To achieve 100% completion in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition, players are likely to spend around 207 hours. This extensive playtime accounts for fully exploring the vast open world and completing every available objective.
Understanding Skyrim's Completion Times
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is renowned for its immense scope and replayability, offering varying lengths of gameplay depending on a player's preferred style. While focusing solely on the main narrative provides a much shorter experience, truly completing everything the game has to offer requires a significant time investment.
What Does 100% Completion Entail?
Achieving 100% completion in Skyrim goes far beyond simply finishing the main questline. It typically involves:
- Completing all Major Faction Questlines: Including the Companions, College of Winterhold, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood.
- Finishing all Daedric Quests: Acquiring all unique Daedric artifacts.
- Exploring Every Location: Discovering and clearing all dungeons, caves, forts, and settlements across Skyrim.
- Completing Side Quests and Miscellaneous Objectives: Undertaking the numerous smaller quests offered by NPCs throughout the world.
- Unlocking All Achievements/Trophies: Meeting the specific criteria for every in-game accomplishment.
- Discovering All Dragon Priests, Shouts, and Unique Items: Unearthing the deepest secrets of Tamriel.
This comprehensive approach ensures that every corner of the game world is explored, and every narrative thread is followed.
Playtime Breakdown
The time commitment for Skyrim can vary significantly based on how a player approaches the game. Here’s a general overview of estimated playtimes:
| Playstyle | Approximate Hours | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Main Objectives Only | 26 Hours | Focuses primarily on completing the core story quests. |
| Main + Extras | ~110-150 Hours | Includes the main story plus a good portion of side quests, faction lines, and exploration. |
| 100% Completion | 207 Hours | Dedicated to uncovering every secret, finishing all quests, and achieving all in-game milestones. |
| Leisurely / Infinite | 500+ Hours | For players who enjoy extensive role-playing, modding, multiple playthroughs, or simply living in the world. |
Note: These are average estimates, and individual playtimes can vary based on playstyle, difficulty, and exploration habits.
Factors Influencing Your Skyrim Journey
Several elements can impact how long your Skyrim playthrough lasts:
- Exploration Habits: Players who meticulously explore every ruin and path will naturally take longer.
- Difficulty Settings: Playing on higher difficulties can slow progress due to more challenging combat encounters.
- Mod Usage: Extensive use of mods, especially those adding new content or altering gameplay, can prolong the experience.
- Role-Playing: Deep role-playing, which might involve slower travel, crafting, or specific character behaviors, can extend playtime.
- Reading Lore: Taking the time to read the numerous in-game books and delve into the lore adds to the immersive experience and playtime.
Ultimately, the 207-hour estimate for 100% completion reflects the incredible depth and breadth of content available in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition, offering hundreds of hours of adventure for those who wish to see it all.
