In a much-anticipated update, Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed that work on The Elder Scrolls 6 is ongoing, much to the relief of fans who have been waiting since the game's announcement in 2018. During the reveal of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on April 22, 2025, studio head Todd Howard briefly touched on the progress of the next installment in the iconic RPG series, stating, "Obviously, we're working on the sixth chapter here, but what's great about The Elder Scrolls is being able to look back at all of the chapters—Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind, Daggerfall, Arena. Each of them tried to define role-playing games and open-world games for their generation."
The announcement of The Elder Scrolls 6 came as part of a larger event celebrating the remaster of Oblivion, which fans can now enjoy on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. The remaster was released on the same day, allowing players to dive back into the beloved world of Cyrodiil with enhanced graphics and gameplay features.
Since its teaser trailer was unveiled at E3 2018, details about The Elder Scrolls 6 have been scarce. Speculation surrounding the game's setting has been rampant, with many fans hoping for a return to familiar territories such as Hammerfell and High Rock, which have not been featured prominently since The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall in 1996. Some leaks have suggested that the game may include features like ship management and naval combat, similar to those seen in Bethesda's recent title, Starfield.
Howard's comments during the Oblivion Remastered reveal provided a glimmer of hope for fans eager for news about the next chapter in the franchise. He acknowledged the legacy of previous games, emphasizing the ambition that has characterized the series. However, he offered no specific details regarding the game's release window, which has led to further speculation.
As it stands, predictions suggest that The Elder Scrolls 6 could potentially target next-generation consoles, with some estimates placing its release as late as 2028. This timeline could mean that the game will not be available on current hardware, including the PlayStation 5, as indicated in a Microsoft document from 2023 that stated the game wouldn't be coming to that console until at least 2026.
Despite the lengthy wait, Howard reassured fans that they are still committed to delivering a groundbreaking RPG experience with The Elder Scrolls 6. He remarked on the importance of each installment in the series, noting that they have all aimed to set new standards in the gaming industry. As excitement continues to build, fans are reminded that Bethesda is also busy with other projects, including a new expansion for Starfield and a second season of the Fallout TV series.
In the meantime, the release of Oblivion Remastered serves as a perfect way to bridge the gap for fans awaiting new content from Bethesda. The remaster not only allows players to revisit a classic but also showcases the studio's ongoing commitment to enhancing its beloved titles.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates more news, Howard's brief mention of The Elder Scrolls 6 during the Oblivion reveal has reignited hope for fans. With the legacy of the series hanging in the balance, the pressure is on Bethesda to deliver a game that lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors.
In conclusion, while the wait for The Elder Scrolls 6 may be long, the excitement surrounding its development continues to grow. As Bethesda balances its current projects with the demands of its fanbase, players can find solace in the newly released Oblivion Remastered and look forward to what the future holds for the Elder Scrolls franchise.
