Is It Necessary to Play ‘Oblivion’ Before Immersing in ‘Skyrim’- A Prequel Conundrum Unraveled

Should I Play Oblivion Before Skyrim?

The Elder Scrolls series is one of the most beloved video game franchises, with its expansive worlds and intricate storylines captivating players for years. When it comes to the order in which to play the games, many fans find themselves questioning whether they should play Oblivion before Skyrim. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this debate and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Understanding the Series

To begin with, it’s important to understand the timeline of the games within the series. Oblivion was released in 2006, and it serves as a prequel to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which was released in 2011. Both games are set in the fictional world of Tamriel, but they offer different experiences and storylines.

Reasons to Play Oblivion First

1. Prequel Experience: Playing Oblivion first allows you to experience the events that lead up to the events in Skyrim. This can provide a deeper understanding of the lore and background of the series.

2. Gameplay Differences: Oblivion features a more traditional RPG experience with a focus on exploration and combat. This can be a refreshing change for players who have already spent countless hours in the vast world of Skyrim.

3. Unique Characters and Stories: Oblivion offers a variety of unique characters and storylines that are not present in Skyrim. This can make the experience more enjoyable for those who want to explore different aspects of the series.

4. Improved Performance: Many players have reported improved performance on older systems when playing Oblivion before Skyrim. This is due to the fact that Oblivion was released earlier and had more time to be optimized.

Reasons to Play Skyrim First

1. Bigger World: Skyrim offers a much larger world to explore compared to Oblivion. If you’re a fan of vast landscapes and expansive game worlds, starting with Skyrim might be the better choice.

2. Deeper Storyline: Skyrim has a more complex and engaging storyline that can be more rewarding for players who are looking for a rich narrative experience.

3. Stronger Character Development: Skyrim allows players to create a more personalized character, and the game’s open-world nature makes it easier to get involved with the story and characters.

4. Community and Modding: Skyrim has a larger community and a wealth of mods available. If you’re interested in exploring the game’s vast modding scene, starting with Skyrim might be more beneficial.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether you should play Oblivion before Skyrim depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in your gaming experience. If you’re interested in exploring the lore and background of the series, or if you want to experience a more traditional RPG, playing Oblivion first might be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a larger world, a deeper storyline, and the opportunity to dive into the modding scene, starting with Skyrim could be the better choice. Whichever way you decide to go, the Elder Scrolls series offers a rich and rewarding experience for players of all types.