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The Elder Scrolls Castles unveils release date and new developer deep dive

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The Elder Scrolls Castles unveils release date and new developer deep dive
  • The Elder Scrolls: Castles is set to release September 10th
  • Bethesda have also released a developer deep dive digging into the game's systems
  • It offers much of the same, if improved, systems as predecessor Fallout Shelter, but with some unique add-ons

Bethesda's upcoming Elder Scrolls mobile spin-off, The Elder Scrolls: Castles, now has a release date! And it's coming quite soon, with the game set to hit iOS and Android on September 10th. The announcement also comes alongside a developer deep dive which digs into the mechanics of the game and its systems.

Just to refresh those who may have forgotten, The Elder Scrolls: Castles is a 2.5D management game where you build and maintain your own castle in the world of Tamriel. Think Fallout Shelter, but tied to Bethesda's iconic fantasy series instead.

From what I can see in the deep dive below, Castles looks to build on the same systems you've seen in Fallout Shelter. Maintain your subject's happiness, send out expeditions, etcetera etcetera. Although some may be surprised to see a Crusader Kings-like succession system in play as well, allowing you to grow your own changing dynasty.

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Falling out

The Elder Scrolls: Castles has, expectedly, been the target of much fan ire. This is understandable given that Bethesda has ridden the coattails of Skyrim for more than a decade now, with another entry in the Elder Scrolls series still far, far away.

But, it's worth noting that Castles is probably not detracting from development on another mainline Elder Scrolls title, and whatever your opinion on spiritual predecessor Fallout Shelter, it may be worth at least reserving judgment to see how Castles stands on its own.

In the meantime if you're looking for other top games to play, why not dig into our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) to get yourself started?

Better yet, if you want some more current picks, you can always check the latest entry in our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week!

Iwan Morris
Iwan Morris
Iwan is a Cardiff-based freelance writer, who joined the Pocket Gamer Biz site fresh-faced from University before moving to the Pocketgamer.com editorial team in November of 2023.