The best Elder Scrolls game is Skyrim, the 2011 phenomenon that holds a 94 on Metacritic and remains one of the most-played RPGs ever. Oblivion matches it at 94, and Morrowind (89) is the cult favourite that many long-time fans rate highest of all. This ranking follows critical consensus across the main single-player series.
It’s a small but legendary series — five main games in 30 years, each a landmark open-world RPG. With The Elder Scrolls VI still in development, here’s how the existing games rank.
94
Skyrim, the best-selling entry
94
Oblivion, tied at the top
2011
The year Skyrim took over gaming
TES VI
The next game, still in development
The best Elder Scrolls games, ranked
The main single-player series ranked by Metacritic and critical consensus.
#
Game
Year
Metacritic
1
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
2011
94
2
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
2006
94
3
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
2002
89
4
Oblivion Remastered
2025
87
5
Daggerfall
1996
Cult classic
6
The Elder Scrolls Online
2014
Grew into a great MMO
7
Arena
1994
The original
The top Elder Scrolls games by Metacritic — Skyrim and Oblivion lead at 94.
How we ranked them
This list follows critical consensus, led by Metacritic. Skyrim and Oblivion tie at 94, and we edge Skyrim to the top for its enormous, lasting popularity — it’s been re-released across three console generations and still has a huge modding community. Morrowind scores a little lower at 89 but is the cult favourite that many veterans consider the deepest RPG in the series. The 2025 Oblivion Remastered brings the 2006 classic to modern hardware at 87. The 1990s originals rank on legacy, and The Elder Scrolls Online is included as the series’ MMO.
The essential Elder Scrolls games
Three games (plus one remaster) that define the series.
🏔️
Skyrim
2011 · 94
The dragon-slaying phenomenon — still the definitive entry
#1
🏯
Oblivion
2006 · 94
The Cyrodiil classic — the series at its most charming
Tied best
🌴
Morrowind
2002 · 89
The deep, strange cult favourite many fans rate highest
You don’t need to play them in order — each is a self-contained region of the same world.
👆
The best entry points
Skyrim is the easiest and most accessible way in, available on almost everything with a vast mod scene. The 2025 Oblivion Remastered is the best way to experience the beloved fourth game today. Morrowind is the pick for players who want the deepest, most old-school RPG.
Best Elder Scrolls games FAQ
What is the best Elder Scrolls game?
Skyrim and Oblivion tie at 94 on Metacritic as the highest-rated. Skyrim takes the top spot for its enormous, lasting popularity and modding scene, while Oblivion is the equally acclaimed classic just behind it.
Is Skyrim or Oblivion better?
Critics score them level at 94. Skyrim is bigger, more accessible and endlessly mod-supported; Oblivion has more charm, deeper quests and memorable characters. Most newcomers start with Skyrim; many veterans prefer Oblivion or Morrowind.
Which Elder Scrolls game should I play first?
Skyrim — it’s the most accessible, widely available and beginner-friendly entry. If you’d rather start with Oblivion, the 2025 Oblivion Remastered is the best modern version.
Do I need to play Elder Scrolls games in order?
No. Each game is set in a different province of Tamriel with its own self-contained story, centuries apart. You can start with any of them without missing essential context.
When is The Elder Scrolls VI coming out?
The Elder Scrolls VI is confirmed and in development at Bethesda, but has no release date yet. Until then, Skyrim, the Oblivion Remastered and The Elder Scrolls Online are the ways to keep playing in Tamriel.
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