Originally intended as a game focused on arena fighting, Arena eventually evolved into The Elder Scrolls: Arena, giving birth to a highly successful gaming franchise that originated in the basements of Bethesda, Maryland.
This series of high fantasy role-playing games, known as The Elder Scrolls, captivates players with its intricate lore and meticulous attention to detail, and has set a benchmark for future video games.
However, if you are wondering how to immerse yourself in the world of Tamriel by following its chronological order, you might be wondering where to begin.
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How Many Elder Scrolls Games Are There?
The Elder Scrolls franchise consists of 27 games and expansions, with 4 being available exclusively on PC, 18 on consoles, and 5 on mobile devices. These games are all considered part of the official timeline and take place in the fictional world of Tamriel.
While some games cover multiple provinces, each installment in the series typically centers around a specific continent or region within Tamriel. This could include the mysterious swamps of Morrowind, the snowy peaks of Skyrim, or the idyllic meadows of Cyrodiil.
There are two games in The Elder Scrolls series that are not included in this timeline because they do not provide information about the year or era in which they occur. These games are The Elder Scrolls Travels: Dawnstar and The Elder Scrolls Travels: Stormhold.
Which Elder Scrolls Game Should You Play First?
If you are unfamiliar with the Elder Scrolls franchise, a good starting point would be The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This game is the latest installment in the series (excluding Elder Scrolls Online), and it is available on various platforms.
While there are connections to past games in terms of lore and references, beginning with Skyrim won’t result in a significant loss of content or story.
How to Play the Elder Scrolls Games by Release Date
- The Elder Scrolls Arena (1994)
- The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1996)
- The Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire (1997)
- The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard (1998)
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – Tribunal (2002)
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – Bloodmoon (2003)
- The Elder Scrolls Travels: Stormhold (2003)
- The Elder Scrolls Travels: Dawnstar (2004)
- The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey (2004)
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Knights of the Nine (2006)
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Shivering Isles (2007)
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard (2012)
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire (2012)
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn (2012)
- The Elder Scrolls Online (2014)
- The Elder Scrolls: Legends (2016)
- The Elder Scrolls Online – Morrowind (2017)
- The Elder Scrolls Online – Summerset (2018)
- The Elder Scrolls Online – Elsweyr (2019)
- The Elder Scrolls: Blades (2020)
- The Elder Scrolls Online – Greymoor (2020)
- The Elder Scrolls Online – Blackwood (2021)
- The Elder Scrolls Online – High Isle (2022)
- The Elder Scrolls Online – Necrom (2023)
- The Elder Scrolls VI (TBA)
Elder Scrolls Games in Chronological Order
The information provided in these summaries may reveal some minor plot details about each game, such as characters, locations, and important events.
1. The Elder Scrolls Online
The initial entry in the series, The Elder Scrolls Online, provides a complete online experience of the vast world of Tamriel. Players can join forces with others to venture into famous locations within the franchise. The game is set in the Second Age, a period characterized by the absence of a ruler on the Imperial throne and the subsequent state of uncertainty in Tamriel.
In the realm of Tamriel, where there is no ruling emperor, three factions have emerged to compete for the throne. The fiercest warriors of the land are engaged in a fierce battle called the Alliance War.
However, their political struggles pale in comparison to the imminent danger posed by Molag Bal, an ancient Daedric Prince. He has unleashed a catastrophic event called the Planemeld, which has the potential to merge Tamriel with the apocalyptic realm of Coldharbour. This terrifying ritual threatens to forever transform Tamriel into a barren and desolate wasteland.
In the midst of the Planemeld’s onset, we are introduced to the protagonist, a warrior named the Vestige. Through a dark sorcerer’s ritual, the Vestige’s soul is stolen, leaving them alive but devoid of their essence. Awaking in Coldharbour, the Vestige embarks on a journey to return to Tamriel, battling their way back in an effort to defeat Molag Bal, retrieve their stolen soul, and halt the Planemeld.
2. The Elder Scrolls Online – Morrowind
Bethesda’s online adaptation of The Elder Scrolls franchise, known as The Elder Scrolls Online – Morrowind, introduces players to the elven region of Vvardenfell before the events of The Elder Scrolls III.
In this expansion, players embark on a journey in Vvardenfell, where they assist Vivec, one of the Tribunal gods, in eliminating a new Daedric danger and preventing a meteor from crashing into the island.
3. The Elder Scrolls Online – Summerset
Summerset is the second significant expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online. It is set in Summerset, the homeland of the High Elves. In this expansion, players journey to Summerset to confront a new threat from the Daedric realm.
They are tasked with investigating and thwarting the plans of a cult called the Court of Bedlam. As the protagonist, known as the Vestige, uncovers more information about the cult’s intentions, they gather allies to put an end to their sinister schemes.
4. The Elder Scrolls Online – Elsweyr
In the third significant expansion of Elder Scrolls Online, called Elsweyr, players are transported to the native land of the Khajiti. However, this homeland has been invaded by a massive number of dragons.
These dragons were believed to be extinct, but the main character, known as the Vestige, ventures to Elsweyr to not only defeat these flying creatures but also to uncover the mysterious reason behind their unexpected return.
5. The Elder Scrolls Online – Greymoor
Greymoor, the latest expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online, transports players to the land of Skyrim in a time preceding the events of The Elder Scrolls V. Tasked with uncovering the cause of eerie supernatural storms, the protagonist embarks on a journey to the homeland of the Nords.
Along the way, they confront a formidable vampire lord and his ancient army, known as the Gray Host. Engaging in intense battles against vampires, werewolves, zombies, and various other creatures, the Vestige must strive to rescue Skyrim from the clutches of undead invaders.
6. The Elder Scrolls Online – Blackwood
Blackwood, the fifth major expansion of The Elder Scrolls Online, transports players to the marshes near Leyawin. This setting is actually the same as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, but it takes place hundreds of years before the events of the game.
The main character, known as the Vestige, travels to this region upon discovering that a cult called the Longhouse Emperors has formed an alliance with Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of Destruction. With the goal of stopping this demonic god, the Vestige teams up with new allies to put an end to his monstrous ambitions.
7. The Elder Scrolls Online – High Isle
High Isle is the latest expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online, where players are transported to the land of the Bretons. In this expansion, players will uncover a secretive plot that poses a threat to the entire world of Tamriel.
The main objective is to track down and confront the Ascendant Order, a group of knights, led by the Ascendant Lord, who is scheming to bring about everlasting conflict. With the help of allies, players will embark on a thrilling adventure to thwart the plan and defeat the Ascendant Lord.
8. The Elder Scrolls Online – Necrom
In the latest installment of The Elder Scrolls, called Necrom, players are taken back to the province of Morrowind. This expansion allows them to delve into the captivating Telvanni Peninsula region.
As they journey through this picturesque land, they stumble upon a fresh Daedric conspiracy, unraveling profound mysteries that pose a threat not only to Morrowind but also to the surrounding realms.
9. The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
Taking place in the closing years of the Second Era, The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard is a spin-off game from the main series that emphasizes action.
Against the backdrop of a brutal civil war that erupted after the demise of Hammerfall’s previous ruler, players assume the role of Cyrus, a Redguard mercenary.
Cyrus undertakes a perilous journey back to the continent in order to locate his sister, Iszara, who has mysteriously disappeared.
As Cyrus embarks on his mission, he travels throughout the region of Hammerfell, engaging in fierce confrontations with pirates, guards, and Daedric entities.
Throughout his journey, he gradually unravels the intricate web of Hammerfell’s governing figures and their mysterious ties to his sister, gradually exposing dark and concealed truths.
10. The Elder Scrolls: Arena
The initial installment of the Elder Scrolls series, known as Elder Scrolls: Arena, is set in the Third Era, which takes place several centuries after the events of Redguard. The story revolves around Emperor Uriel Septim, who is overthrown by the deceitful battle mage Jagar Tharn.
As a result, Uriel Septim finds himself trapped in a different dimension, while Tharn assumes his identity and seizes the Imperial Throne.
In the sequence of The Elder Scrolls games, the story begins with Tharn assuming the position of emperor and imprisoning a young warrior. Unbeknownst to Tharn, this act sets the stage for the protagonist’s journey as the Eternal Champion.
Taking on the role of this unfortunate warrior, the player encounters the spirit of a mage named Ria Silmane, who was killed by Tharn due to her knowledge of his treachery.
Silmane assists the champion in escaping their confinement, enabling them to embark on a mission to locate the Staff of Chaos and thwart Tharn’s malevolent schemes.
11. The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey
Taking place within the same timeline as The Elder Scrolls: Arena, The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey introduces players to an unnamed protagonist who embarks on a thrilling journey after their hometown falls victim to a bandit raid.
In the midst of infiltrating the bandits’ stronghold, our hero comes across a captive named Skelos Undriel, who is being relentlessly pursued by Jagar Tharn and his loyal followers.
In the course of helping Undriel, the player discovers that Tharn is on a quest to capture a terrifying creature called the Umbra’ Keth, which possesses dangerous dark magic.
If Tharn succeeds in finding the creature, he could harness its powers to cause unimaginable devastation to his foes.
To prevent Tharn from unleashing this evil, the hero embarks on a mission to locate specific artifacts that can defeat the Umbra’ Keth and thwart Tharn’s sinister intentions.
12. An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
During the events of Elder Scrolls: Arena, there is another game called An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire. This game revolves around a young apprentice battlemage who becomes trapped in the realm of Oblivion and must confront the forces of Mehrunes Dagon.
In this gaming adventure, players will embark on a journey through seven challenging levels. As the apprentice progresses, they will encounter increasingly formidable enemies and venture further into the fiery hellscape of Dagon.
The ultimate goal is to find a way back to Tamriel. Unlike most Elder Scrolls games, this particular installment offers a unique multiplayer feature, enabling two players to join forces and battle against Dagon’s forces together.
13. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
Daggerfall, the second installment in the Elder Scrolls series, transports players to the regions of Hammerfell and High Rock. This game presents a fresh setting and a new protagonist.
Set in a time of great political turmoil, players assume the role of an Imperial agent tasked with investigating the mysterious reappearance of the deceased king of Hammerfell.
Their mission is to uncover the truth behind his supposed death in battle, as commanded by Emperor Uriel Septim.
In the region of Hammerfell, there have been sightings of the king’s ghost roaming the streets. The spirit is seeking retribution for a crime that remains unknown.
In addition to investigating this supernatural occurrence, the protagonist is assigned the mission of locating a cryptic letter that was sent to the former queen, who is the protagonist’s spouse. Septim, the protagonist, insists that the letter holds immense significance.
As the protagonist delves deeper into their assignment, they come to realize that the situation is more significant than initially thought.
There is a hidden conspiracy surrounding an ancient artifact created by the Dwemer civilization, which poses a potential threat to all life in the Illiac Bay region.
14. Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The third installment of the Elder Scrolls series, known as The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind, marked a significant milestone as it introduced players to a fully immersive 3D world.
In this game, players assume the role of a previously imprisoned character who has been inexplicably pardoned by Emperor Uriel Septim.
Set free in the vast marshes of Morrowind, the protagonist becomes entangled with a covert organization called The Blades, made up of Imperial agents.
Embarking on a journey filled with ancient prophecies and legendary tales, the player is entrusted with the task of unraveling a series of enigmatic disappearances.
While gathering information about the disappeared citizens, the characters come to understand that their involvement in the conflict is not merely coincidental. They discover that they are actually the Nerevarine, a legendary warrior foretold by prophecy.
With the burden of destiny upon them, they are compelled to follow the path of the Nerevarine, constantly chased by the malevolent Dagoth Ur and his terrifying cult, the Sixth House.
15. Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind – Tribunal
Tribunal, one of the two expansion packs for Morrowind, follows the ongoing adventures of the Nerevarine. The expansion’s main storyline kicks off when the player becomes the target of a Dark Brotherhood assassin.
After successfully surviving the assassination attempt, the player travels to Mournhold, a city where they hope to gather information about the Dark Brotherhood and the individual responsible for carrying out the Black Sacrament ritual.
During their time in Morrowind, the player character helps King Helseth, the ruler of the region. However, their involvement with the king leads them into a confrontation with a divine group called the Tribunal.
The Tribunal is revered by the people of Morrowind and is believed to protect and bring prosperity to the land. As the player delves deeper into the lore of these gods, they uncover the unsettling truth that one of them has ulterior motives.
16. The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon
Bloodmoon is the last expansion pack for the game Morrowind. It offers players the opportunity to travel to the isle of Solstheim by chartering a ship.
However, their exploration of the island is met with an unexpected attack from werewolves, which sets them on a thrilling new adventure to uncover the origin of these wild creatures.
As they journey to the village of Skaal, they gradually learn more about the werewolves on the island and their association with a powerful Daedric lord called Hircine.
17. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is the fourth installment in the Elder Scrolls series and is set in the Imperial region of Cyrodil. The game revolves around the Oblivion Crisis, which is a Daedric invasion.
The story of Oblivion starts in the dungeons of the Imperial City, where the player character, who is imprisoned for an unspecified offense, wakes up to the surprise of Emperor Uriel Septim appearing at their cell door.
Accompanied by a group of guards, Septim is running away from assassins who have managed to enter the Imperial Palace. They are seeking refuge through a hidden escape route located behind a false wall in the player’s prison cell.
By assisting the emperor in his escape, Septim discloses that the player has a significant part to play in an upcoming and devastating battle. He entrusts them with an amulet and requests that they bring it to a priory in North Cyrodil. Unfortunately, Septim is later assassinated.
After successfully escaping from the Imperial Palace, the player is tasked with delivering an important amulet. However, this seemingly straightforward favor turns into a much larger mission to save the region of Cyrodil and even more beyond.
Mysterious gates, believed to be demonic, begin to appear throughout the realm, signaling the start of a full-scale invasion by Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of Destruction.
As the player investigates cults, navigates through fiery and nightmarish landscapes, and protects the heir to the Imperial throne, they soon become the last hope for Cyrodil.
It is up to them to lead the forces of the realm in a decisive battle to close these ominous gates and prevent the destruction of Cyrodil by the forces of Oblivion.
18. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Knights of the Nine
Knights of the Nine is one of the two expansions that were released for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. In this expansion, the player character embarks on a journey to the city of Anvil, where they uncover the tragic events of the local chapel’s destruction and the murder of its residents.
While speaking to a preacher outside the church, they learn that Umaril the Unfeathered, an Ayleid god, is responsible for the massacre. This immortal sorcerer seeks revenge against the Nine Divines.
In the Elder Scrolls games, players embark on a mission to conquer Umaril, discovering that only the Divine Crusader, a warrior chosen by the gods and possessing sacred artifacts, has the power to defeat him.
In order to become this renowned champion, players must demonstrate their abilities by locating and collecting armor and artifacts that once belonged to an ancient group of fighters called the Knights of the Nine.
19. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – The Shivering Isles
In the series of The Elder Scrolls games, the second and last expansion for Oblivion is known as The Shivering Isles. This expansion introduces a whole new realm and a long questline to the original game.
The story begins when a mysterious gateway suddenly materializes in Cyrodil, leading the player to be transported to the Shivering Isles. This realm is the dwelling place of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness.
After encountering Sheogorath in his grand palace, the protagonist swiftly becomes his loyal follower, working together to stop a disastrous event called the Greymarch. According to Sheogorath, once the Greymarch commences, a powerful ancient entity named Jyggalag will emerge and obliterate the Shivering Isles, annihilating everything in its path.
In order to prevent the Greymarch, the player embarks on a thrilling journey throughout the Shivering Isles, facing the peculiar locals, mind-bending occurrences, and grotesque creatures that dwell along the shores infused with madness.
20. The Elder Scrolls: Legends
The Elder Scrolls: Legends is a popular card game that takes place in the Elder Scrolls universe. The game follows a protagonist called the Forgotten Hero, who is on a mission to stop the brutal Lord Naarifin from taking over the Imperial City.
Throughout the game, the Forgotten Hero faces numerous challenges and enemies as they make their way through the land of Cyrodil. As the hero gets closer to confronting Naarifin, the villain starts a dark ritual to strengthen his army with powerful Daedric forces, making him nearly invincible.
21. The Elder Scrolls: Blades
The Elder Scrolls: Blades is a mobile game that takes place in The Elder Scrolls universe. In this game, players take on the role of a survivor from the emperor’s private army, known as the Blades.
Following the tragic events of the Great War, where the Thalmor hunted down and killed their fellow soldiers, our protagonist seeks refuge in the province of Cyrodil in hopes of evading capture and starting a peaceful life in exile.
After escaping to their place of origin, they come back only to discover that it has been completely devastated. Prior to the player’s return, an ancient underground tomb beneath the town was opened, resulting in the release of a necromancer named Celemaril Light-Bringer from the Ayleid race.
Having regained his freedom, Celemaril placed a curse on the land and obliterated the town, reducing it to ruins.
In an effort to defeat the sorcerer and reclaim their homeland, the player embarks on a mission to recruit the townspeople, rebuild structures, and explore various dungeons, all while getting closer to the ultimate confrontation with Celemaril and his army of undead creatures.
22. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
In the chronological order of The Elder Scrolls games, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim stands as the fifth major installment.
This game transports players to Skyrim, the homeland of the Nords. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous civil war, players assume the role of the Dragonborn, a legendary warrior foretold by prophecy.
Commencing the game within the confines of a remote fortress, the player finds themselves facing imminent execution. However, their fate takes a dramatic turn when the formidable dragon deity known as Alduin launches a sudden assault on the settlement.
Miraculously surviving the harrowing encounter, the player soon discovers that the ancient creatures known as dragons have reemerged in the land of Tamriel, thanks to Alduin’s ability to revive the once-extinct race.
Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope for Skyrim. Following their narrow escape from execution, the player discovers that they are the final descendant in a legendary lineage of warriors called the Dragonborn.
Endowed with dragon blood, they possess the unique power to absorb the souls of dragons and harness their abilities by employing magical shouts.
Partnering with the remaining members of the Blades and a formidable faction of sorcerers known as the Greybeards, they embark on a quest to locate Alduin, commencing a remarkable expedition to vanquish the dragon deity and realize their predetermined fate.
23. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard
In the series of The Elder Scrolls games, Skyrim offers players the opportunity to embark on various adventures. One of these adventures is the Dawnguard DLC, which is the first of three significant expansions.
In this DLC, players are introduced to a group of vampire hunters called the Dawnguard who urgently require their assistance. Their mission is to prevent a dangerous Vampire Lord named Harkon and his devoted followers from forever darkening the skies by blocking out the sun.
During the player’s journey with the Dawnguard faction, they encounter a character named Harkon. Harkon presents the player with a decision: they can either join him as a fellow Vampire Lord or stay loyal to the Dawnguard.
This choice leads to two different storylines. In both paths, the player embarks on various missions alongside Harkon’s daughter, Serana, to gain knowledge about the elder scrolls and uncover Harkon’s true intentions.
24. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire
Hearthfire is a small expansion within the Skyrim game that introduces the Dragonborn to three new plots of land situated in Falkreath, Dawnstar, and Morthal.
Players have the option to purchase any of these plots and build their own house, which can be used for various purposes such as storing items, starting a family, creating weapons, brewing potions, and more.
25. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn
In Skyrim, the Dragonborn DLC serves as the last expansion and introduces players to a brand new realm within the game.
By unlocking a port in Windhelm, players have the opportunity to charter a ship and journey to Solstheim, which brings them back to the familiar setting of Bloodmoon, the second expansion of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
Following an assault from followers of a enigmatic clergyman named Miraak, the protagonist embarks on a journey to Solstheim in search of a rumored second Dragonborn residing on the island.
During their exploration, they encounter Miraak, a remarkably formidable Dragonborn who possesses the extraordinary power to control dragons.
Contrary to the player’s perspective, Miraak views his powers as a way to exert control over others rather than assist them.
He has enslaved the inhabitants of Solstheim and manipulates them using the same techniques he employs to dominate dragons.
With this power, he plans to invade the rest of Tamriel. Upon discovering Miraak’s crimes, the player decides to locate and put an end to this formidable warrior.
As the two Dragonborns approach an inevitable confrontation, the player gradually uncovers more about Miraak’s extraordinary abilities, discovering how to exploit them to their advantage.
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