Bethesda’s open-world RPG franchise The Elder Scrolls recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.
To mark the occasion, the company shared a social media post highlighting the series’ history and innovations. While the announcement of The Elder Scrolls VI in 2018 was met with excitement, the last playable game in the series, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, was released in 2011. Despite its age, Skyrim remains a beloved title among RPG enthusiasts.
So, what is next for the beloved franchise, what can we expect in the future and what was in the media post?
Release Date Still Unknown
The Elder Scrolls VI’s release date remains shrouded in mystery. While Microsoft hinted at a 2026 or later launch for PC and Xbox Series X/S during their acquisition of Activision Blizzard, industry insiders predict a wider range between 2026 and 2028.
Officially announced in 2018 with a cryptic teaser, The Elder Scrolls VI’s development has been slow. In 2023, Bethesda confirmed the game was still in “early development” as their focus shifted to Starfield’s launch. Now that Starfield is out, anticipation is building for a transition towards Elder Scrolls VI alongside the Starfield Shattered Space DLC.
The teaser trailer itself offered few clues, showcasing a mountain range that could hint at potential locations like Hammerfell or High Rock. More recently, news about the game has been limited to confirmations of its early development stage by Pete Hines and the exciting inclusion of YouTuber “Skyrim Grandma” Shirley Curry as a non-playable character. A tribute NPC is also planned to honor a fan’s dream of appearing in the Elder Scrolls universe.
Elder Scrolls VI: Latest News & Gossip
Bethesda’s 30th-anniversary post offered a glimpse into the future of the series. The studio confirmed that developers are already playing early builds of The Elder Scrolls VI and enjoying the experience. The post also thanked fans for their continued support and acknowledged the team’s excitement for returning to Tamriel, the continent where most Elder Scrolls games take place.
This subtly confirms the game’s setting, aligning with fan theories and speculation that The Elder Scrolls VI will be set in Hammerfell, a region within Tamriel, based on the teaser trailer’s mountainous landscape. However, it’s also possible the post assumed players were familiar with Tamriel, the main continent in the series, without acknowledging the broader world of Nirn, the planet where Tamriel resides.
Nevertheless, former Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith echoed this sentiment, suggesting news might finally ramp up within six months of the game’s release.
Whether we will have to wait for 2026 or 2028, undoubtedly, Elder Scrolls VI is poised to beat the size and popularity of its predecessors.