Summary
- Many Elder Scrolls games expand beyond the main series titles.
- Portable Elder Scrolls games have faced mixed reviews due to technical limitations.
- Recent Elder Scrolls Online expansions introduce new classes & mechanics but may lack overall content.
Discussing role-playing games (RPGs) inevitably leads us to the Elder Scrolls series, a franchise that significantly shaped the RPG genre by Bethesda. The impact of their key Elder Scrolls titles on the genre is undeniable. Even before open-world design was widely adopted, Bethesda had been dedicated to creating immersive gaming experiences by crafting captivating game worlds.
Although there are five primary games, numerous other Elder Scrolls titles can be categorized as spin-offs or independent series. Since Morrowind, Bethesda has consistently developed open-world RPGs, but Zenimax Online Studios and others have produced Elder Scrolls games with unique modifications to the franchise, some of which have been favorably received while others have not.
20. The Elder Scrolls Travel Series
The Attempt To Bring Elder Scrolls To Mobile Platforms
In 2002, when Morrowind became a hit and gaming consoles gained more popularity, it’s not hard to see why Bethesda sought to capitalize on this trend for portable gaming. With Nokia introducing the N-Gage as their endeavor to create a gaming phone, The Elder Scrolls Travels was Bethesda’s response to the demand for an Elder Scrolls experience on mobile devices. These games were essentially compact versions set in smaller parts of Tamriel, and the first titles – Stormhold, Dawnstar, and Shadowkey – offered full-scale open-world experiences that received criticism due to their underdeveloped combat system, simple controls, and limited range, which was exacerbated by the technical limitations of the N-Gage.
Additionally, there was a canceled game titled “Travels: Oblivion,” which aimed to recreate the “Oblivion” experience on the PlayStation Portable. Furthermore, an actual “Oblivion Mobile” version existed for Java-enabled phones, but it fell short among fans due to its heavy emphasis on levels and isometric gameplay.
19. The Elder Scrolls: Arena
The Game That Started It All
The first installment in the series, “The Elder Scrolls: Arena,” originally presented a combat-style game within an arena setting, allowing players to traverse Tamriel between battles. As the game progressed, it began to infuse life into the towns that players could now freely explore, transforming Tamriel into more than just an arena; it became a survival ground for players, complete with over 9.6 million kilometers of towns and procedurally-generated dungeons to delve into.
The game stands out in the industry for its detailed day-night cycle, during which merchants appear during the day and disappear at night, leaving bandits and thieves to prowl around. Despite its initial challenges, particularly the tricky mouse swing-based swordfighting and leveling system, Arena offers a charming early-90s RPG experience once players adapt. Although it’s not as user-friendly or optimized as other Elder Scrolls games, the ambitious nature of Arena is immediately apparent.
18. The Elder Scrolls: Blades
A Rather Limiting Touch-Screen Experience
Blades” represents Bethesda’s recent endeavor to bring “The Elder Scrolls” series to portable devices such as iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. The game is set after the events of “Oblivion” and centuries before “Skyrim”. In this installment, your character is a survivor from the Blades, now charged with safeguarding their home from various dangers.
Although the technology during its development allowed for it, achieving an all-encompassing open world experience similar to that found in the Elder Scrolls series within Blades has not been realized. Instead, players traverse through levels, often encountering battles they must engage in using touchscreen gestures such as taps and swipes. The player’s town acts as a central hub for upgrades, while the majority of exploration occurs in specific levels. Regrettably, aspects like stealing and stealth were not included in Blades, leading to a sense of linearity that left many fans with a sour taste.
17. An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
A Thorough Dungeon Fighter With Its Limits
Following Arena‘s development of a dedicated fanbase and Daggerfall‘s demonstration that The Elder Scrolls had potential, An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire was introduced as more of a dungeon-crawling game instead of the open-world exploration offered by its earlier versions. Situated within the battlemage training ground known as the Battlespire, players assume the role of an apprentice mage who must combat a Daedra invasion led by Mehrunes Dagon and rescue their companion from the clutches of the Daedric Prince.
Even though Battlespire didn’t perform well commercially, it attempted to refine the Elder Scrolls formula by incorporating a team-versus mode, cooperative play, and a user-friendly character creation system that enables players to design their own unique gaming style. Although non-player characters (NPCs) are missing from the game, all enemies can be conversed with prior to combat, providing an opportunity for players to persuade enemies to back off. Regrettably, the game experiences game-halting bugs, inefficient spells, leveling based on zones, and challenging combat scenarios.
16. The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
An Attempt To Ride The Times
Immediately following the Third Empire’s conquest of Hammerfell, the game “The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard” places you in the role of the Redguard named Cyrus. On a mission to find his missing sister, Iszara, on the island of Stros M’Kai in Hammerfell, this title offers an intriguing departure from the franchise due to its emphasis on action-adventure and third-person perspective. Unlike other games within the series, Cyrus’s character is predetermined with specific skills, limiting the player’s ability to customize their own character.
Redguard, created during the height of the Prince of Persia and Tomb Raider series, didn’t manage to captivate gamers not only due to its significant deviation from Elder Scrolls standards but also because of its inherent issues as a game – it was buggy, offered rather rigid gameplay, featured forgettable voiceovers, and lacked the technical complexity that many players seek.
15. The Elder Scrolls: Castles
A Decent Twist To The Fallout Shelter Concept
The Elder Scrolls: Castles can be described as a spin-off from the Elder Scrolls, inspired by the gameplay style of Fallout Shelter. In this rendition, players assume the role of the newly crowned emperor of Tamriel, managing their castle and its inhabitants. Players are responsible for making crucial decisions affecting their kingdom, sending their troops on assignments, and eventually passing on their throne to a successor.
In the game Castles, players construct their castles from scratch. The appointed emperors hold significant power as they make crucial decisions impacting settler happiness, which ultimately influences the kingdom’s overall success. When an emperor reaches the end of his reign, he can be replaced by any player-chosen character. Additionally, the game features a sophisticated battle system involving different types of attacks based on the characters’ equipment.
14. The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall
One Of The Most Expansive Elder Scrolls Games
Two years following Bethesda’s “Arena”, “The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall” stands as an impressively ambitious sequel. The narrative revolves around assisting the ghost of King Lysandus, with players tasked to locate a letter he dispatched to the ex-queen of Daggerfall. Despite travel being restricted within Hammerfell and High Rock, the game boasts nearly double the map size compared to “Arena” – spanning across 15,000 dungeons, villages, and towns – making it the largest map ever seen in an “Elder Scrolls” game.
In the game Daggerfall, players will find a multitude of fresh elements, such as crafting spells within the Mages Guild, earning respect when joining various other guilds, and the choice to transform into a Vampire or Werewolf. Notably, it retains the intricate combat system using mouse swings from its predecessor, adding an extra layer of challenge that heightens the gaming experience. Although its visuals may seem outdated now, at the time of its release, Daggerfall was a significant triumph for Bethesda, having garnered numerous accolades as the Best CRPG/RPG and falling only behind Diablo in some contests.
13. The Elder Scrolls Online
The MMO Experience People Were Waiting For
At long last, Bethesda responded to the demand for a multiplayer version of the Elder Scrolls saga with The Elder Scrolls Online, launched in 2014. As a technically prequel to the series, The Elder Scrolls Online is set during the Second Era, an era marked by intense conflict as three factions vie for control over Tamriel’s Ruby Throne. While players enjoy extensive character customization options, The Elder Scrolls Online has since introduced a class system that offers distinct passive abilities, spells, and attack patterns to encourage players to specialize their characters.
Back in 2014 when The Elder Scrolls Online initially dropped, it got a bit of a mixed response. But over time, with its re-release and continuous content updates, it started to regain the hearts of many gamers due to its rich depth. The core game lets you explore particular parts of Tamriel, while additional Chapters and Crown Store DLCs are there to take you to different regions, each with their unique narratives. In 2025, they’ve decided to scrap the yearly chapter releases for The Elder Scrolls Online in favor of seasonal content, similar to what other MMOs do. This move aims to ensure a steady stream of fresh content for players like us.
12. The Elder Scrolls Online: Greymoor
Explore Vampires And Werewolves In Tamriel
| OpenCritic Score | 74 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 26, 2020 |
In the fascinating world of Elder Scrolls, Vampires and Werewolves continue to be captivating elements. The game The Elder Scrolls Online: Greymoor attempts to adapt these features into an MMO setting. Despite being one of Skyrim’s less thrilling marshlands, the 2020 update effectively demonstrates high-quality graphics that align with the expansion’s ominous mood – particularly in its narrative revolving around witches, vampires, werewolves, and a plot to undermine the region from within. Many aspects of Greymoor seem reminiscent of Skyrim’s Dawnguard expansion, including the presence of a vampire companion (Fennorian).
The expansion pack, Greymoor, is rich in content, featuring elements like Harrowstorms transforming people into either zombies or corpses, an archaeology-oriented system called Antiquities, six soloable dungeons (Delves), six World Bosses, and a 20-hour raid (Trial). However, despite the abundance of content, the uninspiring storyline and repetitive nature of the Antiquities system make these new additions feel less engaging and more tedious – fitting, perhaps, for an eternity as a vampire.
11. The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road
Introduces The Interest Scribing Mechanic
| OpenCritic Score | 80 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 3, 2024 |
As a follow-up to the “Shadow Over Morrowind” extended narrative, “The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road ” delivers an unexpected twist following the events of Necrom and carries on the tale in the West Weald, offering players another taste of Cyrodiil that will evoke fond memories among dedicated “Oblivion” enthusiasts. With a plotline of increased intensity, “Gold Road ” immerses its players in a crisis reminiscent of Morrowind’s, but this time set within the grand fantasy landscape of Cyrodiil.
As a gamer diving into Gold Road, I’ve found the captivating narrative and engaging side quests keep me hooked. However, there are moments that feel like filler which might deter some players. The same goes for the innovative Scribing mechanic, letting us customize our skills creatively. Yet, the tiresome grind to unlock Scribing’s various effects can make this gameplay aspect less enjoyable in my Gold Road experience.
10. The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind
A Modern Take On The Video Game Classic
| OpenCritic Score | 78 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 7, 2017 |
In “The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind,” players can once again explore Vvardenfell, a location they haven’t been able to visit since the original “Morrowind” release. This time around, the MMO has given it an upgrade with enhanced graphics and a storyline set over 1,000 years before the events of “Skyrim.” The Chapter also introduces the Warden, the first class added to “ESO” since its 2014 launch. The Warden specializes in summoning, healing, and defenses, much like a druid in other games. While it may not have an exciting companion, the Warden’s versatility offers a refreshing variety of strategies for both PVE and PVP content.
As a die-hard fan, I must admit that the breathtaking recreation of Vvardenfell in Morrowind has left me utterly spellbound, mirroring the original game’s release. However, some might express a sense of familiarity or lack of novelty if they’ve embarked on a fresh journey through the initial title. Regardless, the rich PVE content offers ample chances to empathize with Vvardenfell’s citizens and immerse oneself in its captivating narrative, given its somewhat isolated feel compared to larger Tamriel.
9. The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle
A Game Of Thrones Take On The Franchise
| OpenCritic Score | 78 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 21, 2022 |
Individuals seeking a deeper dive into Tamriel’s political machinations will find The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle engaging, as it is set in the Systres Archipelago. The European-style castle ambiance of High Isle sets the stage for intrigue, with multiple factions vying to seize control of the islands. Other highlights include the alluring Gonfalon Bay and the enigmatic Amenos, which appears to be a prison from which ne’er-do-wells have carved out their own society to endure.
Upon reaching High Isle, players encounter the Tales of Tribute minigame – essentially a captivating card-based resource builder that offers both PVE and PVP action for avid card gamers. However, despite High Isle’s ambition to offer a gripping political thriller through its main storyline, it disappoints in terms of overall narrative and gameplay flow.
8. The Elder Scrolls: Legends
A Decent Dual-Lane Card Game
Although it won’t reopen until late 2025, “The Elder Scrolls: Legends” has gained popularity among dedicated fans of the series who admire its card game mechanics that mimic both “Hearthstone” and “Magic: The Gathering.” This game is set in ancient times where players assume the role of the Forgotten Hero, collaborating with allies to prevent a prophecy known as the Culling. This prophecy involves a High Elf named Naarifin who seeks to unleash demons called Daedra from the White-Gold Tower.
In this game, it’s simple to jump right in and start playing. Each turn, you earn Mana which can be used to add Support Cards (continuous boosts), Action Cards (immediate effects), Creatures (main characters with a summoning restriction), and Items (buffs for your creatures) to the field. The game also features distinctive mechanics such as lane-based gameplay, Runes that act as safety nets before matches are truly lost, and “Prophecy” keyword cards that can be instantly played when drawn from Runes.
7. The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr
A Breath Of Fresh Air With The Necromancer Class
| OpenCritic Score | 78 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 4, 2019 |
In “The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr,” cats are prominently featured, particularly the Khajiit who inhabit this area. The location’s strong Asian influence sets it apart from the typical Western settings found in other Elder Scrolls destinations. The narrative centers around dragons and offers a wealth of captivating Delves and side quests that delve into Khajiiti culture, providing players with a rich tapestry of content to explore.
For Elsweyr gamers, there’s an exciting new addition: the Necromancer class! Although this art is forbidden by the Mages Guild according to the lore, it offers a thrilling and versatile gameplay experience. This class provides spellcasters with a fresh perspective on adaptability, allowing them to effectively fill almost any role within their party.
Heading to Elsweyr is like a refreshing change for Elder Scrolls enthusiasts, but it might be disappointing that dragons are scarce in a story supposedly focused on them. However, dragon battles serve as the chapter’s exciting Raid-like moments. Players can enjoy an engaging narrative and the entertaining Necromancer class for a thrilling journey.
6. The Elder Scrolls Online: Dragonhold
Finally Face Dragons With Friends
As a gamer immersed in the realm of Tamriel, I can’t help but be captivated by The Elder Scrolls Online: Dragonhold. Although it might not be a standalone Chapter, it certainly doesn’t fall short on delivering an exhilarating experience. The vibrant Southern Elsweyr is breathtakingly brought to life, filled with lively characters that add color and charm to the world. And let me tell you, the dragon hunts are more than just a side quest; they draw you into intense battles around every corner, leaving you spellbound.
As a gamer, let me tell you, Dragonhold was a tad underwhelming, to put it mildly. Dragons were the highlight, no doubt, but they seemed to have swallowed up everything else – think unique architecture, landscapes, and furniture. It felt like we were revisiting old territory. Plus, the new Player versus Environment (PVE) content was scarce, which might leave some endgame players feeling a bit empty-handed, especially those who are further along in their game progression and crave more content to sink their teeth into.
5. The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom
Buff Skills With The Arcanist Class
| OpenCritic Score | 82 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 5, 2023 |
The adventure in The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom immerses gamers in the Telvanni Peninsula, a territory inhabited by the Telvanni Dark Elves and home to Hermaeus Mora’s Apocrypha. At the heart of this expansion is the introduction of the Arcanist class, enabling players to harness abilities directly from the Oblivion realm. Players can acquire Crux artifacts to activate Arcanist abilities and enhance their skills with them. Skill trees offer options for players to use their runes offensively, defensively, or for support purposes.
As a fan, I must say that even though Dark Elves have been quite prevalent in Morrowind and Vvardenfell, Necrom manages to amplify the usual mushroom and fungi vibe associated with them by offering more captivating Delves and World Bosses. The Necropolis, despite being a short visit, is teeming with life, making exploration of Apocrypha feel like the fever dream it was marketed as. Admittedly, the quests and encounters could benefit from more diversity, but the storyline in Necrom is engaging enough to keep players hooked – not least because of the excitement the Arcanist provides.
4. The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset
Close Breaches With A Delightful Mer Aesthetic
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| OpenCritic Score | 80 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 21, 2018 |
In the world of “The Elder Scrolls Online”, those venturing through “Summerset” will be captivated by the picturesque meadows they encounter, a location undeniably the most beautiful within the game. As new recruits to the Psijic Order, players are sent on a journey across Summerset to seal rifts and discover abilities to enhance their characters. The adventure offers encounters with graceful High Elves in silvery and golden armor, along with NPCs that feel authentic, making them more engaging as players progress through quests.
Just as some highly-acclaimed Elder Scrolls Online DLCs on Metacritic have received mixed reviews, the same can be said for Summerset. While players might appreciate the DLC’s assortment of quests and encounters, stripping away its visual elements would reveal design elements that are reminiscent of those found in many other parts of the game. Furthermore, several players believe that the expansion’s reused design choices limit its full potential.
3. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
A Bizarre, Immersive Take On The Elder Scrolls Concept
In The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind, stepping foot into the mysterious world of Vvardenfell felt like a fresh start, a departure from the clunkier beginnings of its predecessors and a leap into a more immersive RPG experience. Being given the chance to create my own character within the storyline, starting off as a former prisoner granted pardon in this exotic land, opened up new horizons for me to explore the wonders of The Elder Scrolls.
Apart from visually striking landscapes featuring colossal jellyfish outposts and marshes that appear more extraterrestrial than imaginative, the narrative in Morrowind is compelling enough to enthrall role-playing game enthusiasts. If not for its demanding leveling mechanics and tiresome journey system, Morrowind would have been an essential play for numerous replays. Despite these flaws, the captivating main plot of Morrowind offers a fresh perspective on the RPG genre – and one of the most distinctive games to join The Elder Scrolls series.
2. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Immerse In The Wonders Of Cyrodiil
The enchanting high-fantasy atmosphere of “The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion” in the realm of Cyrodiil continues to captivate. Set after the prophesied murder of Emperor Uriel Septim VII, your mission is to locate the emperor’s last heir to save the world. Packed with fully-voiced dialogue, gripping faction quests, and enthralling franchise mainstays like Vampirism and spellcrafting, it’s no wonder that “Oblivion” made a significant impact among RPGs during its time.
Perhaps the primary factors that set Oblivion apart from Skyrim, and perhaps make it less appealing, are its uneven voice acting, flawed character progression systems, and excessive use of bloom effects which can sometimes create an overly fantastical atmosphere, hindering a more realistic player experience.
1. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
A Game Immortalized For Its Depth
In terms of discussion, there’s hardly anything fresh to add about The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, yet it stands out in the RPG genre due to its capacity for lasting appeal. This game is set centuries after the events of Oblivion, and players assume the role of a condemned prisoner who finds himself on his way to execution in the distant northern land of Skyrim. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when a dragon – thought to be extinct – unexpectedly emerges. The dragon’s return seems connected to a prophecy foretelling the end times, but players must also rally Jarls teetering on the brink of civil war to unite against this new menace.
Even though the game’s stunning graphics, captivating plot, and innovative gameplay have already made Skyrim a beloved choice among many, it’s the consistent updates, re-releases (often criticized), and its vibrant modding community that can make each Skyrim experience more unique and unforgettable compared to the previous ones.
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