Top Bethesda RPGs Ranked: A Definitive List

Bethesda Game Studios has become a household name in the gaming industry, particularly within the realm of first-person open-world Western RPGs. Over the past three decades, since the debut of The Elder Scrolls: Arena, Bethesda has carved out a niche for itself, garnering a dedicated fanbase and achieving significant commercial success. Their acquisition by Microsoft for a staggering $7.5 billion is a testament to their impact and influence in the triple-A gaming space, driven by their consistent and recognizable design philosophy.

Throughout its history, Bethesda has produced both critically acclaimed titles and games that have stirred controversy. The recent release of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remaster has reignited discussions about the studio's catalog, prompting us to reassess and rank their major RPG releases. With The Elder Scrolls VI still years away, now is the perfect time to revisit these classics, as this list will remain relevant for the foreseeable future.

Before diving into our rankings, it's important to clarify that we're focusing solely on Bethesda's core RPGs. This excludes spinoffs like Battlespire and Redguard, as well as mobile titles such as The Elder Scrolls Blades and Fallout Shelter, despite their unique appeal and charm.

Our list celebrates the flagship titles that define the Bethesda experience—those expansive, immersive sandboxes that come to mind when one thinks of a "Bethesda Game." Let's begin our journey through Bethesda's storied history with:

9: Elder Scrolls: Arena

The Elder Scrolls: Arena, Bethesda's first foray into the franchise, may not be the most polished, but it laid the groundwork for what was to come. Initially envisioned as a mix of sports and gladiatorial combat, Arena evolved into a pioneering first-person RPG. Its world, filled with arcane systems, randomized loot, and challenging dungeons, reflects the era's experimental spirit. Despite its clunky movement and combat mechanics, Arena's ambitious scope and the decision to brand it as the start of a saga set Bethesda on a path that would redefine the RPG genre.

The Elder Scrolls: Arena - Bethesda - Jan 15, 1992

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8: Starfield

Starfield, Bethesda's latest venture, promised to break new ground with its NASApunk setting. However, despite the introduction of the "Creation Engine 2.0," the game's reliance on the aging Gamebryo framework was evident, with frequent loading screens marring the experience. The vast universe, comprising 1,000 procedurally generated planets, felt repetitive and lacked the intimate discovery that Bethesda's earlier works were known for. While Starfield aimed high, its execution fell short, making it a challenging addition to this list.

Starfield - Bethesda Game Studios - Sep 5, 2023

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7: Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall

The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall is a testament to Bethesda's early mastery of procedural generation. Its vast world, spanning 80,000 square miles, is a marvel of algorithmic design, filled with diverse climates, political regions, and thousands of points of interest. While the combat and graphics may feel dated, Daggerfall's introduction of skill-based progression and immersive world-building set the stage for future innovations. The sheer scale and ambition of Daggerfall remain impressive, even today.

The Elder Scrolls: Chapter II -- Daggerfall - Bethesda - Jun 24, 1997

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6: Fallout 76

Fallout 76's inclusion in this list may raise eyebrows, given its tumultuous launch. Initially devoid of the narrative depth and character-driven interactions that define the series, it struggled to capture the essence of Fallout. However, subsequent updates, including the Wastelanders expansion, have significantly improved the game, adding voiced NPCs and refining the loot system. While it may not reach the heights of other Bethesda RPGs, Fallout 76's evolution and dedicated community have earned it a place in this ranking.

Fallout 76 - Bethesda Game Studios - Nov 14, 2018

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5: Fallout 4

Fallout 4 stands as the most commercially successful game in the series, selling over 25 million copies. Its streamlined gameplay and quality-of-life improvements made it accessible to a broader audience, but at the cost of depth. The Commonwealth's environment is rich and engaging, and the settlement-building system is a notable addition. However, the narrative and dialogue system felt lacking, with the voiced protagonist limiting player choice and interaction. Despite these flaws, Fallout 4's polished execution and expansive world make it a standout title.

Fallout 4 - Bethesda Game Studios - Nov 10, 2015

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4: Fallout 3

Fallout 3 marked Bethesda's ambitious revival of the beloved franchise. Its opening sequence and the innovative V.A.T.S. system set a new standard for first-person RPGs. The Capital Wasteland, with its iconic landmarks and challenging environments, provided a compelling backdrop for exploration. However, the game's narrative and some design choices, like the repetitive dungeon crawling, drew criticism. Despite these issues, Fallout 3's bold vision and successful integration of Bethesda's sandbox style into the Fallout universe earned it a high ranking.

Fallout 3 - Bethesda Game Studios - Oct 27, 2008

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3: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is a pivotal game in Bethesda's catalog, laying the foundation for many of their subsequent titles. Its cinematic narrative and engaging sidequests, particularly those tied to the guilds, showcase Bethesda's storytelling prowess. The Oblivion Remaster modernizes the experience, enhancing graphics and gameplay mechanics while retaining the game's unique charm. Despite some dated elements, Oblivion's influence and enduring appeal secure its place among Bethesda's best.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered - Bethesda Game Studios - Apr 22, 2025

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2: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim transformed the franchise into a mainstream phenomenon, sacrificing some depth for broader appeal. Its streamlined gameplay and immersive world, filled with iconic landscapes and memorable quests, captivated a wide audience. Skyrim's accessibility and expansive modding community have kept it relevant over the years, making it a landmark title in gaming history. While it may lack the complexity of its predecessors, Skyrim's impact and enduring popularity cannot be overstated.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Bethesda Game Studios - Nov 10, 2011

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Honorable Mention: Fallout: New Vegas

While not developed by Bethesda, Fallout: New Vegas deserves recognition for its exceptional storytelling and gameplay, built on Bethesda's engine. Its seamless blend of old-school RPG mechanics and open-world exploration has cemented it as a fan favorite. If you're a fan of the Fallout series or planning to watch the upcoming seasons of the show, New Vegas is an essential experience.

Fallout: New Vegas - Obsidian Entertainment - Oct 18, 2010

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1: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind stands as the pinnacle of Bethesda's RPG legacy. Its unpolished yet deeply immersive world, devoid of modern conveniences like quest markers, offers unparalleled freedom. The game's spellmaking system and vast, text-rich dialogue create a unique and engaging experience. Morrowind's alien landscape and complex narrative set it apart, making it a beloved classic despite its challenging interface and mechanics. Its influence on the genre and its enduring fanbase make it the ultimate Bethesda RPG.

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind - Bethesda - May 2, 2002

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