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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes. The main story’s ending does not make you abandon your character: load your existing save to continue exploring and playing that same Skyrim run. You can also start a new game if you want a different playthrough, but you do not have to restart just because the main quest is complete.
How to continue your Skyrim playthrough
- From the game’s main menu, choose Load.
- Select the save for the character you want to keep playing.
- Once loaded, pursue any other available quests or activities in that save.
Bethesda’s Skyrim PC manual documents continuing with an existing character and says add-on content is available when starting a new or saved game. It does not list every activity you can do after the main quest, so what remains depends on your character’s save and the content you own.
What to do next
Continue with other quests and activities
Keep using your current save and follow any other quests or activities you want to pursue. Finishing the main story is not a requirement to begin a new character, nor does it itself require one.
Add optional content if you want more
Skyrim’s official add-ons include Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. They are optional; they are not prerequisites for continuing an existing game. Bethesda’s Anniversary Edition page describes that edition as including Skyrim Special Edition, those three add-ons, and Creation Club content.
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- Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail.
- The Special Edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features.
- All-new features include remastered art and effects, volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, screen-space reflections, and more.
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, use of alcohol
Do you need to buy Anniversary Edition?
No purchase is needed just to continue a save you already have. If you want the additional bundled content, first check what edition and add-ons you own and whether the listing matches your platform. Bethesda Support says owners of Skyrim Special Edition can purchase an Anniversary Edition upgrade; that upgrade is intended for existing Special Edition owners, while the full edition is for a different ownership situation. See Bethesda Support’s Anniversary Edition contents page and confirm the current product listing for your system before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Continue this character or start over?
Choose Load to keep playing the current character from a saved game. Choose New Game if you want a fresh character and a different playthrough. The manual documents saved-game continuation and starting a new game; completing the main story alone is not a reason you must start over.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EPIC FANTASY REBORN - Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.
- LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLD - Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.
- YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAY - Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.
- BATTLE DRAGONS - Battle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
- INCLUDED CONTENT - The Anniversary Edition includes the core game, pre-existing and new Creation Club content, plus all three official add-ons: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.
Rank #4
- Winner of more than 200 game of the year awards, Skyrim special edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail
- The special edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features
- All-new features include remastered art and effects, volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, screen-space reflections, and more
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, use of alcohol
Rank #3
- Live Another Life, In Another World: Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls comes to life in one legendary experience from all three official add-ons.
- Dawnguard: The Vampire Lord Harkon has returned to power. By using the Elder Scrolls, he seeks to do the unthinkable - to end the sun itself. Will you join the ancient order of the Dawnguard and stop him? Or will you become a Vampire Lord?
- Hearthfire: Purchase land and build your own home from the ground up - from a simple one-room cottage to a sprawling compound complete with an armory, alchemy laboratory, and more.
- Dragonborn: Journey off the coast of Morrowind, to the vast island of Solstheim. Traverse the ash wastes and glacial valleys of this new land as you become more powerful with shouts that bend the will of your enemies and even tame dragons.
Rank #2
- ANNIVERSARY EDITION CONTENT — Includes the base game, Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn, and hundreds of Creation Club items such as quests, weapons, armor, spells, and dungeons.
- SWITCH 2 ENHANCEMENTS — Explore Skyrim with updated visuals, improved load times, and optimized performance for Nintendo Switch 2.
- SHAPE YOUR ADVENTURE — Choose your character and decide how to play in an open world that responds to your actions.
- BUILD YOUR CHARACTER — Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities to define your play style.
- BATTLE DRAGONS — Face ancient dragons as the Dragonborn, learn their secrets, and harness their power.
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