The upcomingThe Elder Scrolls 6has a lot to live up to, with the 2018 reveal of the project building serious fan anticipation for the past few years and a long wait still on the horizon. Like many Bethesda games, the title is already being compared to past iconic entries from the studio, much in the same way thatStarfieldis already being compared toSkyrim. At one point in time, Bethesda even referred to it as “Skyrim in Space,” giving fans an indication of its scale and scope.
WhileStarfieldcertainly fits the bill,The Elder Scrolls 6needs to provide so much more than past franchise releases such asSkyrim. While it is more reasonable to compare the bold and uniqueStarfieldto other Bethesda releases,The Elder Scrolls 6has to stand completely on its own two feet, so much so that these comparisons cannot be made.
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Starfield As Skyrim in Space
As the first new Bethesda IP in over 25 years, the unique ambition behindStarfieldis clear to see and sometimes comparisons are needed to sell a new IP, regardless of the developer/publisher. Of course, the major defining element ofStarfieldis that it is set in space, allowinginterplanetary travel between over 1000 planets.
Starfieldapplies Bethesda’s classic RPG formula to a completely new genre, with many hoping to see the similar kinds of exploration, quests, and characters ofSkyrimappear in the title. With it being confirmed thatStarfieldwill be more in-line withSkyrimthan the likes ofFallout 5thanks to its more traditional dialogue system, comparingStarfieldtoSkyrimseems like a good basis for discussion for Bethesda’s community. It makes sense here, but that doesn’t mean it would inThe Elder Scrolls 6.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Cannot Be Skyrim in Hammerfell
While many details regardingThe Elder Scrolls 6are still in the dark, the leading theory suggests that the titlewill be set in the province of Hammerfell. As a large-scale and relatively unexplored area of Tamriel, Hammerfell would be the perfect setting for the game, withTES 6’s reveal video showcasing the kind of landscapes synonymous with the province.
Many are of course expectingTES 6to build significantly on the offered experience ofSkyrim, with over a decade having passed since the game’s release. With recent reports indicating thatThe Elder Scrolls 6still may not release for another five years,the game needs to be so much more thanSkyrimupon its launch. Hammerfell will offer a completely new culture and conflict compared toSkyrim, andTES 6should incorporate this into its gameplay to exist completely outside the shadow of its predecessor.
Things like the scale and detail ofTES 6should of course be much greater thanSkyrim, yet brand-new game mechanics should also dominate the title. For example,Hammerfell is known for its bustling ports and even piracy, with a ship-sailing mechanic being the perfect addition to make the game stand out withinThe Elder Scrollsfranchise as a whole. As well as this,The Elder Scrolls 6would do well to explore a different era thanSkyrimdid, offering players a fascinating glimpse into the past or future of Tamriel and how the continent has shifted over time.
Given the intense success and popularity ofSkyrim, it is no wonder that near-future projects likeStarfieldare drawing comparisons to the title, but the far-off nature ofTES 6needs to completely rewrite what can be expected of the franchise.
The Elder Scrolls 6is in development.
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