It's rare that a developer becomes synonymous with a single genre, but Bethesda has its signature style so locked down that it's a wonder we don't just call the entire field of first-person open-world Western RPGs "Skyrimlikes" or "Oblivionvanias." In the three decades since The Elder Scrolls: Arena debuted, Bethesda Game Studios has emerged as a juggernaut in the triple-A space, earning a rabid fanbase, massive sales, and a $7.5 billion acquisition from Microsoft, solely on the strength of its tried and true design principles.
Bethesda's been responsible for some big hits and even bigger misses over the years, and with the release of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remaster, it's time to reassess the studio's output. It's going to be a long time before The Elder Scrolls VI is more than a logo, but that means this list won't be obsolete anytime soon.
Let's clarify that we're focusing strictly on Bethesda's trademark RPGs. Spinoffs like Battlespire and Redguard, and mobile games like The Elder Scrolls Blades and Fallout Shelter, aren't included here. This list is reserved for the major titles, the sprawling, prestige sandboxes that define what a "Bethesda Game" is, starting with...9: Elder Scrolls: Arena
The first entry in the franchise isn't last because it's bad; it's last because it was a pioneering effort. In 1994, Bethesda was known for sports and Terminator games, and Arena was a bold experiment. Initially centered around medieval gladiator battles, the developers expanded the concept to include city exploration and dungeon delving. The result is an impressive first-person RPG of its time, reminiscent of Ultima Underworld and Might and Magic. Arena features complex systems, randomized loot, and challenging sidequests, though its combat can be frustrating due to its reliance on dice rolls. Despite its flaws, Arena's success set Bethesda on a path that would fulfill its ambitious vision.
The Elder Scrolls: Arena Bethesda Rate this game Related Guides Overview Walkthrough 8: Starfield
With each new Bethesda game, there's speculation about whether it will ditch the aging "Gamebryo" engine. Starfield did not, sticking with the "Creation Engine 2.0," which, despite its new name and improved animation pipeline, still features loading screens for entering stores. The NASApunk sci-fi setting was a refreshing change from Tamriel and the Wasteland, but it didn't mesh well with Bethesda's strengths. They excel at creating interconnected worlds full of discoveries and unique details. Starfield, however, spans 1,000 procedurally generated planets with repetitive points of interest, which can feel monotonous. While it's harsh to rank Starfield near Arena, it's easier to forgive the shortcomings of a debut than those of a $200 million blockbuster that promised more than it delivered.
Starfield Bethesda Game Studios Rate this game Related Guides Overview Walkthrough Side Missions Walkthroughs in Starfield Starfield Console Commands and Cheats List 7: Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall
Bethesda's experience with procedural generation dates back to Daggerfall, an impressive feat of open-world creation from 1997. Skyrim's map is about 15 square miles, while Daggerfall's spans 80,000 square miles, roughly the size of Great Britain. It would take 69 hours to walk across it, a testament to its scale. Despite its vastness, Daggerfall isn't empty, featuring nine distinct climates, 44 political regions, and 15,000 points of interest. While the dungeon-crawling combat is only slightly improved, the introduction of the series' trademark skill-based progression system is a highlight. Above ground, the game offers rich immersion through house and boat ownership, guild membership, and the consequences of criminal actions.
The Elder Scrolls: Chapter II -- Daggerfall Bethesda Rate this game Related Guides Overview Daggerfall Tips/Information PC Cheats 6: Fallout 76
Fallout 76's inclusion might surprise some, as it's more of a multiplayer looter-shooter than a traditional RPG. Its launch was disastrous, lacking hand-crafted dialogue and NPCs, hoping online interactions would fill the gap. The Wastelanders update added voiced NPCs, making it technically the most populated game in the series, though their value is debatable. Improvements to the loot system and overall experience have made it more enjoyable, especially with friends. However, it's hard to rank it highly given the superior Elder Scrolls Online, developed by Zenimax Online Studios. Fallout 76's shift towards live-service models raised doubts about Bethesda's handling of the franchise, but it wasn't in isolation; discontent had been brewing for years.
Fallout 76 Bethesda Game Studios Rate this game Related Guides Overview Things to Do First Things Fallout 76 Doesn't Tell You Tips and Tricks 5: Fallout 4
With 25 million copies sold, Fallout 4 is the most successful game in the series, though it comes with compromises. It offers streamlined gameplay and quality-of-life improvements, but at the cost of depth. The game feels great with responsive movement and shooting, and the Commonwealth is a worthy environment. The settlement-building system is a notable addition, though its appeal varies. Expansions like Far Harbor recapture the old Fallout feel, and characters like Nick Valentine stand out. However, the storyline, centered around synthetic humans, feels at odds with the series' atompunk aesthetic. The dialogue system, with voiced protagonist options, limits player interaction and feels like a step back from the series' RPG roots.
Fallout 4 Bethesda Game Studios Rate this game Related Guides Overview Walkthrough and Quest Guide Cheats and Secrets Bobblehead Locations 4: Fallout 3
When Bethesda announced it had purchased the Fallout franchise in 2004, fans were divided. Some saw it as a perfect fit, while others feared a loss of the series' anarchic spirit. The revival began strongly with an opening sequence that introduced the V.A.T.S. system, a brilliant translation of the isometric games' combat into first-person. However, not everything was successful; the Capital Wasteland, while filled with iconic landmarks, had repetitive encounters and a divisive ending that was later patched with the Broken Steel DLC. Fallout 3 represents the best and worst of Bethesda's instincts, and while it can be a challenging experience today, mods like Tale of Two Wastelands or the upcoming remake offer alternatives.
Fallout 3 Bethesda Game Studios
Oblivion is the foundation of modern Bethesda games, with many elements that have become staples of the genre. The main plot involves fending off a Daedric invasion, but it's the sidequests, particularly those involving the guilds, that stand out. The Dark Brotherhood missions, with their specific kill conditions, and the elusive Thieves Guild, add depth and immersion. The Oblivion Remaster modernizes the game with improved graphics, a more forgiving level-up system, and a sprint button, yet retains its charm and quirks. While the enemy scaling and combat can feel dated, these elements are part of what makes Oblivion unique.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Bethesda Game Studios Rate this game Related Guides Overview Character Building Guide Things to Do First in Oblivion Things Oblivion Doesn't Tell You 2: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim simplifies many elements of previous Elder Scrolls games, but it excels in moment-to-moment gameplay. Features like dual wielding, weapon crafting, and shouts enhance the combat experience, making it more enjoyable. The game's setting, a frozen tundra filled with diverse landscapes, feels cohesive and immersive. Skyrim's success turned the Elder Scrolls into a mainstream phenomenon, striking a balance between accessibility and depth that allowed it to become a best-seller. It's a game that many install on every new computer, a testament to its lasting appeal.
Answer See Results Skyrim's impact is undeniable, transforming the Elder Scrolls into a AAA giant and refining the series for a broader audience. It's a game that doesn't require extensive caveats to recommend, having sacrificed just enough of its systems to smooth out friction points and become an all-time best-seller. This isn't just about sales; it's about how well Skyrim balances accessibility and depth, allowing players to immerse themselves in its world and live out the fantasy of slaying dragons. However, our top spot goes to a game that did the opposite.But first...
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Bethesda Game Studios +4 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Main Quests Side Quests Locations Honorable Mention: Fallout: New Vegas
We couldn't leave out the best Fallout game ever made, even though it was developed by Obsidian. Built on Bethesda's engine, it wouldn't exist without the other games on this list, yet it surpasses them all. A perfect blend of old-school sensibility and Bethesda's open-world quirkiness, it's essential, especially with the upcoming second season of the show.
Which brings us to the greatest Bethesda game of all time, from the isle of Vvardenfell, it simply must be…
Fallout: New Vegas Obsidian Entertainment
Morrowind may not be the most polished or accessible, but it offers unparalleled freedom. Without quest markers, players rely on a detailed journal and clues to navigate the world. Its spellmaking system allows for creative combinations, and NPCs have extensive dialogue. Unlike later games, no character is unkillable, and the consequences of your actions are significant. Vvardenfell's unique setting, inspired by The Dark Crystal and Dune, creates a magical atmosphere. While later games like ESO revisit the region, they can't replicate the original's charm. Bethesda's shift towards more accessible games like Oblivion paid off, but Morrowind remains a beloved classic. Reflecting on Morrowind, one can draw parallels to Baldur's Gate 3, a modern take on classic CRPGs, raising questions about what a true sequel to Morrowind might look like and whether today's audience would embrace it.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Bethesda Rate this game Related Guides Overview Introduction Races Classes
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