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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn

Review · Action · Xbox 360 · PC · PlayStation 3

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

Xbox 360 · PC · PlayStation 3

Bethesda Game Studios · 2012

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

79 /100

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn is an open-world RPG that fosters problem-solving and strategic thinking, but has significant mature content.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 71 · R 10
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

71

Risk (RIS)

10

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.90
B2Social-emotional
0.43
B3Motor
0.65

Skyrim - Dragonborn offers a rich, immersive open-world RPG experience that fosters problem-solving, strategic thinking, and critical thinking through its complex quests, character development, and exploration. It encourages reading and language comprehension through extensive lore and dialogue, and adaptive learning as players master new skills and challenges.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.20
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.06

While not designed with manipulative engagement mechanics, the game's M-rating indicates significant content risks including frequent fantasy violence, some strong language, and references to fictional substances. Its immersive nature can lead to extended play sessions, though it does offer natural stopping points.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.67
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn safe for kids?

Ludograph gives The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn a rating of 79/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn?

We don't publish a daily session budget for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn?

While not designed with manipulative engagement mechanics, the game's M-rating indicates significant content risks including frequent fantasy violence, some strong language, and references to fictional substances. Its immersive nature can lead to extended play sessions, though it does offer natural stopping points.