Summary
- Bethesda games offer massive worlds with character progression from nobody to hero.
- Quality exploration is a hallmark in Bethesda games, enhanced by competent studio acquisitions.
- Starfield's reliance on procedurally-generated environments can be offset by handcrafted world exploration.
Bethesda games allow players to explore massive worlds and become stronger in the process. Escaped prisoners can become revered heroes with fearsome power who can obliterate anyone standing in their path. Characters can rise from a lowly nobody, to a powerful figure of prophecy.
The company has also acquired several competent studios that are great at designing compelling worlds of their own. All of this ensures that players who value quality exploration in their video games will be served well by almost every lauded Bethesda game.
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8 Starfield
Great Exploration Despite Reliance On Procedurally Generated Environments
Starfield
- Released
- September 6, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
The reliance on boring, procedurally-generated planets and an overabundance of loading screens are valid problems in Starfield. However, players who decide to explore the game's handcrafted worlds will enjoy Bethesda's strengths for themselves.
These sci-fi worlds are beautiful to explore and are positively loaded with content. Starfield's exploration may be weak compared to other first-party Bethesda games because of its focus on quantity over quality. But players willing to look past this will love investing hundreds of hours in this gorgeous world.
7 Fallout 3
The Capitol Wasteland Is Amazing To Explore
Fallout 3
- Released
- October 28, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
For its first attempt at adding to this beloved franchise, Bethesda did an amazing job of letting fans enjoy one of the best open-world post-apocalyptic games ever made. The Capitol Wasteland is a joy to explore and full of secrets for players to find.
From finding a man slowly turning into a tree to discovering a city with a nuke at the center, there's no shortage of magical exploration moments in Fallout 3. This amazing open world more than makes up for the game's issues when it comes to combat.
6 The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
Cyrodiil Looks Better Than Ever
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- Released
- April 22, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, RPG, Open-World, Adventure
The remaster of Oblivion has allowed both new and old fans to explore the best-looking version of Cyrodiil. The lush green environments will serve as a fresh change of pace for fans who were tired of seeing Skyrim's frosty landscapes over and over again.
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While the formula may have been perfected in the fifth Elder Scrolls game, that should take nothing away from the wonder of exploration in Oblivion. From massive cities to sinister dungeons, there's no shortage of unique environments in the game.
5 Fallout 4
The Game Split Fans, But The World Was Incredible
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Despite the issues fans had with its RPG elements, the open world of Fallout 4 is in a class of its own. Players must explore the Commonwealth in the search for their son, which takes them to some wild locations.
The threat of the Glowing Sea and the many abandoned locations in this world will cause fans to think twice before putting themselves in harm's way. Thankfully, the threat of these hostile locations is offset by friendlier areas like Diamond City and Goodneighbor, which provide the Sole Survivor with much-needed breathers after fighting off the mutated enemies of the Commonwealth.
4 Indiana Jones And The Great Circle
Indy's Greatest Video Game Adventure
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
- Released
- December 9, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
It's only a given that a game about Indiana Jones would feature some of the best locations in a video game. From the moment players participate in a faithful recreation of the iconic boulder chase in Raiders of the Lost Ark, they know they're in for something special.
From the Vatican City to Peru, there's no shortage of amazing locations to explore in The Great Circle. It helps that the game boasts some incredible quest design that compels players to explore these environments and accomplish any task that comes Indy's way.
3 The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
Old-School Exploration Encourages Players To Follow Directions
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- Released
- May 1, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Morrowind is an old-school open-world game, meaning that players will either love how realistic its exploration feels, or lament the lack of map markers to make things easier for themselves. Most players are fans of organic exploration, which is why they'll love Morrowind's approach to the open world.
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Instead of just following obvious waypoints, players must carefully listen to the directions given by people and make notes. They must then follow this advice to organically stumble upon locations, which feels so rewarding that it helps Morrowind stand out as one of the best video games ever made.
2 Prey
Talos I Is Full Of Secrets And Wonders
Prey
- Released
- May 5, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Arkane has made several games with amazing exploration, but nothing comes close to the haunting halls of the Talos I Space Station in Prey. From the moment Morgan breaks through the simulation trapping them, they'll find themselves almost entirely alone in a station full of Typhon horrors who want to kill them.
Thankfully, the game gives players enough tools to deal with weaker enemies and avoid stronger ones before they get stronger. It helps that every level in Talos I is amazing to explore and rewards players for inspecting every nook and cranny, making exploration extremely rewarding for players who want to make Morgan stronger than ever.
1 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Perfected Bethesda's Immersive Exploration Formula
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
Skyrim is one of the best video games players can get their hands on, serving as the quintessential example of what makes Bethesda games so special. Builds aren't restrictive, the game isn't overbearing, and exploration never ceases to be engaging.
The amazing soundtrack makes every step taken by the Dragonborn a magical affair. Sure, there may be a few too many cave dungeons for some players' liking, but this is made up for by a ridiculous number of handcrafted environments that will leave players with their jaw on the floor as they witness Bethesda's amazing world design for themselves.
- Date Founded
- June 28, 1986
- Headquarters
- Rockville, Maryland, United States
- CEO
- Todd Howard
- Parent Company
- Microsoft
- Subsidiaries
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Known For
- The Elder Scrolls, Dishonored, DOOM