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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion takes place before The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Oblivion is set at the end of the Third Era; Skyrim is set in the Fourth Era, roughly 200 years later.
Where do Oblivion and Skyrim fall on the timeline?
| Game | In-universe date | Era |
|---|---|---|
| The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | 3E 433, according to a timeline posted on the official Elder Scrolls Online forums | Late Third Era |
| The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | 4E 201, according to the same forum timeline | Fourth Era |
The dates use the series’ fictional calendar, not real-world years. The forum timeline says the Third Era ends with the Oblivion Crisis and places Skyrim in the Fourth Era, about 200 years afterward. The Elder Scrolls Online Official Forums timeline is the source for these specific year numbers; it is forum material, rather than a formal Bethesda lore article.
What happens between the games?
The key chronological marker is the end of the Third Era: the cited timeline associates that transition with the Oblivion Crisis. Skyrim takes place later, in the Fourth Era. That makes the games distinct periods in Tamriel’s history, not simultaneous stories or alternate versions of the same events.
How does The Elder Scrolls Online fit in?
The Elder Scrolls Online is set much earlier. Its official support page describes the game as taking place during the Age of Heroes, 1,000 years before Skyrim. That provides broader context for Skyrim’s place in the timeline, but it does not establish Oblivion’s exact date. The Elder Scrolls Online Support: “When does The Elder Scrolls Online take place?”
#1 Best Overall
- Live another life in another world, create and play any character you can imagine
- An all-new combat and magic system brings first person role-playing to a new level of intensity
- Groundbreaking AI system gives characters full 24/7 schedules
- New lands to explore in the Shivering Isles expansion
- Challenging new foes, hideous insects, Flesh Atronachs, skeletal Shambles, amphibeous Grummites and more
What do Bethesda’s retrospectives confirm?
Bethesda’s 2019 retrospective discusses Oblivion and Skyrim as major series titles, confirming their place in the franchise’s history. It does not give their in-universe dates. Bethesda’s “25 Years in Tamriel – An Elder Scrolls Retrospective”
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Includes Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine expansions
Rank #3
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered brings the game of the year 2006 up to date with all-new stunning graphics and enhanced gameplay.
- Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before in one of the greatest RPGs of all time from award-winning Bethesda Game Studios, preventing the powers from the realm of forgetting from conquering the land.
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered - Physical Deluxe Edition includes the main game, unique digital Akatosh and Mehrunes Dagon armor, weapons and horse armor sets, Shivering Isles and Knights of the Nine story expansions, access to the digital artbook and soundtrack app, plus additional content to download. en: Fighter's Stronghold, Spell Tomes, Vile Lair, Mehrune's Razor, The Thieves Den, Wizard's Tower, Orrery and Horse Armor Pack.
- Travels through the magnificent world of Tamriel and struggles on the plains of the realm of oblivion. The hand-crafted details have been meticulously recreated so that your exploration becomes an unforgettable experience.
- Create your own way from the noble warrior to the sinister assassin to the wrinkled wizard or funny blacksmith and play in your way.
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