The Elder Scrolls Series

What is The Elder Scrolls series about?

The Elder Scrolls series is a critically acclaimed role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios. Known for its sprawling open worlds, detailed lore, and unparalleled player freedom, the game franchise lets you craft your path, be it as a warrior, mage, thief, or something in between.

Each title in the Elder Scrolls franchise is set in the high-fantasy world of Tamriel, featuring distinct provinces, rich history, and dynamic quests that react to your choices. From slaying dragons in the snowy peaks of Skyrim to surviving the arena in Cyrodiil, the series is a benchmark for the RPG genre.

When did the first Elder Scrolls come out?

The Elder Scrolls journey began with The Elder Scrolls: Arena, released in 1994 for MS-DOS. Though modest in scope compared to later entries, it laid the foundation for a vast game universe filled with unique cultures, gods, factions, and sprawling dungeons.

It evolved, gaining a massive following with later titles like Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. The latest entry in the mainline series, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, has been remastered and re-released multiple times since its original 2011 launch, while fans eagerly await The Elder Scrolls VI.

How many Elder Scrolls games are there?

There are five mainline Elder Scrolls games, several official expansions, and several spin-offs and online entries. Here's a look at the main Elder Scrolls games in order:

1. The Elder Scrolls: Arena (1994)
2. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1996)
3. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)
4. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Notable spin-offs and side entries include:

• An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire (1997)
• The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard (1998)
• The Elder Scrolls Travels (mobile series, 2003–2004)
• The Elder Scrolls Online (2014 – ongoing)

What is the best order to play The Elder Scrolls games in?

The Elder Scrolls game timeline is complex, spanning thousands of in-game years across different Eras. Each main title is largely standalone but exists within a shared universe and timeline.

Here’s the Elder Scrolls game series in order chronologically by in-universe timeline:

1. The Elder Scrolls Online – Set during the Second Era, roughly 1,000 years before Skyrim
2. The Elder Scrolls: Arena – Set in the 3rd Era, Year 399
3. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall – Follows shortly after Arena, still in the 3rd Era
4. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – 3rd Era, Year 427
5. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – 3rd Era, Year 433
6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – 4th Era, Year 201

While there’s no required play order, fans who love deep lore will appreciate experiencing the games in chronological sequence to witness the world’s political shifts and mythic events unfold across the ages.

The best Elder Scrolls games

It’s hard to pick the best Elder Scrolls game, but many fans regard Morrowind as a masterpiece of storytelling and world-building. Oblivion brought radiant AI and cinematic quests to the forefront, while Skyrim remains the most accessible and moddable entry, drawing millions of players over the years.

The Elder Scrolls Online has also carved out its own identity, offering cooperative and competitive play across numerous provinces and timelines.

Who are the most iconic Elder Scrolls characters?

While player characters are usually silent protagonists, the most iconic Elder Scrolls characters include:

• The Nerevarine – The prophesied hero of Morrowind
• Mehrunes Dagon – Daedric Prince and major antagonist in Oblivion
• Martin Septim – The last of the Septim bloodline, voiced by Sean Bean
• Ulfric Stormcloak and Paarthurnax – Key figures in the civil war and dragon conflict in Skyrim
• Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil – Living gods of Morrowind’s Tribunal

The TES series is driven by legends, rulers, betrayers, and champions, all shaping the fate of Tamriel.

Is The Elder Scrolls Online cross-platform?

Currently, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is not fully cross-platform. Players on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation play on separate servers. However, ESO supports cross-generation play, meaning players on PS5 can team up with those on PS4, and Xbox Series players with Xbox One users.

Cross-save and account linking are limited, but ZeniMax Online Studios has expressed interest in expanding compatibility in the future.

What’s next for the Elder Scrolls game franchise?

Fans are eagerly awaiting The Elder Scrolls VI, which was officially announced with a teaser in 2018. While details are scarce, Bethesda has confirmed that development is underway following the release of Starfield.

Speculation suggests a return to provinces like Hammerfell or High Rock, with enhanced world-building, deeper RPG mechanics, and next-gen visuals. Until then, The Elder Scrolls Online continues to deliver new content, while Skyrim remains a fan-favorite thanks to its thriving modding community. If you want to get the latest info about any announcement, check out our gaming news section and be ahead of everyone else.