Why The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Return to Skyrim's Roots and Leave Settlements Behind

The Elder Scrolls series, a beloved franchise by Bethesda Game Studios, has long been celebrated for its immersive worlds, rich storytelling, and the freedom it offers players. At the heart of its success, particularly with the iconic Skyrim, is a gameplay loop that fans have come to adore: Explore -> Fight -> Loot -> Sell -> Repeat. This loop has been the cornerstone of Bethesda’s design philosophy, creating a satisfying rhythm that keeps players engaged for countless hours.

The Fallout 4 Settlement System and Its Impact

With the introduction of the settlement system in Fallout 4, a shift occurred in the way players interacted with the game world. While the system was not inherently bad and even provided a solid foundation for community-created mods, it represented a departure from the core gameplay loop that has been so integral to the studio’s success. The settlement system required players to collect junk loot, which was previously of little consequence, and repurpose it into materials for base-building. This new focus disrupted the flow of gameplay that fans had come to expect from a Bethesda title.

The settlement system’s inclusion in Fallout 4 has sparked a debate among fans about its place in future titles, particularly the highly anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6. A discussion on Reddit has highlighted the community’s concerns, with many arguing that the focus on settlements detracts from the core gameplay loop that made games like Skyrim so enjoyable. Fans are calling for Bethesda to prioritize the traditional RPG elements that have defined their games over modernized features like base-building.

“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” by Kenneth DM is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Fan Expectations and Concerns for The Elder Scrolls 6

One user, NoTrust6730, emphasized the importance of good quests and engaging content over experimental mechanics, reflecting on what made Oblivion, a predecessor to Skyrim, so enjoyable. Another user, Broely92, expressed doubts about Bethesda’s ability to deliver, citing concerns that outdated game mechanics could tarnish their reputation, especially in the wake of Starfield’s release.

The sentiment among the community is clear: there is a desire for The Elder Scrolls 6 to return to the roots of what made Skyrim fun. This means focusing on expanding the quality and quantity of combat encounters, landscapes, dungeons, loot, enemies, and NPCs. Quests, which naturally fit into the core gameplay loop with their guided exploration, are also a critical component that fans want to see enhanced.

While some players, like Swordbreaker9250, see the value in retaining building systems for player housing, offering a degree of customization and flexibility, there is a consensus that open-world settlements should not be the focus. IxSpectreL acknowledged the settlement system’s contribution to Fallout 4’s post-apocalyptic atmosphere but also recognized its shortcomings when applied to other titles like Starfield.

The skepticism within the fandom extends to broader concerns about the direction Bethesda may take with their games. Kooper98 voiced worries about the company simplifying their titles to cater to a wider audience, which could dilute the RPG elements that fans cherish. Shadingnight, on the other hand, set minimal expectations for future releases, anticipating technical issues and delays.

Despite these concerns, the excitement for The Elder Scrolls 6 remains high. The game has officially entered development following a lengthy pre-production phase, and while details are scarce, there is a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. Bethesda has a history of creating worlds that players can lose themselves in for years, and the expectation is that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be no different.

As Bethesda moves forward with the development of The Elder Scrolls 6, it is crucial for the studio to listen to its fan base and focus on what has historically made their games successful. By refining and expanding upon the core gameplay loop that fans love, while avoiding the pitfalls of overemphasizing features like the settlement system, Bethesda can ensure that The Elder Scrolls 6 not only meets but exceeds the high standards set by its predecessors.