The Elder Scrolls 6 Launch Window: Clues and Speculation

The highly anticipated Elder Scrolls VI has been a topic of speculation and excitement for fans. While Bethesda has been tight-lipped about the release date, there are intriguing hints that suggest the game might arrive sooner than expected.

Leaked Documents and Release Windows

During Microsoft’s trial against the US Federal Trade Commission, confidential documents surfaced, revealing that The Elder Scrolls VI was initially slated for a 2024 launch. However, this information predates the pandemic, which significantly impacted game development timelines. Starfield, another Bethesda project, faced delays due to the global situation.

Subsequent leaks pointed to a 2026 release window, as indicated by a document from Sony. This aligns with Todd Howard’s comments on the Lex Fridman podcast, where he mentioned 12 to 18 months of development followed by 6 to 12 months of polishing. If we connect the dots, 2026 seems plausible.

Bethesda’s Normal Launch Cycle

Todd Howard also hinted that The Elder Scrolls VI would follow Bethesda’s typical pattern: a base game release, followed by DLCs in subsequent years. Considering that Starfield’s cycle is expected to wrap up in 2025, 2026 could be the year for ES VI.

The Playable Internals

Reports suggest that The Elder Scrolls VI is already playable internally, adding weight to the 2026 speculation. Fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation, but the evidence points toward a not-so-distant release.

Is it too soon to start the countdown clock? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Tamriel awaits its next epic adventure.