Between the big Xbox acquisition and the launch of games like Starfield, Deathloop, and Doom Eternal in recent years, it’s safe to say Bethesda is on something of a roll right now. One of the biggest names in the publishing scene, Bethesda has become home to quality-rich immersive sims, frenetic, shooters, and, of course, sprawling open-world RPGs.
To reach that point, Bethesda has published over 100 games across nearly four decades, working with the likes of id Software, Arkane Studios, and MachineGames. Bethesda’s long, storied history is marked by a wide range of major releases, so let’s run down every game currently featured in their mountainous library.
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How Many Bethesda Games Are There?
In total, there are 115 Bethesda Games, with the company’s first release (Gridiron!) hitting in 1986 and their latest (Starfield) launching in 2023. The list below runs through all of these games, though it doesn’t include any DLCs or remasters (standalone expansions are fair game).
All Bethesda Games in Order of Release
Gridiron! – 1986
Developed by Bethesda’s in-house team, Gridiron is a tactical Football simulator, with players managing a team of players and concocting strategies to successfully defeat their opponents.
Wayne Gretzky Hockey – 1988
Bethesda’s second game was another sport simulator, Wayne Gretzky Hockey. It was positively received, spawning a three-game franchise that Bethesda would revisit throughout its early years.
Sword of Sodan – 1988
Initially released by Discovery Software in 1988 on the Amiga, Sword of Sodan was later ported to Apple by Bethesda in 1993. The game was a side-scrolling fantasy action game, with players choosing either Brodan or his sister, Sharden to dispatch enemies on their quest to kill the evil necromancer, Loras.
Dragon’s Lair: Escape from Singe’s Castle – 1987
Working on the game’s IBM-PC release, Bethesda helped bring to fruition Dragon’s Lair: Escape from Singe’s Castle, a fantasy action game set across eight stages. The goal was to infiltrate the titular dragon’s lair, playing as Dirk the Daring as you search for a mythical pot of gold.
Vortex – 1989
Although not published by Bethesda, Vortex was Bethesda Game Studios’ third release. It tasked players with battling enemies inside a colourful vortex, smashing their opponents into walls to defeat them.
Hockey League Simulator – 1990
Bethesda once again returned to hockey in 1990 with Hockey League Simulator, an intricate management sim that let players create leagues, take over teams, and design their own scenarios. The success of Hockey League Simulator led to a sequel three years later.
Wayne Gretzky Hockey 2 – 1990
The second hockey game Bethesda released in 1990, Wayne Gretzky Hockey 2 offered several updates to the original game, alongside new modes and the addition of cooperative play.
Damocles – 1990
Developed by Novagen Software and published by Bethesda, Damocles was a sci-fi exploration game centered around preventing a comet from crashing into the fictional planet of Eros. The title was a sequel to Mercenary, an action-adventure game in the same vein.
The Terminator – 1991
Bethesda’s first licensed release, The Terminator is a sci-fi action-adventure game based on the first entry in James Cameron’s now-iconic film franchise. Taking on the role of Kyle Reese – a soldier from an apocalyptic future sent back in time to protect Sarah Connor from a monstrous robot attempting to assassinate her – players battle with the titular Terminator, as you attempt to bring it down while avoiding the police. It would cement Bethesda’s hold on the license, leading to four more Terminator games in the years to come.
Where’s Waldo? – 1991
Mimicking the concept of the famous picture book of the same name, Bethesda’s Where’s Waldo? game saw players track down the evasive character across 8 different stages. The game was developed by Bethesda and published by THQ.
Home Alone – 1991
Bethesda’s second licensed release was the NES port of Home Alone. Centered around the same plot as Chris Columbus’ and John Hughes’ seminal Christmas film, players took control of the movie’s mischievous protagonist, Kevin McCallister, setting up traps to take down the Wet Bandits, mirroring the events of the film’s chaotic third-act showdown.
Wolfenstein 3D – 1992
Although initially published by Apogee Software back in 1992, Wolfenstein 3D was later re-released by Bethesda when the team added developer id Software to its lineup of studios.. The title itself was a first-person shooter in which players infiltrate Castle Wolfenstein to find and kill Hitler, whose secret Nazi experiments have created undead mutants and other twisted enemies.
See how the series unfolded with our guide to all of the Wolfenstein games in order.
The Terminator 2029 – 1992
Bethesda’s second take on The Terminator license, The Terminator 2029 took players to the franchise’s apocalyptic future. This time around, they played as a member of John Connor’s resistance group, taking on Terminators and completing missions across a range of stages.
Hockey League Simulator 2 -1992
A follow-up to the previous Hockey League Simulator, Hockey League Simulator 2 once again allowed players to create leagues and customize their dream hockey experience, this time with a range of new features.
Wayne Gretzky Hockey 3 – 1992
Bethesda once again revisited its seminal ice hockey simulator franchise in 1992, this time with updated graphics and full compatibility with Hockey League Simulator 2, allowing users to play through their simulated leagues.
NCAA Basketball: Road to the Final Four – 1992
Switching over to the world of college basketball, NCAA Basketball: Road to the Final Four was Bethesda’s first iteration of the NCAA Basketball franchise. Players had to face off against some of the world’s best teams, attempting to cement themselves as the next up-and-coming basketball legend.
Doom – 1993
The first installment in the long-running shooter franchise, Doom was developed and published by the franchise’s creator, id Software. Bethesda re-released it for modern consoles after acquiring the developer in 2009. A first-person shooter set through the realms of hell, Doom has players shooting demons, killing towering bosses, and exploring the underworld as a silent but sadistic marine. It paved the way for a legacy franchise that’s still going strong to this day.
The Terminator: Rampage – 1993
Bethesda’s third turn with The Terminator license, The Terminator: Rampage returned to the modern setting, taking place in 1988. A first-person, dungeon-crawling shooter, players had to explore a tech facility filled with Terminators, attempting to disable the Skynet computer producing the titular robotic enemies.
NCAA Basketball: Road to the Final Four 2 – 1994
A follow-up to 1992’s NCAA: Basketball: Road to the Final Four, this sequel acted as a major update, bringing new visuals, enhancements, systems and modes to the college basketball sim.
Delta V – 1994
A cyberpunk flight-based shooter, Delta V tasked players with piloting a virtual vessel through cyberspace, taking down enemies and avoiding obstacles. The game utilizes a first-person perspective, immersing players in its gloomy, sci-fi world.
The Elder Scrolls: Arena – 1994
The game that kickstarted it all, Bethesda released the first entry in its beloved Elder Scrolls series back in 1994. Titled The Elder Scrolls: Arena, players explored the fantasy realm of Tamriel while discovering a way to defeat the evil Jagar Tharn. Offering a sprawling open-world to explore and heavy RPG elements, Arena was the beginning of a massive franchise for Bethesda, paving the way for a wealth of sequels and spin-offs.
See how the series unfolded with our guide to The Elder Scrolls games in order.
Doom 2 – 1994
id Software’s follow-up to the original Doom, Doom 2 takes the action away from the depths of hell and up to the surface, as Doomguy battles his way through hordes of the undead to save his planet. Much like with the first game, Bethesda didn’t originally publish Doom 2, with GT Interactive taking on publishing rights. After acquiring id Software in 2009, Betheda re-released Doom 2.
The Terminator: Future Shock – 1995
Much like the studio’s previous Terminator title, The Terminator: Future Shock took place in the franchise’s apocalyptic future, casting players as a member of John Connor’s army as they fight through an array of levels. Featuring fully 3D environments, it was hailed as an innovative take on the genre for the time.
PBA Bowling – 1995
Tackling yet another new sport, Bethesda’s PBA Bowling allowed players to customize their teams and create leagues. It aimed to be the ultimate bowling simulator, offering a heavily customizable experience that included everything from selecting ball weight to tweaking the conditions of the lanes you play on.
Final Doom – 1996
The third entry in the Doom franchise, Final Doom features two more scenarios, with Doomguy once again battling the forces of hell after they attack humanity. It was published by id Software back in 1996 and later re-published by Bethesda in 2012.
The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall – 1996
The sequel to The Elder Scrolls: Arena, The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall offered players another trip through Tamriel, this time taking them to the shores of Iliac Bay. Sent to investigate a matter of urgent importance in the bay and its surrounding realms, players once again got to invest in a hardcore RPG, creating a character, fighting enemies, and delving into a rich story of political intrigue.
Quake – 1996
id Software’s Quake is a dimension-hopping shooter where players take on monsters and other foes while collecting magical runes and saving the world. Quake’s single-player campaign was a major part of its success, but the series quickly became known for its multiplayer, with future entries shifting to an online-only format. The game was originally published by GT Interactive. However, Bethesda re-published the game in 2021.
SkyNET – 1996
Intended initially as an expansion to The Terminator: Future Shock before growing into a standalone sequel, SkyNET continued the story of the previous game, as the player is sent to investigate a facility teeming with Terminators. More importantly though, it added multiplayer to the mix, giving players the ability to go head-to-head in The Terminator franchise’s morbid sci-fi world.
Doom 64 – 1997
Originally released on the Nintendo 64, Doom 64 was the sequel to Final Doom, making it the fourth entry in the franchise. The marine goes to hell once more, this time to defeat a mysterious enemy known as the Mother Demon. The game was originally published by GT Interactive. However, Bethesda re-released the game in 2020 for modern consoles.
Fallout – 1997
The first entry in what would go on to become one of Bethesda’s biggest franchises, Fallout was developed by Interplay Entertainment and Black Isle Studios. It told the story of a player-created character called the Vault Dweller, who spent their entire life living in an underground fallout shelter known as Vault 13. After an event causes them to leave the vault in search of help, they enter the wasteland, beginning an adventure across Fallout’s post-apocalyptic world.
The original Fallout was a vastly different game compared to Bethesda’s take on the series, with turn-based combat, a top-down perspective, and heavy RPG elements. After acquiring the Fallout license, Bethesda re-released the game as part of its Fallout: Classics Collection.
XCar: Experimental Racing – 1997
Developed by MediaTech West, XCar: Experimental Racing was a racing sim with a variety of cars and tracks. It sported pretty state-of-the-art visuals for the time, as well as a ton of customization options that could make the game more simulative or arcadey.
An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire – 1997
The first of many Elder Scrolls spin-offs, An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire reimagined the beloved RPG series in a multiplayer setting. Telling the tale of a novice battle mage that must face an army of Daedra, Battlespire’s campaign could be played with a friend, as the pair of you face Mehrunes Dagon’s forces as a team.
Quake 2 – 1997
A sequel to id Software’s Quake, Quake 2 offered a longer, more focused story campaign and additional modes and maps for multiplayer. It was originally published by GT Interactive, with Bethesda remastering and re-releasing the game in 2023.
Burnout: Championship Drag Racing – 1998
Not to be confused with Criterion Games’ Burnout series (which emerged a few years later), Burnout: Championship Drag Racing was the next game by MediaTech West, the developers of XCar: Experimental Racing. It aimed to offer a more simulative take on drag racing, as players fine-tuned their cars and engaged in short, high-speed showdowns with an opponent.
The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard – 1998
A more action-oriented take on the series, The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard saw Bethesda turn its famed fantasy series into a third-person open-world adventure. Taking place in Hammerfell, players step into the shoes of Cyrus, a Redguard that returns to his homeland in search of his missing sister.
Symbiocom – 1998
Developed by Istvan Pely Productions and published by Bethesda, Symbiocom was an adventure game set aboard a futuristic space station. Waking up on a stranded ship known as the I.S.T Rident, the player needs to find a way to escape.
Zero Critical – 1998
The second game developed in collaboration between Istvan Pely Productions and Bethesda, Zero Critical is a 2D, story-focused sci-fi adventure game following a corporate agent that must investigate a cryptic murder. Using a point-and-click puzzle system, players interact with characters and their surroundings to uncover the truth behind the murder and the identity of the killer.
Fallout 2 – 1998
A direct sequel to the first Fallout, Fallout 2 was developed by Black Isle Games and offered a new adventure through the post-apocalyptic world of its predecessor. Set 80 years after the original, it sees a new protagonist set out to find a device known as a G.E.C.K, which will provide food for their village. Much like the first game, Fallout 2 was a turn-based, top-down RPG, allowing players to create a character and battle their way across the wasteland. It was re-released by Bethesda as part of their Fallout: Classics Collection after they acquired the rights to the Fallout license in 2007.
Magic and Mayhem – 1998
Published in North America by Bethesda a year after its initial release, Mythos Games’ Magic and Mayhem is a real-time strategy title where players control the battlefield as a powerful wizard. Able to summon allies and affect the battlefield, the game could be played single-player or multiplayer, with players able to pit their armies against one another.
F-16 Aggressor – 1998
Allowing players to hop into the cockpits of fighter jets and take part in intense dogfights, F-16 Aggressor was developed by General Simulations and published by Bethesda. Players could operate their fighters in first or third person, gunning down enemies and engaging in simulation-based battles.
NIRA Intense Import Drag Racing – 1999
Developed and published by Bethesda, NIRA Intense Import Drag Racing returned to the drag racing scene just a year after Burnout: Championship Drag Racing hit shelves. It once again offered players the chance to take part in intense, fast-paced races with a multitude of options to tweak cars for optimal performance.
Protector – 1999
Developed by Bethesda and published by Songbird Productions, Protector was a 2D side-scrolling shooter that put players in the cockpit of a highly advanced starship. They’re tasked with battling alien forces across a series of stages to defend mankind
Quake 3: Arena – 1999
Originally published by Activision (and republished in 2010 by Bethesda), id Software’s Quake 3 scrapped its single-player campaign and focused entirely on multiplayer, allowing players to battle against their friends in multiple game modes.
PBA Bowling 2 – 2000
A sequel to Bethesda’s 1995 bowling simulator, PBA Bowling 2 aReturning once again to the realm of professional bowling, Bethesda developed and published PBA Tour Bowling 2001. Players could go head to head with AI opponents or their friends, as well as create their own bowling legend and attempt to win tournaments.
Gromada – 2000
From developer Buka Entertainment, Gromada is a tank-based shooter centeredcentred around exploring the titular alien planet while battling local fauna and vegetation. It’s framed from an isometric perspective, allowing players to scope out enemies as they attempt to survive the overgrown, alien world.
Sea Dogs – 2000
A pirate-focused RPG Sea Dogs was published in North America by Bethesda. Dropping the player in the boots of a pirate named Nicholas Sharp, they’re given free rein to explore a world filled with treasure, quests, and high-stakes ship battles.
PBA Tour Bowling 2001 – 2000
Returning once again to the realm of professional bowling, Bethesda developed and published PBA Tour Bowling 2001. Another bowling simulator, players could go head to head with AI opponents or their friends, as well as create their own bowling legend and attempt to win tournaments.
IHRA Motorsports Drag Racing – 2000
Bethesda made yet another drag racing simulator in 2000, this time titled IHRA Motorsports Drag Racing. As usual, the game focused on quick races with highly customisable cars. IHRA Motorsports ended up starting a franchise for Bethesda; the publisher revisited the drag racing world on an annual basis for the next few years.
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel – 2001
A spin-off from the original Fallout series, Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel gave players control of a squadron of Brotherhood of Steel soldiers. Acting as more of a real-time strategy game than an RPG, players had to direct their forces and secure victory over various Fallout enemies. After acquiring the Fallout license in 2007, Bethesda re-released Fallout Tactics as part of its Fallout: Classics Collection.
Echelon – 2001
Another dogfighting simulator for the publisher’s portfolio, Bethesda teamed with MADia Entertainment to develop Echelon: a futuristic take on the world of fighter jets. Letting players control the next generation of military planes, the game offered several sci-fi scenarios that involved taking down enemy aircrafts.
Magic and Mayhem: The Art of Magic – 2001
A sequel to the previous Magic and Mayhem game, Bethesda once again got publishing rights for the game’s release in the US. Much like last time, Magic and Mayhem: The Art of Magic taked players with dominating the battlefield as a wizard, creating armies and fighting against a rival sorcerer.
IHRA Drag Racing – 2001
Bethesda’s fourth take on the world of drag racing, IHRA Drag Racing was a direct sequel to the previous year’s game. It offered an updated take on the company’s formula with new cars, tracks, and features.
The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind – 2002
The game that catapulted The Elder Scrolls franchise and Bethesda into the stratosphere, The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind embraced a fully 3D world, transporting players to the detailed and incredibly immersive home of the Dark Elves. Arriving in the titular land of Morrowind as a convict on a prison ship, the player is left to explore the world as they see fit, building their character, leveling up, completing quests, and joining guilds.
Morrowind set a new precedent for open-world RPGs that would define the direction of the Elder Scrolls franchise for years to come. It was supported heavily by Bethesda after release, with the company releasing new quests, items, and areas to explore across two expansions: Tribunal and Bloodmoon.
IHRA Drag Racing 2 – 2002
The third instalment in Bethesda’s annual drag racing franchise, IHRA Drag Racing 2 continued to enhance the fast-paced racing and engine optimisation elements of the previous games.
Pirates of the Caribbean – 2003
Planned as a sequel to Akella’s Sea Dogs, Disney purchased Sea Dogs 2 mid-development and repackaged it to tie in with the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, renaming it Pirates of the Caribbean. Bethesda once again took over publishing duties, helping tell the story of Nathaniel Hawk, a pirate captain who sails the seas while investigating the mystery of a mythical ghost ship called the Black Pearl.
The Elder Scrolls Travels: Stormhold – 2003
The first Elder Scrolls games published for mobile devices, The Elder Scrolls Travels: Stormhold traps players in Stormhold Prison and tasks them with breaking free. The game featured randomly generated dungeons filled with monsters to battle.
IHRA Drag Racing 2004 – 2003
The fourth entry in the IHRA franchise, IHRA Drag Racing 2004 once again attempted to emulate the drag racing scene, offering players more fast-paced drag races and car customisation.
The Elder Scrolls Travels: Dawnguard – 2004
The second entry in the mobile-based Elder Scrolls Travels series, The Elder Scrolls Travels: Dawnguard was another dungeon-crawling handheld spin-off, seeing players battle monsters while trying to protect the titular town of Dawnguard.
Doom 3 – 2004
Initially published by Activision, id Software’s third mainline Doom game (and fifth overall) was released in 2004. Switching out the high-octane shooter elements of the original games for a more survival-horror-focused premise, Doom 3 followed a space marine sent to the UAC Mars Base. There, a demonic outbreak occurs, and the player must battle various monsters to survive. After acquiring id Software, Bethesda republished the game in 2012 under the title Doom 3: BFG Edition.
IHRA Professional Drag Racing 2005 – 2004
Another slight title tweak for Bethesda’s annual drag racing showcase, IHRA Professional Drag Racing 2005 was largely more of the same. Customize cars, race them against opponents and cement your status as a legendary drag racer.
The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey – 2005
Returning to the world of mobile Elder Scrolls spin-offs once again, The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey was the biggest and most fleshed-out handheld take on the series yet. Tying into Elder Scrolls: Arena, the player was tasked with defeating an ancient monster known as the Umbra’Keth, all the while avoiding Jagar Tharn’s forces.
Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships – 2005
A definite change of pace from Bethesda’s usual fare of open-world RPGs and drag racing simulators, Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships aimed to immerse players in a simulative recreation of horse racing. It saw players compete in races, run stables, and bet on horses.
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth – 2005
Teaming with Headfirst Productions, Bethesda released Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth in 2005. A Lovecraftian first-person horror adventure, it allowed players to explore the mysterious town of Innsmouth and battle with the various monsters lurking throughout the sinister locale.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion – 2006
Returning to the franchise four years after its landmark success with Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion took the fantasy series to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 generation of consoles. Set in the sunny region of Cyrodil, players were pulled into an adventure to save all of Tamriel from the clutches of the God of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon.
Oblivion offered a full open world with some of the most immersive details in an RPG to date, including next-gen graphics, NPCs with daily schedules and full voice acting. It went on to become one of the Elder Scrolls’ most revered entries, even if its litany of hilarious bugs and wacky NPC interactions have become a staple of meme culture in the years since.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion (Mobile Port) – 2006
Released as a tie-in with The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, the Oblivion mobile port was a significantly paired-down take on the same story framed from an isometric view. Players picked a class and navigated through several dungeons, battling daedric enemies and finding loot. A PSP Oblivion port was also in the works, however, it was cancelled midway through production.
IHRA Drag Racing: Sportsman Edition – 2006
The fifth and final IHRA Drag Racing title, IHRA Drag Racing: Sportsman Edition followed in the footsteps of its predecessors, continuing to enhance the drag racing simulation gameplay that Bethesda had crafted over the years.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow – 2006
Developed by 7 Studios (that’s the name of a single studio and not, well, seven individual studios…) and published by Bethesda, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow was both a sequel and prequel to the Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. A third-person, melee-based action game, it was framed from the perspective of Jack Sparrow as he tells Will Turner various tall tales from his previous adventures.
Star Trek: Encounters – 2006
The first of several Star Trek games published by Bethesda, Star Trek: Encounters was developed by 4J Studios, best known for later developing Minecraft’s various console editions. A space-based shooter for the PlayStation 2, Star Trek: Encounters saw players relive specific scenarios from iconic Star Trek TV shows, including The Original Series, The Next Generation and Voyager.
Star Trek: Tactical Assault – 2006
A handheld Star Trek title developed for PSP and Nintendo DS by Quicksilver Software, Star Trek: Tactical Assault was a strategic ship-focused game where players piloted iconic Star Trek vessels and defeated enemies. It launched in tandem with Star Trek: Encounters.
Star Trek: Legacy – 2006
The third Star Trek title released by Bethesda, Star Trek: Legacy was a real-time strategy game where players controlled a squadron of ships. Its campaign spanned three eras of Star Trek history, with players battling various enemies synonymous with the series.
Star Trek: Conquest – 2007
A year after publishing three back-to-back-to-back Star Trek titles, Bethesda teamed with 4J studios to release one last Star Trek tie-in. Titled Star Trek: Conquest, it was a strategic civilization game, with players picking a species and attempting to conquer the galaxy.
Ducati Moto – 2008
Developed by 4J studios for the Nintendo DS, Ducati Moto was a motorcycle racing game where players competed against each other or AI. It offered a variety of courses, taking players to canyons, mountains, and various other off-road playgrounds.
Fallout 3 – 2008
After acquiring the rights from series creator Interplay Entertainment, Bethesda developed its own take on the apocalyptic Fallout franchise, consequently making the IP a household name. Fallout 3 completely reimagined Fallout as a Bethesda RPG, switching the perspective from isometricisometic to first-person and the gameplay from turn-based to real-time. The story puts players into the shoes of a survivor living in a radioactive fallout shelter known as Vault 101.
After a series of catastrophic events in the vault, the player escapes to the world beyond, emerging into a barren wasteland sitting atop the ruins of Washington D.C. Tasked with investigating this post-apocalyptic setting, players take on quests, face off against giant mutated monsters, and meet the factions warring to control the wasteland. Fallout 3 was a huge success, quickly making Fallout Bethesda’s next major franchise and paving the way for several sequels in the years to come.
Speed Zone – 2009
Also known as Wheelspin in Europe, Speed Zone was a sci-fi racing game developed by Awesome Play. Bethesda acted as publisher for its release in Europe, while Detn8 published it in the U.S.
Wet – 2009
Developed by Artificial Mind and Movement, Wet was a third-person action game centered on Rubi Malone, a mercenary who becomes embroiled in a gang war after a job gone wrong. The game focuses on a mix of melee and ranged combat as players take down enemies using Ruby’s stylish acrobatics abilities.
Rogue Warrior – 2009
Infamous for having the most comically foul-mouthed protagonist in video game history, Rogue Warrior is a third-person shooter starring movie star Mickey Rourke in the lead role. The game, developed by Rebellion (Sniper Elite) centers on Rourke’s titular lead character infiltrating a North Korean base in search of intel, brutally taking out enemy soldiers with instant-kill animations while screaming as many curse words as humanly possible.
Quake Live – 2010
An updated version of Quake 3: Arena, Quake Live was originally envisioned as a free-to-play version of Quake multiplayer. It’s no longer free, although still available.
Fallout: New Vegas – 2010
Handing Obsidian Entertainment the keys to the Fallout franchise while it worked on its upcoming Elder Scrolls sequel, Bethesda published a Fallout 3 spin-off titled Fallout: New Vegas. Set in the apocalyptic remains of the Las Vegas Strip, the game follows a courier that journeys across the Mojave Wasteland to seek revenge on the man who tried to kill them.
Many fans consider New Vegas the best Fallout game, offering an updated take on Fallout 3 with a new world to explore, fresh enemies to fight, and a stronger focus on quests with moral choices at their center.
Brink – 2011
A multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Splash Damage, Brink focused on parkour-based gunplay where two rival teams battled across large maps traversed using freerunning abilities. Picking a class, players would join either the Resistance or Security team, going to battle to secure victory for their faction.
Hunted: The Demon’s Forge – 2011
A co-op-focused action RPG, InXile Entertainment’s Hunted: The Demon’s Forge allowed players to hop into the roles of E’lara and Caddoc, two warriors searching for an ancient artifact in a fantasy world. Through third-person action, players had to wade through hordes of monstrous enemies, using their unique abilities to survive. Although intended to be played with a teammate, its campaign was playable with an AI partner.
Rage – 2011
Working with id Software to launch an all-new franchise, Bethesda published Rage, an apocalyptic first-person shooter set in a desolate wasteland. The game centered on a soldier named Nicholas Raine, who emerges from a bunker after being put into stasis before the world was destroyed.
Navigating the wasteland, Raine’s journey forces him into direct confrontations with the eccentric inhabitants of this devastated world, taking down bandit clans and facing off against a mysterious organization known as The Authority. The game became known for one of its weapons in particular: a deadly boomerang called the “Wingstick” that would decapitate foes.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – 2011
Fans were treated to the latest entry in The Elder Scrolls series back in 2011. Titled The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, it saw players venture to the titular home of the Nords, embarking on a journey to stop the dragon god, Alduin. Offering players a giant new world to explore, endless quests to complete, and a more refined take on RPG systems, it quickly became the de facto Elder Scrolls experience.
In the years since, Skyrim has become one of gaming’s biggest releases, selling tens of millions of copies and being ported to nearly every console humanly possible. The game received three DLCs — Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn — adding new questlines, features,and areas to explore.
Dishonored – 2012
Arkane Studios’ first game after being acquired by Bethesda parent company ZeniMax Media, Dishonored was a first-person stealth-action game set in a steampunk world. Playing as Royal Protector Corvo Attano, who seeks revenge after he’s framed for the murder of his queen, the game has players stalk and kill targets using a range of supernatural abilities obtained from a mysterious god known as The Outsider. Dishonored received two DLC campaigns and spawned a sequel a few years later.
The Elder Scrolls Online – 2014
Bethesda’s MMO take on its iconic fantasy franchise, The Elder Scrolls Online was developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and offers players the opportunity to visit a fully online version of Tamriel. Creating a character, they can explore many of the regions depicted in previous Elder Scrolls games, including Hammerfell, Cyrodi,l and Skyrim, as well as all-new locations never before seen in any of the games.
It came to consoles a year later and has received a vast number of expansions, adding new maps, questlines, weapons, factions and abilities. The Elder Scrolls Online is still active to this day, with thousands of daily players.
Wolfenstein: The New Order – 2014
With id Software working on its next Doom game, Woftenstein was handed to MachineGames, whose first release was a reboot titled Wolfenstein: The New Order. Moving the franchise forward into a future where the Nazis won WW2 and proceeded to dominate the world, players returned to the role of B.J. Blazkowicz, engaging in fast-paced, hyper-violent first-person gunplay as they killed Nazis and pursued the evil General Deathshead. It was Bethesda’s first game of the PlayStation 4-Xbox One generation, and it’s since spawned a sequel and two spin-offs.
The Evil Within – 2014
ZeniMax brought video game horror legend Shinji Mikami and his studio, Tango Gameworks, into the fold back in 2010. The team released their first game, The Evil Within, in 2014, casting players as Sebastian Castellanos, a detective who investigates a mental institution and finds himself cast into a nightmarish realm. Much like Mikami’s revered classic Resident Evil 4, The Evil Within was a third-person, survival-horror shooter in which players grappled with resource management while fending off undead foes. The Evil Within got a sequel a few years later.
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood – 2015
A standalone expansion released between Wolfenstein: The New Order and Wolfenstein: The New Colossus, The Old Blood was a prequel and reimagining of Return to Castle Wolfenstein. The story catches up with B.J. Blazkowicz as he tracks down intel on General Deathshead’s location. Although most of MachineGames’ rebooted Wolfenstein franchise strays away from the series’ supernatural elements, The Old Blood is an exception: It depicts undead monsters and other ethereal plot elements.
Fallout Shelter – 2015
A mobile tie-in to run alongside the release of Fallout 4, Fallout Shelter revolved around players creating their own vault, allowing them to recruit survivors, build additional rooms, scrounge the wasteland for resources, and battle signature enemies. It was later ported to consoles and PC.
Fallout 4 – 2015
The long-awaited follow-up to Fallout 3 and New Vegas, Fallout 4 once again transported players to the apocalyptic wasteland, this time in the ruins of Boston. As a soldier from the Great War who was cryogenically frozen for 200 years, the player navigates the wasteland in search of their son, who was kidnapped by a mysterious man while they were frozen.
As with all of Bethesda’s RPGs, Fallout 4 offers a sprawling open world to explore filled with plenty of new and returning factions, a lengthy main quest, plenty of side quests, and a host of fresh mutated monsters to take down. It spawned several DLCs, including the Nuka-World and Far Harbor expansions.
Doom – 2016
The first new Doom in over a decade, 2016’s Doom saw id Software go back to basics andreignite player’s obsession with killing demons. Strapping into the suit of the Doomslayer, players investigate a UAC base on Mars that’s been overrun by demons.
Sporting a “less story, more exploding demon heads” approach, Doom 2016 was heralded as one of the best shooters of the modern era, offering fast-paced, visceral, and ridiculously violent gunfights with hordes of iconic Doom monsters. Attracting a surge of new and returning players, it was a hit for Bethesda, who greenlit a sequel that would arrive a few years later.
Dishonored 2 – 2016
Set fifteen years after the original, Dishonored 2 took players to the sunny island of Karnaca after a witch named Delilah invaded Dunwall. The game offered players the choice of playing as Corvo and using the same set of powers from the first game or switching to Emily, who has her own set of void-based abilities.
The Elder Scrolls: Legends – 2017
A free-to-play collectable card game set in the world of The Elder Scrolls, The Elder Scrolls: Legends was developed by Dire Wolf Digital. Players build a deck of cards featuring various allies and enemies from the Elder Scrolls and use it to fight through a single-player campaign or against other players online.
Prey – 2017
Taking its talent for immersive sims to a sci-fi setting, Arkane Studios released Prey in 2017. As a scientist named Morgan Yu who finds themselves trapped on a derelict space station infested with alien lifeforms, players investigate the mysteries of the ship while equipping themselves with powerful abilities and battling the extraterrestrial invaders.
Quake Champions – 2017
Another multiplayer-focused Quake game, Quake Champions was released in early access in 2017, offering more online action for fans of the franchise. It went free-to-play in 2018 and left early access in 2022.
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider – 2017
A standalone expansion that wrapped up the Dishonored story, Death of the Outsider follows assassin Billie Lurk as she attempts to pull off one final mission: killing The Outsider. Offering a new playable character with a unique set of abilities, the game marked the end of the franchise (for now, at least), with Lurk’s story tying up the loose ends left by Dishonored 2.
The Evil Within 2 – 2017
A follow-up to Tango Gamework’s first Evil Within, The Evil Within 2 picks up detective Sebastian Castellanos’ story as he attempts to save his daughter from a nightmarish simulation known as The Union. Much like the first game, players take on various monsters while completing their objectives, although this time the game offers much larger levels to explore.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim VR – 2017
A VR port of Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim VR allowed players to interact with the seminal RPG from a more immersive perspective.
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus – 2017
MachineGames’ follow-up to The New Order, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus sees B.J. Blazkowicz return for a new adventure, this time battling the villainous Frau Engel. The campaign was once again filled with fast-paced gunfights and explosive set pieces, as Blazkowicz headed to America to battle back the Nazi threat.
Fallout 4 VR
Much like the Skyrim VR port published a month prior, Fallout 4 VR allowed players to hop into Fallout 4’s Commonwealth in virtual reality.
Fallout 76 – 2018
An infamous moment for the company, Fallout 76 was Bethesda’s attempt at creating an online version of Fallout, promising a huge map where players could come together to build settlements, kill mutants, and work together to conquer the wasteland. However, the game was released in a severely buggy state, leading to backlash from fans. In the years since, Bethesda has continued to support Fallout 76, adding new DLC and other content.
The Elder Scrolls: Blades – 2019
Another mobile Elder Scrolls spin-off, The Elder Scrolls: Blades has the player take on the role of one of the last surviving members of the Blades. Adventuring around the realm of Cyrodil, the game features procedurally generated dungeons the player can explore, with each dungeon containing enemies to battle and rare loot to pillage. Blades also features a settlement-building element, with the player able to recruit NPCs and reconstruct their destroyed hometown.
This game is free on Nintendo Switch if you’re looking to try it out.
Rage 2 – 2019
Rage 2 vastly changes the tone and focus of the original, switching out the seriousness for a zany, colorful open-world shooter. Taking on the role of Walker, players set out on a revenge mission after their base is attacked by General Cross and The Authority. From here, the player explores the wasteland, using their ranger abilities, driving skills, and arsenal of weaponry to eviscerate enemies.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood – 2019
Wolfenstein: Young Blood is a spin-off that reimagines the series as a co-op shooter, with players hopping into the shoes of B.J. Blazkowicz’s twin daughters, Jessie and Zofia. Heading to France after B.J. goes missing, players explore Paris with a friend or AI partner to eliminate Nazis and uncover the mystery behind B.J.’s disappearance.
Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot – 2019
A VR-based Wolfenstein experience, Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot takes place shortly before the events of Youngblood, following a hacker aiding the French resistance in its battle against the Nazis. During the game, you control a series of iconic Wolfenstein machines, including a Panzerhund and a Zitadelle.
Doom Eternal – 2020
Doom Eternal sees the Doomslayer head to Earth after demonic forces invade the planet. With a new arsenal of weapons, additional abilities, and a ton of new demons to fight, Doom Eternal takes the gameplay of Doom 2016 to the next level, as players rip and tear their way through hordes of foes.
Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods, Part One – 2020
Launching at the tail-end of 2020, Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods, Part One was the first episode in a two-part expansion that continued Doom Eternal’s story, as the Doomslayer teams with Seraphim on a new mission. The standalone expansion added new enemies and levels, ratcheting up the difficulty to provide players that had conquered Doom Eternal with a new challenge.
Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods, Part Two – 2021
The second episode of Doom Eternal’s expansion campaign, Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods, Part Two sees the Doomslayer go up against the ultimate threat: the Dark Lord himself. The campaign offered players their most challenging set of levels yet and wrapped up Doom Eternal’s story.
Doom 3 VR – 2021
A direct VR port of the third mainline entry in the Doom franchise, Doom 3 VR offered a new perspective on the survival horror game.
Deathloop – 2021
Deathloop takes place on an island trapped in a time loop, with its residents repeating the same day over and over again. We play as Colt Vahn, one of the few inhabitants of the island aware of the loop. Hoping to escape, he surmises that he’ll need to assassinate seven prominent figures on the island before the day ends.
However, it won’t be easy. Another island resident, Julianna, is also aware she’s in the loop, and seeks Colt out, attempting to prevent him from achieving his mission. Dubbed a murder puzzle, Deathloop offers more of Arkane’s signature immersive sim sandbox-style gameplay, with players able to take out targets a number of different ways using a range of powers and weapons.
Ghostwire: Tokyo – 2022
Ghostwire: Tokyo, a new IP from Tango Gameworks, aimed to combine the studio’sstuiod’s signature horror focus with fast-paced action gameplay. Set in a world where Tokyo has been overrun by the spirits of the dead, Ghostwire: Tokyo casts players as Akito Izuki and his ghostly sidekick, KK. The pair decide to drive back the ghostly forces infesting the city to save Izuki’s sister and battle the villainous Hannya before he can lay waste to Tokyo for good.
Hi-Fi Rush – 2023
Tango Gameworks’ first full step away from the horror genre, Hi-Fi Rush is a rhythm-based action game where players navigate a colorful, cartoon world filled with beat-based boss battles and platforming sections. The story follows a boy named Chai who has his heart replaced with a music player, forcing him to fight and jump in beat with the songs he hears in his head.
Mighty Doom – 2023
A cartoon rendition of Doom, Alpha Dog Games’ Mighty Doom was released on mobile devices in 2023. Framed from a top down perspective, the game is a run-and-gun roguelite shooter, with the player dodging projectiles and gunning down foes.
Redfall – 2023
Moving away from immersive sims to tinker with a co-op shooter, Arkane Studios released Redfall, a squad-based, open-world vampire hunting game where players team with friends to eliminate undead threats. Redfall was panned by critics and fans at release, with players pointing out its abundance of bugs and lack of polish. Arkane has continued to update the game in the months since.
Starfield – 2023
The latest game from Bethesda Game Studios, Starfield is the studio’s first new IP in over 25 yearsPlaying as a miner that accidentally uncovers a secret artifact of immense power, the player begins an intergalactic journey, traveling to distant planets, meeting various spacefaring factions, and flying through the cosmos.
Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest game yet, Starfield offers players a nigh-on limitless galaxy of possibilities: Players can visit solar systems, land on 1,000 planets, and become embroiled in an endless amount of questlines.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles – 2023
A mobile spin-off in the vein of Fallout Shelter, The Elder Scrolls: Castles launched in early access in 2023. Players are put in control of a castle and tasked with electing a leader, building a fortress, and maintaining the peace by making rulings that affect citizens. The game uses a time mechanic that ages your castle and its citizens over time, allowing you to see your kingdom prosper across generations.
Upcoming Bethesda Games
As of right now, there are three confirmed Bethesda games expected to launch in the coming years. Those are MachineGames’ Indiana Jones adaptation, The Elder Scrolls 6, and Fallout 5, which Todd Howard announced was slated to release after TES 6.
- Machine Games’ Indiana Jones – Date TBD
- The Elder Scrolls 6 – Date TBD
- Fallout 5 – Date TBD
Callum Williams is a freelance media writer with years of experience as a game critic, news reporter, guides writer and features writer.
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