Top Bethesda RPGs Ranked

When it comes to developers who have carved a niche synonymous with a particular genre, Bethesda stands tall with its unmistakable style. It's almost as if the term "first-person open-world Western RPG" could be replaced with "Skyrim-like" or "Oblivion-esque." Since *The Elder Scrolls: Arena* premiered in 1994, Bethesda Game Studios has grown into a powerhouse in the triple-A gaming industry, amassing a fervent fanbase, substantial sales, and even a $7.5 billion acquisition by Microsoft.

Bethesda’s track record includes both monumental successes and infamous missteps. With the shockingly anticipated (or perhaps unsurprising) release of *The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remaster*, fans are rethinking their long-held opinions on the studio’s legacy. It’s time to reassess their catalog and rank the studio’s offerings anew. Given the long wait for *The Elder Scrolls VI*, this list remains relevant for the foreseeable future.

Before diving in, note that this ranking focuses exclusively on Bethesda’s hallmark RPGs. Titles like the co-op-focused *Battlespire* or action-adventure *Redguard* are omitted, as are mobile games such as *The Elder Scrolls Blades* and *Fallout Shelter*. Instead, this list highlights the heavyweight franchises that define the studio’s identity, though we begin humbly with...

9: *The Elder Scrolls: Arena*

*The Elder Scrolls: Arena* isn’t last because it’s bad—it’s last because it marked Bethesda’s first steps into uncharted territory. Back in 1994, the company had only dabbled in sports and Terminator games. *Arena* initially centered around medieval gladiatorial battles, with side quests sprinkled in. Realizing the potential, developers shifted focus to an open-world RPG experience, letting players explore cities, interact with NPCs, and delve into perilous dungeons.

The result is a commendable first-person RPG steeped in its era’s quirks, reminiscent of *Ultima Underworld* and *Might and Magic*. *Arena* boasts complex systems, randomized loot, and labyrinthine sidequests, but its clunky mechanics and outdated movement can feel maddening. Combat is particularly frustrating, with dice rolls often negating visually satisfying hits. Thankfully, the developers scrapped the gladiator premise before releasing the game, though the title remained unchanged.

Launching a franchise is a bold move, and while *Arena* was flawed, it was successful enough to cement Bethesda’s trajectory—and it’s still remembered fondly by diehard fans.

8: *Starfield*

Every new Bethesda game stirs speculation about whether it will finally ditch the aging *Gamebryo* engine. Alas, *Starfield* did not. Despite the flashy name and sleek animations of Creation Engine 2.0, you’ll still encounter frequent loading screens when entering buildings.

The sci-fi setting offers a refreshing change from the low-tech worlds of *Tamriel* and *Wasteland*, though its charm is beginning to wane. Unfortunately, *Starfield* isn’t suited to Bethesda’s strengths. Their talent lies in crafting expansive, interconnected worlds teeming with discovery and detail. Instead, *Starfield* features 1,000 procedurally generated planets, each boasting a handful of repetitive points of interest.

While solving *dragon claw puzzles* in *Skyrim* was tolerable, discovering yet another abandoned cryo lab or mine on a new planet grows tiresome. Unlike the *Draugr* dungeons in *Skyrim*, where exploration offers relief, *Starfield* leaves you stuck slogging through monotony. Placing *Starfield* alongside *Arena* might seem harsh, but it’s easier to forgive the growing pains of a fledgling team than the misfires of a multimillion-dollar endeavor.

7: *The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall*

One reason *Starfield’s* procedural generation falls flat is that Bethesda mastered the art long ago. Their second RPG, *Daggerfall*, remains one of the most impressive feats of algorithmic open-world creation in gaming history. Released in 1997, its map spans a staggering 80,000 square miles—roughly the size of Great Britain. Walking across it takes 69 hours, though horseback travel speeds things up.

Despite its immense scale, the world is surprisingly detailed, featuring nine climates, 44 political regions, and 15,000 points of interest. That’s 4,000 dungeons and 5,000 cities or towns brimming with quests and NPCs. Procedural generation creates a touch of randomness, but it’s nowhere near as jarring as *Starfield’s* cookie-cutter landscapes.

Dungeon crawling hasn’t improved much, but the introduction of skill-based progression is a significant upgrade. Above ground, the experience shines with activities like buying property, joining guilds, and navigating moral dilemmas. While obtuse and opaque, the sheer immersion potential makes *Daggerfall* unforgettable.

6: *Fallout 76*

You might wonder why *Fallout 76* made the list, given its multiplayer live-service focus over traditional RPG elements. At launch, it was a disaster—lacking NPCs, dialogue, and crafted experiences in favor of online griefing. Features like loot limits, crafting, and questionable monetization only compounded its issues. The game’s troubled development cycle didn’t help matters.

However, updates like *Wastelanders* introduced voiced NPCs, making it the most character-heavy entry in the series. Gameplay tweaks have improved the experience, though the live-service model remains divisive. Despite its flaws, *Fallout 76* has built a loyal community, buoyed by the success of Amazon’s *Fallout* TV series.

While *Elder Scrolls Online* surpasses it, *Fallout 76* raises concerns about Bethesda’s handling of the Fallout franchise. Regardless, its impact can’t be ignored.

5: *Fallout 4*

With 25 million copies sold, *Fallout 4* is the most commercially successful game in the series. However, this success comes at a cost. Streamlining gameplay and adding convenience features broadened the audience but diluted the depth that made earlier entries special.

Combat feels smoother, and the settlement-building mechanic is innovative, though divisive. Visually and narratively, *Fallout 4* is stunning, with standout moments in expansions like *Far Harbor*. Yet, the story struggles to mesh with the Fallout universe’s gritty aesthetic, culminating in a predictable and underwhelming conclusion.

The dialogue system is particularly weak, severely restricting player choice. Voice acting, while appreciated, limits the protagonist’s range. Despite these drawbacks, *Fallout 4* remains a polished achievement for Bethesda.

4: *Fallout 3*

When Bethesda acquired the Fallout franchise in 2004, fans were divided. Some saw it as a perfect match for Bethesda’s open-world expertise, while others feared a watered-down experience. Both predictions held true.

The game opens strongly with a memorable birth sequence, introducing the iconic VATS system. Transitioning to first-person combat introduces challenges, but VATS remains one of the franchise’s most elegant innovations. Unfortunately, not everything works as well—subway encounters grow tedious, and the ending feels contrived.

Despite its flaws, *Fallout 3* remains a beloved entry, enhanced further by mods like *The Tale of Two Wastelands*. Alternatively, fans eagerly await the rumored remake.

3: *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion*

Oblivion forms the blueprint for modern Bethesda games. While *Morrowind* preceded it, subsequent titles—including Fallout, Starfield, and all Bethesda-inspired games—have followed Oblivion’s lead. From conversation mechanics to power fantasies, Oblivion’s DNA runs