- For the various Skyrim platforms, see Platforms (Skyrim).
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are available on three platforms: PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind appeared on PC and the original Xbox. The Elder Scrolls Online is available on PC, Stadia, Xbox One, and PS4, with upgrades to Xbox Series X and PS5 planned.[1] In terms of actual gameplay content, the three platforms perform mostly the same. The PlayStation 3 version has the The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine official plug-in included at start, which PC and Xbox 360 users have to buy separately. There are several other platform differences:
PC[]
Advantages[]
- Use of the Construction Sets and Creation Kit.
- Download and use of third-party mods.
- Use of console commands.
- Potentially faster loading times (depending on system specifications).
- Ability to obtain Achievements (The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion for Steam version and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim only).
- The following are PC exclusives:
- Access to complimentary downloadable game manuals and guides (GOG only) for the following:
- Higher quality graphics.
- Portability on Notebook PC (though this generally excludes The Elder Scrolls Online).
- Skyrim only: Official Add-on High Resolution Texture Pack can be installed.
- Some games such Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim can be installed and played on Linux.
- Much easier to take photos and record on.
- Full backwards-compatibility.
- Can access PTS in Online for testing existing and new content.
- Receives patches several weeks sooner than consoles in Online.
- Online available on Stadia (with native 4k and HDR).[2]
Disadvantages[]
- No use of voice command of Kinect (however, there are some voice command mods for the PC version).
- No native voice chat in The Elder Scrolls Online.
- Older PCs, as well as laptops in general, may not run Online well or at all.
Xbox 360[]
Advantages[]
- Ability to obtain Achievements.
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is backwards-compatible.
- Some Xbox 360 version Official Plug-ins are available earlier than PC and PlayStation 3 version's due to Microsoft's exclusivity contract (for example, The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard, The Elder Scrolls V: Hearthfire and The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn were slated for release a month before PC and PlayStation 3).
- Skyrim only: Kinect feature allow the use of voice commands, e.g. Shouts, Quicksave, Quickmap, Books.
Disadvantages[]
- No use of third-party mods.
- No use of console commands.
- Official Add-on High Resolution Texture Pack can not be installed in Skyrim.
Playstation 3[]
Advantages[]
- Contains the The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine official plug-in on basic retail editions of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
- Ability to obtain PlayStation Network (PSN) Trophies (corresponding to Achievements).
Disadvantages[]
- No use of third-party mods.
- No use of console commands.
- No support of voice command.
- Suffers from a lack of support.
- Also known for glitching without patches.
- Official Add-on High Resolution Texture Pack cannot be installed in Skyrim.
Elder Scrolls Online-specific[]
- PC allows use of keyboard+mouse and/or gamepad, as well as addons. Consoles do not support addons.
- No native voice chat for PC.
- Native 4K resolution on PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One X, and Stadia.[3][4]
- Frisky Scrib and Shock Skin Salamander pets exclusive to Online on PSN store.
- Toxin Skin Salamander pet exclusive to Online on Xbox store.
- PlayStation version requires PlayStation Plus subscription.
- Xbox version requires Xbox Live Gold subscription.