Top Bethesda RPGs Ranked: A Gamer's Guide

When we talk about Bethesda Game Studios, we're not just discussing a developer; we're diving into a genre-defining powerhouse that has shaped the landscape of first-person open-world Western RPGs. Since the launch of The Elder Scrolls: Arena in 1994, Bethesda has carved a niche so distinctive that it's almost tempting to rename the entire genre after their flagship titles, like "Skyrimlikes" or "Oblivionvanias." Their journey has been marked by monumental successes and notable challenges, culminating in a $7.5 billion acquisition by Microsoft, a testament to their impact on the gaming industry.

With the recent release of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remaster, fans are revisiting Bethesda's catalog, prompting us to re-evaluate and rank their iconic RPGs. As we await the distant promise of The Elder Scrolls VI, now is the perfect time to reassess the studio's legacy.

Our ranking begins with the foundational yet humble origins of the franchise, starting with...

9: The Elder Scrolls: Arena

The Elder Scrolls: Arena may be the first in the series, but it's not ranked last due to poor quality; rather, it reflects the team's initial foray into uncharted territory. Back in 1994, Bethesda was fresh off sports and Terminator titles, and Arena was their bold leap into RPGs. Initially focused on medieval gladiator battles, the game evolved to allow players to explore cities, engage with NPCs, and tackle complex dungeons. It's a testament to the era's RPG design, with its arcane systems, randomized loot, and challenging navigation. The combat, while clunky, set the stage for Bethesda's future innovations.

The Elder Scrolls: Arena - Bethesda Jan 15, 1992 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Walkthrough

8: Starfield

Every new Bethesda game stirs speculation about whether they'll abandon the aging "Gamebryo" engine. Starfield did not, sticking with "Creation Engine 2.0" despite its new animations. The NASApunk setting was a refreshing change from the familiar landscapes of Tamriel and the Wasteland, but it struggled to mesh with Bethesda's signature style. Instead of one interconnected world, Starfield offers 1,000 procedurally generated planets, which can feel repetitive and less engaging. The game's ambitious scope didn't quite meet player expectations, landing it near the bottom of our list.

Starfield - Bethesda Game Studios Sep 5, 2023 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Walkthrough Side Missions Walkthroughs in Starfield Starfield Console Commands and Cheats List

7: The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall

Bethesda's experience with procedural generation dates back to Daggerfall, released in 1997. The game's map spans an astonishing 80,000 square miles, filled with diverse climates, political regions, and thousands of points of interest. While the world is vast and occasionally sparse, it's brimming with content, from dungeons to bustling cities. The introduction of the series' skill-based progression system was a highlight, though the combat remained a challenge. Daggerfall offered a rich sandbox for exploration and immersion, despite its dated graphics and mechanics.

The Elder Scrolls: Chapter II -- Daggerfall - Bethesda Jun 24, 1997 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Daggerfall Tips/Information PC Cheats

6: Fallout 76

Fallout 76 might seem out of place on this list, given its shift towards a live service model. Its launch was marred by issues, from lack of NPCs to problematic pricing. However, updates like Wastelanders added voiced characters and improved the overall experience, transforming it into a more enjoyable RPG, especially for multiplayer fans. Despite its rocky start, Fallout 76 has found a dedicated community, though it still falls short compared to Elder Scrolls Online.

Fallout 76 - Bethesda Game Studios Nov 14, 2018 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Things to Do First Things Fallout 76 Doesn't Tell You Tips and Tricks

5: Fallout 4

Fallout 4 is the best-selling game in the series, with 25 million copies sold. It introduced streamlined gameplay and quality-of-life improvements, making it more accessible but at the cost of depth. The game's movement and combat were significantly enhanced, and the settlement-building system was a novel addition. However, the storyline and dialogue system were criticized for their simplicity, particularly the voiced protagonist which limited player interaction. Despite these flaws, Fallout 4 remains a polished and engaging experience, especially with its expansions like Far Harbor.

Fallout 4 - Bethesda Game Studios Nov 10, 2015 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Walkthrough and Quest Guide Cheats and Secrets Bobblehead Locations

4: Fallout 3

When Bethesda acquired the Fallout franchise in 2004, it sparked both excitement and skepticism. Fallout 3 combined Bethesda's open-world expertise with the series' post-apocalyptic charm. The game's opening sequence, introducing the V.A.T.S. system, was a masterstroke in translating the original's mechanics to 3D. However, the Capital Wasteland's repetitive encounters and the controversial ending left some fans divided. The Broken Steel DLC later addressed these issues, but Fallout 3 remains a mixed bag, offering both brilliance and frustration.

Fallout 3 - Bethesda Game Studios Oct 27, 2008 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Basics Main Quest Side Quests

3: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Oblivion is the blueprint for modern Bethesda games, introducing many of the mechanics that would define the studio's future titles. The main story, with its cinematic flair and Sean Bean's voice acting, was compelling, but it's the sidequests that truly shine, especially those involving the guilds. The Oblivion Remaster modernizes the experience with updated graphics and gameplay, though it retains the original's quirks, like enemy scaling and clunky combat. Despite these flaws, Oblivion remains a beloved classic, setting the stage for even greater success.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered - Bethesda Game Studios Apr 22, 2025 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 simplified some of the series' mechanics but improved the moment-to-moment gameplay significantly. The addition of dual wielding, weapon crafting, and shouts transformed combat into a more dynamic experience. Skyrim's setting, with its frozen tundra and diverse landscapes, felt more cohesive and immersive than Oblivion's Cyrodiil. The game's accessibility and depth struck a perfect balance, making it a mainstream hit and a "forever game" for many players.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Bethesda Game Studios Nov 10, 2011 +4 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Main Quests Side Quests Locations

Honorable Mention: Fallout: New Vegas

We can't ignore Fallout: New Vegas, developed by Obsidian but built on Bethesda's engine. It's a near-perfect blend of classic Fallout storytelling and Bethesda's open-world design, making it arguably the best entry in the series.

Fallout: New Vegas - Obsidian Entertainment Oct 18, 2010 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Walkthrough: Main Quest Walkthrough: Side Quests Things to Do First in Fallout New Vegas

1: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Morrowind may not be the most polished or accessible game, but it offers unparalleled freedom. The lack of quest markers and the dense journal system force players to engage with the world in a more meaningful way. The spellmaking system and the ability to kill any NPC add layers of depth and consequence. Vvardenfell's unique setting, inspired by The Dark Crystal and Dune, creates a world that's both alien and captivating. While Bethesda shifted towards more mainstream appeal with Oblivion, Morrowind remains a cherished gem for its complexity and freedom.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind - Bethesda May 2, 2002 Rate this game Related Guides Overview Introduction Races Classes