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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Review · Action · PlayStation 4 · PC · Xbox One

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PlayStation 4 · PC · Xbox One

Bethesda Game Studios · 2016

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

75 /100

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a vast action RPG promoting problem solving and strategic thinking through exploration, though it contains violence and suggestive themes.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 63 · R 7
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

63

Risk (RIS)

7

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.86
B2Social-emotional
0.23
B3Motor
0.65

Skyrim offers a vast open world rich in exploration, lore, and character development, fostering problem-solving, strategic thinking, and reading comprehension. Its adaptive challenges and freedom of choice provide a deeply engaging and rewarding experience for players.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.13
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.06

While offering extensive content, Skyrim's mature rating indicates significant violence and some suggestive themes. Its immersive nature, though not manipulative, can lead to extended play sessions, and some content may be intense for younger or sensitive players.

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 Special Edition safe for kids?

Ludograph gives The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition a rating of 75/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition appropriate for?

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

How long should kids play The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition?

We don't publish a daily session budget for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition: 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 Special Edition?

While offering extensive content, Skyrim's mature rating indicates significant violence and some suggestive themes. Its immersive nature, though not manipulative, can lead to extended play sessions, and some content may be intense for younger or sensitive players.