Play Order (Release = Chronological)Recommended
0 / 6 playedRelease order, from Arena to Skyrim. Each game stands alone, so this list sets the sequence, not prerequisites.
- 1 The Elder Scrolls: Arena
- 2 The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
- 3 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- 4 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered 2025 remaster of the 2006 original, with Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine included. Play this version.
- 5 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim The Anniversary Edition (2021) bundles all add-ons plus Creation Club content.
- 6 The Elder Scrolls Online Ongoing MMO set centuries before Skyrim. Its story stands apart, so treat it as optional.
About The Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls games share the continent of Tamriel, but each entry tells a standalone story, so release order works without lore homework. The in-universe timeline jumps around, with Online set centuries before Skyrim, yet almost nothing carries over between games.
Oblivion Remastered (April 22, 2025) is the current version of the 2006 classic. The Elder Scrolls VI was announced in 2018 and remains in development with no date; Bethesda says it is now the studio's primary focus.
Good to know
Release order is the recommended play order. Newcomers should start with Skyrim, still the most approachable entry, or Oblivion Remastered for an older design with modern visuals. Morrowind and earlier play best with mods and patience. VI has no release window; reports in July 2026 pointed to 2028 at the earliest after Xbox layoffs hit Bethesda, so treat any date as unconfirmed.
