Is Vanilla Skyrim Actually Good in 2026? | Skyrim Anniversary Edition v1.6.1170.0 Reference Review

Описание: Before modlists, before overhauls, before marathon stress tests — this is Vanilla Skyrim.

This video is a full Skyrim Marathon reference run using Skyrim Anniversary Edition v1.6.1170.0, played completely unmodded. It serves as a baseline for every modlist reviewed on this channel, using the exact same two-hour-plus, uninterrupted format.

The goal isn’t nostalgia — it’s perspective.

How does vanilla Skyrim actually feel in 2026 when played end-to-end?

And how far have modern modlists really moved the needle?

Surprisingly… vanilla holds up better than expected.
________________________________________
🔧 Modlist Details

Modlist: None (Vanilla)
Developer: Bethesda
Version: Anniversary Edition v1.6.1170.0
Install Size: 14.99 GB
Last Updated: January 17, 2024
________________________________________
🖥 PC Specs Used

CPU: Ryzen 9700X
GPU: Sapphire Pulse AMD 9070 XT (16GB)
RAM: 32GB DDR5-6000
Storage: 2TB Crucial P3 Plus
________________________________________
⏱ Chapters – Skyrim Marathon Run

00:00 – Introduction
05:20 – Character Creation
13:26 – Riverwood
19:05 – Whiterun
29:03 – Valtheim Towers
54:24 – Riften
1:12:33 – Windhelm
1:27:19 – Winterhold
1:47:15 – Solitude Outskirts
1:49:37 – Solitude
1:57:05 – Dragon Bridge
2:13:33 – Markarth
2:31:32 – Falkreath
2:24:52 – Windhelm
2:34:37 – Verdict/Outro
________________________________________
📊 Scoring Criteria

Each run is scored from 1–5 across five categories:
• ⚙ Performance
• ⚔ Combat
• 🖥 UI
• 🌄 Visuals
• 🧱 Stability
The final score answers one simple question:

Is this experience worth committing hundreds of hours to — or is it time to move on?