Bethesda’s highly anticipated RPG, Elder Scrolls 6, is now expected to arrive no earlier than 2028, as industry insiders report significant development delays. This revelation continues to heighten the impatience of fans who have been waiting for a sequel to the iconic franchise since its official announcement in June 2018.
Insiders, including well-known gaming commentators like KiwiTalkz and Reece Reilly, have indicated that while development is progressing, a 2028 launch date is the earliest possible scenario, with 2029 being a more realistic expectation. One insider emphasized, “You are not seeing Elder Scrolls 6 till 2028 at the earliest, but there’s a high probability that it comes out in 2029,” aligning with the general consensus in the gaming community regarding Bethesda’s cautious approach to release timelines.
The game’s long journey began when it was first unveiled during Bethesda’s E3 2018 presentation, leading to a lengthy pre-development phase that only transitioned into active production in 2023, following the release of Starfield. Todd Howard, the studio head, has underscored the commitment to quality over speed, resonating with Rockstar’s strategy for Grand Theft Auto 6, which also encountered extensive delays before its anticipated launch.
Currently, Elder Scrolls 6 is in active production, employing the updated Engine 2 technology, with the development team focused on creating playable vertical slices to refine quests and level designs. Alongside this, Bethesda is reassessing its internal structure to bolster support for Elder Scrolls 6 while managing other projects.
The commitment to quality is exemplified by Bethesda’s decision to prioritize Elder Scrolls 6 over other franchises, notably confirming that Fallout 5 will not enter production until Elder Scrolls 6 has reached completion. This immense focus on the next installment underscores the studio’s dedication to delivering a game that meets high standards both in quality and innovation.
While details regarding Elder Scrolls 6’s setting and storyline remain closely guarded, speculation suggests potential locations such as Hammerfell, offering some intrigue for fans. In the meantime, players can continue to engage with Elder Scrolls Online, which remains active with new content and expansions.
This anticipated release signifies a substantial wait, estimated at a minimum of 17 years since the launch of Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim in 2011, positioning it as one of the longest gaps between mainline entries in a major game franchise. However, Bethesda’s thorough and careful development process may ultimately lead to an experience that lives up to the expectations of its dedicated fanbase.