The upcoming release of The Elder Scrolls 6 faces high expectations, with fans eagerly anticipating its arrival since its 2018 announcement. Like other games from Bethesda, it is inevitable that the new title will be compared to past iconic entries from the studio. Similarly, Starfield, another highly-anticipated Bethesda project, is also drawing comparisons to Skyrim. Bethesda even went as far as describing it as "Skyrim in Space," suggesting its grand scale and scope.
However, The Elder Scrolls 6 cannot just rely on comparisons to past franchise releases like Skyrim to meet expectations. It must go above and beyond to establish its own unique identity and surpass its predecessors. Therefore, these comparisons become irrelevant as the game needs to showcase its individual strengths and stand alone in its own right.
Starfield As Skyrim in Space
Being the first new IP from Bethesda in over 25 years, Starfield exudes a unique ambition that is hard to ignore. It's not uncommon for developers and publishers to draw comparisons when introducing a new IP. One of the defining aspects of Starfield is its space setting, allowing for interplanetary travel to a vast array of over 1000 planets.
While Starfield introduces a completely new genre, it still embraces Bethesda's signature RPG formula. Many fans are eagerly anticipating the same kind of exploration, quests, and memorable characters that made Skyrim such a beloved title. The confirmation that Starfield will have a more traditional dialogue system, making it more aligned with Skyrim rather than Fallout 5, only strengthens the comparison between the two games. It's a natural basis for discussion within the Bethesda community. However, it's important to note that while this comparison holds true for Starfield, it may not be applicable to The Elder Scrolls 6.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Cannot Be Skyrim in Hammerfell
While many details about The Elder Scrolls 6 remain undisclosed, the prevailing theory suggests that the game will take place in Hammerfell, one of the vast and unexplored provinces of Tamriel. This setting would be ideal for TES 6, as it is known for its breathtaking landscapes, as demonstrated in the game's reveal video.
Fans are eagerly anticipating that TES 6 will significantly expand upon the immersive experience offered by Skyrim, given that over ten years have passed since its release. Recent reports indicate that The Elder Scrolls 6 may not be available for another five years, which means the game must surpass Skyrim in every aspect upon its launch. Hammerfell promises a fresh culture and conflict, distinct from Skyrim's, and it is crucial for TES 6 to incorporate these elements seamlessly into its gameplay to establish its own identity, separate from its predecessor.
The scale and level of detail in TES 6 should surpass that of Skyrim, accompanied by fresh gameplay mechanics that take center stage. To set itself apart in The Elder Scrolls series, Hammerfell's lively ports and prevalent piracy could be enhanced with a ship-sailing mechanic. Moreover, The Elder Scrolls 6 would benefit from exploring a different era, offering players a captivating glimpse into Tamriel's past or future and showcasing the continent's evolution over time.
With Skyrim's immense success and popularity, it comes as no surprise that upcoming projects like Starfield are being compared to it. However, TES 6, being a future endeavor, must completely redefine expectations of the franchise.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is in development.