Windows 7	Yes. The store lists it in the system requirements. Source
Linux	Through Proton: ProtonDB rates it Gold (runs perfectly after tweaks). Source
Steam Deck	Verified by Valve: it works great on Steam Deck. Source

Minimum operating system on the store page: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version). What these mean.

Synopsis

An open-world fantasy role-playing game set in the cold northern province of Skyrim. You create a character, explore towns, dungeons and mountains, join factions, and fight dragons as the last of the Dragonborn. This edition is the remastered 2011 game with upgraded visuals, all three expansions included, and support for mods.

What people say

The underlying game is widely loved for its freedom of exploration and memorable quests, and this edition was credited with better lighting and draw distance plus the bundled expansions. PC-focused critics were less kind: several judged the upgrade modest, pointed to performance problems and carried-over bugs, and argued that a modded original looks and runs about as well. Console reviewers were warmer, though they found the mod options limited there. Steam players rate it Very Positive.

Playability today

Playability runs from 1 to 5. It is the average of two parts. Each part starts at 1 and climbs to 5 as more of its checks pass. Read the method.

Runs today: 5 / 5

• ✓ Sold today from an official store
• ✓ Runs on current Windows without fan patches
• ? Single-player works without an internet connection (not checked yet)
• ? All of its content still works (servers, DLC, unlocks) (not checked yet)
• ? Supports modern resolutions and widescreen (not checked yet)
• ? Full controller support or remappable controls (not checked yet)
• ✓ Steam Deck Verified or Playable, or a native handheld version
• ✓ No intrusive DRM or required third-party launcher account
• ✓ No pay-to-win or pushy microtransactions
• ? No known game-breaking bugs in the current version (not checked yet)

Filled in from the Steam store and Valve’s Steam Deck rating. Checks marked with a question mark count once someone has checked them.

Design today

Not judged yet. Someone has to play it first: we check whether the controls, menus, saving, onboarding, pacing and camera still feel good next to games made today.

Sources

1. Steam: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition store page
2. Metacritic: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
3. OpenCritic: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition
4. CGMagazine: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (PC) Review
5. The AU Review: Video Games Review: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (PS4, 2016)
6. Wccftech: Skyrim Special Edition Fails to Impress PC Players
7. Wikipedia: Skyrim Special Edition