What is the best Elder Scrolls game?

From genre-defining open worlds to deep-cut spin-offs only longtime fans remember, this saga has reshaped the RPG for three decades. Which one reigns supreme?

1

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The series-defining 2011 open-world RPG set in the frozen province of Skyrim, one of the best-selling games ever.

1000pts

2

An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire

The 1997 dungeon-focused spin-off set in the otherworldly Battlespire.

962pts

3

The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard

The 1998 action-adventure spin-off following the swashbuckling hero Cyrus.

777pts

4

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

The deep, lore-rich 2002 RPG set on the island of Vvardenfell, beloved for its freedom.

721pts

5

The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

The vast 1996 second entry, famous for its enormous procedurally generated game world.

721pts

6

The Elder Scrolls: Arena

The 1994 first-person original that launched the entire franchise.

656pts

7

The Elder Scrolls: Blades

The 2019 dungeon-crawling mobile spin-off built for phones and Switch.

656pts

8

The Elder Scrolls Online

The 2014 MMORPG that lets players explore all of Tamriel together across many expansions.

577pts

9

The Elder Scrolls: Castles

The 2024 mobile management game where players run a dynastic kingdom over generations.

577pts

10

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The acclaimed 2006 entry set in Cyrodiil, praised for its memorable quests and open world.

577pts

11

The Elder Scrolls: Legends

The 2017 strategy card game set in the Elder Scrolls universe.

481pts