Are Oblivion And Skyrim Connected?

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Since The Elder Scrolls video game series started with its first release, The Elder Scrolls: Arena, back in 1994, it might be confusing to decide which title serves as the entry point for newcomers. With five main games, multiple expansions, and several spin-offs developed over several decades, it’s natural to wonder about their interconnections.

To grasp the intricacies of events in Daggerfall, Arena might provide some helpful context, although it’s not strictly essential for understanding the gameplay. Similarly, while Oblivion offers rich lore that can enhance the enjoyment of Skyrim, it’s not necessary to play Oblivion to fully appreciate Skyrim. The Elder Scrolls series is quite vast, and while playing earlier games can offer depth and context, it’s not always essential for enjoying each new title.

Are All The Elder Scrolls Games Connected To Each Other?

The Elder Scrolls video games may not have connected stories, but each release contributes to the expansive world created by Bethesda, enhancing its lore. While it’s possible to grasp a game’s plot without playing every title, experiencing multiple games amplifies the depth and immersion these games offer.

This is due to the fact that every game within The Elder Scrolls series unfolds on the same vast continent named Tamriel, yet each installment transports players to distinct provinces and timeframes. As a result, starting anew isn’t as challenging because one doesn’t need to delve deeply into the past to fully enjoy the experience.

In contrast, the second game in the series, known as Daggerfall, occurs during the Third Era and spans the provinces of High Rock and Hammerfell. On the other hand, the fifth major release, Skyrim, is situated in the Fourth Era and within the mountainous region that bears its name. Notably, the first four mainline games – Arena, Daggerfall, Morrowind, and Oblivion – all transpire within a short timeframe as they are set just a few years apart from each other.

Instead, let me rephrase that for you: Skyrim moves the timeline forward more significantly, being established 200 years after Oblivion. As a result, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim serves as the most inviting entry point for newcomers to this franchise, being the fifth mainline game in the series.

Due to the smaller gap between the initial four games, there are numerous recurring themes that get repeated in each subsequent release. One notable instance of this continuity is Emperor Uriel Septim VII, a significant character who features prominently across all the first four games and essentially serves as the trigger for their individual narratives.

Because each game takes place in distinct provinces, this ensures that there’s always a unique playable character, a captivating primary storyline, and various missions that make each game stand out on its own.

The actions within each Bethesda game don’t just occur independently; rather, they have ongoing impacts on the universe crafted by Bethesda. Since all titles are set on the same continent, there are always events that mold the political terrains of subsequent games. For instance, the turmoil in Skyrim is a direct result of the Oblivion Crisis, as despite the fourth and fifth mainline games being set two centuries apart, much took place during that time to instigate the unrest in Skyrim.

Although the primary plot in Skyrim revolves around novel ideas such as dragon resurrection, it doesn’t present itself as a literal sequel to Oblivion. This allows each Elder Scrolls game to maintain its identity as independent titles that can be appreciated on their own merit, without requiring extensive knowledge of the established lore.

In The Elder Scrolls series, there are factions from the past, such as the nearly extinct Blades, who played significant roles in earlier events like the Great War. However, each game within the franchise introduces new characters and locations. This means that players can easily dive into any title without experiencing a disjointed feeling. Bethesda employs in-game scriptures and side quests to underscore the importance of past games to the lore of The Elder Scrolls, making the world of Tamriel seem more vibrant and expansive.

Each installment of The Elder Scrolls series contributes to a sprawling, ongoing narrative set in Tamriel, highlighting significant events across different eras and influential sites that have collectively molded the continent’s history.

In much the same way as people can pick different periods or aspects of real-world history that interest them, the player can select which era or character they’d like to explore in Tamriel. If the initial introduction piques their curiosity, they have the option to delve deeper into Tamriel’s past to understand how it reached its current state. Whether it’s the province of Cyrodiil from Oblivion or the snowy heights of Skyrim, each setting and title contributes significantly to the creation of Tamriel. However, it’s not necessary to visit every era to enjoy the one that seems most engaging and approachable.

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2025-05-04 22:11