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Top Bethesda RPGs Ranked

by Bella May 18,2025

It’s rare that a developer becomes synonymous with a genre, but Bethesda has mastered the art of the first-person open-world Western RPG to such an extent that it's almost surprising we don't refer to them as "Skyrimlikes" or "Oblivionvanias." Since the debut of The Elder Scrolls: Arena three decades ago, Bethesda Game Studios has solidified its position as a titan in the AAA gaming world, attracting a fervent fanbase, achieving monumental sales, and culminating in a $7.5 billion acquisition by Microsoft, all driven by their steadfast design principles.

Bethesda's journey has been marked by both landmark successes and notable stumbles. With the recent release of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remaster, which has prompted us to reassess our rankings, it's an opportune moment to reevaluate their portfolio. Given that The Elder Scrolls VI remains a distant promise, this list will remain relevant for quite some time.

Let's clarify that this list focuses exclusively on Bethesda's signature RPGs. We'll exclude spinoffs like Battlespire and Redguard, as well as mobile titles like The Elder Scrolls Blades and Fallout Shelter, though the latter's dark humor and Vault Boy style have a special place in many hearts.

Our focus is on the monumental, expansive sandboxes that define the quintessential "Bethesda Game." Let's start with the humble beginnings of...

9: The Elder Scrolls: Arena

The inaugural entry in the franchise ranks last not due to its quality, but because it was a pioneering effort by a Bethesda still finding its footing. In 1994, the studio was known primarily for sports and Terminator games, and Arena blended these elements into a unique mix. Initially, players traveled the world participating in medieval gladiator battles, with occasional sidequests. The developers soon realized the potential of allowing players to explore cities, interact with NPCs, and delve into challenging dungeons.

The result is a commendable first-person RPG of its time, akin to Ultima Underworld and Might and Magic. Arena features intricate systems, randomized loot, and meandering sidequests, though the clunky movement and combat can be frustrating. The gladiator concept was eventually dropped, but not before the game's title was set in stone. The addition of "chapter one" hinted at a larger saga centered around the enigmatic Elder Scrolls.

Launching a new franchise with such ambition is bold, and though Arena had its flaws, it laid the groundwork for Bethesda's future successes.

The Elder Scrolls: Arena

Bethesda

Jan 15, 1992

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8: Starfield

With each new Bethesda Game Studios release, speculation swirls about whether it will finally abandon the aging Gamebryo engine. Starfield did not, with "Creation Engine 2.0" offering little more than a new name and improved animations, while still requiring loading screens for simple transitions.

The NASApunk sci-fi setting of Starfield provided a refreshing change from the usual locales of Tamriel and the Wasteland, though it felt less suited to Bethesda's strengths. They excel at crafting interconnected worlds filled with secrets and character, yet Starfield offers 1,000 procedurally generated planets with repetitive points of interest.

While dragon claw puzzles in past games were engaging, landing on yet another planet with a similar cryo lab or mine in Starfield can be disheartening. In Bethesda's earlier games, you could always find something new around the corner, but in Starfield, you're often left dealing with the same scenarios before returning to your spaceship.

Placing Starfield near Arena might seem harsh, but it's easier to overlook the shortcomings of a pioneering effort than those of a high-budget game that promised much but delivered less.

Starfield

Bethesda Game Studios

Sep 5, 2023

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7: The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall

The disappointment with Starfield's procedural generation is more pronounced given Bethesda's long history with the technique. Daggerfall, their second RPG, was a groundbreaking feat of open-world creation in 1997.

Skyrim's map spans about 15 square miles, a modest size compared to contemporaries like Breath of the Wild and Grand Theft Auto 5, which cover around 30 square miles. Daggerfall, however, boasts an astonishing 80,000 square miles, akin to Great Britain. A journey across this vast landscape would take approximately 69 hours, though using a horse might speed things up.

Despite its size, Daggerfall's world is sparse and visually dated, yet far from empty. The Iliac Bay region features nine climates, 44 political regions, and 15,000 points of interest, including 4,000 dungeons and 5,000 cities or towns, each teeming with quests and NPCs. The procedural generation, while sometimes wonky, adds to the game's charm.

While the dungeon-crawling combat remains clunky, the introduction of the series' skill-based progression system is a notable improvement. Above-ground exploration offers more immersive experiences, allowing players to buy properties, join guilds, and engage in criminal activities with consequences. Though simple and opaque, Daggerfall's world invites exploration and immersion, making you wish for a multiplayer option.

The Elder Scrolls: Chapter II -- Daggerfall

Bethesda

Jun 24, 1997

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6: Fallout 76

You might question Fallout 76's inclusion, given its departure from traditional RPG storytelling towards a multiplayer looter-shooter. At launch, it was a disaster, lacking crafted dialogue and NPCs, hoping that player interactions would fill the void. This was a misstep, compounded by issues like limited loot, endless crafting, and controversial monetization.

However, the Wastelanders update transformed the game by adding voiced NPCs, arguably making it the most character-rich Fallout game. While their dialogue quality varies, these additions, along with system tweaks, improved the overall experience, making it a more enjoyable RPG to play with friends. Despite these improvements, Fallout 76 ranks lower than the more successful Elder Scrolls Online, which was developed by Zenimax Online Studios.

The game's pivot to a live-service model raised concerns about Bethesda's direction with the Fallout franchise, reflecting long-simmering fan discontent despite strong sales.

Fallout 76

Bethesda Game Studios

Nov 14, 2018

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5: Fallout 4

With 25 million copies sold, Fallout 4 is the most commercially successful game in the series. It streamlined gameplay and added quality-of-life features to appeal to a broader audience, though at the cost of some depth and complexity.

Fallout 4 excels in its responsive movement and shooting, and the Commonwealth is a captivating environment to explore. The settlement-building system is a novel addition, though its appeal varies among players. The game's visuals and sound are impressive, marking it as one of Bethesda's most polished launches. Expansions like Far Harbor recapture the classic Fallout feel, and characters like Nick Valentine stand out.

However, the storyline, centered around synthetic humans and a predictable twist, feels out of place in the Fallout universe. The game's structure can feel like a theme park ride, with shallow choices and factions leading to uninspired endings. The dialogue system, with voiced protagonist options limited to four basic responses, marks a significant step back from the series' traditional freedom.

Fallout 4

Bethesda Game Studios

Nov 10, 2015

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4: Fallout 3

When Bethesda announced the acquisition of the Fallout franchise in 2004, fans were divided. Some saw it as a perfect match, while others feared a dilution of the series' unique spirit. The result was a mix of both.

Fallout 3 starts strong with an immersive opening sequence that serves as both a tutorial for the V.A.T.S. system and an introduction to life in Vault 101. V.A.T.S. is a brilliant adaptation of the original games' combat mechanics, allowing players to target specific body parts in a seamless transition to 3D.

However, not everything in Fallout 3 is as successful. The Capital Wasteland, while filled with iconic landmarks, suffers from repetitive encounters and a pervasive green filter. The game's ending, which requires players to sacrifice themselves in a way that feels contrived, was later addressed with the Broken Steel DLC.

Fallout 3 showcases Bethesda's strengths and weaknesses, with the Tale of Two Wastelands mod offering a more cohesive experience by merging it with Fallout: New Vegas. A potential remake, following the success of Oblivion Remastered, could further enhance its appeal.

Fallout 3

Bethesda Game Studios

Oct 27, 2008

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3: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Ranking Oblivion is contentious. Its fans might argue for a higher spot, while critics might favor some Fallout entries. Nevertheless, Oblivion set the standard for modern Bethesda games.

Oblivion established the formula seen in later Bethesda titles, from the iconic conversation zoom to the dominance of stealth archery. The game's power fantasy narrative, elevating a prisoner to a hero, is fully realized here.

The main storyline involves thwarting a Daedric invasion, with cinematic flair reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings films. However, it's the sidequests, especially those tied to guilds, that truly shine. The Dark Brotherhood's specific kill conditions and the elusive nature of the Thieves Guild set Oblivion apart from Skyrim's more straightforward missions.

Despite its innovations, Oblivion's ranking below Skyrim may be due to dated graphics, the leveling system's grind, and repetitive Oblivion gates. The remaster addresses many of these issues, modernizing the game while retaining its unique charm. Yet, the core gameplay remains the same, raising questions about whether it deserves a higher spot than Skyrim.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Bethesda Game Studios

Apr 22, 2025

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2: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim, while a monumental success, sacrifices some of the depth found in earlier Elder Scrolls games. Quests are more straightforward, character customization is less extensive, and player choices have less impact. Yet, it offers significant improvements in gameplay, with fluid movement, engaging combat, and the addition of shouts.

Skyrim's world feels more cohesive and immersive than Oblivion's. The frozen landscapes of Skyrim contrast with Oblivion's less memorable setting, making it a world where players can envision settling down. This accessibility and depth propelled Skyrim to blockbuster status, becoming a game that appeals to a wide audience without needing extensive caveats.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Bethesda Game Studios

Nov 10, 2011

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Honorable Mention: Fallout: New Vegas

We must acknowledge Fallout: New Vegas, developed by Obsidian but built on Bethesda's engine. It's a near-perfect blend of classic Fallout storytelling and Bethesda's open-world design, making it a must-play, especially with the upcoming second season of the Fallout TV series.

Fallout: New Vegas

Obsidian Entertainment

Oct 18, 2010

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1: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Despite its age and complexity, Morrowind is the pinnacle of the Elder Scrolls series. The combat retains some of the randomness of its predecessors, and the UI can be overwhelming, yet it offers unparalleled freedom. There are no quest markers, only a journal filled with text and hyperlinks to guide you.

Morrowind's spellmaking system allows for powerful combinations, and its NPCs have extensive dialogue, making the world feel alive. Unlike later games, where essential NPCs are unkillable, Morrowind gives players the freedom to shape their own destiny, even if it means severing the thread of prophecy.

Vvardenfell's unique setting, inspired by The Dark Crystal and Dune, sets Morrowind apart from typical fantasy tropes. Its rough graphics and organic design create a magical atmosphere that later iterations struggle to replicate.

While Morrowind's complexity may have limited its audience, its legacy is undeniable. It's akin to Baldur's Gate 3, a modern take on classic CRPGs that resonates with fans. The question remains: How would a sequel to Morrowind be received by today's gamers?