Elder Scrolls Games Ranked: From Classic Morrowind to Skyrim Fans Will Love

Discussing Role-Playing Games (RPGs) wouldn’t be complete without bringing up the Elder Scrolls series. Ever since its debut in 1994, Bethesda’s fantasy realm has been a magnet for RPG enthusiasts worldwide. Each Elder Scrolls game offers the same basic structure: an intricately detailed world where player decisions influence the land of Tamriel.

Despite being renowned, the Bethesda series has only provided us with five primary installments and some spin-offs thus far. Each main title we’ve encountered so far presents a unique approach in terms of gameplay, as Bethesda consistently challenges themselves to innovate combat, exploration, progression, and immersion by switching things up.

Instead of waiting eagerly for The Elder Scrolls 6 to arrive, let’s reminisce about the entire series and rate each game according to their unique gameplay experiences since Todd Howard and his team are taking their time to create another extraordinary masterpiece.

6. Elder Scrolls: Arena

The Elder Scrolls: Arena was the initial game that ignited the Elder Scrolls series, first launched in 1994. Originally designed as a combat game involving gladiatorial battles within an arena and exploration of the Tamriel world during breaks, it evolved into a large, open-world experience during development at Bethesda.

Ultimately, the entirety of Tamriel transformed into what can be aptly termed as a colossal “battlefield”; a vast realm spanning more than 9 million kilometers, teeming with settlements and randomly generated labyrinths for exploration.

In the 90s, gamers hadn’t encountered anything quite like it before. This was one of the pioneering games in the video gaming world, featuring a unique day-night cycle. During the day, merchants would appear, while at night, they’d hide as bandits and thieves roamed freely.

This game’s storyline is quite simple compared to others in the series, which is not unexpected given its timeframe and the technological constraints of the era. It delves into themes of deception and parallel realities, laying a solid foundation for subsequent installments. However, it has earned a less-than-stellar reputation due to its challenging difficulty; at times, it can push one’s sanity to the brink.

Master the awkward controls and progression structure, and you’re in for a game that offers countless hours of engaging playtime.

5 Elder Scrolls Online

For quite some time, enthusiasts have yearned for an MMORPG set within the realm of Tamriel. Finally, Bethesda responded to its audience’s wishes and launched Elder Scrolls Online in 2014. From a narrative perspective, it serves as a precursor to the cherished series, occurring during the Second Era. This era was marked by intense conflict as various factions vied for power over the Ruby Throne.

At first, “The Elder Scrolls Online” wasn’t warmly accepted by its fanbase when it debuted. But the developers didn’t throw in the towel because of the moderate response. Instead, they put in a lot of effort and produced numerous expansions and updates that have dramatically transformed the game over the last ten years. Now, we can enjoy new characters, locations, creators, and even settings from the mainline single-player games within this MMORPG.

If you’re interested in playing “Elder Scrolls Online,” the core game provides entry to specific regions within Tamriel. By purchasing additional Chapters and Crown Store DLCs, you’ll be able to explore various other areas with unique stories to discover. The game continues to receive updates even as we approach 2025, transitioning to a seasonal content model similar to other MMOs. This makes now an ideal moment to dive into Elder Scrolls Online.

4 Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall

Arena was truly remarkable in the Elder Scrolls series, but it was Daggerfall that really kicked things into high gear. This game represented an ambitious sequel where players were assigned to aid King Lysandus’ ghost and locate one of his letters sent to a former queen of Daggerfall.

In the sequel, numerous innovative elements, like crafting spells, enhancing reputation, and shape-shifting into a Werewolf or Vampire, were introduced and eventually became integral parts of the series. Reminiscent of the original, combat remained mouse-driven, yet enriched the overall gameplay. Players could discover books to read, embark on fresh quests, and tailor their characters, all while Bethesda continued to push the boundaries of creativity to its maximum potential.

Daggerfall’s placement at the bottom of this list can be attributed to the fact that most of its world lacks content. Prior to the launch of No Man’s Sky, Daggerfall held the title for the largest open-world game available, with a map size of 161,600 square kilometers. Beyond towns, you’ll find nothing but wilderness, making the entire world seem barren and devoid of content.

Apart from that problem, another concern arises: The game loses its charm significantly without the Unity mod. It’s undeniable that Daggerfall was an incredibly innovative game when it was first released in 1996.

3 Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

Approximately twenty years have passed since the debut of “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion,” and it remains an awe-inspiring journey. Set immediately following the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII, players are challenged to find the late emperor’s last heir, with the ultimate goal of saving the world.

Some people within the community hold the opinion that Oblivion stands as the peak of the Elder Scrolls series, offering features such as faction quests, dialogues voiced by actors, spell crafting, and an exceptional addition called Vampirism. Moreover, it introduced players to convenient fast travel and a lively color scheme that was notably absent in earlier installments.

This game doesn’t quite reach the excellence of its potential. One significant issue is the problematic level-scaling and progression system, which can easily become unbalanced if not handled carefully. Additionally, the shift towards fully voiced NPCs has resulted in multiple characters being portrayed by the same actors.

A higher level of graphical detail resulted in separating towns using loading screens. Initially, its high-quality aspects were impressive for marketing purposes; however, they eventually diminished the game’s depth and overall immersion. Nevertheless, the Shivering Isles expansion for Oblivion was fantastic. It provided an extraordinary RPG experience featuring peculiar characters and colossal mushrooms, with a deity seeking your involvement in his upcoming mythic cycle – something you won’t find in any other role-playing game.

As a fellow enthusiast who’s been hesitant to dive into the world of Oblivion due to its older graphics, I’ve got some exciting news for you! Bethesda has sneakily released an updated version called Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. This revamped edition brings a breath of fresh air with improved character models, textures, and lighting that make the game more visually appealing. Yet, fear not, it still retains the quirky charm we all adore from Bethesda!

2 Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Everyone is familiar with the tale of Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, which stands as the latest installment in the cherished RPG series, initially launched in 2011 and continuing to be the most widely played Elder Scrolls game. Set centuries after the happenings in Oblivion, this game places you, the player, as a condemned prisoner facing execution in the frigid northern territory.

As death approaches, an old dragon thought to be extinct resurfaces, just as a prophecy suggested would happen in these times. With this ancient danger rearing its head, players embark on a journey through a realm that’s teetering on the edge of civil war. Their mission is to unite the fractured Jars and prepare them for the crisis at hand.

For hours on end, we could extol the virtues of Skyrim, its expansive landscapes ranging from towering snow-capped mountains to sprawling marshlands, as well as its intricate dungeons. The game offers a rich role-playing experience with numerous fascinating characters, an array of diverse guilds, and compelling storylines that keep you hooked. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s unraveling mysteries or embarking on thrilling adventures at each location. Alternatively, you can simply immerse yourself in the world of Skyrim and savor its breathtaking scenery as a peaceful escape.

Upon its release, Skyrim certainly left a significant impact on the gaming world. Yet, no game is perfect, and Skyrim is no exception. Despite its many admirable aspects, there are certain elements that seem off-balance. For instance, the intricate spell crafting featured in earlier games was noticeably absent from this one. Moreover, the guilds in the game, while not lacking in potential, could be more distinctive and engaging, making them appear less unique and easily dominated.

In Skyrim, the stories seem brief, despite the game offering numerous options to explore. Many player decisions lack impact on the larger plot, and post-beating Alduin, things carry on as if the previous events never happened. It’s not a major issue, but it can feel unsatisfying.

Let’s make sure we don’t overlook the repeated updates of the game that have received criticism from the community. However, it’s important to note that Skyrim is a remarkable game that has significantly boosted its franchise. Once you delve into the modding aspect, each playthrough will surpass the last in terms of memorability.

1 Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

Ultimately, we reach Morrowind, widely regarded as the peak and quintessence of the Elder Scrolls series. Unlike its earlier versions that were cumbersome and basic, this RPG stood out. Its unique blend of character creation within the narrative, where players assume the role of prisoners granted amnesty in the enigmatic lands of Vvardenfell, marked a significant shift for the Elder Scrolls franchise.

Looking for a change from the primary storyline of your game? Feel free to venture off in any direction. There’s always something intriguing awaiting you, offering an unforgettable experience and exciting loot. No need for maps or guides; Morrowind is unique among the series for providing rewards to those who choose to explore.

Despite being initially released as far back as 2002, it’s important not to undervalue the game Morrowind due to its somewhat dated graphics and mechanics. While these aspects may reveal its age, the game continues to impress with its grandeur and depth. The cities in Morrowind are particularly vast and offer a greater level of customization compared to any other Elder Scrolls game available.

The game features an exceptional guild system, one that exceeds that of Skyrim. You’ll encounter potent spells and strange creatures throughout the game, which serve to compensate for the close calls you might experience during the initial stages. Morrowind is particularly renowned for its captivating villain among all the series’ offerings.

Despite the challenging leveling mechanics and travel system potentially feeling tiring at first, Morrowind could ultimately be recognized as one of the most distinctive Role-Playing Games available. It’s a game that demands strategic thinking at every turn to complete quests and overcome encounters, which is a feature that role-playing enthusiasts undeniably appreciate.

It’s unfortunate that Bethesda hasn’t given Morrowind a remastered version yet, considering its significant role in popularizing the franchise and deserving of attention. Here’s hoping that Howard and his team will provide the game with an overhaul it deserves in the future.

2025-05-19 09:46