Top Bethesda RPGs Ranked: A Comprehensive List

When we think of a genre so synonymous with a developer that it might as well be named after them, Bethesda Game Studios comes to mind with its hallmark of first-person open-world Western RPGs. Since the debut of The Elder Scrolls: Arena in the early '90s, Bethesda has carved out a formidable niche in the AAA gaming landscape, amassing a dedicated fanbase, blockbuster sales, and culminating in a monumental $7.5 billion acquisition by Microsoft. Their success is a testament to their commitment to a formula that resonates deeply with gamers worldwide.

Bethesda's journey has been marked by both triumphant successes and notable missteps. The recent release of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remaster has sparked renewed interest and debate over the studio's catalog, prompting us to revisit and rank their RPGs. With The Elder Scrolls VI still a distant promise, now is the perfect time to reassess Bethesda's legacy.

Before diving in, let's set the stage: this list focuses exclusively on Bethesda's core RPGs. This means excluding spin-offs like Battlespire and Redguard, as well as mobile titles like The Elder Scrolls: Blades and Fallout Shelter, though the latter's quirky humor and Vault Boy charm certainly have their appeal.

Here, we celebrate the flagship titles—the sprawling, immersive sandboxes that define what a true "Bethesda Game" is all about. Let's begin with...

9: The Elder Scrolls: Arena

The first entry in the franchise isn't last because it's a bad game; rather, it's a testament to Bethesda's humble beginnings. In 1994, the studio was primarily known for sports and Terminator games, and Arena was an ambitious blend of these influences. Initially, it featured medieval gladiator battles and side quests, but the developers soon expanded the scope to include city exploration and dungeon delving.

Arena is a fascinating relic of its time, akin to classics like Ultima Underworld and Might and Magic. It boasts arcane systems, randomized loot, and challenging sidequests, though its combat and movement can feel clunky by today's standards. The original gladiator concept was eventually dropped, but not before the title was set in stone. The addition of "chapter one" hinted at a broader narrative arc, setting the stage for a franchise that would surpass all expectations.

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

8: Starfield

Each new Bethesda release brings speculation about whether they'll finally move beyond their aging Gamebryo engine. Starfield, running on the "Creation Engine 2.0," didn't quite deliver the hoped-for overhaul, with loading screens still interrupting the flow of exploration.

The game's NASApunk setting was a refreshing departure from the familiar landscapes of Tamriel and the Wasteland, though it struggled to mesh with Bethesda's strengths. Instead of a single, intricately detailed world, Starfield offers 1,000 procedurally generated planets that can feel repetitive. The thrill of discovery is often overshadowed by the monotony of revisiting similar points of interest across the galaxy.

While it might seem harsh to rank Starfield so closely to Arena, the expectations for a $200 million AAA title are understandably high. Bethesda's ambitious vision for the cosmos didn't quite land as intended, but their willingness to innovate remains commendable.

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. This game's world is a staggering 80,000 square miles—comparable to Great Britain—and packed with diverse climates, political regions, and thousands of points of interest.

While the vastness of Daggerfall's world is impressive, the game's combat and navigation can be cumbersome. However, the introduction of the series' signature skill-based progression system marked a significant step forward. Above-ground exploration offered new depths of immersion, with opportunities to buy homes, join guilds, and engage in a variety of criminal activities with consequences.

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's inclusion might surprise some, given its initial launch as a multiplayer looter-shooter rather than a traditional RPG. Its debut in 2018 was marred by numerous issues, including a lack of handcrafted dialogue and NPCs, which were later added with the Wastelanders update.

Despite its rocky start, Fallout 76 has evolved into a more robust experience, gaining a dedicated community, especially following the success of Amazon's Fallout TV series. However, it still falls short when compared to Bethesda's other RPGs, particularly the well-received Elder Scrolls Online, which didn't make this list due to being developed by Zenimax Online Studios.

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

With 25 million copies sold, Fallout 4 is the best-selling game in the series, transforming a niche franchise into a mainstream phenomenon. The game's streamlined mechanics and quality-of-life improvements made it more accessible, though at the cost of some depth and complexity.

Fallout 4 excels in its refined movement and shooting mechanics, and the settlement-building system adds a new layer of engagement. The Commonwealth is a rich environment to explore, and expansions like Far Harbor recapture the essence of classic Fallout. However, the story's focus on synthetic humans and the simplified dialogue system have drawn criticism for deviating from the series' established tone.

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

Bethesda's acquisition of the Fallout franchise in 2004 sparked both excitement and apprehension among fans. The result was a blend of Bethesda's open-world expertise and Fallout's anarchic spirit. Fallout 3's opening sequence is a masterclass in storytelling, introducing players to the V.A.T.S. system—a brilliant adaptation of the series' combat mechanics.

The Capital Wasteland, while filled with iconic landmarks, can feel repetitive at times. The game's ending, which was later addressed with the Broken Steel DLC, was controversial. Despite these flaws, Fallout 3 remains a landmark title in Bethesda's catalog, with the Tale of Two Wastelands mod offering a seamless blend with Fallout: New Vegas for a truly epic experience.

Fallout 3 Bethesda Game Studios Oct 27, 2008

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3: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Oblivion is the blueprint for modern Bethesda games, setting the stage for everything from Fallout to Starfield. Its cinematic narrative, voiced by Sean Bean, and engaging sidequests, particularly those tied to the guilds, make it a standout title.

The remaster modernizes Oblivion with improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, though it retains the game's inherent charm and quirks. The enemy scaling and repetitive Oblivion gates remain, but the core experience is enhanced, making it a compelling choice for both new and returning players.

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 sacrifices some of the depth and complexity of its predecessors for a more streamlined experience. While quests and character customization are less intricate, the game's improvements to moment-to-moment gameplay and its immersive world are undeniable.

Skyrim's frozen tundra and diverse landscapes create a cohesive and captivating environment. The addition of dual wielding, weapon crafting, and shouts enhances the combat experience, making it more engaging than ever. Skyrim's success in balancing accessibility with depth turned the Elder Scrolls into a household name, much like Elden Ring did for FromSoftware's Souls series.

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

No list of Bethesda RPGs would be complete without acknowledging Fallout: New Vegas, developed by Obsidian Entertainment. Built on Bethesda's engine, it masterfully blends classic Fallout storytelling with Bethesda's open-world design, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

Fallout: New Vegas Obsidian Entertainment Oct 18, 2010

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1: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Morrowind may not be the most polished or accessible entry in the Elder Scrolls series, but it offers unparalleled freedom. Its lack of quest markers and intricate spellmaking system allow for a deeply personal and immersive experience.

Vvardenfell's unique setting, inspired by The Dark Crystal and Dune, sets Morrowind apart from its more traditional fantasy counterparts. The game's willingness to let players alter the world irrevocably, even by killing essential NPCs, embodies the essence of true role-playing.

Despite its challenges, Morrowind's magic lies in its ability to transport players to a world unlike any other. Its legacy continues to inspire, much like Baldur's Gate 3 does for the CRPG genre, raising questions about what a modern sequel might look like and whether today's audience would embrace it.

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