Top Bethesda RPGs, Ranked

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Best Bethesda RPGs, Ranked

Bethesda Game Studios has become synonymous with expansive, open-world RPGs. From the sprawling landscapes of Tamriel to the desolate wastelands of Fallout, their games offer unparalleled freedom and deep immersion. Ranking these titans is a daunting task, but here’s a fresh look at Bethesda’s RPG lineup.

9: Elder Scrolls: Arena

The game that started it all, Elder Scrolls: Arena, appears primitive by today’s standards. Back in 1994, Bethesda was more known for sports titles and Terminator games. Arena was a first attempt at an RPG, blending medieval gladiator battles with open-world exploration.

• Released in 1994
• First entry in the Elder Scrolls franchise.
• Mixture of gladiator battles and open-world exploration.
• Clunky mechanics and difficult dungeons.
• Set the stage for future games, although rough around the edges.

Despite its flaws, Arena’s ambition laid the foundation for the Elder Scrolls’ success. Its world was vast and full of mysteries, even if some were frustratingly hidden or challenging to find.

8: Starfield

Bethesda’s recent foray into space, Starfield, faced high expectations. Shifting from fantasy and post-apocalyptic settings to a NASA-punk sci-fi universe was a bold move. However, the execution divided players.

• Released in 2023
• First original IP in 25 years.
• Ambitious scope with over 1000 planets to explore.
• Heavy reliance on procedural generation leads to repetitive environments.
• Story is fairly limited.

While Starfield offered spaceship customization and exploration, its procedural generation and frequent loading screens hampered its overall appeal. It’s an ambitious game but fails to deliver the magic of Bethesda’s best.

7: Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall

Daggerfall, released in 1996, was incredibly ambitious for its time. Boasting a map roughly the size of Great Britain, it featured procedurally generated towns, dungeons, and quests.

• Released in 1996
• Significantly larger scale than Arena.
• Vast, procedurally generated world.
• Introduced guilds, property ownership, and more.
• Suffered from numerous bugs and glitches.

Daggerfall was innovative, but its technical issues and somewhat repetitive gameplay hindered its potential. Still, it showcased Bethesda’s commitment to creating massive, player-driven experiences, but the execution left something to be desired.

6: Fallout 76

Fallout 76 had a rocky launch. Initially conceived as a multiplayer-only survival game, it lacked the engaging NPCs and branching narratives that defined the Fallout series.

• Released in 2018
• First multiplayer Fallout game.
• Initially lacked NPCs and a compelling story.
• Improved with updates like the Wastelanders update, adding NPCs and quests.
• Focuses on base-building and loot, which can be tedious.

Despite its initial failings, Fallout 76 has evolved with subsequent updates, including the Wastelanders expansion. Though it still doesn’t reach the heights of other Fallout titles, it’s a fairly passable RPG to play with friends.

5: Fallout 4

Fallout 4 brought significant changes to the formula. With enhanced graphics, refined gameplay, and settlement building, it reached a wider audience than any previous Fallout game.

• Released in 2015
• Improved combat mechanics and graphics.
• Introduced settlement building.
• Streamlined dialogue system with voiced protagonist.
• Compelling world with recognizable landmarks.

However, some fans criticized its simplified dialogue system and weaker narrative compared to previous entries. Despite these complaints, Fallout 4 remains a solid RPG experience for those looking for a more casual open world.

4: Fallout 3

Fallout 3 marked Bethesda’s first foray into the Fallout universe. Transitioning the isometric RPG into a first-person open world was a bold move that revitalized the franchise.

• Released in 2008
• Bethesda’s first Fallout game.
• Transitioned the franchise to a first-person open-world perspective.
• Introduced the V.A.T.S. combat system.
• Compelling story with a memorable opening sequence.

Set in the ruins of Washington D.C., the game created a bleak and atmospheric setting. While it received critical acclaim, Fallout 3’s gameplay has some flaws that are hard to overlook, despite a strong opening and overall solid plot.

3: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Oblivion refined the formula established by Morrowind and set the stage for Skyrim’s success. With its accessible gameplay, expansive world, and memorable quests, Oblivion is a beloved entry in the Elder Scrolls series.

• Released in 2006
• Refined gameplay mechanics.
• Introduced radiant AI.
• Memorable guild questlines.
• Beautifully crafted world, although graphically dated.

Though showing its age, Oblivion’s strong world, and open-ended nature, make it a standout title, even if the dialogue does get weird sometimes.

2: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim is a phenomenon. Its breathtaking open world, dragon-slaying adventures, and accessible gameplay have captivated millions. It streamlined many of the RPG mechanics found in previous Elder Scrolls games, making it more approachable.

• Released in 2011
• Massively popular and critically acclaimed.
• Breathtaking open world.
• Dragon Shouts add new gameplay.
• Streamlined gameplay for broader appeal.

Skyrim has become an all-time favorite game, but it would not be a reality if it were not for the success of the game that preceded it.

Which do you think is the best Bethesda RPG of all time?

Honorable Mention: Fallout: New Vegas

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas is a fan-favorite Fallout game. With its compelling story, memorable characters, and branching narrative, it stands out as a classic in the series.

• Developed by Obsidian Entertainment.
• Strong narrative with meaningful choices.
• Memorable characters and factions.

Fallout: New Vegas is a must play for any Fallout fan.

1: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Morrowind represents Bethesda at its most ambitious and experimental. Its alien world, complex lore, and unparalleled freedom create a truly unique RPG experience.

• Released in 2002
• Unique and alien world of Vvardenfell.
• Deep lore and complex political factions.
• Unparalleled player freedom and character customization.
• Challenging gameplay and steep learning curve.

Morrowind is a masterpiece that has a place in many peoples hearts.