Fallout and Elder Scrolls get major updates from Bethesda
Bethesda’s live-service titles are receiving significant content updates announced during Xbox’s 2026 Games Showcase. The Elder Scrolls Online will launch Season 1: “Return of the Thieves Guild” on July 8, 2026, marking the first major story expansion for the Thieves Guild faction since the game’s 2014 launch. The new season will include fresh narrative content, a new cast of characters, and expanded gameplay systems developed with player feedback in mind.
Fallout 76 is also receiving major updates, though specific details were not detailed in the announcements.
Additionally, Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition will receive the “Raiders of the North” update in Fall 2026, introducing two new civilizations—the Vikings and the Scots—along with new Crucible missions, expanded strategy systems, and new battlefields for players to conquer.
The announcements underscore Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to supporting its established live-service franchises with regular content drops. While Bethesda is simultaneously developing The Elder Scrolls 6, which is reportedly already playable internally, the company recognizes the continued demand for content in its existing titles. ESO remains a cornerstone of the franchise, demonstrating the longevity of well-supported MMOs more than a decade after launch. These updates will continue to keep players engaged across multiple established gaming communities.