While much remains unknown about The Elder Scrolls 6, it is anticipated that the game will draw upon assets and features from previous entries in the franchise. In line with this, there are numerous post-launch elements from past installments that could be incorporated into the base game of the upcoming Elder Scrolls title.
In particular, The Elder Scrolls 6 could take inspiration from Skyrim for its initial content, specifically many of the additions that Skyrim introduced as downloadable content at a later stage. Skyrim's implementation of an adoption mechanic significantly enriched its RPG experience, and this aspect could easily be adapted and integrated to suit the larger scope of gameplay in The Elder Scrolls 6.
Skyrim's Adoption Mechanic
Skyrim introduced a new adoption mechanic through the popular Hearthfire DLC in 2012. This DLC focused on homemaking, allowing players to purchase land in different locations, customize their homes, and start a family.
Hearthfire expanded Skyrim's experience by adding a whole new dimension, enhancing the gameplay options and goals in the game. Through Hearthfire, players had the ability to adopt up to two children, which brought numerous advantages. Adopted children could introduce pets to the household, engage in games with the Dragonborn, and even enhance the player's abilities by making certain healing potions more powerful.
The Elder Scrolls 6 and Skyrim's Adoption Mechanic
Despite being an engaging aspect of Skyrim, the adoption mechanic in Hearthfire had its limitations due to its implementation. However, there is immense potential for improvement in future iterations of The Elder Scrolls series, and The Elder Scrolls 6 could undoubtedly enhance this feature to a great extent.With widespread speculation suggesting that Hammerfell will be the chosen setting for The Elder Scrolls 6, the vast expanse of this province promises an abundance of content for the game. This substantial scale presents the perfect opportunity for the inclusion of an adoption mechanic, allowing for sensible and meaningful expansion within the title.
The player should be able to adopt more than two children in The Elder Scrolls 6, and the game could take this mechanic to a whole new level. Questlines related to adopted children could be introduced, and a dynamic aging system could be implemented, allowing the children to eventually reach maturity and become companion characters that the player can explore with. The development of these companions could also be influenced by how they were raised, creating an intriguing dynamic where the player can train them to excel in various skills as adults.
The child mechanic in The Elder Scrolls 6 could be expanded by allowing players to have their own biological children, similar to the Fable franchise. However, it is important to ensure that biological children do not overshadow the adoption mechanic, encouraging players to explore both options. Each form of child-rearing could offer unique benefits, showcasing how these two mechanics can coexist. Skyrim's adoption feature was well-received but fairly basic, and The Elder Scrolls 6 has the opportunity to provide a much more extensive adoption experience as part of its core gameplay.
Please note: The Elder Scrolls 6 is currently being developed.