Image via Complex Original
intro
There's no denying that Skyrim is the best-looking Elder Scrolls game to date, and it's hard to believe it's even on the same console as Oblivion. There's so much eye candy to go around that we couldn't resist putting together a list of our favorite screenshots. Taken from the PC version (which, we have to admit, is graphically superior), these shots capture some of Skyrim's most amazing moments and locations.
Dragons, waterfalls, mood lighting—it's all here. And don't worry, this gallery is spoilers-free, unless you consider it a spoiler that Skyrim is freaking gorgeous. Thanks to Giant Bomb and flickr user Dead End Thrills for all the screenshots!
25
Dragons are only ornery because they have all those teeth, and no toothbrush.
24.5
This empty land would be perfect for a mall.
24
The homeless people sleeping in the plaza have become a serious problem.
23.5
We lose this staring contest every time.
23
Pilgrims have been journeying here for years to pay homage to the gods of out-of-the-way altars.
22.5
Is that the Scream mask?
22
All that's missing is sharks with frikkin' laser beams on their heads.
21.5
"So glad I rolled this blunt."
21
Mass has been really empty since they stopped offering free glass armor sets with the coffee.
20.5
"My leafy tiara will totally protect me from this dragon!"
20
Good thing we buffed our yodeling skill up to like, 85.
19.5
You can lead a horse to water, then you can ride it up a sheer mountain.
19
Rapunzel, Rapunzel! Let down your—OH SHIT A DRAGON!
18.5
Somewhere in this screenshot is a dwarf pissing off a wall.
18
Yeah, that totally looks safe to cross. You go first.
17.5
This is how we deal with spiders in real life, too, only instead of magic we use hairspray.
17
The weeds have really gotten out of hand since Skyrim cracked down on illegal immigration.
16.5
"I knew I should have brought my North Face."
16
"What have the Imperials ever done for us!?"
"The aquaduct? And sanitation!"
"Oh, yeah, sanitation, Reg—remember what Skyrim used to be like?"
15.5
"Meow."
15
"I can see your epidermis."
14.5
Looks like rain, better take cover on this bridge. Wait, nevermind.
14
"This is for murdering my family, filthy Templar!"
"Wait! You're in the wrong ga—auurrghh…"
13.5
The "medieval special" spray-on tan was a little more intense than what he'd had in mind.
13
"We are the ghosts of Elder Scrolls past! Why did you remove speeeaars?"
12.5
Watch as the dragon swiftly descends upon its hapless prey, the unsuspecting RPG player.
11.5
There's a boat, there's a boat, there's a motherflippin' boat.
11
Navi is just as irritating as she was in Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
10.5
"ECHO!"
10
Getting around is a little more difficult since the designers removed levitation spells.
9.5
The city had been considering renovating that guardhouse anyway.
9
Does this mean my three days are up? Wait, this is Major's Mask, right?
8.5
Dany had been looking everywhere for Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal.
8
This is just like that Super Mario 64 level, Hazy Maze Cave—where you ride the loch ness monster, right?
7
"Good thing I have this extra face down on my chest."
6.5
"Epona, noooo!!"
6
The throne room wasn't what it used to be, though the lighting had improved.
5.5
That is one obedient horse.
5
The axe in the stump is much easier to remove than the sword in the stone.
4.5
Okay, the draw distance in this game is f*cking ridiculous.
4
This is what happens when Azura drops too much acid.
3.5
What the inside of God's cotton candy machine looks like.
3
Watch out, Harry Potter!
2.5
We dare you to spit over the edge.
2
Come for the changing of the leaves, stay for the dragon-slaying.
1.5
We're pretty sure this is actually a painting.
1
"I can see my lair from here!"
0.5
"You shall not pass! Seriously. Please don't pass? Dang. I'm on fire, aren't I?"
