Where to Start · Elder Scrolls
Where to Start with The Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls is Bethesda's open world RPG franchise set on the continent of Tamriel — a world of ancient empires, warring factions, and supernatural threats that the player character must navigate entirely on their own terms. The series is defined by freedom: you can ignore the main quest entirely, spend hundreds of hours exploring dungeons, crafting, joining guilds, or simply wandering. Each numbered entry is set in a different province of Tamriel with a different political crisis as the backdrop.
The story builds the lore of Tamriel across entries but each game is fully accessible standalone.
If you only play one Elder Scrolls game
Play The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It is the most accessible entry and one of the best-selling games ever made — the civil war in the Nordic province of Skyrim, dragons returning to the world, and the Dragonborn as the player character with the ability to absorb dragon souls and use their power. Skyrim has been released on virtually every platform since 2011 including PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, PC, and reportedly a smart refrigerator. The Anniversary Edition on PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC includes all DLC and additional content.
Oblivion — the second recommendation
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006) is the game Skyrim built upon — the Imperial Province of Cyrodiil, the Oblivion Crisis as the main quest, and a world that feels more hand-crafted than Skyrim's procedural approach. The Shivering Isles DLC is among the best expansion content Bethesda has produced. Oblivion Remastered (2025) released as a complete visual overhaul on PS5/Xbox Series/PC — the recommended modern version. The original is on PS3/Xbox 360/PC.
Morrowind — the beloved classic
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002, PC/Xbox) is the most beloved entry among hardcore fans — the alien mushroom landscape of Vvardenfell, the Tribunal as gods who walk among mortals, and an RPG system where dice rolls determine whether your sword hits rather than the animation. Morrowind is the deepest Elder Scrolls lore experience and the most demanding for modern players. Available on PC via Steam/GOG. Xbox original backward compatible on Xbox Series.
Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online (2014) is the MMO entry — the entire continent of Tamriel accessible, set 1,000 years before Skyrim. ESO has evolved significantly since launch and is now a well-regarded MMO with an enormous amount of content. The base game is free to play on PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC. No prior Elder Scrolls knowledge required.
Elder Scrolls VI
Elder Scrolls VI was announced by Bethesda in 2018 and has no confirmed release date as of 2026. It is confirmed to be in development following Starfield. Speculation places the setting in Hammerfell or High Rock based on the announcement teaser. No gameplay has been shown.
What platforms you need
Skyrim Anniversary Edition — PS4/PS5/Xbox/Switch/PC. Oblivion Remastered — PS5/Xbox Series/PC. Morrowind — PC via Steam/GOG. ESO — PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC (base game free).
Recommended order
Skyrim first — the most accessible and best starting point. Oblivion Remastered second for the previous generation's peak. Morrowind for the deep lore dive. ESO for multiplayer Tamriel.