97% of Gamers Love This Bethesda Video Game

One of the most popular gaming brands is Bethesda. The company, known for its immersive, open-world games, has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many people. (Here are the 15 most popular video games according to millennials, ranked.) If you’ve ever heard of the post-apocalyptic Fallout series, or The Elder Scrolls, then you’ve already been introduced to Bethesda games.

But we were curious — when it comes to Bethesda, are some games better than others? Here, 24/7 Wall St. took a deep dive into the gaming industry to identify which Bethesda games you should play, and which games people tend to stay away from. To do this, we consulted user reviews on Steam, a video game digital distribution service. We only looked at reviews for full game releases, but did not include DLC, expansions, re-releases, alternate versions, free games, mobile games, and other similar products. So if you’re ready to play, read on. You might just find your next favorite game.

Why We’re Talking Video Games

An XBox game controller.

If you’re looking to invest in a game company or get started in developing games yourself, then you can learn a lot by looking at the trend of modern games. Indie games are often successful, and customers love showering these game developers with support. Once you can identify purchasing and playing trends, and what customers want, you will see why some of Bethesda’s games receive great acclaim while others crashed and burned.

These are the best and worst of Bethesda video games, ranked: 

40. Redfall

A photo of Arkane studios.

• Rating: Mostly Negative (37% of 2,217 reviews)

Redfall received generally negative reviews upon release. Players criticized the bland story and missions, disappointing enemy AI, and cookie-cutter design. This was a disappointing game for many people. So if you’re looking for something that really strikes your fancy, you might do well to stay away from Redfall. 

39. Starfield

Todd Howard with Starfield.

• Rating: Mixed (59% of 102,037 reviews)

Starfield was one of the most anticipated releases by Bethesda in recent years, with this role-playing console game even touted as “Skyrim in space.” Your character joins a group of space explorers to go out and dive into the unknown. However, considering the rating, it’s clear that people were slightly disappointed. Players had big hopes. But false advertising and false promises made by company executives led to those hopes not being met.

38. RAGE 2

A photo of RAGE 2.

• Rating: Mixed (63% of 13,305 reviews)

What is the point of microtransactions in a game that has no multiplayer or co-op? Great question. We don’t know either. RAGE 2 was a run-of-the-mill first-person shooter in a post-apocalyptic setting. It didn’t do anything new or unique but still tried to squeeze every penny out of its players. While some people love the intensity, the game simply fell short for many. 

37. The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard

A photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Mixed (66% of 111 reviews)

Redguard is unique in that it is the only entry in the Elder Scrolls franchise that doesn’t let players create a character and forces them to play in the third-person. The game was an instant flop and was part of the reason Bethesda struggled in the late 1990s. Today, people still rate the gameplay and combat poorly, but the story and setting highly. 

36. Rogue Warrior

A photo of Todd Howard.

• Rating: Mixed (66% of 1,024 reviews)

Rogue Warrior is a first-person shooter released in 2009. There were two versions of Rogue Warrior developed for Bethesda, with the first one scrapped and a new developer brought it to start over from scratch. It was called one of the worst games ever made when it was finally released because of its substandard visuals and gameplay. 

35. Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth

A photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Mixed (67% of 2,602 reviews)

Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s horror fiction, this game combines first-person shooter elements, stealth gameplay, and action-adventure sections. Its development was constantly delayed and many of the best features planned for the game were dropped. It was generally well-reviewed but in the end, it was a commercial failure.

34. Hunted: The Demon’s Forge

Photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Mostly Positive (75% of 956 reviews)

Hunted: The Demon’s Forge is a fantasy-action RPG. It’s a largely linear game with some open areas available for exploration. This game received mixed reviews at launch with many critics complaining about the graphics and design choices that made the campaign feel like a chore. But users love its storyline and memorable fantasy elements. 

33. RAGE

A photo from the RAGE launch event.

• Rating: Mostly Positive (75% of 11,355 reviews)

RAGE is a post-apocalyptic first-person shooter evoking themes of and comparisons to Mad Max, Fallout, Borderlands, and Duke Nukem. It received generally positive reviews for easy control and enjoyable graphics, despite its lack of story and memorable characters. It was nominated for several awards, but bugs and technical issues on PC continued to hinder the game long after release.

32. Fallout 76

A photo of the Fallout 76 logo.

• Rating: Mostly Positive (76% of 60,341 reviews)

Fallout 76 is an action RPG MMO and serves as a prequel to the main games in the Fallout series. It received mixed reviews when it launched due to lack of content, boring gameplay, and poor quality in the production of physical copies. Content updates, including intuitive character-building and a more creative open-world setting, have helped improve the game with the peak number of players being achieved shortly after the release of the Fallout TV show.

31. Deathloop

A photo of Deathloop.

• Rating: Mostly Positive (77% of 18,262 reviews)

Deathloop, a first-person shooter with stealth components and RPG elements, was first developed by Arkane — who also developed games #1 and #41 on our list. Players love how immersive Deathloop is, as well as its unique and imaginative gampleay. The game has even won accolades at the 2021 Game Awards: Best Art Direction and Best Game Direction.  It received generally positive reviews and many praised its dialogue and unique time mechanic.

30. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

A photo of the Wolfenstein II reveal.

• Rating: Very Positive (80% of 28,153 reviews)

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is the sequel to Wolfenstein: The New Order. The seventh title in the series, Wolfenstein II is a first-person shooter that takes place in an alternate version of the 1960s in which the Nazis won World War II and conquered the United States.

The game was released to positive reviews and a favorable audience reception. It was nominated for several awards and was praised for its treatment of right-wing extremism in America and its fun, engaging gameplay.

29. Fallout 3

A photo of a character from Fallout 3.

• Rating: Very Positive (80% of 37,465 reviews)

Fallout 3 is the first game in the Fallout series to use 3D graphics and real-time combat instead of an isometric view and typical turn-based RGP combat. It received several Game of the Year awards and was called one of the best video games ever made at the time. Critics and fans praised it for its fun, creative gameplay and story. Today, this game still has a hardcore fanbase.

28. Ghostwire: Tokyo

A photo of Ghostwire: Tokyo.

• Rating: Very Positive (82% of 9,918 reviews)

In Ghostwire: Tokyo, an action adventure game released in 2022, supernatural entities have taken over this fictionalized version of Tokyo. Developed by the same studio who created The Evil Within series, Ghostwire: Tokyo received positive reviews across the board upon its launch. Users loved the combat and fascinating side quests. That being said, linear gameplay, repetitive combat, and a shorter length of playing time drew criticism. 

27. The Elder Scrolls Online

A reveal of The Elder Scrolls Online expansion.

• Rating: Very Positive (83% of 121,889 reviews)

The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMORPG set in the Elder Scrolls universe. It originally required a monthly subscription to play, but now you can enjoy for free. This game received mixed reviews and so was re-released in 2015 with a new payment model and microtransactions. Reviews subsequently improved. How this game is reviewed anywhere near, let alone above, a game like Fallout 3 is beyond our comprehension. But we don’t make the rules, we’re just reporting the results.

26. Fallout 4

A photo from the Fallout 4 event.

• Rating: Very Positive (83% of 246,671 reviews)

Fallout 4 was the highly anticipated sequel to the wildly successful Fallout 3. It takes place in the Boston area about 10 years after Fallout 3. Although this game was positively reviewed and well received by fans, it earned strong criticism because it reduced and pared back many of the RPG elements that were present in previous games, instead leaning toward the shooter aspect of the series. Still, Fallout 4 won several awards, including a handful of Game of the Year awards.

25. The Evil Within

A photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Very Positive (84% of 17,887 reviews)

In this game, trying to solve a mass murder transports characters into an unnatural world where they must fight to survive. Played in third person, The Evil Within exemplifies the survival horror genre. Directed by the original creator of the Resident Evil series, The Evil Within earned significant attention after it was announced. The game has received praise for its excellent horror elements and gameplay, with many people saying that it was the scariest game they had ever played. However, others found the story to be lacking.

24. DOOM 3

A photo of DOOM 3 boxes.

• Rating: Very Positive (85% of 7,347 reviews)

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: DOOM 3 was neither developed nor published by Bethesda. But the company does now own the rights to the game, so we’re considering it for this list. DOOM 3 was a reboot of the original DOOM, albeit beginning at a new original story. Not only did this game receive high praise for its fast pace, but it was a commercial success, considered one of the most successul games developed by id Software up to that point. 

23. Quake 4

People playing Quake.

• Rating: Very Positive (87% of 2,450 reviews)

Like DOOM 3, Bethesda owns the rights to the Quake franchise. Released in 2005, Quake 4 is a first-person shooter. The game reviewed overall positive reviews on relief. But this game lacked the fun, competitive multiplayer settings of past Quake games. Since users found this version lackluster and disappointing, the series dropped off after this. 

22. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

A photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Very Positive (87% of 2,500 reviews)

The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall is the second game in the series that vastly expands the scope and RPG elements. It was wildly successful and surpassed all sales estimates and goals. Many retailers even reported shortages of games due to demand. It continued to sell well for years after release and was hailed as a revolutionary and groundbreaking fantasy game.

21.Dishonored 2

A photo of Dishonored 2.

• Rating: Very Positive (89% of 37,385 reviews)

Dishonored 2 is the sequel to the massively successful Dishonored, and both games are action-adventure games giving the player the choice to play stealthily (being able to complete both games without killing anyone) or engage in full combat. Depending on how the player completes the game, several endings are possible. It won awards for Best Action/Adventure Game and is largely regarded as one of the best games ever made in the genre.

20. Prey

A photo of Prey DLC.

• Rating: Very Positive (90% of 32,347 reviews)

Prey is a reboot of the original videogame of the same name, but has almost nothing in common with its predecessor. It is an open-world game taking place on a space station and includes horror, stealth, role-playing, and shooter elements. This was positively received by users, even landing it (in 2017) on the list of best games.

19. Wolfenstein: The New Order

A photo from a Wolfenstein event.

• Rating: Very Positive (90% of 38,713 reviews)

Wolfenstein: The New Order is the first “modern” version of the Wolfenstein series, incorporating a morality choice, a cover system, and modern shooter elements. It was nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year, but lost to other games. Unlike previous entries, it does not take place exclusively in Castle Wolfenstein, which is great for users who are looking for more exploration.

18. The Evil Within 2

A photo of The Evil Within 2.

• Rating: Very Positive (91% of 17,255 reviews)

The sequel to #26 on our list, The Evil Within 2, still a survival horror game, improved on its predecessor. This game received high praise for its atmosphere, gameplay, and visuals. One user even said that The Evil Within 2 has some of the best villains they’ve ever come across in video games. However, others say that this game was not as scary as the first iteration, partly because of its larger open-world setting. Regardless, The Evil Within 2 was a welcome sequel and was nominated for several awards.

17. DOOM Eternal

A photo of DOOM Eternal.

• Rating: Very Positive (91% of 164,678 reviews)

DOOM Eternal, the sequel to the 2016 DOOM, is the seventh in the franchise. New modes and features improved on basically every aspect of the first game. It won Best PC Game and Best Action Game at the 2019 Game Critics Awards. DOOM Eternal was review-bombed online after Bethesda introduced Denuvo anti-cheat technology to the game launcher. This technology uses kernel-level drivers, which are generally hated in the gaming and digital security communities. Still, the overall DOOM Eternal experience brings it to #17 on our list. 

#16 Return to Castle Wolfenstein

A photo of a Wolfenstein game.

• Rating: Very Positive (92% of 6,804 reviews)

Released in 2001, Return to Castle Wolfenstein is a reboot of the Wolfenstein series. Like other games, Bethesda did not develop or publish the game but now owns the rights to it. This first-person shooter is lauded for its enemy AI, top-tier soundtrack, and enjoyable storyline. Plus, this best-selling game won a handful of awards for its multiplayer and online gameplay.

15. Wolfenstein 3D

A photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Very Positive (93% of 3,142 reviews)

Wolfenstein 3D was inspired by the original Castle Wolfenstein game and is the third in the series. It was wildly successful upon release and is considered to be one of the greatest video games ever made. Today, this award-winning game is referred to as the “grandfather of 3D shooters.” The game is easy for beginners to join in, but also has decent features and expansions that make it fun for more experienced players, too. 

14. DOOM 64

A photo from a DOOM event.

• Rating: Very Positive (93% of 6,336 reviews)

DOOM 64 was a spin-off game released for the Nintendo 64 in 1997. It was very positively reviewed and has since gained a cult following of fans who continue to develop the game for other devices and mods for the game. Many players say that DOOM 64 is underrated and exceptionally creepy.

13. Fallout 2

Photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Very Positive (94% of 11,422 reviews)

Fallout 2 is a direct sequel to the first Fallout released in 1997 and very much continues the style and gameplay of the first, with limited updates and gameplay changes. It was nominated for several awards, most of which were given to Baldur’s Gate which was released that same year. Given that the first was so popular and successful, it made sense to not change what wasn’t broken. This wasalso  the first video game to include same-sex marriage and among the first to have LGBT characters, showcasing Bethesda’s commitment to inclusivity.

12. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Photo from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launch event.

• Rating: Very Positive (94% of 164,940 reviews)

You can’t go anywhere online these days without seeing something from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or another version of it being released, so you’d be forgiven for forgetting that this game was released way back in 2011. It was full of bugs when it launched, but still received widespread acclaim and is considered to be one of the best video games ever made. Being so successful and beloved, it makes sense that Bethesda would continue to milk it for all its worth by remaking it, re-releasing it, and developing ports of the game for every platform imaginable.

11. Quake II

A Quake event.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 6,866 reviews)

Quake II is famous for diving fully into the now-familiar sci-fi setting of the series, abandoning the previous fantasy themes. It was widely praised not only for its gameplay but also for its technology and technical advancements which helped push the world of video games and multiplayer technology forward in a meaningful way.

10. Doom II

Photo from a DOOM event.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 7,617 reviews)

Doom II, riding the success of the first game and being a great game in its own right, has sold more than 1.8 million copies since its release. This makes Doom II one of the best-selling games of all time for several years. There were no substantial changes from the first game to the second, with much of the gameplay and game systems remaining the same, but better hardware allowed for larger levels and more enemies.

9. Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game

A photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 13,208 reviews)

The game that started it all, Fallout quickly gained fame for its open-ended gameplay, complex character creation system, mature plot, and creative setting. It was nominated for several awards and won Role-Playing Game of the Year from Computer Games Magazine and Gamespot. Many video game critics credit Fallout with saving the RPG genre as a whole. We certainly think that it’s one of the best role-playing games of all time.

8. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 18,971 reviews)

Being unique among the Elder Scrolls games, Morrowind takes heavy inspiration from steampunk, Middle Eastern culture, and East Asian culture for its world and design. It included a vast, open-ended gameplay with more focus on side quests and exploration than previous or other similar games. Several Game of the Year awards showcase this game’s prowess.

7. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

A photo of Todd Howard.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 37,117 reviews)

This was the first game in The Elder Scrolls series to feature fully-voiced NPC characters and the Radiant AI system which allowed NPC to make their own choices and behave in more complex ways. It received near-unanimous praise from fans and critics who celebrated the fact that it wasn’t just a fantastic RPG but also pushed the boundaries of what RPG games could be with improved detail and ambition. Again, this game received several Game of the Year awards, highlighting how deeply the community and industry connects with it. 

6. DOOM (2016)

A photo of the DOOM reveal.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (95% of 130,061 reviews)

This version of DOOM was the first major game since DOOM 3 and was a reboot of the series. It was the second-best-selling game in the North American and United Kingdom markets when it was released. The game expanded the fast-paced, violent, and gory combat of previous games to include significant verticality and also expanded the lore of the series.

5. Quake

People playing Quake.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 11,496 reviews)

The first game of the Quake series continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. It was a successor to the DOOM series, using much of the same technology and gameplay elements. Development of the game was fraught with challenges and the team eventually split after the game was released. It was universally loved but sales numbers did not match the hype, unfortunately.

4. Fallout: New Vegas

The iconic character from the Fallout series.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 171,617 reviews)

If there’s any game with a more fanatic and passionate fanbase than New Vegas on this list then we haven’t met them. Bethesda gave developers only took 18 months to create Fallout: New Vegas, which is a very short time to create anything, let alone a best-selling AAA game. Yet, it ended up being a commercial and critical success. It is widely regarded as the best game in the entire Fallout series and arguably the best RPG video game of all time. Many users feel that the game is incredibly immersive, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of everything.

3. Doom (1993)

A man holding a box of DOOM 3.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 15,868 reviews)

The gory, fast-paced, and violent game that started it all. It is called the “father” of modern first-person shooter video games and helped shift the cultural perception of video games due to its mature content and huge player base. DOOM fostered the growth of online gaming communities and inspired countless clones. Even to this day, developers release games intentionally designed to replicate the style and feel of DOOM. At one point, DOOM was installed on more computers than Windows 95.

2. Hi-Fi Rush

Photo from a Bethesda event.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 24,374 reviews)

The story of Hi-Fi Rush is a tragedy in three acts. Its developers, Tango Gameworks, are just the latest creatively free, talented, and inspiring small company to be closed down with its employees fired by large, greedy corporations. Hi-Fi Rush was released in 2023 to immense and universal positive reviews from critics, players, and other industry veterans. It was a refreshingly original and enjoyable rhythm-based action game.Unfortunately, almost immediately after its release, Tango Gameworks was shut down by Microsoft.

1. Dishonored

A photo of Dishonored.

• Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 59,915 reviews)

Of all the games on this list, we’re happiest to see Dishonored at the very top. A truly original game in almost every aspect, and groundbreaking in its storytelling and gameplay choices, Dishonored blew critics and players away with its nearly endless replayability, an engrossing and enchanting world, and gripping story. Though it was released in 2012, it still holds up extremely well today.

Dishonored won several awards for Best Game and other categories. The world is deep with many nooks and crannies within its unique art style that many players simply pass over, leading to memorable moments of exploration and discovery on subsequent playthroughs.

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