Battlefield 3 vs Skyrim: Which Should You Play?

They are fundamentally different genres. Choose by what you crave right now.

Battlefield 3 (2011) — Military FPS Multiplayer

• Core Loop: 64-player (PC) / 24-player (console) conquest/rush. Vehicles (jets, tanks, helis). Destruction (Frostbite 2).
• Progression: Unlock attachments, vehicle specs, gadgets. Grind-heavy.
• Skill Ceiling: High. Recoil patterns, map knowledge, vehicle physics, squad coordination.
• Singleplayer: 5-hr scripted corridor campaign. Forgettable.
• 2024 State: PC servers active (community), Console dead/backwards compat only. No official support.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) — Open-World Action RPG

• Core Loop: Explore → Quest → Loot → Level → Build Character (no class). 200+ hrs main + side.
• Freedom: Go anywhere, join factions (Thieves, Dark Brotherhood, College, Companions), ignore main quest.
• Modding (PC/SE): 60,000+ mods. Total conversions, graphics overhauls, new lands, survival mechanics.
• Re-releases: Special Edition (2016, 64-bit, mods on console), Anniversary Edition (2021, CC content).
• 2024 State: Forever playable. Modding community alive.

Decision Matrix

Pro Tip: Both are cheap ($5-10 sales). Get both. Play Skyrim first; it's timeless.