Skyrim is getting a free 2024 update, but not everyone is happy

Normally when we learn that a game is receiving an update, it’s positive news – it means issues can be ironed out to improve performance. But when an older game gets an update, it leaves fans worried.

On the surface, Skyrim getting a free update for 2024 sounds like a great thing. After all, it’s still one of the most popular games in which players are still discovering new quests. The problem comes from all the mods the game has, meaning updates can scramble those mods, undoing hours of hard work and progress for modders and players alike.

We’ve seen this before with Bethesda’s beloved RPG, thanks to the last update causing major disruptions to the normally entertaining experience. It caused so many additional problems that people fear the same will happen again.

Ease the pain of a new update with these Skyrim wins and fails!

The memories of last time are so badly burnt into everyone’s minds that some players forego updates altogether. “Just turn off updates,” suggested Redditor Gwynedhel7. “I still haven’t updated the last time. I’ve been on the same playthrough since November, so it would ruin my game if I allowed it.”

Another workaround to avoid potential disaster is to copy your game. “Make a copy of your game folder and just copy-paste it elsewhere and change the mo2 pathing to that instead,” suggested a savvy gamer. “The game is like 20GB so it won't take up much space and Steam won’t recognize it, that’s how I did it and it works like a charm.”

Obviously, some fans are pleased to see the devs giving such an old game the attention it deserves, especially with Bethesda needing to claw back brownie points after Starfield. However, with Skyrim held so high within the modding community, the idea of official updates is only ever going to bring about dread.

For everyone still exploring the depths of Skyrim, we hope this update doesn’t ruin your current playthrough.