The Elder Scrolls has been around since the 90s and has some of the most iconic games ever. But what are the best ones? That’s why we made a list of the Elder Scrolls Games Ranked From Best To Worst.
For these rankings, we will use the scores the games have been given on Metacritic with the highest scoring version of the releases to give the best listing possible.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (96 – Xbox 360)
Released in 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is widely celebrated as a masterpiece in the RPG genre. The game’s vast open world, diverse landscapes, and countless quests offer an unparalleled sense of freedom. The introduction of Dragon Shouts, a revamped skill system, and improved graphics elevated the franchise to new heights. Skyrim’s rich lore, memorable characters, and dynamic modding community make it a true modern classic.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (94 – PC and Xbox 360)
Oblivion, released in 2006, expanded the scope of the series with its stunning representation of the Imperial Province of Cyrodiil. The game introduced the Radiant AI system, providing dynamic character behavior, and embraced a more cinematic presentation. While criticized for some leveling mechanics, Oblivion is revered for its compelling main questline, engaging side quests, and the unforgettable Shivering Isles expansion.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (89 – PC)
Morrowind, released in 2002, introduced players to the fantastical world of Tamriel in its full glory. With a deep and complex narrative, intricate political schemes, and a unique alien landscape, Morrowind set a new standard for open-world RPGs. Its freedom of exploration, elaborate magic system, and immersive world-building make it a favorite among dedicated Elder Scrolls fans.
The Elder Scrolls: Legends (83 – Mobile)
The Elder Scrolls: Legends, released in 2017, brought the series into the realm of digital card games. Players build decks featuring iconic Elder Scrolls characters and creatures, engaging in strategic battles against opponents. While it offers a different type of gameplay compared to the mainline titles, Legends provides a unique way to experience the Elder Scrolls universe through its tactical card mechanics.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited (80 – PC)
The Elder Scrolls Online, launched in 2014, ventured into the realm of MMORPGs. Exploring the entirety of Tamriel with friends brought a new dimension to the series. While criticized for its subscription model initially, the game transitioned to buy-to-play and has since expanded with numerous expansions and updates, offering a continually evolving Elder Scrolls experience.
The Elder Scrolls: Blades (42 – Nintendo Switch)
The Elder Scrolls: Blades, released in 2019, brought the series to mobile devices. Players step into the shoes of a Blade, an exile forced to rebuild a town and uncover mysteries. While offering simplified mechanics for touch controls, Blades still retains the Elder Scrolls essence with its dungeons, quests, and town-building features.
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (Unscored)
Daggerfall, released in 1996, marked the series’ transition to a true 3D open world. With a massive map, procedurally generated content, and intricate political and guild systems, the game set a foundation for the expansive worlds to come. Though its scale and complexity were groundbreaking, Daggerfall’s technical limitations and occasional bugs hindered its full potential.
The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard (Unscored)
The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard, released in 1998, offers a departure from the mainline RPG experience. Players assume the role of Cyrus, a Redguard mercenary, in this action-adventure game set on the island of Stros M’Kai. With its focus on swordplay, exploration, and puzzles, Redguard provides a unique glimpse into the Elder Scrolls universe from a different perspective.
The Elder Scrolls: Arena (Unscored)
Arena, released in 1994, laid the groundwork for the Elder Scrolls universe. As the inaugural title, it introduced players to the continent of Tamriel and its diverse provinces. While its top-down perspective and limited technology may seem archaic today, Arena remains an important milestone in gaming history.
If you enjoyed these rankings, why don’t you check out our ranked page? Here you can see all the games we have ranked. Please let us know what series you would wanna see us rank in the comments or on Twitter/Discord!
