Over a decade after Skyrim redefined open-world RPGs, The Elder Scrolls VI is finally making meaningful strides. Officially confirmed to be in full development, Bethesda’s long-awaited sequel is now the studio’s core focus following Starfield‘s release. Though details remain sparse, there are more signs of life than ever before—including a recent reference during the Oblivion Remastered livestream, which confirmed that the game is “still very much on the way,” according to Todd Howard.
From platform exclusivity and engine upgrades to lore speculation and release projections, here’s everything we know so far about The Elder Scrolls VI as of 2025.
Development Status: From Concept to Creation
Bethesda confirmed in early 2024 that TES6 had officially entered full development. At the studio’s 30th anniversary celebration for The Elder Scrolls franchise, developers revealed that internal playtesting had begun on early builds—marking a significant transition from pre-production.
Todd Howard described the game as a “once-in-a-generation RPG,” emphasizing the ambition to set a new benchmark for fantasy worldbuilding, exploration, and player freedom.
TES6 was even mentioned briefly during the April 2025 Oblivion Remastered showcase. Before diving into nostalgia, Howard assured fans, “Obviously, we’re working on the sixth chapter here,” reinforcing the studio’s active commitment.
Release Date: When Is Elder Scrolls 6 Coming?
The most pressing question—when—still lacks a definitive answer, but clues point to a release window no earlier than late 2026, with 2027–2028 considered more realistic.
This projection is based on:
- Testimony from the FTC vs. Microsoft court case, which cited a potential 2026 target internally.
- Bethesda’s traditional long development cycles (e.g., Starfield took over seven years).
- The continued evolution of Creation Engine 2 and narrative/world-building ambitions.
| Timeline Snapshot | Year |
|---|---|
| Teaser Trailer Release | 2018 |
| Full Development Begins | 2024 |
| Earliest Possible Launch | 2026 |
| Most Likely Launch Window | 2027–2028 |
Fans may get a more concrete release window in late 2025 or 2026, potentially during a major Xbox or Bethesda event.
Platforms: Xbox & PC Take Priority
Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media has shifted Bethesda’s platform strategy. As it stands, The Elder Scrolls VI is expected to launch exclusively on:
- Xbox Series X|S
- Windows PC
There are no current plans for a PlayStation 5 release, though Bethesda has left the door slightly ajar with carefully worded statements. An Xbox One release is extremely unlikely due to hardware limitations and Bethesda’s clear focus on current-gen performance.
Xbox Game Pass availability is a near certainty, continuing Microsoft’s push to make major first-party titles accessible on day one.
Where Will It Take Place? Hammerfell, High Rock & Iliac Bay Clues
Bethesda hasn’t confirmed a setting, but fans have dissected the 2018 teaser endlessly. The jagged mountain ridges and coastlines suggest either Hammerfell, High Rock, or a combination of both—specifically the Iliac Bay region.
Additional speculation includes:
- Redguard architecture and North African influences in the trailer visuals.
- Developer hints and tweets referencing Hammerfell.
- A nostalgic return to regions featured in Daggerfall, creating rich lore continuity.
Recent fan buzz even picked up on subtle Elder Scrolls VI hints embedded in textures and assets within the Oblivion Remastered showcase, further stoking excitement about the setting.
Built With Creation Engine 2
TES6 will use Creation Engine 2, which debuted with Starfield. This advanced iteration supports:
- Vast open worlds with more seamless transitions
- Overhauled physics and AI systems
- Dynamic weather and global lighting
- More realistic NPC behavior and animations
While Starfield laid the technical foundation, TES6 is expected to push it further in terms of environmental interactivity and visual detail—potentially delivering the most immersive Elder Scrolls world to date.
What Will the Story Be?
Details on the plot are tightly guarded, but based on series tradition, players will likely take on the role of a customizable hero caught in a large-scale conflict. Possible themes and fan theories include:
- Political unrest between kingdoms in the Iliac Bay
- The collapse or reawakening of the mystical Towers that hold reality together
- A return to the mythic and metaphysical story arcs that Oblivion and Morrowind explored
Bethesda has shown no interest in reining in the series’ open-ended nature. Expect branching factions, mod support, emergent questlines, and deep character progression systems.
Development Team & Community Interaction
Todd Howard remains at the helm, guiding many of the same leads who shaped Skyrim and Fallout 4. The game is being shaped by Bethesda Game Studios’ core team in Maryland with support from additional studios within the ZeniMax umbrella.
Community involvement has also begun. In early 2025, Bethesda launched a Make-A-Wish collaboration where fans could bid for the chance to design an NPC in TES6. This mirrors a similar move they made during Starfield’s development and underscores Bethesda’s effort to stay engaged with its longtime fan base.
With whispers turning to real updates and internal builds now being tested, The Elder Scrolls VI is no longer just a dream on the horizon. It’s in active production, steadily working toward a release that could define a new era of fantasy RPGs. While we may still be years away from traversing its world, everything now points to a game that’s not only alive—but roaring back into the spotlight.
Key Takeaways
- The Elder Scrolls VI is projected for release in 2026 or later, with no exact date confirmed by Bethesda. Most expect a release in 2027 – 2028
- Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, the game will likely be available on Xbox consoles and PC.
- The long gap between Skyrim and Elder Scrolls VI represents the longest wait between main series titles in the franchise’s history.
Anticipated Release Date and Development Timeline
The Elder Scrolls 6 has been confirmed to be in development, with most industry sources pointing to a release window of 2026 or later. The game follows a long tradition of epic role-playing titles from Bethesda that typically have significant gaps between releases.
Historical Context and Preceding Titles
The Elder Scrolls series has established a pattern of lengthy development cycles between major releases. Oblivion launched in 2006, with Skyrim following five years later in 2011. The gap between Skyrim and The Elder Scrolls 6 will be substantially longer.
Skyrim became one of the most successful RPGs of all time, selling over 30 million copies across multiple platforms and receiving numerous re-releases. This success raised expectations for the next title significantly.
Bethesda’s development priorities have focused on other major projects first. Fallout 4 was released in 2015, followed by Fallout 76 in 2018, and most recently Starfield in 2023. This schedule pushed The Elder Scrolls 6 further down the production pipeline.
Updates from Bethesda and Key Personnel
Bethesda officially announced The Elder Scrolls 6 at E3 2018 with a brief teaser trailer showing only a landscape. Since then, concrete information has been limited by design.
Todd Howard, Bethesda’s Executive Producer, has confirmed that full production on The Elder Scrolls 6 began after Starfield’s completion. In various interviews, he has indicated the game is still in early development phases.
Pete Hines, Bethesda’s Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, has repeatedly asked fans for patience. He has emphasized that quality takes precedence over rushing the release.
Key Statements from Bethesda Officials:
- The game is being built on an updated version of Bethesda’s Creation Engine
- Development focus was on Starfield before moving to Elder Scrolls 6
- The team wants to create another “decade game” with longevity similar to Skyrim
Impact of Microsoft Acquisition
Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda’s parent company ZeniMax Media in 2021 for $7.5 billion has implications for The Elder Scrolls 6’s release strategy. This corporate change followed Microsoft’s larger gaming industry moves, including the later acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is expected to release exclusively on Xbox consoles and PC, unlike Skyrim which was available across multiple platforms. This represents a significant shift in the series’ availability.
Microsoft’s resources could potentially provide Bethesda with additional development support. However, there’s no evidence this has accelerated the timeline substantially.
Industry analysts suggest the 2026-2030 window remains most likely, with Microsoft seemingly comfortable allowing Bethesda to maintain its traditional development pace rather than rushing the title to market.
Gameplay, Setting, and Platform Availability
The Elder Scrolls 6 will bring significant advancements in both gameplay mechanics and visual fidelity compared to previous titles. While Bethesda has been tight-lipped about specific details, information gathered from various sources gives us some insights into what players might expect.
Exploration of Hammerfell as a Setting
Many gaming analysts believe Hammerfell will be the primary setting for The Elder Scrolls 6. This region is home to the Redguards and features diverse landscapes including vast deserts, coastal areas, and mountainous regions. The setting would provide a stark contrast to Skyrim’s nordic environment.
Hammerfell’s rich lore includes conflicts with the Aldmeri Dominion, which could serve as a central storyline element. Players might navigate the political tensions between the Redguards and other factions in the region.
Bethesda’s improved Creation Engine 2, first used in Starfield, will likely render Hammerfell’s environments with unprecedented detail. This technical advancement should allow for more immersive exploration and dynamic world interaction than previous Elder Scrolls games.
Compatibility with Next-Generation Consoles and PC
The Elder Scrolls 6 is confirmed to release on Xbox Series X|S and PC platforms. Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda in 2021 means the game will likely remain exclusive to Microsoft ecosystems, excluding PlayStation platforms.
Bethesda has designed the game to take full advantage of next-generation hardware capabilities. This includes faster loading times, improved draw distances, and more complex AI systems for NPCs.
PC players can expect extensive mod support, continuing Bethesda’s tradition of embracing community-created content. The game will likely require relatively powerful hardware specifications, as it’s being built for a 2026 or later release window.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers will probably have day-one access to the title as part of Microsoft’s strategy to grow their subscription service with major releases.
Comparison to Previous Elder Scrolls Installments
The Elder Scrolls 6 will build upon the foundations established by Skyrim while incorporating lessons learned from Starfield’s development. Players can expect a deeper character creation system and more consequential player choices.
Combat mechanics will likely see significant improvements over Skyrim’s relatively simple systems. Bethesda may implement more sophisticated magic combinations, stealth mechanics, and melee combat options.
Quest design should offer more branching pathways than previous installments. Skyrim received criticism for its sometimes linear guild questlines, an area Bethesda has promised to address.
The settlement building features introduced in Fallout 4 might appear in an enhanced form, allowing players to establish and manage their own holdings within Hammerfell’s political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Elder Scrolls VI remains shrouded in mystery, with fans eagerly seeking information about its setting, platform availability, and development progress. Bethesda has shared limited details since its announcement.
What is the anticipated setting for The Elder Scrolls VI?
Bethesda has not officially confirmed the setting for The Elder Scrolls VI. Fan speculation points to Hammerfell or High Rock based on terrain glimpses from the teaser trailer.
These provinces would offer diverse landscapes from deserts to mountains, providing a rich backdrop for exploration. Previous games have featured unique settings, and fans expect the same level of world-building detail.
Will The Elder Scrolls VI be available on next-generation gaming consoles?
Based on current information, The Elder Scrolls VI will likely release on Xbox Series X/S and PC platforms. Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, the game may be exclusive to Microsoft platforms.
The expected 2026 release timeframe positions it well within the current console generation’s lifecycle. This timing suggests the game is being designed to take full advantage of next-gen hardware capabilities.
What information has been revealed in the latest Elder Scrolls VI trailer?
No new trailers have been released since the initial teaser at E3 2018. That brief announcement trailer showed only a sweeping landscape shot and the Elder Scrolls VI title.
Bethesda has maintained silence regarding gameplay, story elements, or character details. The company has focused on completing Starfield before shifting resources to Elder Scrolls VI.
Are there any credible leaks regarding The Elder Scrolls VI?
No substantial credible leaks about The Elder Scrolls VI have emerged. Various rumors circulate online, but none have been verified by reliable sources.
Bethesda maintains tight security around its major projects. Most “leaks” have proven to be speculation or fabrications rather than authentic insider information.
What are experts saying about The Elder Scrolls VI’s potential release timeframe?
Industry analysts and gaming journalists generally agree on a 2026 release window. Some point specifically to June 26, 2026 (6/26/26) as a potential target date, following Bethesda’s pattern with Skyrim’s 11/11/11 release.
The extended development cycle reflects both the game’s anticipated scale and Bethesda’s focus on Starfield. Experts caution fans to prepare for a potential wait until 2027 if development encounters challenges.
Has there been official confirmation regarding The Elder Scrolls VI’s development progress?
Bethesda confirmed in August 2023 that The Elder Scrolls VI entered early development. This announcement came after the studio completed its work on Starfield.
Todd Howard, Bethesda’s director, has mentioned that the technology being built for Starfield will benefit The Elder Scrolls VI. The game remains in pre-production with full production likely ramping up as Starfield DLC work concludes.
