The Most Popular Elder Scrolls Game, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the game you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:36
In the sprawling landscapes of the Elder Scrolls series, gamers find themselves immersed in various mythical realms, each offering unique adventures and stories. With so many episodes in this celebrated franchise, selecting the top game can become more than just a personal choice - it reflects the broader preferences and experiences of a diverse community.
By participating in a vote to rank the most beloved Elder Scrolls game, users contribute to a communal understanding of what makes these games stand out. This ongoing voting process not only captures the pulse of the community's current preferences but also helps new players understand which games might resonate with them as they begin their own journeys through this legendary series.
What Is the Most Popular Elder Scrolls Game?
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147votes
Bethesda Software · Public domainThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Bethesda Game StudiosThis game is widely considered the most popular of the Elder Scrolls series due to its immersive open-world gameplay, rich storyline, and endless modding possibilities. It has sold over 30 million copies since its release in 2011.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world action role-playing game set in the fictional world of Tamriel. It was developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is the fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls series and was released in 2011. Players assume the role of the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero with the ability to use the power of Dragons. They embark on a quest to save the land of Skyrim from various threats, including ancient dragons and a civil war.- Genre: Action role-playing
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: November 11, 2011
- Game Engine: Creation Engine
- Map Size: Approximately 14.4 square miles
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Bethesda game
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular RPG game
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular adventure game
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226votes
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Bethesda Game StudiosThis game is the predecessor to Skyrim and was the first Elder Scrolls game to be released on the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles. It was also praised for its open-world gameplay, deep lore, and immersive graphics for its time.The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is an epic action role-playing game set in the fantastical world of Tamriel. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, it is the fourth installment in the critically acclaimed Elder Scrolls series. The game takes place in the region of Cyrodiil, a sprawling open-world filled with diverse landscapes and bustling cities. As the protagonist, players embark on a grand adventure to save the realm from the demonic threat known as Oblivion.- Release Date: March 20, 2006
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Genre: Action role-playing
- Game Modes: Single-player
- Open World: Yes
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Bethesda game
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313votes
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Bethesda Game StudiosConsidered a classic in the series, Morrowind was released in 2002 and featured a vast open-world, deep lore, and unique gameplay mechanics. It was also the first game in the series to introduce the concept of factions and guilds.The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is an open-world action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios. This critically acclaimed game was released in 2002 and is the third installment in the Elder Scrolls series. Morrowind takes place on the island of Vvardenfell in the province of Morrowind, where players embark on an epic adventure as the protagonist chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy and defeat the evil deity Dagoth Ur.- Release Date: May 1, 2002
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Xbox
- Genre: Action role-playing
- Game Engine: Gamebryo
- World Size: 9.37 square miles (24.3 square kilometers)
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Bethesda game
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422votes
The Elder Scrolls Online
ZeniMax Online StudiosThis game is the only MMO in the Elder Scrolls series and features a vast open-world, rich storyline, and the ability to play with others online. It has a loyal player base and continues to receive updates and expansions.The Elder Scrolls Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the popular fantasy world of the Elder Scrolls series. It allows players to explore the vast continent of Tamriel, completing quests, battling enemies, and interacting with other players.- Platform: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Release Date: April 4, 2014
- Gameplay Style: Open-world, Action RPG
- Subscription Option: No (Buy-to-play model)
- Player Capacity: Solo and multiplayer (thousands of players)
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55votes
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
Bethesda SoftworksReleased in 1996, Daggerfall was the second game in the series and featured a massive open-world that was procedurally generated. It also introduced features such as political factions, randomized quests, and a reputation system.The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall is a role-playing video game released in 1996. It is the second installment in The Elder Scrolls series and is set in the fictional continent of Tamriel. The game features an expansive open world, filled with cities, dungeons, and wilderness for players to explore. Daggerfall offers a highly immersive experience, allowing players to engage in various quests, interact with NPCs, develop their character's skills and abilities, and engage in real-time combat.- Release Year: 1996
- Genre: Role-playing Game (RPG)
- Platform(s): MS-DOS, PC
- Setting: Fantasy
- Open World: Yes
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616votes
The Elder Scrolls: Arena
Bethesda SoftworksThe first game in the Elder Scrolls series, Arena was released in 1994 and featured a large open-world that could be explored freely. It also introduced the concept of character creation and leveling up.The Elder Scrolls: Arena is a fantasy role-playing game developed by Bethesda Softworks and released in 1994. It is the first installment in the Elder Scrolls series and offers an open-world experience set in the continent of Tamriel. Players can create their own character and embark on a quest to find the Staff of Chaos, which is required to stop an evil deity from merging the different realms of Tamriel. The game features a vast and immersive world with numerous towns, dungeons, and wilderness areas to explore.- Release Date: 1994
- Genre: Role-playing game
- Platform: MS-DOS
- Game Engine: XnGine
- Open World: Yes
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76votes
The Elder Scrolls: Legends
Sparkypants StudiosA digital collectible card game set in the Elder Scrolls universe. It features unique gameplay mechanics and allows players to collect and build their own decks.The Elder Scrolls: Legends is a free-to-play online strategy card game based on the popular Elder Scrolls series. It was developed by Sparkypants Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game offers a unique, competitive PvP experience combined with a rich storyline set in the vast fantasy world of Tamriel.- Platforms: PC, Mac, iOS, Android
- Genre: Collectible card game
- Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
- Release Date: March 9, 2017
- Player Count: 1-2 players (online)
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85votes
The Elder Scrolls: Battlespire
Bethesda SoftworksA spin-off game in the series, Battlespire was released in 1997 and featured a unique gameplay style that combined elements of first-person shooters and RPGs.The Elder Scrolls: Battlespire is a spin-off game from the popular Elder Scrolls series, developed by Bethesda Softworks and released in 1997. It is an action role-playing game that follows a different storyline from the main series.- Release Date: 1997
- Genre: Action role-playing
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Setting: Daedric realm of Oblivion
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
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98votes
The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey
Vir2L StudiosA mobile game in the series, Shadowkey was released in 2004 and featured a unique storyline and gameplay mechanics tailored for mobile devices.The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey is a role-playing game developed by Vir2L Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released in 2004, it was designed for mobile devices and served as the fourth and final installment in The Elder Scrolls Travels series. The game takes place in the world of Tamriel, specifically in the land of Umbriel, where players embark on a quest to retrieve the titular Shadowkey and restore peace to the realm. It features a mix of exploration, combat, and character progression, offering an immersive RPG experience on mobile platforms.- Release Year: 2004
- Platform: Mobile devices
- Genre: Role-playing game
- Setting: Fantasy
- World: Tamriel
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102votes
The Elder Scrolls Redguard
Bethesda SoftworksAnother spin-off game in the series, Redguard was released in 1998 and featured a unique storyline and gameplay mechanics that focused on sword fighting and puzzle-solving.The Elder Scrolls Redguard is an action-adventure game set in the Elder Scrolls universe, developed by Bethesda Softworks and released in 1998. Unlike the other main titles in the series, it focuses on the story of a single protagonist, Cyrus, a Redguard pirate and warrior. The game takes place on the island of Stros M'Kai, where Cyrus embarks on a quest to rescue his sister and uncover a hidden treasure. The game features a diverse range of environments, from tropical jungle to ancient ruins, and offers both third-person melee combat and puzzle-solving elements.- Release Date: 1998
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Platforms: PC
- Setting: Elder Scrolls Universe
- Protagonist: Cyrus (Redguard pirate)
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Ranking factors for popular game
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Sales figuresThis is a key indicator of a game's popularity. Look for the total number of copies sold along with information on how well the game performed upon release and during its first few months on the market. Higher sales figures typically indicate higher popularity.
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Critical receptionCheck the game's overall scores from major review outlets. A game with consistently high review scores from critics is generally considered to be more popular than those with lower scores.
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Player reviews and ratingsLook for user ratings on platforms such as Metacritic, Steam, and other gaming communities. Positive ratings and reviews indicate that players enjoyed the game and it is likely more popular.
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Awards and nominationsCheck if the game has won any industry awards or has received nominations in various categories. Acclaimed games are more likely to be popular and widely enjoyed.
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Active player basePopular games often have a higher number of active players. Check for information on the number of people currently playing the game, or how many people were actively playing during its peak.
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Longevity and enduring popularityAssess how long the game has remained relevant and popular among fans. Games that are still being played and discussed years after their release can be considered popular and influential.
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Modding communityA thriving modding community can be a good indicator of a game's popularity. Look at the number of mods created for the game, as well as the level of engagement within the modding community.
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Social media presence and online discussionsExamine the game's presence on social media platforms and gaming forums, and the frequency of online discussions about it.
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Influence on the industry and gaming cultureConsider the game's impact on the gaming industry and gaming culture in general. A popular and influential game may have inspired other games or contributed to significant advancements in game design and technology.
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Number of re-releases or remastered versionsPopular games often get re-released or remastered for newer platforms or with updated graphics and features. Look for information about these editions, as this can be an indicator of the game's enduring popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Elder Scrolls game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1492 views
- 145 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular elder scrolls game
The Elder Scrolls is a popular series of video games that has been around since the mid-1990s. It is a role-playing game (RPG) that allows players to explore a vast open world, complete quests, and interact with various characters. The series has been developed by Bethesda Game Studios and has gained a huge following over the years.
There are currently five main games in the series, with the latest being released in 2011. Each game has its own unique storyline and setting, but they all share the same underlying gameplay mechanics. The most popular Elder Scrolls game among fans is a hotly debated topic, with each game having its own loyal fan base.
Many fans consider the third game in the series, Morrowind, to be the best. It was released in 2002 and is known for its deep lore, complex storyline, and unique setting. Others prefer the fourth game, Oblivion, which was released in 2006 and is known for its immersive world and memorable characters.
However, the most commercially successful game in the series is undoubtedly the fifth game, Skyrim. Released in 2011, it has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and is beloved for its breathtaking graphics, compelling storyline, and engaging gameplay.
Overall, the Elder Scrolls series has made a significant impact on the world of video games and continues to be a favorite among RPG fans.
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