Discover Bethesda’s Biggest Game Worlds: From Skyrim to Starfield!

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Summary

  • Bethesda’s largest map goes to Starfield, offering over 1,000 planets to explore.
  • Fallout 76’s map has grown over the years, offering diverse challenges and locations.
  • Daggerfall is Bethesda’s second-largest game with a procedurally generated massive map of 62,000 mi².

Open-world games are frequently adored by gamers, as they provide ample opportunities for exploration and the discovery of intricate details and hidden references. The larger the game world, the more there is to uncover. Bethesda Software, a renowned developer, excels at crafting expansive open worlds that afford players considerable freedom to roam. From titles like Skyrim to upcoming games such as Starfield, most of Bethesda’s major releases offer players access to sprawling maps.

Currently, the title for the most expansive map/world in gaming belongs to No Man’s Sky. However, it’s important to note that Bethesda has produced some substantial games in the past. Here, we’ll be taking a look at the largest maps created by Bethesda, ranked according to their size.

Remember that the map sizes provided are approximations, as there is much debate among various sources regarding their precise measurements.

7. Fallout 3

A Well-Made Map With Plenty To See And Do

  • Estimated Size: 3 mi² (Figure Disputed)

It’s quite confusing to find agreement on the exact size of the Fallout 3 map, but it’s indisputable that the map in Fallout 3 is significantly smaller compared to the one in Fallout 76.

In Fallout 3, you’ll find a map representing a post-nuclear Washington D.C., but the locals call this region the Capitol Wasteland. This expansive map is designed to provide players with plenty of exploration and discovery, so much so that it might take multiple game sessions to uncover all the hidden treasures within the Capitol Wasteland.

6. Fallout 4

A Highly Successful Fallout Game

  • Estimated Size: Estimates Vary, But Most Agree That It Is Larger Than Fallout 3 and Smaller Than Fallout 76.

In my gaming world, nothing beats the thrill of diving into Fallout 4, a gem from Bethesda that’s still going strong even after its 2015 debut. The storyline, the characters I encounter on my journey – they make this post-apocalyptic game an iconic part of my gaming library that I just can’t get enough of!

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about the immersive world of Fallout 4. Rather than the familiar Massachusetts we once knew, it’s now rechristened as The Commonwealth. This expansive map hides countless secrets and hidden gems that keep players hooked, making it a challenge to stick to the main storyline due to the tantalizing array of unexplored territories beckoning for discovery.

5. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

The Most Popular Elder Scrolls Game

  • Estimated Size: 14-15 mi²

Without a doubt, Skyrim stands out as the most beloved title in the Elder Scrolls saga. Gamers are invited to traverse an expansive area within the realm of Tamriel. The entire landscape teems with dragons, marauders, and a multitude of other adversaries that the Dragonborn must vanquish.

Released back in 2011, over 60 million units of this game have been bought, placing it among the top-selling video games ever made. Once you’ve visited an area, players can quickly move to other locations, but they’ll mostly navigate on foot or horseback within that region. From Whiterun to the Throat of the World, there are numerous spots that a player will traverse throughout gameplay.

4. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

The Game Has Received Renewed Interest Thanks To Its Recent Remaster

  • Estimated Size: 16 mi²

Upon its debut, “The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion” was warmly received due to its stunning graphics, engaging narratives, and vast game map. With its recent remastering, the game has been revitalized, offering a second chance for those who missed out on it during its initial launch. Now, younger players can delve into “Oblivion” with far greater detail thanks to this new version.

The approximate area covered by this map is roughly 16 square miles, which is comparable to the size of the map found in Fallout 76. Although the main storyline could be finished within 25-30 hours, delving into all the extra content available in the game can push that playtime to more than 100 hours.

3. Fallout 76

A Big Map That Has Become Fuller Over The Years

  • Estimated Size: 16 mi²

Fallout 76 is one of Bethesda’s more debatable games, receiving criticism upon its debut for lacking fundamental features like NPCs and story-driven quests. Initially appearing quite barren, it has since transformed into a bustling world filled with intriguing sights and activities.

Every area on the map presents distinct hurdles to conquer, continually expanding due to frequent updates. Furthermore, adventurers have the liberty to step beyond the primary map and delve into diverse locales like The Pitt and Atlantic City.

2. The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall

A Huge Procedurally Generated World

  • Estimated Size: 62,000 mi²

In “The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall,” most of the map is automatically created through a process called procedural generation, which allowed Bethesda to craft an incredibly vast game world. This method of world building makes it the second-largest title from Bethesda in terms of overall map size, and thoroughly investigating every nook and cranny within it is nearly impossible.

Because a large portion of it is automatically created, you’ll find many expansive regions that are relatively empty. Yet, there’s no shortage of exciting locations to discover, missions to complete, battles against adversaries, and hidden mysteries to solve.

1. Starfield

Travel Through Space And Explore Hundreds Of Planets

  • Estimated Size: 1,000,000 mi² (Over 1,000 Planets To Explore)

Starfield stands out as Bethesda’s most expansive title in terms of map scale, offering players the chance to traverse over 1,000 planets while journeying through space. Initially, the game didn’t make a strong debut, but since then, it has benefited significantly from substantial updates, transforming the game into a more captivating and immersive adventure.

This expansive, non-linear map offers players a vast array of options when it comes to exploration. For players primarily focused on the game’s primary goals, Starfield could be finished within approximately 24 hours. However, for those who appreciate delving into the game’s nooks and crannies, Starfield is incredibly open-ended and can quickly consume up to 100 hours of gameplay.

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2025-05-22 07:47