Bethesda Game Studios has officially mapped out its future. Recently, the studio confirmed its long-term roadmap. Fans now know exactly what follows ‘The Elder Scrolls 6’. Todd Howard confirmed that Fallout 5 is next in line for Bethesda. However, the timeline requires serious patience.
Currently, the studio is primarily building The Elder Scrolls 6. Bethesda first announced this massive project back in 2018. Why is the wait so long? The studio spent years developing ‘Starfield’. Released in 2023, the sci-fi RPG earned mostly positive reviews. Yet, it struggled to maintain the lasting appeal of legendary franchises like ‘Skyrim’ or ‘Fallout 4’. Bethesda plans to release more Starfield content. Even so, the core development team has now shifted its focus entirely to the next Elder Scrolls installment.
The Long Bethesda Road to The Elder Scrolls 6 & Fallout 5
When can you actually play The Elder Scrolls 6? Based on Bethesda’s traditional release cycle, the earliest expected launch window is 2028. Furthermore, nobody should rule out additional delays. Massive open-world projects frequently miss initial targets. The game faces incredibly high expectations. Therefore, fans should temper their excitement until actual gameplay surfaces.
After wrapping up The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda will dive directly into Fallout 5. Consequently, fans face a monumental gap between flagship titles. Fallout 5 will almost certainly not launch until the 2030s. This timeline creates a nearly 20-year gap between Fallout 4 and its mainline successor. Naturally, expectations for the sequel will skyrocket.
Bridging the Gap With Remasters & Obsidian’s Return
Fortunately, Bethesda realizes it cannot leave fans empty-handed for a decade. Other studios and interim projects must do the heavy lifting to keep the franchise relevant. Classic games are officially returning. Bethesda confirmed upcoming remasters for both ‘Fallout 3’ and ‘Fallout: New Vegas’.
Additionally, Obsidian Entertainment now operates under the Bethesda umbrella. They partnered with Bethesda on New Vegas in the past, and they are actively developing a brand-new Fallout game right now. This standalone spin-off will play a crucial role in maintaining franchise momentum. Finally, live-service players can expect continuous ‘Fallout 76’ expansions and content drops. These projects must sustain the hype while Bethesda spends the next decade building its next generation of massive RPGs.
