Elder Scrolls 6: Big Changes Fans Expect & What’s New Coming
Key Takeaways:
- The game is rumored to take place in Hammerfell, featuring diverse terrains and Redguard culture, marking a departure from familiar settings.
- Potential gameplay enhancements include shipbuilding, underwater exploration, and deeper procedural generation.
- The Thalmor might play a significant role as antagonists, tying into Tamriel’s political intrigue.
After its announcement in 2018 during Bethesda’s E3 presentation, The Elder Scrolls 6 has remained one of the most anticipated RPGs in gaming history. Despite years of silence from the developers, fans have pieced together a tapestry of leaks, rumors, and educated guesses. If you’re eager to explore what could be the next landmark in open-world fantasy gaming, here’s a detailed look at ten potential changes we might see in Elder Scrolls 6.
1. A Return to Hammerfell
Every major Elder Scrolls title takes us to new corners of Tamriel, and Elder Scrolls 6 might be no different. Many speculate the game will explore Hammerfell a region filled with deserts, jungles, and seashores. This setting could offer a fresh contrast to Skyrim’s snowy peaks and Morrowind’s alien landscapes.
Hammerfell is home to the Redguards, a human race with rich lore and a distinct North African-inspired culture. Leaked Pinterest boards from a Bethesda employee featured desert imagery and architecture that could hint at the design inspiration for this setting.
Hammerfell’s geography, with its coastal areas and islands, also sets the stage for gameplay features like naval exploration. If Bethesda delivers on this, the region could provide an entirely new way to experience the Elder Scrolls world.
2. Shipbuilding and Naval Exploration
One of the standout features in Starfield was ship customization and space exploration, and fans are eager to see a similar mechanic in Elder Scrolls 6. Hammerfell’s proximity to the sea and its rampant piracy could justify shipbuilding and naval combat.
Imagine crafting your own vessel, assembling a crew, and battling pirates while exploring mysterious islands. While underwater environments in previous games felt shallow (pun intended), this could be an opportunity for Bethesda to flesh out oceanic gameplay, adding submerged ruins and aquatic quests.
3. The Thalmor’s Spotlight Moment
The Thalmor, a faction of high elves with imperialistic ambitions, have been a persistent threat in the lore. These villains were background players in Skyrim, but they could take center stage in Elder Scrolls 6.
Hammerfell’s unique position as a sovereign nation, free from Thalmor or Empire control, creates a perfect storm for political drama. Imagine navigating alliances, spying, or even sabotaging the Thalmor as they tighten their grip on Tamriel. The game could present a “Casablanca”-style war drama, with Hammerfell caught between two powers.
4. Microsoft Exclusivity and Potential Release Timeline
Court documents from the FTC vs. Microsoft case revealed a tentative release window of 2026 for Elder Scrolls 6. The game is also expected to launch exclusively on Xbox and PC, at least initially. However, Microsoft’s unpredictable release strategies mean there’s still a faint possibility of a multi-platform release.
Additionally, the game will reportedly be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. While this could lower barriers for fans, it also suggests Bethesda’s increasing integration into Microsoft’s ecosystem.
5. Procedural Generation Gets an Upgrade
Todd Howard has mentioned that procedural generation will play a more significant role in Elder Scrolls 6. Starfield used this technology for planetary exploration, but the execution left much to be desired.
For Elder Scrolls 6, procedural generation could be used to create expansive dungeons, forests, and caves, providing more variety without sacrificing handcrafted detail. If perfected, this could revolutionize how exploration feels in Tamriel, making each playthrough unique.
6. The Creation Engine 2 Evolution
Bethesda’s new Creation Engine 2 debuted in Starfield, offering visual upgrades like global illumination and improved post-processing effects. While not a complete departure from its predecessor, this updated engine could make Elder Scrolls 6 visually stunning.
However, concerns remain about legacy issues. Longtime fans know Bethesda’s engines often carry over quirks and bugs, so the hope is that Creation Engine 2 focuses on stability and performance enhancements.
7. A Streamlined Skill System
While Starfield introduced 82 distinct skills, many players found the system overwhelming. By contrast, Skyrim kept it simple with 18 core skills. Bethesda has hinted that Elder Scrolls 6 will return to a more streamlined system, making progression intuitive yet satisfying.
Fans are particularly eager for a return to levelling mechanics that reward organic playstyles like improving swordsmanship through combat or gaining stealth experience by sneaking.
8. No Multiplayer Distractions
Unlike Fallout 76, Elder Scrolls 6 will likely focus entirely on single-player experiences. Todd Howard has explicitly stated that multiplayer isn’t part of the vision. This aligns with fans’ expectations, as the series thrives on solitary adventures where players carve their path in a richly detailed world.
9. Faction Wars and Daedric Intrigue
A prominent 4chan leak suggested that Elder Scrolls 6 might delve deeper into faction-based conflict, akin to Skyrim’s Civil War questline. Hammerfell’s independence from the Empire and Thalmor opens the door to complex political alliances and betrayals.
The leak also mentioned Daedric involvement, with characters like Nocturnal potentially influencing the storyline. Given the series’ history of weaving Daedric Princes into its narratives, this rumor doesn’t seem far-fetched.
10. Dragons and Shouts Return?
While dragons defined Skyrim, their inclusion in Elder Scrolls 6 remains uncertain. However, the idea of “Void Gods” and new “Word Walls” in the rumoured leaks suggests that Bethesda might retain some form of mythical power for players to unlock.
If dragons do return, they could take on a new narrative role or be tied to Hammerfell’s ancient myths.
FAQs
Q: When is Elder Scrolls 6 releasing?
A: Current speculation points to a 2026 release, but delays could push it to 2027 or later.
Q: Will Elder Scrolls 6 be available on PlayStation?
A: As of now, the game is expected to launch as an Xbox and PC exclusive.
Q: What’s the setting of Elder Scrolls 6?
A: Leaks suggest Hammerfell, featuring deserts, jungles, and seashores, with Redguard culture taking center stage.
Q: Will there be multiplayer?
A: No, Todd Howard has confirmed that Elder Scrolls 6 will focus entirely on single-player gameplay.
Q: What new features can we expect?
A: Potential additions include shipbuilding, underwater exploration, and advanced procedural generation for creating diverse environments.
