Elder Scrolls 6 Rival is an Open World Bonanza, Bethesda Delay Clears the Way

The Elder Scrolls VI is yet to receive an actual release date, though Bethesda exec Todd Howard has said it’s still a “long way off.”

In a recent interview with GQ Howard assured fans that the next Elder Scrolls game is still Bethesda’s core project, and even hinted that the game could be shadowdropped when it’s ready.

Don’t expect it to launch anytime soon though as it sounds like the game is nowhere near finished, potentially pushing its release back to 2027. This is especially interesting considering GTA VI’s new November 2026 launch will put it in the running for the 2027 Game Awards, so the two AAA games could be going head-to-head for Game Of The Year.

In the meantime Elder Scrolls fans need something to take their mind off the high-anticipated sequel, and we know just the title.

Crimson Desert is a game many will have heard of but for those who haven’t it’s an open-world adventure game that’s equal parts The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom and Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. There’s even some comparisons to be made with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

While I wasn’t blown away by what I played at Summer Game Fest and Gamescom I do think it’s worth a look, so check out the gameplay on YouTube and form your own opinion.

Pearl Abyss

You can ride dragons, clash with colossal beasts and experiment with elemental magic and how it affects the environment. For example you can create a glacier in a river with your ice powers and ride it downstream.

At the time of writing the game isn’t out yet but it does have a release date of March 2026, which means you will be able to play it before The Elder Scrolls VI.

While Bethesda’s product will probably be better Crimson Desert will likely offer you a solid fantasy experience in its own way.

When can we expect The Elder Scrolls VI?

So Todd Howard has made it clear that The Elder Scrolls VI isn’t coming out anytime soon, so where does that leave us?

Like I said earlier 2027 feels like the earliest possible date, and it would put it in competition with GTA VI at the Game Awards.

With that in mind Bethesda might actually be aiming for a 2028 launch instead, but since we don’t know how far into development the game actually is its launch could be planned as far back as 2030 for all we know.