E3 2016: Skyrim remaster has volumetric god rays, dynamic DoF, new shaders and more

Bethesda is giving one of its most successful titles of all time a visual and technical overhaul.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 back in 2011 and has gone on to sell more than 20 million copies.

Bethesda announced during its E3 showcase that it would re-release the game as Skyrim: Special Edition, complete with a host of engine upgrades.

Among the headline features are the addition of volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, new shaders for snow and water, and screen space reflections.

The RPG’s art and effects will be similarly revamped.

Notably for console players, the Special Edition will introduce mod support for Skyrim, in line with the cross-compatible mods available for Fallout 4.

Skyrim: Special Edition will be a free upgrade for PC players who already own the original game and all of its DLC (collected in the Legendary Edition). No comparative offer was announced for console owners. 

Something that we’ve wanted to do for a very long time. Return to a world we love #Skyrim Special Edition #BE3 pic.twitter.com/76JALf1yat

— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) June 13, 2016