Bethesda has revealed that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has officially sold more than 65 million copies worldwide, placing the legendary RPG among the best-selling video games of all time. The milestone matches the lifetime sales of CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, although Geralt’s adventure reached the figure in a significantly shorter period.
The sales update was included in Bethesda’s recent studio message discussing the future of its major franchises, including The Elder Scrolls 6.
Skyrim joins The Witcher 3 at 65 million copies sold
In its official statement, Bethesda celebrated Skyrim’s continued popularity nearly 15 years after its original launch.
“With over 65 million copies sold, players are still exploring Skyrim 15 years later, but we know it’s been a very long wait for the sequel. The next chapter is on the way.”
Originally released in 2011, Skyrim has remained relevant through multiple re-releases across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, helping it become one of the industry’s highest-selling RPGs.
Meanwhile, CD Projekt Red announced in May 2026 that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt had also surpassed 65 million copies sold. However, because Geralt’s adventure launched in 2015, it achieved the same milestone roughly four years faster than Skyrim.
Two RPG giants continue setting industry records
Although both games now share the same sales milestone, their success stories followed different paths. Skyrim benefited from more than a decade of continued platform releases and updates, while The Witcher 3 reached the same figure within a shorter release window through strong long-term sales and critical acclaim.
Bethesda also reassured fans that development on The Elder Scrolls 6 continues to progress, saying the studio is “where we planned to be” and that the team is playing the game regularly.
With both Skyrim and The Witcher 3 now tied at 65 million copies sold, the rivalry between two of gaming’s most influential RPGs continues as fans eagerly await The Elder Scrolls 6 and The Witcher 4.
