OpenTESArena describes itself as a modern open-source engine written from scratch for the original 1994 DOS game, with a clean-room goal and quality-of-life changes. Its official repository states that it distributes no game assets. Arena Rebuilt is an independent, solo-developed reconstruction made with Unity software.
The projects are not affiliated and take their own approaches to bringing Arena forward for modern players. Supporting one does not require dismissing the other: more serious work around Arena gives the first Elder Scrolls game a stronger future.
Read the official OpenTESArena source and project description →
What is Arena Rebuilt building toward?
Arena Rebuilt’s goal is a faithful modern reconstruction of The Elder Scrolls: Arena. The complete original campaign and game rules come first, supported by modern controls, modern displays, improved stability, dependable saves, and optional quality-of-life improvements.
Mod-friendly data and tools are a core Arena Rebuilt project goal. This is a stated direction, not a claim that a public build is available today.
How does Daggerfall Unity fit the story?
Daggerfall Unity inspired the question behind Arena Rebuilt, but it is a separate project for a different game. Arena Rebuilt is not affiliated with Daggerfall Unity.
Read the Daggerfall Unity relationship in context →
Where does development stand?
Arena Rebuilt 0.9.8 Beta is publicly playable now. The complete world is imported, cities have population, enemies are implemented in dungeons, and quests and audio are available. Development continues on remaining bugs and unfinished presentation details. Current screenshots, the download, and dated development notes are published on this website.
See how the current ways to play Arena compare →
See Arena Rebuilt screenshots Read about the Arena Unity project →