Top Bethesda RPGs Ranked: A Must-Play List

Bethesda Game Studios has carved out a niche in the gaming industry that's as unique as it is influential, to the extent that it's tempting to coin terms like "Skyrimlikes" or "Oblivionvanias" for their signature genre of first-person open-world Western RPGs. Since the debut of The Elder Scrolls: Arena in the early '90s, Bethesda has grown from a modest developer to a powerhouse in the AAA gaming world, amassing a dedicated fanbase, blockbuster sales, and culminating in a $7.5 billion acquisition by Microsoft, all driven by their consistent design ethos.

Over the years, Bethesda has delivered both landmark successes and notable missteps. The recent release of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remaster has sparked fresh discussions and reevaluations of their game catalog. With The Elder Scrolls VI still a distant promise, now is the perfect time to reassess and rank Bethesda's RPG masterpieces. This list won't be outdated anytime soon, giving fans ample time to explore or revisit these iconic titles.

To clarify, this ranking focuses solely on Bethesda's renowned RPGs. Spin-offs like the cooperative-focused Battlespire, the swashbuckling Redguard, and mobile games such as The Elder Scrolls Blades and Fallout Shelter, while notable, are not included. Our spotlight is on the major titles that define what it means to play a "Bethesda Game," beginning with:

9: Elder Scrolls: Arena

As the inaugural entry in the franchise, The Elder Scrolls: Arena isn't last due to its quality but rather its pioneering nature. In 1994, Bethesda was still finding its footing, having primarily developed sports and Terminator games. Arena was an ambitious blend of these elements, initially centered around medieval gladiator battles interspersed with sidequests. The shift to a more open-world RPG, allowing players to explore cities, interact with inhabitants, and tackle challenging dungeons, was a game-changer. Despite its era-specific limitations, such as clunky movement and arcane systems, Arena set the stage for Bethesda's future successes.

The Elder Scrolls: ArenaBethesdaJan 15, 1992Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthrough

8: Starfield

Each new Bethesda game sparks debates about whether it will finally move away from the aging "Gamebryo" engine. Starfield did not, sticking with the "Creation Engine 2.0," which, despite its new name and improved animations, still requires loading screens for transitions. The NASApunk setting offered a refreshing departure from Bethesda's usual medieval and post-apocalyptic landscapes, but it struggled to fit within the studio's traditional strengths. Starfield's 1,000 procedurally generated planets, though ambitious, often felt repetitive, with similar points of interest scattered across them. The game's vastness, while impressive, sometimes left players feeling more frustrated than fascinated, particularly when compared to the more focused and immersive experiences of Bethesda's past titles.

StarfieldBethesda Game StudiosSep 5, 2023Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthroughSide Missions Walkthroughs in StarfieldStarfield Console Commands and Cheats List

7: Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall

Bethesda's experience with procedural generation dates back to Daggerfall, their second RPG, released in 1997. With a map spanning 80,000 square miles, it dwarfed later games like Skyrim and even modern giants like Breath of the Wild. Despite its vastness and the inclusion of diverse climates, political regions, and thousands of points of interest, Daggerfall's world was sparse and visually dated. The game introduced the series' signature skill-based progression system, enhancing player immersion with home and boat ownership, guild membership, and moral choices with consequences. While the dungeon-crawling remained somewhat clunky, Daggerfall's ambitious scale and depth were truly ahead of its time.

The Elder Scrolls: Chapter II -- DaggerfallBethesdaJun 24, 1997Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewDaggerfall Tips/InformationPC Cheats

6: Fallout 76

Fallout 76's inclusion on this list may surprise some, given its initial launch as a live-service multiplayer looter-shooter rather than a traditional RPG. The game faced severe criticism at launch for lacking handcrafted dialogue and NPCs, hoping that player interactions would fill the void. Subsequent updates, particularly the Wastelanders patch, have added voiced NPCs and improved the game's systems, making it a more enjoyable RPG experience. Despite these improvements, Fallout 76 struggles to match the depth and polish of its single-player counterparts, overshadowed by Bethesda's successful MMO, Elder Scrolls Online.

Fallout 76Bethesda Game StudiosNov 14, 2018Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewThings to Do FirstThings Fallout 76 Doesn't Tell YouTips and Tricks

5: Fallout 4

With over 25 million copies sold, Fallout 4 stands as the most commercially successful game in the series. It introduced streamlined gameplay and quality-of-life enhancements, making it more accessible to a broader audience. However, this accessibility came at the cost of some of the series' traditional depth and complexity. The game's combat and movement felt more polished than its predecessors, and the settlement-building system was a novel addition. Yet, the storyline and dialogue system were criticized for lacking the nuance and impact of earlier entries, with the voiced protagonist limiting player expression. Despite these drawbacks, Fallout 4 remains a beloved entry for its engaging world and expansive content.

Fallout 4Bethesda Game StudiosNov 10, 2015Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthrough and Quest GuideCheats and SecretsBobblehead Locations

4: Fallout 3

When Bethesda acquired the Fallout franchise in 2004, fans were divided. Some saw potential for Bethesda's open-world expertise to enhance the series, while others feared a loss of its original spirit. Fallout 3 struck a balance, starting with a memorable opening that introduced players to the V.A.T.S. system, a brilliant adaptation of the series' combat mechanics into a 3D environment. The Capital Wasteland was a rich setting filled with iconic landmarks, though repetitive encounters and a controversial ending left room for improvement. The game's legacy continues to evolve, with mods like "Tale of Two Wastelands" and the promise of a future remake keeping it relevant.

Fallout 3Bethesda Game StudiosOct 27, 2008Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewBasicsMain QuestSide Quests

3: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Oblivion represents the cornerstone of modern Bethesda RPGs, setting the template for subsequent titles and even influencing other developers. Its main storyline, featuring a cinematic battle against a Daedric invasion, borrowed heavily from contemporary fantasy epics. However, the game's true strength lies in its sidequests, particularly those tied to the guilds, which offered more depth and variety than their counterparts in later games. The Oblivion Remaster modernizes the experience with improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, yet retains the game's original charm and quirks. While some may argue its placement below Skyrim, Oblivion's impact on the genre is undeniable.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredBethesda Game StudiosApr 22, 2025Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewCharacter Building GuideThings to Do First in OblivionThings Oblivion Doesn't Tell You

2: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim, while sacrificing some of the depth of earlier Elder Scrolls games, made significant strides in gameplay and accessibility. Its quests may have been more straightforward, and character customization less intricate, but the game's moment-to-moment play was vastly improved. Features like dual wielding, weapon crafting, and the iconic "shouts" added new layers of engagement. Skyrim's world, from the frozen tundra to the intricate Dwemer ruins, felt more cohesive and immersive than Oblivion's. This game transformed the Elder Scrolls series into a mainstream phenomenon, balancing accessibility with depth to become an all-time best-seller and a staple in many gamers' libraries.

The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimBethesda Game StudiosNov 10, 2011+4Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewMain QuestsSide QuestsLocations

Honorable Mention: Fallout: New Vegas

Although developed by Obsidian Entertainment, Fallout: New Vegas deserves mention for being the best Fallout game ever created. Built on Bethesda's engine, it masterfully blends the series' traditional RPG elements with Bethesda's open-world flair. Its narrative depth and player choice make it a must-play, especially for fans anticipating the next season of the Fallout TV series.

Fallout: New VegasObsidian EntertainmentOct 18, 2010Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthrough: Main QuestWalkthrough: Side QuestsThings to Do First in Fallout New Vegas

1: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Morrowind, despite its dated mechanics and complex UI, is the pinnacle of the Elder Scrolls series for its unparalleled freedom and immersive world. Without quest markers or hand-holding, players must navigate using a dense journal and clues, fostering a true sense of exploration. The spellmaking system allowed for creative and powerful combinations, while the game's dialogue and NPC interactions were rich and extensive. Vvardenfell's unique setting, inspired by darker fantasy elements, offered a world unlike any other in gaming. While its complexity may have limited its audience, Morrowind remains a testament to Bethesda's ability to craft deeply engaging and liberating RPG experiences.

The Elder Scrolls III: MorrowindBethesdaMay 2, 2002Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewIntroductionRacesClasses