ELDER SCROLLS is a series of RPG action games developed primarily by Maryland-based studio Bethesda.
But when was each game released, and is there a linear narrative timeline running through them?
Elder Scrolls games release order
There have been five main games in the series since its debut titled in 1994, in addition to a number of spin-offs.
Each game is set on the fictional continent of Tamriel, and features real-life elements such as the Roman Empire, combined with fantasy themes.
So, without further ado, here are all five main games so far by order of release.
The Elder Scrolls: Arena – 1994
MS-DOS
The first game in the series saw players seeking to expose a plot against King Uriel Septim VII.
The Elder Scrolls series has produced what many consider some of the best games ever
The game has elements like a day and night cycle, and a spell creation system which are especially impressive given the game’s age.
It was praised by critics and went on to win a number of awards, including Computer Gaming World’s “Role-Playing Game of the Year” gong.
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall – 1996
MS-DOS
The follow-up had players on the hunt for the ghost of King Lysandrus in order to free him, on the orders of the Emperor.
Players were only able to travel between two provinces: High Rock and Hammerfell, but the game features 15,000 areas to explore.
It also offered players more options in terms of customisation. It was also lauded critically.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – 2002
PC and Xbox
The main story of the third game took place on Vvardenfell, an island within the continent of Tamriel.
The main quest focusses on Dagoth Ur and his attempt to release Morrowind from Imperial control.
Two expansion packs followed: Tribunal and Bloodmoon.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – 2006
PC and Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Like previous games, Oblivion allowed players free reign to explore the map and take on missions at their leisure.
The game had a stronger focus on plot than previous games, and benefitted from an improved physics engine, as well as an AI system that enabled non-playable characters to make decisions and have more complex behaviour.
The game was praised for the quality of its game world and graphics, and, like its predecessor, is considered one of the best video games ever.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – 2011
PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
The latest main title is set two centuries after the end of Oblivion.
The story, set in Skyrim, a northern province of Tamriel, sees us taking on a dragon called Alduin the World-Eater, prophesied to destroy the world.
The game was initially released on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 but was ported and remastered for next generation consoles later.
Elder Scrolls timeline order
Not all games have a continuous narrative that follows chronologically from game to game.
Tomb Raider, for example, goes backward and forwards through time and is split into reboots and trilogies.
Elder Scrolls, on the other hand, has a pretty clear historical timeline like Call of Duty, and Hitman.
Here are the main games in their chronological narrative order:
- The Elder Scrolls Arena – 1994
- The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall – 1996
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – 2002
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – 2006
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – 2011
