The Definitive Elder Scrolls Play Order Guide: From Arena to Online
So, you’re ready to dive into the sprawling world of The Elder Scrolls. A fantastic choice! But with a history spanning decades and multiple titles across various platforms, the question inevitably arises: In what order should I play the Elder Scrolls games? The straightforward answer: it doesn’t really matter. Each game is designed to be relatively standalone. However, to maximize your experience – whether you crave chronological consistency, narrative impact, or simply the smoothest gameplay progression – here’s a more nuanced breakdown.
Ultimately, the “best” order is subjective and depends on your personal gaming preferences. But here’s a suggested framework:
- For the Lore Enthusiast (Chronological Order): This path immerses you in the unfolding history of Tamriel, albeit with some significant gameplay hurdles in the early titles. Start with The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), then The Elder Scrolls: Arena, The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and finally The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
- For the Modern Gamer (Gameplay First): This prioritizes a smoother, more accessible entry point. Begin with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, then explore The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and finally The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. The earlier titles (Arena and Daggerfall) can be experienced later as historical curiosities, if desired.
- For the Hybrid Approach (Best of Both Worlds): Start with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for its accessibility, then jump back to The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) for a massive world and deep lore. Afterwards, tackle The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to appreciate their unique settings and stories.
Dive Deeper: Understanding the Different Paths
Let’s break down why these approaches work:
- Chronological Order (ESO -> Arena -> Daggerfall -> Redguard -> Morrowind -> Oblivion -> Skyrim): This maximizes lore understanding. You experience the Second Era with ESO, then witness the events leading up to and including the Oblivion Crisis and the Dragon Crisis. However, be warned! Arena and Daggerfall are mechanically archaic and can be frustrating for modern gamers. Redguard is a different genre (action-adventure) than the core RPG experience.
- Gameplay First (Skyrim -> ESO -> Oblivion -> Morrowind): Skyrim’s accessibility makes it the perfect gateway. It’s user-friendly and visually appealing. Transitioning to ESO provides a massive online world with familiar lore. Then, Oblivion and Morrowind offer rich RPG experiences, albeit with older game mechanics. This path is ideal for players new to the series or those who prefer a more modern gaming experience.
- Hybrid Approach (Skyrim -> ESO -> Morrowind -> Oblivion): Starting with Skyrim ensures a welcoming entry point. ESO expands the world and lore significantly. Then, Morrowind and Oblivion offer unique, classic Elder Scrolls experiences. This balances accessibility with a deep dive into the series’ history and lore.
FAQs: Your Elder Scrolls Questions Answered
### 1. Do I Need to Play Elder Scrolls in Order?
Absolutely not. Each game has its own self-contained storyline. While understanding previous events enriches the experience, it’s not essential for enjoying any particular title. This also aligns with research on video games and learning from sources like the GamesLearningSociety.org.
### 2. Which Elder Scrolls Game is the Best Starting Point?
Skyrim is generally considered the best entry point due to its accessibility, modern graphics, and engaging gameplay. However, ESO is another excellent choice due to its expansive world and continuous updates.
### 3. Should I Play Skyrim or ESO First?
It depends on your preference. Skyrim offers a focused single-player experience, while ESO provides a massive multiplayer online world. If you prefer solo adventures, start with Skyrim. If you enjoy playing with others, ESO might be a better fit.
### 4. What About Arena and Daggerfall? Are They Worth Playing?
For hardcore fans and history buffs, Arena and Daggerfall offer a glimpse into the origins of the series. However, their archaic mechanics and steep learning curves can be off-putting to modern gamers. Consider them optional explorations after experiencing the more polished titles.
### 5. Is Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) a Good Single-Player Game?
Yes! While it’s an MMO, ESO offers a vast amount of solo content, including compelling storylines and quests. Many players enjoy it primarily as a single-player experience.
### 6. How Does ESO Fit into the Overall Elder Scrolls Timeline?
ESO is set roughly 1,000 years before Skyrim and about 800 years before Morrowind and Oblivion. It explores the Second Era of Tamrielic history.
### 7. Are All Elder Scrolls Games Connected?
Yes, loosely. They all take place on the continent of Tamriel and share a common history, mythology, and lore. However, the main storylines of each game are largely independent. The Games Learning Society can provide valuable insights on how video games integrate storytelling and world-building elements.
### 8. Is ESO Just “Skyrim Online?”
No. While ESO shares similarities with Skyrim and other Elder Scrolls games, it’s a distinct MMO experience. It features a different combat system, class-based character progression, and a focus on multiplayer content.
### 9. What Order Should I Play If I Only Care About Lore?
ESO -> Morrowind -> Oblivion -> Skyrim. This order follows the chronological timeline of the main events in the Elder Scrolls universe. Remember to factor in Arena, Daggerfall, and Redguard if you’re a completionist.
### 10. Is Morrowind as Hard as People Say?
Yes, Morrowind is significantly more challenging than Oblivion and Skyrim. Its combat system is less forgiving, and the world can be overwhelming for new players. Expect a steeper learning curve.
### 11. Why is Skyrim so Popular Compared to Other Elder Scrolls Games?
Skyrim is more accessible, has better graphics, and offers a more streamlined gameplay experience. Its open-world exploration and dragon-slaying fantasy appeal to a broader audience.
### 12. Does Playing Earlier Games Spoil Later Games?
Not really. The storylines are mostly self-contained. However, playing earlier games will reveal historical context and recurring characters that enhance your understanding and appreciation of the later games.
### 13. Is There an Elder Scrolls 6 Release Date?
At this time, there is no confirmed release date for The Elder Scrolls VI.
### 14. What if I Don’t Like the Combat in One Game?
Don’t give up on the series! Each game has its own unique combat system. If you dislike the combat in Morrowind, try Skyrim or ESO, which offer more modern and accessible combat mechanics.
### 15. Where Can I Learn More About Elder Scrolls Lore?
The Imperial Library website is an excellent resource for detailed Elder Scrolls lore. You can also find valuable insights and discussions on forums like Reddit and the official Bethesda forums.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the “right” order to play The Elder Scrolls is the order that maximizes your enjoyment. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Whether you choose to delve into the archaic world of Arena or jump straight into the dragon-infested lands of Skyrim, you’re sure to find adventure in the vast and captivating world of Tamriel.
Happy gaming!