Tomb Raider: Anniversary vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a faithful remake of the 1996 original, rebuilt with modern graphics and refined controls while preserving the iconic puzzles and exploration that defined the series. Players guide Lara Croft through tombs, jungles, and ancient ruins, battling enemies and uncovering hidden artifacts. The game offers a single-player experience across PlayStation 3, PC, Mac, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2, delivering the classic adventure with updated visuals, voice acting, and quality-of-life improvements for both newcomers and longtime fans.
Skyrim is Bethesda’s landmark open-world RPG set in a Nordic fantasy province, known for its freeform exploration, dragon-shouting Dragonborn, and an enormous modding community that keeps it alive over a decade later.
Around $39.99 for the Anniversary/Special Edition.
- Stunning HD visual overhaul of the original levels.
- Improved controls make platforming and combat smoother.
- Fully voiced story adds depth to Lara's character.
- Rich set of collectibles and achievements for replay value.
- Enormous freedom
- Best-in-class modding
- Great atmosphere and exploration
- Tons of content
- Limited to single-player; no multiplayer modes.
- Some puzzles feel dated despite visual updates.
- Performance can vary on older PC hardware.
- Dated combat and animations
- Bugs without mods
- Re-released many times
What reviewers say
Tomb Raider: Anniversary Reviews
No reviews yet.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews
4.0 (2)Love it
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been my go-to lately. Great atmosphere and exploration. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Good but flawed
Picked up The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim recently. Upside: enormous freedom. Downside: bugs without mods.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Tomb Raider: Anniversary
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Alternatives to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
View all →A vast open-world action RPG with a acclaimed story and monster hunting.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSkyrim is the safer, massively replayable default for open-world sandbox fans, while Tomb Raider: Anniversary offers a linear, narrative-driven action-adventure at a lower price point. The main trade-off is massive freeform exploration and modding versus a structured, single-player HD classic.
Key differences
- •Skyrim features open-world fantasy exploration with go-anywhere freedom, whereas Tomb Raider: Anniversary focuses on linear levels with environmental puzzles and platforming.
- •Skyrim costs around $39.99 (Special/Anniversary Edition), whereas Tomb Raider: Anniversary has an MSRP of $19.99.
- •Skyrim boasts massive mod support on PC, while Tomb Raider: Anniversary features high-definition textures, a fully voiced narrative, and a 69/100 critic score.
- •Skyrim is available across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, while Tomb Raider: Anniversary has a developer team including Buzz Monkey Software and Crystal Dynamics and is strictly single-player.
Gameplay & fun factor
Skyrim offers flexible skill-based progression and countless side quests, whereas Tomb Raider: Anniversary features refined environmental puzzles and modernized platforming.
Platform availability
Skyrim supports PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, while Tomb Raider: Anniversary platform details beyond PC hardware are not specified.
Price & value
Tomb Raider: Anniversary has an MSRP of $19.99, whereas Skyrim costs around $39.99 for the Special or Anniversary Edition.
Multiplayer / co-op
Neither game features multiplayer; Tomb Raider: Anniversary is explicitly single-player, and Skyrim's multiplayer is not specified.
Content & replayability
Skyrim offers countless side quests, guilds, and massive PC mod support. Tomb Raider: Anniversary relies on hidden relics and achievements.
Difficulty & accessibility
Tomb Raider: Anniversary includes refined puzzles with clearer hints and a comprehensive achievement system. Skyrim's accessibility is not specified.
Graphics & performance
Tomb Raider: Anniversary features a stunning HD visual overhaul of original levels, though performance can vary on older PC hardware.
Choose Tomb Raider: Anniversary if…
Fans of classic action-adventure games seeking a linear, narrative-driven HD experience on a budget.
Choose The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim if…
Open-world RPG and sandbox fans wanting endless freeform exploration and massive mod support.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Skyrim costs around $39.99 for the Anniversary/Special Edition, while Tomb Raider: Anniversary has an MSRP of $19.99.
Can I play these games in multiplayer?
Tomb Raider: Anniversary is strictly single-player, and multiplayer features for Skyrim are not specified in the provided facts.
What platforms are available for each game?
Skyrim is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Specific platforms for Tomb Raider: Anniversary are not fully listed, though it notes potential performance on older PC hardware.