It has been over a decade since we first stepped into the frozen tundras of Skyrim, and the question remains: When is The Elder Scrolls VI actually coming out? With Bethesda currently focusing on the expansion of Starfield and recent leaks suggesting a roadmap that stretches into 2026 and beyond, the "Great Wait" has become a rite of passage for RPG fans.
But you don't have to spend the next few years just staring at that 2018 teaser trailer. The landscape of open-world fantasy has shifted. From indie gems that replicate the "Morrowind feel" to AAA behemoths that challenge Bethesda’s throne, the "Elder Scrolls-like" genre is more alive than ever.
In this definitive guide, we’re breaking down the absolute best games to play right now to scratch that specific itch for exploration, lore, and first-person immersion.
The RPG Crisis: Why the Wait for TES VI Matters Today
The Elder Scrolls isn't just a game series; it’s a standard for player agency. Today, the gaming world is in a unique position. We are seeing a massive resurgence in "Immersive Sims" and "First-Person RPGs" that are filling the void left by Bethesda's long development cycles.
Whether it’s the recent launch of Avowed, the historical realism of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, or the upcoming "Skyrim-killer" Crimson Desert, the competition is fiercer than ever. For players, this means that while Bethesda takes its time, other studios are innovating on the formula we love.
Key Highlights: The "Wait-List" Quick Summary
- Best Overall Alternative:Avowed (Obsidian’s answer to first-person fantasy).
- Best for Realism:Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (The "Hardcore" Elder Scrolls).
- Best for Exploration:Elden Ring (A masterclass in "see that mountain? Go there").
- Best Indie "Morrowind" Vibes:Dread Delusion and Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon.
- The Hidden Gem:Enderal: Forgotten Stories (A total conversion mod that is arguably better than Skyrim).
Deep Analysis: The Best Games to Play Right Now
1. Avowed (The Heavy Hitter)
If there is one game that feels like a spiritual sibling to The Elder Scrolls, it’s Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed. Set in the world of Eora (Pillars of Eternity), this game brings back the dual-wielding magic and steel we’ve missed.
Why it works: Avowed focuses on a "condensed" open world. Instead of miles of empty space, every corner is packed with hand-crafted quests and reactivity. The combat is widely considered more "crunchy" and satisfying than Skyrim’s, with a heavy emphasis on elemental interactions.
2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (The Medieval Simulator)
If you loved the "living world" aspect of Oblivion, where NPCs had schedules and the world felt grounded, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a mandatory play.
Tactical Breakdown: Unlike the high-fantasy of Tamriel, KCD II is strictly historical. You play as Henry, a man who starts as a nobody and must learn everything from scratch—even how to read. It captures the "zero to hero" progression better than almost any game in history.
3. Dragon’s Dogma 2 (The Combat Masterclass)
Capcom’s latest epic is for the players who found Skyrim’s combat a bit... floaty. In Dragon's Dogma 2, the world is a dangerous, systemic playground.
Storyline Drivers: The Pawn system makes you feel like you're leading a party through a dangerous frontier. The sense of adventure—leaving a town at dawn and barely surviving the night to reach your destination—is the closest a modern game has come to the "First Journey to High Hrothgar" feeling.
4. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon (The Dark Horse)
This is "Indie Skyrim" at its finest. It’s a first-person, open-world RPG set in a dark, reimagined Arthurian legend. It feels like a mix between Morrowind’s weirdness and Skyrim’s accessibility.
Key Factors Deciding the Future of the Genre
What makes these games "Elder Scrolls-like"? It isn't just the swords and shields. It’s the Storyline Drivers and Player Agency.
- First-Person Immersion: Being "in" the world, seeing your hands, and interacting with objects physically.
- Unrestricted Exploration: The ability to walk in any direction and find a story that has nothing to do with the "Chosen One" narrative.
- Skill-Based Progression: "Use it to level it." This remains the gold standard for RPGs, and games like The Bloodline are bringing it back to the forefront.
Expert Prediction: What to Expect in the Coming Year
Based on current industry trends and the "2026 Roadmap" leaks, we expect a "Shadow Drop" of more information regarding The Elder Scrolls VI during the next major Xbox Showcase.
Multiple Scenarios:
- Scenario A (Optimistic): A full gameplay reveal in late 2025, positioning the game for a "11/11/26" release (exactly 15 years after Skyrim).
- Scenario B (Realistic): Continued focus on Starfield DLC and The Elder Scrolls Online, with TES VI moving into full production only after the "Creation Engine 2" is fully optimized.
Stats & Historical Comparisons
Feature | Skyrim (2011) | Avowed (2025) | KCD II (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
Map Size | ~37 sq km | Focused Zones | ~25 sq km |
Combat Style | Hybrid/Floaty | Tactical/Action | Realistic/Technical |
Magic System | Spell-based | Elemental/Grimoires | None (Alchemy) |
Main Draw | Infinite Freedom | Story/Reactivity | Realism/Immersion |
Fan Reactions & Trending Buzz
The "Elder Scrolls Community" is currently divided between "Bethesda Loyalists" and "Genre Refugees." On platforms like Reddit (r/TESVI), the viral discussion surrounds whether Crimson Desert has already "out-innovated" Bethesda.
Social media is currently buzzing with:
- #SaveTamriel: Fans asking for a remaster of Morrowind or Oblivion while they wait.
- The "Avowed" Comparison: Debates on whether a smaller, denser world is better than a massive, procedurally generated one.
The wait for The Elder Scrolls VI is long, but we are currently living in a Golden Age of RPGs. If you are looking for that magical feeling of stepping out into a new world for the first time, games like Avowed, Elden Ring, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II aren't just "fillers"—they are masterpieces in their own right.
Our Prediction: While Bethesda will always hold the crown for "World Density," the next two years will see indie developers and studios like Obsidian and Warhorse pushing the genre to heights we never thought possible.
What are you playing to pass the time? Is Bethesda taking too long, or are you happy to wait for perfection? Join the discussion in the comments below!
People Also Ask
Who will win the RPG battle of 2026?
While Bethesda has the brand power, Crimson Desert and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II are offering technical features (like seamless interiors and advanced physics) that TES VI must match to stay relevant.
Where can I watch the latest Elder Scrolls VI news?
The official Bethesda YouTube channel and the Xbox Games Showcase are the only verified sources for "Breaking" updates.
What time does the Next Elder Scrolls event start?
Major showcases usually begin at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET during the "Summer Game Fest" window in June.
Is Elder Scrolls VI available for pre-order?
No. Any site claiming to offer pre-orders currently is a scam. Bethesda has not opened official listings.
Is there a Skyrim 2?
The Elder Scrolls VI is the direct sequel to Skyrim (TES V), though it will likely take place in a different province like Hammerfell or High Rock.
Can I play Avowed on PS5?
As of now, Avowed is an Xbox and PC exclusive, though Microsoft has been porting some titles to PS5 lately.
Which game is most like Skyrim?
Enderal: Forgotten Stories is the most "Skyrim-like" because it is literally built in the Skyrim engine but features a completely new world and story.
Is The Elder Scrolls Online worth it in 2026?
Yes. With the recent "return to Skyrim" expansions, ESO is the best way to see modern versions of classic locations.
What is the release date for TES VI?
Officially "In Development." Unofficially, industry analysts point toward a 2026-2028 release window.
Does Starfield affect Elder Scrolls VI?
Yes. Both games use the Creation Engine 2. Improvements made to Starfield’s tech will directly benefit the development of the next Elder Scrolls.
What platforms will TES VI be on?
It is confirmed for Xbox Series X/S and PC. A PS5 (or PS6) release is highly unlikely given Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda.
Is Kingdom Come: Deliverance II too hard?
It is more difficult than Skyrim, but the sequel has added several "Quality of Life" features to make the medieval realism more accessible to casual players.
Will TES VI have multiplayer?
Bethesda has stated they want to keep the main series single-player, leaving the multiplayer experience to The Elder Scrolls Online.
Is there an Oblivion Remaster?
Rumors of "Project Kestrel" (an Oblivion Remaster) have circulated since the FTC leaks, with a potential 2025/2026 release.