The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-10-16
Review summary
  • Exceptional player freedom
  • Huge and complex dungeons
  • Immersive and deep RPG
  • Clunky and outdated controls
  • Buggy and unstable versions
  • Frustrating dungeon design
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall header

Categories

CRPGFirst-Person Dungeon CrawlerProcedurally Generated World and CitiesVast Open World ExplorationDeep Character Creation SystemSpell CraftingGuilds and FactionsSkill-Based Progression

Emotions

Archetypes

Hardware

Windows <8GB VRAMnegativeWindows 12-15GB VRAMpositive

Snapshot History

Positive
Negative
333
77%
23%
342
76%
24%
Sample precision
Helpful reviews
78%
Unhelpful reviews
22%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
1043
Negative points
793
Gameplay points
1062
Perf. points
57
Rec. points
396
Misc points
611
Point
Exceptional player freedom
Description
Players enjoy immense freedom in gameplay, allowing them to do whatever they want and approach the game in their own way. This freedom extends to quests, character development, and exploration.
Importance
17%
Huge and complex dungeons
Description
Dungeons are massive, sprawling, and randomly generated, often described as easy to get lost in. They are fun and challenging, adding to the game's depth.
Importance
14%
Immersive and deep RPG
Description
The game is highly immersive with incredible depth in its role-playing system. Players often lose themselves in the world and its mechanics.
Importance
14%
Custom spellcrafting system
Description
The game features a deep magic system where players can create their own spells with various combinations. This system offers significant freedom and is a highlight for many reviewers.
Importance
14%
Authentic old-school RPG experience
Description
The game provides a hardcore, old-school fantasy RPG experience reminiscent of the 90s. It is uncompromising and appeals to fans of classic roleplaying.
Importance
12%
Worth playing despite age
Description
Many reviewers find the game interesting, unique, and worth trying, even though it is outdated. It still holds up as a good game that has aged decently.
Importance
11%
Intriguing story and quests
Description
The scripted story is intriguing and the game offers many quests with freedom of choice. The main storyline and faction quests keep players engaged.
Importance
10%
Addictive dungeon crawler
Description
The game is described as a strangely addictive classic dungeon crawler with fun and brutal dungeon crawling. Its tight controls and challenging gameplay keep players engaged.
Importance
7%
High replay value
Description
The game offers more replay value than other Elder Scrolls games, with many unique features and mod support. It is considered by some as the best Elder Scrolls game.
Importance
6%
Ambitious for its time
Description
The game is praised for being incredibly ambitious and immersive for its era. It pushed boundaries and remains influential.
Importance
6%
Reputation system affects interactions
Description
The reputation system influences how NPCs react to the player based on class, affiliations, and race. This adds a layer of depth to the game's roleplaying.
Importance
6%
Simple yet fun combat
Description
Combat is relatively simple and self-explanatory, but many find it quite fun. It complements the game's exploration and character development.
Importance
6%
Lots of content and activities
Description
The game has a lot to offer, with many activities and content to explore. Players note there is quite a bit to do and discover.
Importance
6%
Fun once you get used to it
Description
Some players find the game enjoyable once they understand its mechanics. It has a learning curve but becomes fun with familiarity.
Importance
5%