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The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is a 2002 action role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is a 2002 action role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is the third main entry in The Elder Scrolls series and is set primarily on the island of Vvardenfell in the province of Morrowind. The game was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox and later received expansion packs.

Gameplay

Morrowind is a single-player role-playing game that lets players create a character and explore a large open world. The main story is optional, and the game includes many side quests and character progression systems.

Setting

The game takes place primarily on Vvardenfell, a volcanic island in the province of Morrowind on the continent of Tamriel. The setting is closely associated with the Dunmer, or Dark Elves, and the landscape is shaped by Red Mountain and ash storms.

Release and editions

The game launched in 2002 for Microsoft Windows and Xbox. A Game of the Year edition later bundled the base game with the Tribunal and Bloodmoon expansions.

Reception and legacy

Morrowind is widely regarded as a major entry in the Elder Scrolls series and helped define the franchise's open-ended exploration style. It is often referenced as a turning point between earlier and later Elder Scrolls titles.

Key facts

  • It is the third main installment in The Elder Scrolls series.
  • The game is set in and around Vvardenfell, an island in the Dunmer province of Morrowind.
  • Players control a custom character and can follow the main storyline or pursue side quests.
  • The game was released for Windows in 2002 and for Xbox in 2002.
  • It received two expansion packs, Tribunal and Bloodmoon.
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Canadian context

Morrowind is relevant to Canadian readers as part of a major international video game franchise with a strong presence in Canada’s gaming community and retail market.

Frequently asked questions

What is Morrowind?
Morrowind is a 2002 action role-playing video game and the third main entry in The Elder Scrolls series.
Who developed Morrowind?
It was developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.
What is the setting of Morrowind?
The game is set mainly on Vvardenfell, an island in the province of Morrowind, within the fantasy world of Tamriel.
What platforms was Morrowind released on?
It was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox.
Did Morrowind have expansions?
Yes. The two expansions are Tribunal and Bloodmoon.
Is Morrowind part of The Elder Scrolls series?
Yes. It is the third main installment in The Elder Scrolls series.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_III:_Morrowind
    Supports: Developer, publisher, series placement, release platforms, setting, and expansion packs.
  2. Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pageshttps://www.uesp.net/wiki/Morrowind:Morrowind
    Supports: Release dates, setting on Vvardenfell, and main story premise.
  3. Bethesdahttps://elderscrolls.bethesda.net/en-US/morrowind
    Supports: Official description of the premise and setting.
  4. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_III:_Morrowind
    Supports: Basic release year, platform, and gameplay overview.
  5. Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pageshttps://en.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Morrowind
    Supports: Province and environmental context of Morrowind.
  6. The Imperial Libraryhttps://imperial-library.info/game-books/tes3-morrowind-books
    Supports: Base game release year and expansion references.