We have summarized all available information on a potential The Elder Scrolls 6 release and its current development status.
Since the announcement of The Elder Scrolls 6 in 2018, fans have been eagerly waiting for real updates on Bethesda’s next major role-playing game. By now, there are at least some early indications of when the game might release, even though the wait is likely to last several more years. We break down everything currently known about the release window, platforms, engine, and other key details.
When Will The Elder Scrolls 6 Be Released?
There is still no official release date for The Elder Scrolls 6. According to Bethesda studio head Todd Howard, the game is now in daily development and is already playable internally, but the actual release is still a long way off. In an interview with GQ, Howard emphasized that TES 6 is “still a long way out.” A large internal playtest has reportedly already taken place, which points to a more advanced development stage, but not an imminent launch.
Some rumors point to a release in 2027. In a trailer for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Skyrim, an elf’s Speech skill increases from level 26 to 27 in classic Skyrim fashion. For many fans, this is seen as a potential hint toward the year 2027. This small detail has already sparked speculation on Reddit. Officially, however, nothing has been confirmed.
Industry insiders, however, tend to expect the game to launch no earlier than 2028, with 2029 considered even more likely. Fallout 5 is also expected to follow shortly after.
Could The Elder Scrolls 6 Launch as a Shadow Drop?
Todd Howard has repeatedly mentioned that he could imagine releasing a game without a major announcement, a so-called shadow drop. Following the example of the Oblivion Remaster, the game would simply appear one day without prior warning. Whether Bethesda would actually apply this approach to a title as massive as TES 6 remains questionable. Howard himself admitted that the early announcement back in 2018 was likely a mistake.
Which Platforms Will TES 6 Release On?
So far, the only officially confirmed platforms for The Elder Scrolls 6 are PC and Xbox. Whether the RPG will also come to PlayStation remains unclear. Leaked documents from the FTC proceedings listed only Xbox and PC as target platforms. However, a later PlayStation port cannot be ruled out, especially if Microsoft continues its multiplatform strategy seen with other titles.
If the game indeed launches in 2028 or 2029, it could already be developed primarily for the next console generation, often referred to as Xbox Next. In that case, a version for Xbox Series X/S would not be guaranteed and would depend on hardware considerations at the time.
Which Engine Does The Elder Scrolls 6 Use?
The Elder Scrolls 6 will be built on Creation Engine 2, the same engine used for Starfield. Todd Howard stated back in 2021 that TES 6 would be based on Starfield’s technological foundation, while introducing additional features and refinements. The engine has been specifically upgraded to meet the demands of modern RPGs and is designed to support larger worlds and more complex systems.
Is There Already a Trailer?
Since its announcement at E3 2018, only a short teaser for The Elder Scrolls 6 has been released. It shows a sweeping camera shot over a mountainous landscape but offers no insight into gameplay or story. No additional trailers or gameplay footage have been revealed so far, and according to Todd Howard, fans should not expect new material anytime soon.
What Do We Know About the Story and Setting?
There is no concrete information yet about the story or the world of TES 6. Many fans speculate that the RPG could be set in Hammerfell. This theory is partly based on shapes seen in a Starfield trailer that appear to resemble the region’s geography. Bethesda, however, has not commented on these assumptions.
Very little is known about gameplay as well. Former Bethesda developer Bruce Nesmith hinted in an interview that Skyrim’s magic system could serve as a foundation. The familiar skill progression system based on usage, also known from Skyrim, could make a return as well.
Conclusion: Waiting for Tamriel
The Elder Scrolls 6 remains one of the most anticipated role-playing games of the coming years. Although the game is now in active development and already playable internally, fans will need to remain patient. A release before 2027 currently seems unlikely, with 2028 or 2029 being more realistic targets. Bethesda is deliberately holding back official information, possibly to preserve the element of surprise for its eventual release.
