Ethan Crossfield 
The Elder Scrolls franchise continues to attract attention even without a new mainline video game in almost 15 years. Its next confirmed release is not The Elder Scrolls 6, but a major board game expansion: The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era – Shadows of Oblivion is scheduled to ship in November 2026.
A New Elder Scrolls Release, But Not a Video Game
Shadows of Oblivion expands Chip Theory Games’ The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era, a tabletop title that first launched to backers through Gamefound during 2025. The expansion is part of Heroes of Tamriel, a collection made up of five expansions. Its November 2026 shipping window gives fans a new way to return to Tamriel while Bethesda’s next major role-playing game remains in development.
That distinction matters because the franchise’s long wait has made any Elder Scrolls announcement especially notable. Oblivion Remastered recently gave players a chance to revisit a classic, while Skyrim has been released across multiple editions over the years. Shadows of Oblivion adds to the series’ wider ecosystem rather than serving as a replacement for a new mainline game.
Daedric Princes Define the Expansion
The expansion centers on the Daedric princes and their influence over mortals. Hermaeus Mora, Sheogorath, Mehrunes Dagon, Azura, and Sanguine are each included with content resembling a side quest, alongside a blessing and a curse. This structure gives the expansion a strong focus on choices, risk, and the dangerous bargains associated with Oblivion’s powerful entities.
Chip Theory Games is also introducing a new hedonism mechanic, supported by dedicated physical chips and tokens. The package includes enemy chips, eight skill dice, and eight fatigue dice. Together, these additions are intended to provide more ways to adjust the tabletop experience while expanding the game’s existing systems.
Pricing, Fulfillment, and What Comes Next
The base edition of Betrayal of the Second Era is listed at $225 on Gamefound, while Shadows of Oblivion can be purchased separately for $25. Chip Theory Games has warned that the Heroes of Tamriel releases represent the largest fulfillment effort in the company’s history, covering both individual backers and retailers. That could make the delivery process an important point for buyers as the November 2026 window approaches.
The expansion also arrives as interest builds around Bethesda’s next major announcement. Bethesda and Xbox recently teased a subtitle for The Elder Scrolls 6, but the source does not confirm a reveal date or launch window. A 2027 announcement has been suggested as a possibility, though it remains speculation rather than confirmed release information.
Key points
- Shadows of Oblivion is a board game expansion, not a new mainline Elder Scrolls video game.
- The expansion is scheduled to ship in November 2026.
- It adds content centered on Hermaeus Mora, Sheogorath, Mehrunes Dagon, Azura, and Sanguine.
- The $25 expansion introduces a hedonism mechanic, enemy chips, and new skill and fatigue dice.
Confirmed release details
| Item | Format | Release window | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadows of Oblivion | Betrayal of the Second Era expansion | November 2026 | $25 |
| Betrayal of the Second Era | Base board game | Previously launched to backers | $225 |
Expert View
The announcement shows how Bethesda’s franchise remains commercially active beyond its core video games. For the community, the expansion offers meaningful Elder Scrolls content during a prolonged wait for The Elder Scrolls 6. It is unlikely to satisfy players seeking a new open-world RPG, but its Daedric focus and new tabletop mechanics could give collectors and board game groups a substantial reason to return to the setting. The larger signal is that the franchise continues to support different formats while Bethesda prepares its next major update.
