Skyrim Crowned the Greatest Game of All Time in Comprehensive Reddit Poll
A comprehensive Reddit poll involving 947 gamers and over 1,500 nominated games has officially crowned The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as the greatest game of all time.
The grassroots poll, conducted on the r/Videogames subreddit, saw Skyrim decisively defeat legendary titles including Fallout: New Vegas, Mass Effect 2, Bloodborne, The Last of Us, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in the final rankings.
Key Takeaways
- Skyrim won a massive community-driven poll featuring 947 valid submissions that collected over 1,500 game nominations across all genres and platforms.
- The 2011 Bethesda title defeated major gaming classics like Fallout: New Vegas, Mass Effect 2, Bloodborne, The Last of Us, and The Witcher 3.
- The game’s lasting appeal comes from its 14-square-mile open world, strong modding support, and dynamic gameplay options for varied playstyles.
- Skyrim’s grassroots win highlights authentic community recognition, with voters submitting detailed top-ten lists to ensure genuine results.
- The game has kept players engaged across console generations, growing from a single title into an enduring RPG cultural phenomenon.
Community Recognition Over Industry Awards
The victory underscores the power and legitimacy of community-driven feedback in evaluating video games. Unlike corporate-sponsored awards, Reddit’s voting structure removed external bias. By requiring participants to create complete top-ten lists instead of casting single votes, the poll provided a multidimensional view into gamer preferences.
Skyrim’s Historical Impact in Gaming
Skyrim’s triumph highlights its unique place in gaming history. The 2011 release came at a time when open-world RPGs were becoming mainstream, and Bethesda delivered a title that masterfully balanced depth with approachability. Both newcomers and veterans found something to love in its expansive Nordic fantasy experience.
The Role of the Modding Community
A critical factor in Skyrim’s longevity is its thriving modding community. Thousands of mods have been developed to expand content, overhaul visuals, and introduce new gameplay mechanics. This collaborative spirit has helped keep the game engaging over a decade post-launch.
Multi-Platform Presence
Skyrim’s availability across a wide range of platforms also helped broaden its audience. It has been released on:
- PC
- PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4
- Xbox 360 and Xbox One
- PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S
- Nintendo Switch
- Virtual Reality platforms
Each version welcomed a new wave of gamers into its rich world of dragons, quests, and shouts.
Methodology of the Poll
The poll’s credibility stems from its rigorous methodology. Organizers required detailed justifications for every entry in each participant’s top-ten list. This eliminated joke submissions and encouraged thoughtful rankings based on genuine appreciation.
Competition and Industry Influence
Skyrim didn’t just win by default—it outperformed some of gaming’s most respected titles. These included:
- Fallout: New Vegas, a gold standard in post-apocalyptic storytelling.
- Mass Effect 2, considered a defining space opera experience.
- Bloodborne, a dark and challenging action RPG lauded for its design and atmosphere.
Each of these games has earned critical acclaim, yet Skyrim’s universal appeal gave it the edge. This outcome reinforces the idea that the gaming community, not marketing or media, determines legacy and greatness.
Skyrim’s Lasting Influence
Modern RPG developers continue to study Skyrim’s design pillars—from its emphasis on exploration to its nonlinear quest structure. Many titles borrow liberally from Bethesda’s formula, emphasizing player agency and environmental storytelling over rigid narratives.
The timing of this poll only enhances Skyrim’s recognition. Over a decade since its release, and after massive changes in gaming trends and platforms, Skyrim still reigns supreme amongst an ever-evolving audience.
A Global Triumph
The poll included participants from various regions, adding an international viewpoint to Skyrim’s victory. Its broad appeal across cultures speaks to the universal themes and immersive qualities Bethesda managed to achieve.
Ultimately, Skyrim’s win validates its influence as more than just a video game—it’s a landmark in interactive storytelling and player-driven adventure.
Reddit Poll Crowns Skyrim Champion Among 1,500 Games
The gaming community has spoken, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim stands as the undisputed champion. A comprehensive poll conducted on Reddit’s r/Videogames subreddit gathered 947 valid submissions from dedicated gamers who carefully ranked their personal top ten games of all time.
This wasn’t just another casual online survey. Participants submitted detailed lists that collectively nominated over 1,500 different games, representing decades of gaming history across every genre and platform imaginable. The sheer scope of nominations demonstrates the incredible diversity of gaming experiences that have resonated with players over the years.
Community-Driven Results Reveal Clear Winner
Poll organizers refined the massive list of nominations into a final Top 100, allowing the community to see which games truly stood the test of time. Skyrim’s victory wasn’t just symbolic—it represented a genuine consensus among passionate gamers who’ve experienced the breadth of what the medium offers.
The competition proved fierce, with several legendary titles vying for the top position:
- Fallout: New Vegas secured a strong showing, proving that post-apocalyptic RPGs continue to captivate players
- Mass Effect 2 demonstrated the lasting appeal of space opera storytelling
- Bloodborne represented the challenging action-RPG genre with its gothic atmosphere
- The Last of Us showcased the power of emotional narrative in gaming
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt rounded out the top contenders with its expansive open-world design
Skyrim’s triumph reflects its unique position in gaming culture. Released in 2011, Bethesda’s Nordic adventure has maintained an active player base across multiple console generations and PC platforms. The game’s modding community continues to create new content, extending its lifespan far beyond typical AAA releases.
What makes this poll particularly significant is its grassroots nature. Unlike industry awards or critic rankings, these results came directly from players who invest their time and money in games. The 947 participants represented diverse gaming backgrounds and preferences, making their collective choice carry substantial weight.
The poll’s methodology ensured authenticity by requiring detailed top-ten lists rather than simple single-vote submissions. This approach prevented manipulation and encouraged thoughtful consideration from participants. Each submission underwent verification to maintain the integrity of the results.
Skyrim’s enduring appeal stems from several factors that resonated with poll participants. Its open-world design allows for countless hours of exploration, while the character progression system lets players customize their experience. The game’s “just one more quest” mentality has kept players engaged for over a decade.
The modding ecosystem surrounding Skyrim has essentially transformed it into a platform rather than just a game. Community-created content ranges from graphical overhauls to entirely new storylines, ensuring fresh experiences for returning players. This longevity factor likely influenced many poll participants who’ve revisited Skyrim multiple times throughout the years.
Reddit’s gaming community spans various demographics and preferences, making this poll a representative sample of modern gaming culture. The platform’s voting system and discussion threads allowed participants to engage with the process actively, sharing their reasoning and debating choices with fellow gamers.
The results challenge assumptions about which games truly define excellence in the medium. While newer releases often dominate headlines and sales charts, this poll demonstrated that lasting impact matters more than initial buzz. Skyrim’s ability to maintain relevance and player engagement ultimately secured its position at the top.
This community recognition arrives at an interesting time for gaming, as developers increasingly focus on live-service models and recurring revenue streams. Skyrim’s single-player experience, enhanced by community modifications, offers a different approach that clearly resonates with dedicated players who value depth and replayability over constant content updates.
Skyrim Beats Gaming Legends in Head-to-Head Rankings
The massive gamer poll revealed that Skyrim didn’t just win by a narrow margin—it decisively outranked some of the most celebrated titles in gaming history. The Top 10 list showcased Skyrim’s dominance over powerhouse games including Fallout: New Vegas, Mass Effect 2, Bloodborne, The Last of Us, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Each of these titles represents the pinnacle of their respective genres, making Skyrim’s victory even more impressive.
I find it particularly striking that Skyrim managed to beat Bethesda’s own Fallout: New Vegas, which many consider the best entry in the Fallout series. Mass Effect 2’s inclusion in the top rankings demonstrates the fierce competition Skyrim faced from narrative-driven RPGs, while Bloodborne’s presence shows that even the most critically acclaimed Souls-like games couldn’t match Skyrim’s broad appeal.
Community Consensus on Skyrim’s Advantages
Popular gaming debates frequently position Skyrim against other genre giants, with “Skyrim vs. Dark Souls” being one of the most heated discussions in gaming forums. Gamers consistently cite several key advantages that Skyrim holds over its competitors:
- Larger, more expansive world that offers hundreds of hours of exploration
- Greater variety in gameplay experiences, from stealth and archery to magic and melee combat
- More accessible difficulty curve that welcomes both newcomers and veterans
- Extensive character customization options that allow for multiple playstyles
- Rich lore and environmental storytelling that doesn’t require previous series knowledge
These factors contribute to Skyrim’s ability to attract and retain players across different gaming preferences and skill levels. Dark Souls may offer more challenging combat and tighter game design, but Skyrim’s flexibility allows players to create their own experiences rather than following a predetermined path.
The game’s community engagement continues to set it apart from other major releases in both open-world and action RPG categories. I’ve observed that Skyrim’s modding community remains more active and productive than virtually any other single-player game, with new content and improvements appearing regularly even thirteen years after release. This sustained community involvement creates a feedback loop where the game stays relevant and fresh, attracting new players while keeping veterans engaged.
Skyrim’s replay value consistently surpasses that of other major releases because of its non-linear structure and multiple faction questlines. Players can experience entirely different stories by choosing to side with the Stormcloaks or the Imperial Legion, join the Dark Brotherhood or destroy it, or focus on becoming the Archmage of Winterhold versus pursuing the Thieves Guild storyline. This branching narrative structure gives Skyrim an advantage over more linear experiences like The Last of Us, which tells a powerful but singular story.
The game’s position above The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt particularly stands out, given that many critics consider CD Projekt Red’s masterpiece to have superior writing and quest design. However, Skyrim’s character creation system and first-person perspective create a more personal connection between players and their characters. While Geralt of Rivia is a compelling protagonist, many players prefer creating their own Dragonborn and defining their own personality through choices and actions.
This victory represents more than just nostalgic voting—it reflects Skyrim’s enduring design philosophy that prioritizes player freedom over developer-directed experiences. The game’s ability to accommodate different playstyles while maintaining a cohesive world continues to influence modern game development, cementing its status as not just a great game, but a foundational experience that shaped an entire generation of open-world titles.
Thirteen Years Later: How Skyrim Conquered Every Gaming Platform
Bethesda Game Studios struck gold when they released The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in 2011. The fantasy epic didn’t just capture players’ imaginations—it refused to let go. I’ve watched this open-world masterpiece evolve from a single-platform release into a gaming phenomenon that spans every major console and continues attracting new players more than a decade later.
The game’s remarkable staying power stems from several key factors that set it apart from typical releases. Its vast open world invites exploration at every turn, while the modding community has transformed Skyrim into something far beyond what Bethesda originally created. Players can download thousands of modifications that range from simple visual improvements to complete overhauls that essentially create new games within the existing framework.
Skyrim’s platform domination tells a compelling story about modern gaming. The title launched initially on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, but Bethesda didn’t stop there. Special editions, legendary editions, and enhanced versions have appeared on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and even Nintendo Switch. Each release introduces the game to fresh audiences while giving existing fans reasons to revisit Tamriel’s northern province.
Cultural Impact Beyond Gaming
What truly sets Skyrim apart is its penetration into internet culture. Memorable characters like guards with their “arrow to the knee” quips have become lasting memes. The Dragonborn’s “Fus Ro Dah” shout resonates with gamers and non-gamers alike. These viral moments keep Skyrim visible in online discussions, gaming forums, and social media platforms years after release.
The game’s influence extends into other titles as well. When Bethesda officially confirms Fallout 5, comparisons to Skyrim’s success inevitably follow. The studio has essentially created a template for open-world RPGs that continues inspiring developers across the industry.
Modern gaming conversations often reference Skyrim as a benchmark for replay value and longevity. While newer releases like GTA VI leaked gameplay generate excitement, they’re frequently measured against Skyrim’s sustained popularity. The game proves that exceptional content combined with community support can extend a title’s lifespan far beyond typical industry expectations.
Skyrim’s conquest of every gaming platform represents more than clever marketing—it demonstrates how quality gameplay transcends technological limitations. Whether players experience it on a high-end PC with extensive mods or on Nintendo Switch during their commute, the core adventure remains compelling and immersive.
The 14-Square-Mile World That Redefined RPGs
Skyrim’s vast 14-square-mile landscape stands as one of gaming’s most ambitious achievements, stretching far beyond what most RPGs dare to attempt. This massive expanse includes intricate cave systems, mysterious dwarven ruins, and countless hidden locations that reward curious explorers with unique loot and stories. The sheer scale creates an almost overwhelming sense of discovery that keeps players engaged for hundreds of hours.
Character Creation and Faction Choices That Define Your Journey
The game’s character creation system allows players to craft their ideal hero through multiple layers of customization. I can choose from ten distinct races, each offering unique abilities and starting bonuses that dramatically affect gameplay style. Beyond physical appearance, the faction system presents meaningful choices that shape the entire experience:
- Joining the Stormcloaks means fighting for Skyrim’s independence from Imperial rule
- Siding with the Imperials involves maintaining order and unity across the empire
- Becoming a member of the Companions opens pathways to lycanthropy and ancient Nordic traditions
- Exploring other factions like the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild adds layers of moral complexity
Each faction choice carries real consequences that ripple through the game world, making every playthrough feel distinctly personal. The Dragonborn storyline weaves through these choices, creating a narrative that feels both epic and intimate. Players discover they possess the soul of a dragon, granting them the ability to absorb dragon souls and learn powerful shouts that can bend reality itself.
This unique power system sets Skyrim apart from traditional magic-based RPGs. Dragon shouts like “Fus Ro Dah” and “Ice Form” provide tactical advantages while maintaining lore consistency. The Thu’um system feels authentic because it’s rooted in ancient Nordic culture rather than feeling like an arbitrary game mechanic.
Tamriel’s northern province offers seamless exploration that eliminates the artificial barriers found in many other games. I can climb almost any mountain, explore every visible landmark, and stumble upon content that feels handcrafted rather than procedurally generated. This design philosophy creates emotional engagement because discoveries feel earned through genuine exploration rather than following quest markers.
The quest variety exceeds most contemporary RPGs through its commitment to meaningful side content. Major questlines like the College of Winterhold or the Thieves Guild feature multi-hour storylines with character development and plot twists. Smaller quests often contain surprising depth, like helping a farmer retrieve stolen goods that leads to uncovering a larger conspiracy.
Veteran players consistently cite this exploration system as Skyrim’s defining strength. The game rewards curiosity with substantial content rather than empty landscapes dotted with meaningless collectibles. Every cave system contains unique enemies, treasures, or environmental storytelling that adds to the world’s richness.
The modding community has expanded this foundation exponentially, creating new lands, quests, and gameplay systems that extend Skyrim’s lifespan indefinitely. This ongoing support demonstrates how solid core design can sustain a gaming community for over a decade. Unlike other titles that rely on constant updates, Skyrim’s design philosophy allows player creativity to flourish.
New players often report feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content available, but this abundance creates positive anxiety rather than decision paralysis. The freedom to ignore main quests in favor of exploring ancient ruins or hunting dragons maintains engagement across different play styles. Whether someone prefers combat, magic, stealth, or social interaction, Skyrim accommodates their preferences without forcing specific approaches.
This adaptability explains why Skyrim continues earning recognition in gaming polls years after its initial release. The game successfully balances structured storytelling with complete player freedom, creating an experience that feels both directed and open-ended. The combination of massive scale, meaningful choices, and seamless exploration has established Skyrim as the gold standard against which other RPGs are measured.
Skyrim’s Blueprint: How One Game Changed an Entire Industry
When Skyrim launched in 2011, I witnessed the beginning of a new era in role-playing game development. The game’s massive success didn’t just break sales records—it fundamentally reshaped how developers approach open-world design and player engagement. Every major RPG release since then has faced inevitable comparisons to Bethesda’s masterpiece, with studios scrambling to capture its unique blend of freedom and immersion.
The Open-World Renaissance
Skyrim single-handedly revitalized the single-player RPG market at a time when many predicted the genre’s decline. I’ve observed how its influence extends far beyond Bethesda’s own franchises, with developers across the industry adopting its core principles of player agency and exploration-driven storytelling. The game’s approach to quest design, where players could stumble upon adventures organically rather than following rigid story paths, became the new gold standard for RPG development.
Major studios began restructuring their development processes to incorporate Skyrim’s non-linear design philosophy. CD Projekt Red openly acknowledged this influence when creating The Witcher 3, while other developers like BioWare shifted their focus from corridor-based experiences to more expansive, player-driven narratives. The ripple effects continue today, with upcoming titles like Fallout 5 expected to build upon these established foundations.
Industry-Wide Design Evolution
The game’s impact on narrative structure proved equally transformative. Skyrim demonstrated that players craved environmental storytelling and emergent gameplay over traditional cutscene-heavy approaches. This revelation prompted developers to invest heavily in dynamic world-building systems and player choice mechanics.
Game studios now prioritize creating living, breathing worlds that respond to player actions in meaningful ways. The industry’s current focus on:
- Procedural generation
- Modding support
- Long-term content sustainability
can all trace their roots back to Skyrim’s groundbreaking approach. Even GTA V’s enduring popularity reflects lessons learned from Skyrim’s community-driven longevity model.
Marketing strategies have also evolved to emphasize the “endless possibilities” messaging that Skyrim pioneered. Publishers now understand that showcasing player freedom and emergent gameplay generates more excitement than traditional story trailers. This shift in promotional focus has become standard practice across the industry, influencing everything from indie titles to major AAA releases.
Sources:
GamingBible: “Skyrim officially named best-game of all time in massive gamer poll”
Ross Hendry: “My Number 1 Game of All Time | Skyrim in 2025” (YouTube)
“I Played Skyrim For The Very FIRST Time in 2025” (YouTube)
NeoGAF: “Skyrim vs Dark Souls 1”
GameFAQs: “POLL: Is Skyrim the greatest game of all time?”
