Update 11/5: It has since been revealed that Skyrim Anniversary Edition will not be a part of Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass subscribers will still get the next-gen version of Skyrim Special Edition for free (and new features coming in the free update), but they will need to pay $19.99 to access all of the Anniversary Edition content.
Original story follows.
Bethesda has released The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim on numerous occasions, bringing the open world game to PS4 and Xbox One with its Special Edition and even putting out a VR version. With Skyrim's 10th anniversary coming up, Bethesda is planning to release yet another version of the game, the aptly title Skryim Anniversary Edition. The Skyrim Anniversary Edition will include the Skyrim Special Edition content along with Creation Club content baked-in and a next-gen upgrade, and now fans know how much it's going to cost them.
Bethesda has confirmed that Skyrim Anniversary Edition will cost $49.99 at launch. Alternatively, those that already own Skyrim Special Edition can pay $19.99 to upgrade to the Anniversary Edition. Regardless of whether or not one wants to spring for the Anniversary Edition content, all next-gen upgrades are otherwise free. So Skyrim Special Edition owners can upgrade their Xbox One copy to Xbox Series X without paying a dime, they just won't get the Creation Club content.
For those that have already thoroughly played through Skyrim, the Creation Club content may be the most compelling reason to pick up the Anniversary Edition. It includes Morrowind weapons and armor, new questlines, and a new fishing mechanic that will also have its own quests tied to it.
The new fishing feature in Skyrim Anniversary Edition has been one of the most-talked about features in the re-release of the game. Players will be able to eat and sell fish, but they can also keep fish as pets by setting up aquariums in their homes. This should give players more options when it comes to customizing their Skyrim houses, and can give players something extra to do when they're done exploring the rest of the content the game has to offer.
In the meantime, Bethesda has also addressed the question of whether or not achievements will carry over from Skyrim Special Edition to the Anniversary Edition. The answer is that Xbox One players can indeed look forward to their achievements carrying over, but those going from PS4 to PS5 will not have their trophies carry over. No reason was given for why there is a discrepancy between the two platforms.
Of course, it should be noted that those with Xbox Game Pass subscriptions will presumably be able to play The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Anniversary Edition for free. After all, part of the reason why Microsoft purchased Bethesda was to get content for Xbox Game Pass, and it seems Skyrim Anniversary Edition would fit the bill. However, it should be noted that Xbox Game Pass was not mentioned anywhere in Bethesda's FAQ and in fact, Skyrim Anniversary Edition was not listed in the lineup of new Xbox Game Pass games for November 2021. That doesn't mean it won't be included, but fans may have to wait for some clarification.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Anniversary Edition launches November 11 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.