Top Bethesda RPGs Ranked
- By Sadie
- May 12,2025
It's rare that a developer becomes synonymous with a single genre, but Bethesda has its signature style so locked down that it's no surprise we don't just call the entire field of first-person open-world Western RPGs "Skyrimlikes" or "Oblivionvanias." Since the debut of The Elder Scrolls: Arena three decades ago, Bethesda Game Studios has emerged as a juggernaut in the triple-A gaming industry, earning a rabid fanbase, massive sales, and a $7.5 billion acquisition from Microsoft, all thanks to its tried and true design principles.
Bethesda's journey has been marked by both monumental successes and notable missteps. The recent release of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remaster has sparked renewed interest in the studio's catalog, prompting us to re-evaluate and rank Bethesda's RPG offerings. With The Elder Scrolls VI still a distant dream, this list is sure to remain relevant for some time.
Before diving into the rankings, it's important to note that this list focuses exclusively on Bethesda's signature RPGs. Spin-offs like *Battlespire* and *Redguard*, as well as mobile titles such as *The Elder Scrolls Blades* and *Fallout Shelter*, are not included. While these games have their merits, our focus here is on the core, sprawling sandbox RPGs that define what a "Bethesda Game" is all about.9: Elder Scrolls: Arena
The Elder Scrolls: Arena holds the ninth spot not because it's a bad game, but because it was a pioneering effort from a team still finding its footing. In 1994, Bethesda had primarily developed sports and Terminator games, and Arena was a bold venture into uncharted territory. Initially centered around medieval gladiator battles, the game evolved to include city exploration and challenging dungeons, setting the stage for Bethesda's future successes. Despite its clunky mechanics and arcane systems, Arena laid the groundwork for a legendary franchise.
The Elder Scrolls: Arena - BethesdaRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewWalkthrough
8: Starfield
Starfield, despite its ambitious scope, lands at number eight on our list. Despite the promise of a new "Creation Engine 2.0," the game retains many of the limitations of Bethesda's older tech, including frequent loading screens. Set in a NASApunk universe, Starfield offers a vast but repetitive landscape across 1,000 procedurally generated planets. While the setting is a fresh departure from Bethesda's usual fare, the execution falls short of expectations, especially given the game's high budget and lofty promises.
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7: Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall
The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall earns the seventh spot thanks to its unprecedented scale and ambitious use of procedural generation. Released in 1997, Daggerfall boasts an expansive world of 80,000 square miles, filled with diverse climates, political regions, and numerous points of interest. While its vastness can be overwhelming, the game's introduction of the series' trademark skill-based progression system adds depth to the experience. Despite its dated graphics and mechanics, Daggerfall remains a testament to Bethesda's early innovation.
The Elder Scrolls: Chapter II -- Daggerfall - BethesdaRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewDaggerfall Tips/InformationPC Cheats
6: Fallout 76
Fallout 76 ranks sixth on our list, despite its troubled launch. Initially criticized for its lack of traditional Fallout elements like voiced NPCs, the game has since improved with updates like the Wastelanders expansion. While it has developed a dedicated following, especially following the success of the Fallout TV series, Fallout 76 still falls short of the series' best entries, particularly when compared to the superior Elder Scrolls Online.
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5: Fallout 4
With 25 million copies sold, Fallout 4 is the most commercially successful game in the series. However, its streamlined approach and simplified dialogue system have drawn criticism for sacrificing depth for accessibility. While the game boasts polished mechanics, an engaging settlement-building feature, and memorable characters like Nick Valentine, its narrative and faction dynamics feel somewhat superficial. Despite these flaws, Fallout 4 remains a compelling entry in Bethesda's catalog.
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4: Fallout 3
Fallout 3 marked Bethesda's bold revival of the dormant Fallout franchise, blending the series' anarchic spirit with the studio's signature open-world sandbox approach. The game's opening sequence and innovative V.A.T.S. combat system are highlights, but it's not without its flaws, including repetitive environments and a controversial ending. Despite these issues, Fallout 3 remains a beloved entry, especially with the availability of mods like Tale of Two Wastelands and the promise of an upcoming remake.
Fallout 3 - Bethesda Game Studios
3: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is the foundation of modern Bethesda games, introducing many of the mechanics and features that would become hallmarks of the studio's work. The game's cinematic narrative, engaging guild quests, and innovative mechanics like stealth archery set a new standard for RPGs. While the original game had its quirks, the Oblivion Remaster modernizes the experience with improved graphics, a more forgiving level-up system, and a sprint button, preserving its charm while addressing some of its shortcomings.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered - Bethesda Game StudiosRate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewCharacter Building GuideThings to Do First in OblivionThings Oblivion Doesn't Tell You
2: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim transformed the franchise into a mainstream blockbuster, sacrificing some of the depth of earlier games for improved accessibility and gameplay. The game's stunning landscapes, engaging combat mechanics, and the introduction of shouts have captivated millions. While its quests and character customization may be less complex than those in previous entries, Skyrim's immersive world and broad appeal have cemented its place as a gaming phenomenon.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Bethesda Game Studios+4Rate this gameRelated GuidesOverviewMain QuestsSide QuestsLocations
Honorable Mention: Fallout: New Vegas
While developed by Obsidian, Fallout: New Vegas deserves an honorable mention for its exceptional blend of old-school Fallout charm and Bethesda's open-world design. Built on Bethesda's engine, this game offers a near-perfect experience that fans of the series shouldn't miss, especially with the anticipation surrounding the second season of the Fallout TV show.
Fallout: New Vegas - Obsidian Entertainment
1: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Topping our list is The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, a game that offers unparalleled freedom and a unique, immersive world. Despite its dated mechanics and complex UI, Morrowind stands out for its lack of hand-holding and deep, engaging systems like spellmaking. The haunting landscapes of Vvardenfell and the game's narrative depth have captivated players, making it a timeless classic in the RPG genre. While its complexity may deter some, Morrowind's bold vision and uncompromising design make it the greatest Bethesda RPG of all time.
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