GameTimeline

Release & story order

Elder Scrolls games in order

Elder Scrolls games in order and TES timeline—Tamriel story years, ESO placement, and US release dates FAQ. Every Elder Scrolls game by release date or in-story order—from Arena and Morrowind to Skyrim and ESO—with notes on what to skip and when to play each expansion. Release covers ship dates: When each game was released. ESO is earliest in the story but sits in the middle of this list — pick a classic or modern path below. Story follows fiction: When events happened inside Tamriel. Use Start Here and Essentials for a 2026 default path; FAQ covers remasters, spin-offs, and skip costs.

Updated September 2026

Pick your path:

Modern path Classic path Full release list Story order

Where to start

Pick Modern path for Skyrim-first (then Oblivion and Morrowind if you want backstory), or Classic path from Arena through Skyrim. ESO, DLC, and Travels spin-offs stay on the full list—use Hide optional / Hide expansions to trim.

  • Modern: Skyrim Special Edition is the preferred PC/console buy—see FAQ
  • Classic: you can skip Arena and Daggerfall unless you want every Septim beat
  • Play each game's major expansions after its main quest (Tribunal, Shivering Isles, Dragonborn…)
  • ESO is optional lore—earliest in Story order but mid-list in Release

Release order

When each game was released. ESO is earliest in the story but sits in the middle of this list — pick a classic or modern path below. You don't need every side game.

  • Modern path → Skyrim → ESO (optional) or Morrowind → Oblivion → Skyrim
  • Classic path → Arena → Daggerfall → Morrowind → Oblivion → Skyrim → ESO optional
  • Play each game's expansions after the main story (Tribunal, Shivering Isles, Dragonborn…)
  • Side games (Shadowkey, Battlespire, Redguard, Legends, Blades) — all optional
Story order tips

When events happened inside Tamriel. ESO is the earliest; Skyrim is the latest offline game — with the Red Year and the Great War between Oblivion and Skyrim.

  • Full story order: ESO → Redguard → Arena → Shadowkey → Battlespire → Daggerfall → Morrowind → Oblivion → Red Year → Great War → Skyrim
  • Red Year and Great War explain Skyrim's civil war — they are not separate games to buy
  • Side games with shaky dates (Stormhold, Isle of Madness)—optional
  • ESO may start you in the newest chapter; that's not story order—answered in the questions below

Timeline

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When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. The Elder Scrolls: Arena

    The Elder Scrolls: Arena

    PCRPGClassic

    The first Elder Scrolls — continent-spanning quest to rescue the Emperor. It remains a key Release marker for PC (1994) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Open-world fantasy RPG across all of Tamriel with day-night cycles and first-person dungeon crawling — ambitious for 1994 PC hardware.
    In-game setting
    Story late 3E (~3E 389–399): the Eternal Champion hunts Imperial battlemages to free Uriel Septim VII. Establishes the Empire and Daedric threats.
    Should you play it?
    Dated controls and procedural dungeons — most newcomers start at Morrowind or Skyrim. Useful for Emperor/Septim lore context.
    Release date
    US PC launch March 25, 1994. Later offered as a free PC download. Prefer current digital editions when the original release is awkward to run.
  2. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

    The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

    PCRPGClassic

    Massive procedurally generated Iliac Bay — political factions and Daedric princes. It remains a key Release marker for PC (1996) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    One of the largest game worlds of its era (15,000+ sq miles claimed), with deep faction reputation, spell creation, and multiple endings.
    In-game setting
    Story 3E 405–417: Agent of the Emperor uncovers the Mantella, Numidium, and the Warp in the West — events still referenced in later games and ESO.
    Should you play it?
    Classic only — skip unless you want every 3E beat. Morrowind onward is the usual entry point. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    US PC launch August 31, 1996. Free on PC today. Shipped around 1996 on PC; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  3. An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
    Optional

    An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire

    PCSpin-offOptional

    Dungeon crawl on an Imperial battlemage academy — optional side story. It remains a key Release marker for PC (1997) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Linear action-focused spin-off instead of open-world RPG — Mehrunes Dagon invades the Battlespire pocket realm.
    In-game setting
    Story 3E 398: during Jagar Tharn's Imperial Simulacrum (3E 389–399), an apprentice is sent to the Battlespire after Mehrunes Dagon seizes the academy. Daedric lore tie-in only.
    Should you play it?
    Optional — skip for a lean playthrough. Not required for Morrowind or later mainline games. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    US PC launch December 2, 1997 (batch shipments through early December; some sources cite Dec 5).
  4. The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
    Optional

    The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard

    PCAction-adventureOptional

    Stylized pirate adventure on Stros M'Kai — Cyrus vs an undead threat. It remains a key Release marker for PC (1998) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Third-person action instead of RPG — fixed hero Cyrus, sword combat, and a tighter linear story on Hammerfell's island.
    In-game setting
    Story 2E 864: between Tiber Septim's conquest beats. Introduces Cyrus and Hammerfell context referenced in ESO and lore books.
    Should you play it?
    Optional side story — play after ESO in lore order if you want every Hammerfell branch; skip otherwise. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    US PC launch October 31, 1998. Shipped around 1998 on PC; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  5. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

    The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

    PCXboxRPGClassic

    Vvardenfell and the Nerevarine prophecy — the series' breakthrough into mainstream RPG culture. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox (2002) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Hand-crafted open world, no level scaling, and dense lore via in-game books. Tribunal and Bloodmoon expansions extend the same year.
    In-game setting
    Story 3E 427: the Nerevarine confronts Dagoth Ur and the Tribunal on Vvardenfell. Defines Dunmer culture and the Heart of Lorkhan plot.
    Should you play it?
    Strong classic entry — or start at Skyrim for modern comfort, then backtrack here for deepest lore. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    Xbox US launch May 5, 2002; PC followed days later. Game of the Year Edition bundled both expansions.
  6. Morrowind — Tribunal

    Morrowind — Tribunal

    PCXboxExpansionExpansion

    Return to Mournhold — Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec's crisis. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox (2002) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Adds Mournhold city dungeons and a darker political twist on the Tribunal gods you met in the base game. Return to Mournhold — Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec's crisis.
    In-game setting
    Return to Mournhold — Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec's crisis. Story still 3E 427 — set after the main Nerevarine quest. Play after beating Dagoth Ur.
    Should you play it?
    Essential if you finish Morrowind's main plot — short but lore-heavy. Slot Morrowind — Tribunal per this tab; remasters beat original hardware for most newcomers.
    Release date
    US PC launch November 6, 2002. Shipped around 2002 on PC, Xbox; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  7. Morrowind — Bloodmoon

    Morrowind — Bloodmoon

    PCXboxExpansionExpansion

    Solstheim werewolves and Hircine's hunt — northern island expansion. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox (2003) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Introduces Solstheim (later shared with Skyrim's Dragonborn DLC) and lycanthropy as a major gameplay system. Solstheim werewolves and Hircine's hunt — northern island expansion.
    In-game setting
    Solstheim werewolves and Hircine's hunt — northern island expansion. Story 3E 427 — parallel to Tribunal events. Play after the main campaign; order vs Tribunal is flexible.
    Should you play it?
    Recommended after Morrowind base game. Either expansion order works. Slot Morrowind — Bloodmoon per this tab; remasters beat original hardware for most newcomers.
    Release date
    US PC launch June 4, 2003. Shipped around 2003 on PC, Xbox; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  8. The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey
    Optional

    The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey

    N-GageMobileOptional

    N-Gage action RPG — optional side story between Arena and Battlespire in lore time. It remains a key Release marker for N-Gage (2004) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Part of the short-lived Travels series on Nokia N-Gage — dungeon crawling with a Shadowkey artifact plot. N-Gage action RPG — optional side story between Arena and Battlespire in lore time.
    In-game setting
    N-Gage action RPG — optional side story between Arena and Battlespire in lore time. Story 3E 397: set during the Imperial Simulacrum era, between Arena (389+) and Battlespire (398).
    Should you play it?
    Optional — skip unless you want every Travels spin-off. Not required for Morrowind onward. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    US N-Gage launch November 9, 2004. Shipped around 2004 on N-Gage; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  9. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

    The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

    PCXbox 360PS3RPGClassic

    Cyrodiil and the Oblivion Crisis — Martin Septim and the gates to Mehrunes Dagon's realm. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (2006) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Radiant AI, fast travel, and fully voiced NPCs set a new open-world RPG template copied for years. Cyrodiil and the Oblivion Crisis — Martin Septim and the gates to Mehrunes Dagon's realm.
    In-game setting
    Story 3E 433: the Hero of Kvatch closes Oblivion gates and ends the Septim bloodline. Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles extend the same era.
    Should you play it?
    Often the best middle ground between Morrowind's depth and Skyrim's pacing. Slot The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion per this tab; remasters beat original hardware for most newcomers.
    Release date
    Xbox 360 US launch March 20, 2006; PC March 27. Game of the Year Edition included expansions.
  10. Oblivion — Knights of the Nine

    Oblivion — Knights of the Nine

    PCXbox 360PS3ExpansionExpansion

    Relic quest across Cyrodiil — crusader armor and the Umaril storyline. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (2006) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Longer DLC questline with new knightly order mechanics and pilgrimage shrines across the province. Relic quest across Cyrodiil — crusader armor and the Umaril storyline.
    In-game setting
    Story 3E 433 — can start mid-game after the main Oblivion Crisis begins. Play before or alongside Shivering Isles.
    Should you play it?
    Optional but popular — finish the main quest first if you want crisis context. Slot Oblivion — Knights of the Nine per this tab; remasters beat original hardware for most newcomers.
    Release date
    US launch November 21, 2006. Shipped around 2006 on PC, Xbox 360, PS3; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  11. Oblivion — Shivering Isles

    Oblivion — Shivering Isles

    PCXbox 360PS3ExpansionExpansion

    Sheogorath's realm — fan-favorite madgod storyline. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (2007) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Entire new dimension with Jyggalag/Greymarch plot — among the best-written DLC in the series. Sheogorath's realm — fan-favorite madgod storyline.
    In-game setting
    Sheogorath's realm — fan-favorite madgod storyline. Story 3E 433 — set after the Oblivion Crisis main quest. You become embroiled in Sheogorath's succession.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Oblivion's main campaign — widely considered essential. Slot Oblivion — Shivering Isles per this tab; remasters beat original hardware for most newcomers.
    Release date
    US launch March 27, 2007. Shipped around 2007 on PC, Xbox 360, PS3; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  12. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
    Special Edition

    The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

    PCPS3Xbox 360RPGClassic

    Dragonborn in Skyrim — dragons return during the Civil War. It remains a key Release marker for PC, PS3, Xbox 360 (2011) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Dual-wield combat, dragon shouts, and a modular perk tree made this the best-selling RPG of its generation. Dragonborn in Skyrim — dragons return during the Civil War.
    In-game setting
    Story 4E 201: the Last Dragonborn faces Alduin during the Stormcloak vs Imperial Civil War — fallout from the Great War (4E 171–175) and White-Gold Concordat. Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn expand the same year.
    Should you play it?
    The default modern entry point. Finish the main story before expansions—explained in the questions below. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    US launch November 11, 2011. Special Edition (2016) and Anniversary Edition (2021) re-released on modern consoles.
  13. Skyrim — Dawnguard

    Skyrim — Dawnguard

    PCXbox 360PS3ExpansionExpansion

    Vampire lords vs the Dawnguard — Soul Cairn and Serana. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (2012) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    First Skyrim DLC — adds vampire lord form, crossbows, and two faction paths with Serana as a companion. Vampire lords vs the Dawnguard — Soul Cairn and Serana.
    In-game setting
    Vampire lords vs the Dawnguard — Soul Cairn and Serana. Story 4E 201 — after the main Dragonborn quest is typical. Introduces Volkihar clan lore tied to later books.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Skyrim main campaign. Order among Skyrim DLC is flexible except Dragonborn last for many players. Treat Skyrim — Dawnguard as required story only when Start Here or FAQ marks the expansion as mandatory.
    Release date
    Xbox 360 US launch June 26, 2012; PC and PS3 followed. Shipped around 2012 on PC, Xbox 360, PS3; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  14. Skyrim — Hearthfire

    Skyrim — Hearthfire

    PCXbox 360PS3ExpansionExpansion

    Build homesteads in Skyrim — adoption and house crafting. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (2012) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Land ownership, house building, and family adoption — low on main plot, high on role-play. Build homesteads in Skyrim — adoption and house crafting.
    In-game setting
    Build homesteads in Skyrim — adoption and house crafting. Story 4E 201 — side content anytime after reaching the appropriate level. No major lore gates.
    Should you play it?
    Optional cozy content — skip if you only want main lore beats. Slot Skyrim — Hearthfire per this tab; remasters beat original hardware for most newcomers.
    Release date
    US launch September 4, 2012. Shipped around 2012 on PC, Xbox 360, PS3; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  15. Skyrim — Dragonborn

    Skyrim — Dragonborn

    PCXbox 360PS3ExpansionExpansion

    Return to Solstheim — Miraak and Apocrypha. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Xbox 360, PS3 (2012) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Solstheim island, Dragonborn cult lore, and Hermaeus Mora's realm — ties back to Morrowind geography. Return to Solstheim — Miraak and Apocrypha.
    In-game setting
    Story 4E 201 — Miraak's return connects to Dragon War history. Many players save this DLC for last. Return to Solstheim — Miraak and Apocrypha.
    Should you play it?
    Best after main Skyrim + optionally Dawnguard. Strongest lore payoff among Skyrim DLC. Treat Skyrim — Dragonborn as required story only when Start Here or FAQ marks the expansion as mandatory.
    Release date
    US launch December 4, 2012. Shipped around 2012 on PC, Xbox 360, PS3; prefer current digital editions when originals are awkward.
  16. The Elder Scrolls Online

    The Elder Scrolls Online

    PCPS4Xbox OneOnlinePrequel

    Always-online Tamriel — set in 2E 582, centuries before the single-player games. It remains a key Release marker for PC, PS4, Xbox One (2014) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Zone-based MMO across all provinces with regular chapter expansions (Morrowind, Summerset, Elsweyr, etc.). Always-online Tamriel — set in 2E 582, centuries before the single-player games.
    In-game setting
    Story 2E 582: the Vestige fights Daedric plots during the Interregnum — before the Septim Empire unifies Tamriel.
    Should you play it?
    Earliest lore, mid-list release — optional for offline-only players. See FAQ on ESO vs single-player order. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    PC NA launch April 4, 2014; consoles 2015. Requires internet; One Tamriel update removed level-gating zones.
  17. The Elder Scrolls: Legends
    Optional

    The Elder Scrolls: Legends

    PCMobileCard gameOptional

    Digital card game with story campaigns — optional lore, not main saga. It remains a key Release marker for PC, Mobile (2017) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Collectible card game with solo campaigns covering Great War battles, Dark Brotherhood fallout, and Clockwork City.
    In-game setting
    Card game story dates (not the 2017 release): Forgotten Hero during the Great War; Fall of the Dark Brotherhood a few years later; Return to Clockwork City around Skyrim's time. Isle of Madness—approx. date; See the questions below.
    Should you play it?
    Optional — skip for a lean playthrough. Useful for Great War context before Skyrim if you enjoy card games. Follow Start Here if you want the shortest 2026 checklist that still includes this chapter.
    Release date
    PC launch March 9, 2017; later mobile ports. Official support ended 2020 — campaigns still offline where installed.
  18. The Elder Scrolls: Blades
    Optional

    The Elder Scrolls: Blades

    MobilePCSwitchMobileOptional

    Free-to-play mobile dungeon builder — side spin-off, not main saga. It remains a key Release marker for Mobile, PC, Switch (2019) and how players discuss where to start.

    Overview
    Touch-first town rebuilding and arena combat — stripped-down Elder Scrolls for phones. Free-to-play mobile dungeon builder — side spin-off, not main saga.
    In-game setting
    Story 4E 180: mobile spin-off about a former Blade rebuilding a town — set after the Great War, decades before Skyrim (4E 201).
    Should you play it?
    Skip unless you want every licensed side game — the in-world timeline places it between the Great War and Skyrim.
    Release date
    Early access March 27, 2019 (iOS/Android); left early access May 12, 2020. PC and Switch ports followed.

FAQ

Where to start, what you can skip, and when to play each expansion.

Release order

Mainline US releases: The Elder Scrolls: Arena (March 25, 1994) → Daggerfall (August 31, 1996) → Morrowind (May 1, 2002) → Oblivion (March 20, 2006) → Skyrim (November 11, 2011) → The Elder Scrolls Online (April 4, 2014). Story order places ESO earliest in Tamriel history—see Story tab and ESO FAQ.

Story order is when events happened in Tamriel—from ESO centuries before Skyrim up to Skyrim itself. Release order is what you buy and play, usually Morrowind → Oblivion → Skyrim, or Skyrim first. Optional entries and uncertain dates can be skipped on Story order. ESO is earliest in the lore but many players tackle it later or skip it. Use Release order to decide purchases; use Story order to follow the full plot.

Skyrim if you want a modern open-world feel, or Morrowind if you want the classic deep-dive. Then play Oblivion for the emperor's story. Read “What happened between Oblivion and Skyrim?” below before the civil war dialogue lands. ESO is optional if you want the earliest part of the timeline.

In the story: first — it is set centuries before the single-player games. By release date: after Skyrim and its expansions (2014). Side games like Legends and Blades fill gaps; the numbered games move the main story forward. Play ESO whenever you want online Tamriel — optional if you only play offline.

Story & history

Elder Scrolls Online

Spin-offs & date debates

Editions & remasters

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.