The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was first released on November 11, 2011. Since then, it has garnered numerous Game of the Year awards, setting the standard for an open-world, fantasy RPG. Skyrim is also a game that I and countless fans keep coming back to often, even as it celebrates its 12th anniversary.

From sweeping vistas and memorable locations to complete freedom in how you progress with your character, Skyrim presents an experience like no other. Here are 12 reasons why this journey through the land of the Nords has become unforgettable, and why it remains one of the best games ever made.
 

1. Feeling at home with The Elder Scrolls games

I must admit that I wasn’t too familiar with Bethesda’s classic offerings. I never played The Elder Scrolls: Arena or Daggerfall. In fact, my first foray into the land of Tamriel was with Morrowind, the third mainline entry to the series. I fell in love with it almost immediately.

I was working in the U.S. at the time, thousands of miles away from my home country. The original Xbox was the first console I bought with my own salary and, out of all the games available, Morrowind: Game of the Year Edition was the only one that had a complete strategy guide conveniently placed right next to it. Needless to say, that guide helped me learn more about the world and the rich lore created by the developers.

Even though I played other Bethesda titles like Oblivion and Fallout 3 later on, I still fondly recalled the days when I played Morrowind. I missed that intangible feeling that kept me hooked for hours exploring an open-world game until Skyrim came along.
 

2. An epic beginning

Skyrim has become synonymous with “meme-worthy” content over the years, from taking an arrow to the knee to blasting people off cliffside areas. There’s one that many fans still recall: the opening segment, one where a man named Ralof says, “Hey, you, you’re finally awake.”

As a prisoner caught crossing the border, you’re taken by wagon to an execution site. Suddenly, the dragon Alduin attacks, inadvertently freeing you from certain doom. This sets the stage for a conflict that spans the entire region and a journey where you acquire mythical powers.
 

3. Focusing on a particular arc

Skyrim’s campaign revolves around a civil war, where the Stormcloaks led by Ulfric aim to cast aside Imperial rule to create an independent kingdom. However, this is just one particular narrative arc—and one that you’re not actually required to complete.

Instead, you could opt to tackle each quest chain separately or together, whether it involves the Daedric Princes—malevolent deities worshiped and feared by citizens—or your ascension to become a Dragonborn savior, a multitude of arcs related to a particular faction, side quests done for certain NPCs or holds, and innumerable Radiant Quests that might have random goals, some of which can be done repeatedly.
 

4. Be who you want to be

In addition to the grand campaign and numerous storylines, Skyrim presents robust customization options that help make your character feel unique. Right from the start, you’re able to select your race, each with its own bonuses. You’ve got everything from agile Khajiits and fire-resistant Dunmer to fierce Redguards and magic-proficient Altmer.
 

5. Proficiency-based skill system

The above concept is further complemented by a proficiency-based leveling system. While you still gain experience points as you progress, you also improve your skills the more you use them, thereby unlocking new perks. For instance, those who want to be stealthier when conducting Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild missions might want to focus on Light Armor, Sneak, and Lockpicking. Meanwhile, players who prefer spellcasting as part of the College of Winterhold would do well to specialize in various magic schools, such as Destruction, Conjuration, and Illusion.

Given that each quest chain can be tackled separately, it’s also possible to role-play as an adventurer who only focuses on one particular arc. For instance, in one playthrough, I created a beefy Nord warrior who liked Smithing so much that he was able to craft his own Heavy Armor while handling quests for the Companions. In another run, I decided to make a sneaky Khajiit Assassin who eliminated targets for the Dark Brotherhood. Of course, I also did another campaign where I just completed whatever I wanted, with complete freedom as a jack-of-all-trades Shield-Maiden.
 

6. Dragons, Dragonborn Shouts, and powers

Skyrim’s opening might be epic, but you’ll soon gain amazing powers. First among these is Unrelenting Force, the iconic “Fus Ro Dah” Dragon Shout, which pushes targets away from you, sometimes with hilarious results. You then gain additional abilities as the Dragonborn, including flame breaths, calling down lightning strikes, and slowing down time itself.

Of course, these abilities would be for naught if you didn’t have worthy adversaries. Skyrim throws hostiles your way, such as wild animals, undead Draugr, rabid Falmer, and, naturally, gargantuan dragons.
 

7. Meeting various followers and marriageable NPCs

While Skyrim is a single-player game, you’ll still meet numerous memorable characters. Chief among these are potential followers and spouses like Lydia, Jordis the Sword-Maiden, Aela the Huntress, Romlyn Dreth, Camilla Valerius, and Scouts-Many-Marshes. Whether they’re staying at home or joining you on dangerous treks, your follower becomes an essential part of your character’s experience.
 

8. Unrivaled immersion and vivid landscapes

Your travels in Skyrim become unforgettable thanks to an expansive world that you get to explore, further bolstered by vast landscapes, thematic surroundings, and distinct architectural design.

As you leave the ruined fort of Helgen, you’ll reach the quaint village of Riverwood. From there, as you follow a narrow mountain pass, you’ll find yourself staring at Dragonsreach, the towering keep of Whiterun. This fief, more akin to a Viking hold, eventually gives way to other locations, such as the marshlands of Morthal, the lakeside view of Riften, and the imposing mountainside structures of Markarth.

In between, you trek through green fields, lush forests, dark caverns, small towns, tundra hills, and frozen wastes. It’s easy to feel lost in the world of Skyrim as you immerse yourself in your surroundings.
 

9. DLCs

Skyrim has had three DLC expansions: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. I found Dawnguard quite brilliant, as it finally gave my character the means of becoming a vampire lord or werewolf, complete with unique skill trees. It’s also where you get to meet Serana, one of the most intriguing NPCs in the game.

Dragonborn, meanwhile, holds a special place as it marks your return to Solstheim. This island in the frigid north is where you confront the power-hungry Miraak. It’s also a location that I remember exploring when I played Morrowind’s Bloodmoon expansion many years ago. Standing on a hilltop while looking at the Red Mountain in Vvardenfell brought back memories.
 

10. A comfort game for the holidays

Skyrim is what I consider a cozy comfort game for the holidays. While there’s a lot of action to be had when facing vicious foes, I find that it’s the quiet moments that tend to feel more significant.

You could be on vacation in the real world, while also sitting cozily in any of the homes you purchased thanks to the Hearthfire expansion. You could go fishing at your leisure, or camp in the wilderness while marveling at the landscape. Likewise, you could read a book, learning more about intriguing lore and rich histories. In a way, you could play for hours without accomplishing anything of note, yet also feel fulfilled and enriched as you sit back and relax.
 

11. Something new to look forward to with each rerelease

Skyrim has been rereleased several times since 2011. First, there was the Legendary Edition (2013), which included the base game and the three DLCs. The Special Edition (2016) also has similar content, though it’s spruced up by upgraded graphics and visual effects. Lastly, there’s the Anniversary Edition (2021), which builds upon the Special Edition by adding dozens of Creation Club mods.
 

12. A talented modding community

Lastly, one of the key reasons why I keep coming back to Skyrim even after 12 years is because of a talented modding community eager to showcase their amazing works. From new outfits, weapons, and character presets to fully scripted companions and expansive quests, each playthrough feels like a fresh adventure waiting to happen.

These are the 12 reasons why I and many others still continue to play Skyrim, which celebrates its 12th anniversary this November. Those who’ve yet to travel these lands should pick up either the Special Edition or the Anniversary Edition, both of which are available on the Epic Games Store.