11 Magnificent Elder Scrolls Games In Order

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the rich and immersive worlds of Elder Scrolls? From the earliest days of the franchise to the newest releases, the Elder Scrolls games have captivated gamers with their intricate storylines, complex gameplay mechanics, and stunning graphics. In this article, we will guide you through the Elder Scrolls games in order, starting with the first game released in 1994, so you can experience the evolution of the franchise for yourself.

As a player of Elder Scrolls, you know the power that comes with exploring the vast open world, leveling up your character, and mastering the use of magic and weapons. You’ve spent countless hours traversing the landscapes of Tamriel and engaging in epic battles against dragons, vampires, and other foes. Now, it’s time to dive deeper into the history of the franchise and discover the games that paved the way for the beloved series we know today. So, grab your sword and shield, and let’s begin our journey through the Elder Scrolls games in order.

Elder Scrolls Games In Order

THE ELDER SCROLLS: ARENA (1994)

If you’re a fan of RPGs, you might be interested to know that way back in 1994, Bethesda released The Elder Scrolls: Arena, an incredibly ambitious game that covered a whopping six million square kilometers of virtual space! The game’s gameplay mechanics were ahead of its time, with a first-person perspective and a vast open world to explore. The game’s storyline was also impressive, with players taking on the role of a prisoner who must fight their way through various dungeons and enemies to become the champion of the Arena.

Despite its age, the game’s soundtrack and graphics quality still hold up today. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Jeremy Soule, who would go on to compose the music for all subsequent Elder Scrolls games. The graphics quality was also impressive for its time, with detailed textures and environments that made the game feel alive. Overall, The Elder Scrolls: Arena was a groundbreaking game that set the stage for the rest of the franchise, and it’s still worth playing today for anyone who wants to experience the roots of the Elder Scrolls series.

THE ELDER SCROLLS II: DAGGERFALL (1996)

You’re transported to a vast and detailed world in Daggerfall, where you’ll experience a livelier atmosphere compared to the first game. The game’s map covers a High Rock and a portion of Hammerfell, which is about 160,000 square kilometers in size. The open world allows for an immersive gaming experience, and you’ll have the freedom to explore every nook and cranny of the game.

Daggerfall’s quest system is unique and offers a non-linear approach to the game. You’ll have the freedom to choose your path and decide which quests to complete, making the game more engaging and providing a sense of control. The game’s combat system is also improved, with more options for combat and better graphics. Daggerfall was well-received among fans and critics, and it was a significant step forward for the Elder Scrolls franchise.

AN ELDER SCROLLS LEGEND: BATTLESPIRE (1997)

Get ready to explore Oblivion like never before with An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire. This closed level game takes place in the battlemage training fortress located in the Daedric Realm of Oblivion. Battlespire offers a unique experience not seen in previous Elder Scrolls games, with new challenges and skills to master.

While Battlespire didn’t have an open world like its predecessor, Arena, or the massive map of Daggerfall, it still managed to make an impact on the franchise. Battlespire’s closed level design allowed for a more focused and immersive experience, giving players a taste of what was to come in future Elder Scrolls games. The game’s impact on the franchise is still felt today, making Battlespire a must-play for any Elder Scrolls fan.

THE ELDER SCROLLS ADVENTURES: REDGUARD (1998)

Step into the pirate-themed world of The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard and explore the island of Stross M’Kai in this action-packed game. Released in 1998, Redguard was a departure from the open-world RPG format of previous Elder Scrolls games. Instead, it focused on a linear, story-driven adventure that followed the exploits of Cyrus, a Redguard mercenary on a quest to find his sister and uncover the secrets of the Dwemer ruins on the island.

Redguard’s impact on the Elder Scrolls franchise was minimal, and it is often overlooked in discussions of the series. However, the game was notable for its unique setting and characters, as well as its combat system, which relied heavily on swordplay and parrying. While the game received mixed reviews upon release, it is fondly remembered by some fans for its engaging storyline and memorable characters. Overall, Redguard remains an interesting footnote in the history of the Elder Scrolls franchise, and a reminder of the series’ early experimentation with different gameplay styles and settings.

THE ELDER SCROLLS TRAVELS (2004)

If you’re a fan of Elder Scrolls, you might be interested in discussing The Elder Scrolls Travels, a series of mobile games released in 2004. The series includes Stormhold, which takes place in the city of Stormhold, Dawnstar, which takes place in the town of Dawnstar, and Shadow Key, which takes place in the province of Shadowkey. These games were unique in that they were designed specifically for mobile devices, and despite their limitations, they provided an immersive Elder Scrolls experience on the go.

Stormhold

Let’s take a journey to the city of Stormhold, a location that players can explore in The Elder Scrolls Travels: Stormhold. As you enter the city, you’ll notice the dark and eerie atmosphere that surrounds it. The city is located in the province of Black Marsh and is known for its labyrinthine dungeons, where you’ll spend most of your time crawling and fighting through each level.

Questing in Stormhold is challenging, requiring you to explore the city and interact with its inhabitants to uncover the secrets hidden within its walls. The game’s lore exploration is also quite impressive, with a rich and detailed history of the city and its people. Combat mechanics are not as refined as in other Elder Scrolls games, but the character customization options are extensive, allowing you to create a unique adventurer that suits your playstyle. Overall, Stormhold is a great addition to the Elder Scrolls franchise, providing a unique and challenging experience for players who enjoy dungeon crawling and lore exploration.

Dawnstar

Now that you know about the city of Stormhold, it’s time to delve into another fascinating city in the Elder Scrolls universe: Dawnstar. This city is located in the province of Skyrim, and it has a rich history and lore that you can explore. If you’re a fan of the Elder Scrolls games, then you’ll definitely want to learn more about this city and all it has to offer.

Possible discussion ideas for Dawnstar include exploring its lore and history, such as the legends surrounding the Pale Lady and the nightmares that plague the city’s inhabitants. You can also delve into the unique gameplay mechanics that are specific to Dawnstar, such as the ability to purchase a home and the various quests and NPCs that are available in the city. Additionally, you can compare Dawnstar to other cities in the Elder Scrolls universe and see how it stacks up in terms of unique features and overall design. With so much to discover, Dawnstar is a city you won’t want to miss.

Shadow Key

This game, released in 2004 for N-Gage, is the only Elder Scrolls game designed specifically for mobile devices. Despite some limitations, Shadow Key offers a unique experience for fans of the franchise.

One of the unique features of Shadow Key is the ability to customize your character’s appearance. The game also introduces new races and classes, such as the vampiric Nefarivigum and the agile Lizardfolk. The gameplay includes a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The storyline is set in the world of Tamriel, where the player must help a group of rebels overthrow an evil empire. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of characters, including a secretive mage named Ulliceta gra-Kogg and a powerful necromancer known as Lord Umbra. With its engaging gameplay and intriguing storyline, Shadow Key is a must-play for any Elder Scrolls fan.

THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION (2006)

The fourth installment of the series, Oblivion, released in 2006, boasted improved graphics and the first full-voiced gameplay. The game was set in the Imperial province of Cyrodiil, providing a vibrant world with side quests. However, the game did have some shortcomings in graphics and voice acting, which might disappoint some players.

Despite these minor issues, Oblivion was well-received among fans and critics, with two major expansions released over time. The game mechanics were streamlined and tweaked for a broader audience, providing an immersive experience. With Oblivion, you have the power to explore a vast open world and complete various quests as you progress through the game’s story.

THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM (2011)

You’re in for a treat with Skyrim – it’s the best-selling game in the series and for good reason. Its vast open world is filled with breathtaking landscapes, diverse creatures, and rich lore that will keep you captivated for hours on end. The game’s simplified perk-based levelling system allows for greater customization and strategic gameplay, making it accessible to both veteran and new players alike.

Skyrim’s impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, with its immersive world and engaging gameplay mechanics earning it numerous awards and accolades. Its three DLCs – Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn – added even more depth and content to the already expansive game. The fan community continues to thrive, with countless mods and fan-made content keeping the game fresh and exciting. And with the future possibilities for the franchise still unknown, the world of Skyrim is one that you won’t want to leave anytime soon.

THE ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE (2014)

If you’re looking for a vast and immersive online RPG experience, then Elder Scrolls Online is definitely worth checking out. With six million square miles of land spanning across multiple provinces, this game offers an open world that is unparalleled in terms of size and scope. The game mechanics are similar to the previous Elder Scrolls games, but with the added benefit of multiplayer features that allow you to explore Tamriel with friends.

Elder Scrolls Online has had numerous DLCs and two major expansions since its release in 2014, which have added even more content to the already vast world. The expansions have introduced new areas, quests, and gameplay mechanics, making the game feel fresh and exciting even after years of play. With its expansive world, engaging gameplay, and constant updates, Elder Scrolls Online is a game that will keep you playing for hours on end.

THE ELDER SCROLLS: LEGENDS (2017)

Looking for a card game inspired by Magic the Gathering that you can play on multiple platforms? Check out Elder Scrolls: Legends, released in 2017 and available on Nintendo Switch, macOS, iOS, Android, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. The gameplay mechanics are similar to other collectable card games, but with a unique Elder Scrolls twist. You collect cards featuring iconic characters and creatures from the Elder Scrolls universe, each with their own abilities and attributes, and build decks to battle other players in multiplayer mode.

But the game isn’t just about the card collection and battles. The storyline and lore of the Elder Scrolls universe is woven throughout the game, providing a deeper immersion into the world and a greater understanding of the characters. The graphics and aesthetics are also top-notch, with beautiful artwork and animations that bring the cards to life. So if you’re a fan of collectable card games and the Elder Scrolls universe, give Elder Scrolls: Legends a try and see if you have what it takes to become a legend.

THE ELDER SCROLLS: BLADES (2019)

The mobile action RPG, Blades, released in 2019, offers a unique contrast between dungeon exploration and PvP combat. As a player, you get to explore various dungeons and fight against other players in PvP combat. However, the game has been criticized for its excessive microtransactions. Many players have complained about the game’s pay-to-win model, which allows players to progress faster by spending real money.

Blades follows a linear approach with limited openness, which means that the game is not as immersive as other Elder Scrolls games. It’s more focused on combat and exploration rather than the storyline. Despite the microtransaction controversy, Blades has a dedicated player base who enjoy the fast-paced action and the thrill of PvP combat. If you’re looking for a mobile RPG with intense combat and limited storytelling, Blades might be the game for you.

THE ELDER SCROLLS VI (TBA)

You’re probably eagerly waiting for the release of the sixth installment in the popular RPG series, and while the details are being kept tightly sealed by the developers, there are plenty of rumors and speculation about what features we can expect. Some speculate that the game will have a larger focus on player choice and consequence, with the potential for multiple endings based on decisions made throughout the game. Others predict that the game will have a more dynamic and reactive world, with characters and factions that respond to player actions in a more realistic way.

Lessons learned from previous games can give us some clues about what improvements to expect. The game will likely have enhanced graphics and improved combat mechanics, as well as more diverse and engaging side quests. The setting and lore of the game are also up for speculation, with some predicting a return to the province of Hammerfell or the introduction of a new location altogether. Regardless of the specifics, fans can look forward to a new adventure in the rich and immersive world of The Elder Scrolls.

Conclusion

As you journeyed through the vast and immersive worlds of Elder Scrolls, you have seen how the franchise has progressed over the years. From the first game released in 1994, The Elder Scrolls: Arena, to the latest installment in 2019, The Elder Scrolls: Blades, the series has evolved and improved upon its gameplay mechanics and graphics with each new release.

With the anticipation of The Elder Scrolls VI, fans of the series are eagerly waiting to explore the next chapter in the franchise’s rich lore. The Elder Scrolls has captured the hearts of gamers for over two decades, and its legacy continues to grow as new fans discover the immersive worlds and engaging gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, the Elder Scrolls games in order offer a journey through a rich and ever-expanding world that is sure to captivate and entertain.