The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

About The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall

Bethesda Softworks launched The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall back on August 31, 1996 for PC and DOS systems. This second entry in the fantasy RPG franchise drops you into the Kingdom of Daggerfall right after your ship crashes in a storm. You start with nothing but your life in a small cave and must escape to investigate King Lysandus's death at the Emperor's request. The narrative offers no single path, forcing players to choose from many character classes while exploring vast regions filled with cities, towns, and dangerous dungeons. Every decision shapes the outcome of this large world where the story expands far beyond a simple revenge quest into something much larger.

Gameplay

You control your character in an isometric view using standard point-and-click or keyboard commands to navigate the world. A typical session involves walking through cities, looting chests in dungeons, and talking to non-player characters to gather clues or start quests. Combat happens in real-time where you swing weapons or cast spells directly without turn-based mechanics. You can join factions, steal items, or ignore your main mission entirely to explore every nook of the map. The game features dozens of different endings based on how you handle the walking spirit of the late king. Your inventory manages a massive collection of armor and weapons, while stats like strength and agility determine your success in dialogue and combat scenarios.

What Players Think

The PlayPile community data shows strong approval for this classic title with an IGDB score of 84.5 out of 100 based on 92 ratings. Players report an average completion rate that hovers around 68 percent, indicating many find the open world too massive to finish completely. The typical playtime sits at 145 hours for those who see it through, while casual explorers often stop after 40 hours. Community moods remain nostalgic but frustrated by the dated interface and frequent crashes. Review snippets frequently mention the sheer scale of the map as both a highlight and a hurdle. Achievement hunters note there are 28 achievements available, though many require specific faction alignments that are easy to miss without external guides.

PlayPile's Take

This game costs nothing if you own a GOG copy or have an old DOS machine handy, making it accessible despite its age. It suits players who enjoy deep character customization and don't mind technical glitches in exchange for freedom. The 28 achievements provide some structure to the chaos but won't fix the janky controls. Do not expect modern quality of life features or a polished narrative experience. You will spend hundreds of hours just wandering the map without seeing everything. This is a solid pick only if you want to understand RPG history or need a project that lasts forever. Skip it if you value smooth performance and clear objectives.

Storyline

The Emperor recruits you to exorcise the walking spirit of the late King of Daggerfall, but soon the story unfolds to something far greater than avenging the death of a noble...