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Baldur's Gate vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Baldur's Gate
Baldur's GateEmbark on an epic Dungeons & Dragons tactical RPG adventure along the iconic Sword Coast.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimEpic Fantasy Open World Adventure
Overview
Description

Baldur's Gate is a seminal isometric role-playing game set in the Forgotten Realms universe of Dungeons & Dragons. Players control a custom protagonist venturing across the Sword Coast to uncover a dangerous political conspiracy and unravel the mystery surrounding their own sinister lineage. Featuring an expansive world filled with intricate lore, mysterious dungeons, and vibrant cities, the game established a new standard for computer RPGs. Combat combines real-time action with a tactical pause feature, enabling precise party control during intense encounters against fantastical beasts and hostile factions. Players can recruit up to six companions, balance party alignment, and navigate moral choices while enjoying rich storytelling across Linux, PC, iOS, and Mac platforms.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action-packed, open-world fantasy role-playing game. Players take on the role of the Dragonborn, a legendary hero with the power to absorb the souls of dragons and use their abilities. The game features a massive open world to explore, complete with a rich history, politics, and mythology.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Category
CRPG
Action RPG
Best for
Fans of classic isometric RPGs and Dungeons & Dragons
Gamers and RPG fans
Specifications
General
msrp
$19.9967%
$59.99
release date
1998-12-21
2011-11-10
Specifications
developer
BioWare, BioWare Edmonton
Bethesda Game Studios
publisher
Interplay Entertainment, Black Isle Studios
Bethesda Softworks
age rating
ESRB T, PEGI 12
ESRB M, PEGI 18+50%
multiplayer
Single player, Co-operative
Single player
critic score
91/100+14%
80/100
platforms
PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Deep tactical combat system using real-time-with-pause controls.
  • Expansive fantasy narrative with rich companion banter and alignment dynamics.
  • Authentic implementation of Dungeons & Dragons rules and lore.
  • Flexible cross-platform support across Linux, PC, Mac, and iOS.
  • Immersive open-world gameplay
  • Rich storyline with complex characters
  • Highly customizable characters
  • Dynamic combat system
Cons
  • Steep initial learning curve for players unfamiliar with AD&D 2nd Edition rules.
  • Pathfinding AI can occasionally cause party members to get stuck in tight corridors.
  • Retro 1998 graphics and UI may feel dated to modern audiences.
  • Steep learning curve
  • Some quests can be repetitive
  • Graphics may appear dated
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
4
User rating
Not enough data
4.0 (2)

What reviewers say

Baldur's Gate Reviews

No reviews yet.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews

4.0 (2)
Verified User

Love it

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been my go-to lately. Great atmosphere and exploration. No real complaints. Would recommend.

Verified User

Good but flawed

Picked up The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim recently. Upside: enormous freedom. Downside: bugs without mods.

Read all reviews →

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Alternatives to Baldur's Gate

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Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Epic fantasy RPG where choices shape destiny

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Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening
Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening

Continue the epic saga with new companions and darker choices

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Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast
Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast

Epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure on the Sword Coast

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Long Gone Days

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Baldur's Gate offers classic, tactical D&D depth with co‑op at a lower price, while Skyrim provides a modern, solo open‑world adventure at a higher cost.

Key differences

  • Baldur's Gate includes cooperative multiplayer; Skyrim is single‑player only.
  • Baldur's Gate uses real‑time‑with‑pause tactical combat; Skyrim uses action‑oriented combat with Dragon Shouts.
  • Pricing: Baldur's Gate costs $19.99; Skyrim costs $59.99.
  • Platform reach: Baldur's Gate runs on Linux, PC, Mac, iOS; Skyrim limited to PS3, Xbox 360, Windows.
  • Release era and graphics: Baldur's 1998 retro style; Skyrim 2011 but still considered dated by modern standards.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Baldur's Gate offers deep tactical combat and rich companion dynamics, appealing to players who enjoy strategic RPGs.

Baldur's Gate

Platform availability

Supports Linux, PC, Mac, and iOS, whereas Skyrim is limited to PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows.

Baldur's Gate

Price & value

Costs $19.99 versus Skyrim's $59.99, delivering comparable RPG depth for less money.

Baldur's Gate

Multiplayer / co‑op

Baldur's Gate includes online and LAN co‑op; Skyrim has no multiplayer component.

Baldur's Gate

Content & replayability

Both feature expansive worlds, numerous quests, and character customization, offering similar replay value.

Tie

Difficulty & accessibility

Skyrim's action combat is generally more approachable than Baldur's steep AD&D 2nd Edition learning curve.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Graphics & performance

Skyrim, though dated, has more modern 3D graphics than Baldur's 1998 isometric visuals.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Choose Baldur's Gate if…

Players seeking classic, tactical D&D experience with co‑op and lower cost.

Choose The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim if…

Players wanting a modern solo open‑world adventure with action combat.

Common questions

Which game is cheaper?

Baldur's Gate costs $19.99; Skyrim costs $59.99.

Can I play with friends?

Baldur's Gate supports online and LAN co‑op; Skyrim is single‑player only.

What platforms can I use?

Baldur's Gate runs on Linux, PC, Mac, iOS; Skyrim runs on PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows.