Bethesda Softworksis hard at work on bothStarfieldandElder Scrolls VI. The latter still has a long ways to go before fans even see what it look like, but there’s no denying that its release will be a momentous occasion. Will the developer stay true to theElder Scrollsformula, or will they significantly shake things up?
Related:10 Next-Gen Games We Know Exist (But Know Almost Nothing About)
If they decide to give players an experience in Tamriel like never before, they would be wise to take some inspiration from the following ten games below.Elder Scrolls VIdoes not have to be a carbon copy of any of these, but certain facets could help breathe life into the series.
Few open-worlds feel as alive asRockstar Games’interpretation of the old west inRed Dead Redemption 2. The way random encounters periodically spring up, leading to small adventures of their own, truly makes the world feel lived in.
Elder Scrollsgames always have the chance to run intoNPCswhile in the wilderness, but every stranger inRed Dead Redemption 2has their own story.
9Breath Of The Wild
One thingBreath of the Wildhas over any Bethesda game is the simple joy that comes from exploring the world. Climbing a mountain, sliding down a hill, and gliding across large plains feels majestic.
While discovering new areas and dungeons inSkyrimis a treat, the movement has always felt janky and climbing up a hill is a hilariously awkward mess. Bethesda needs to make the simple act of moving a pleasing activity.
8Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Of all the games on the list,Kingdom Come: Deliveranceis perhaps already the closest to feeling like a Bethesda game, because it is afirst-personRPG ripe withbugs and glitches.
However, its systems go way deeper than most Bethesda titles. For those who long for the days of the unforgiving and complex earlyElder Scrollsgames, some deeper RPG mechanics could help veteran fans feel at home again.
7Baldur’s Gate
InBioWare’squest to recreate aDungeons and Dragonsfor video games, they created a world with endless possibilities.
The game is unforgiving and players are often at the mercy of virtual dice rolls, but it still offers a character customization even most modern RPGs do not match.Elder Scroll III: Morrowindalso had combat more akin to virtual dice rolls, so maybe the studio could bring this feature back.
6Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor
The big takeaway fromShadow of Mordoris the innovative nemesis system. Tougher enemy leaders remember the player and future encounters changed based on the adversaries' animosity towards the main character. In anElder Scrollsgame such a system could significantly liven up the world.
Maybe the character kills someone for a quest, which in turn makes family members seek vengeance, or one’s reputation within a town changes based on what quests they do. Similar features exist to an extent inSkyrim, but they could be fleshed out so much more.
5Fallout: New Vegas
Obsidian took a shot at theFalloutfranchise in 2010 and knocked it out of the park.Fallout: New Vegasis the perfect mixture of the newFalloutgameplay and the older quest structure.
Related:10 Open-World Games With The Most Side Quests
The player’s choices during missions have a more tangible impact on the world.Elder Scrollsgames offer choice, but the consequences do not reach as far as they do in most Obsidian games.
4Final Fantasy XV
This one is a clear outlier on the list since it features a more turn-based battle system, but Bethesda can still learn a thing or two from the game’s structure.
The nextElder Scrollsshould not be afraid to strive for more cinematic sequences on a larger scale. They dabbled with this inSkyrimduring the dragon attacks, but they feet wonky. These do necessarily need to take control away form the player, either.
3Death Stranding
Similar toBreath of the Wild,Hideo Kojima’s2019 science fiction epicDeath Strandingmakes the challenge of traversal a rewarding experience all on its own.
Of course, anywhere in Tamriel needs to be more heavily populated and feature cities, but the road to these areas should feel just as rewarding as the arrival. After all, many will say an adventure is more about the journey than the destination.
2The Outer Worlds
While Obsidian’sTheOuterWorldsis smaller than most of the other games on this list, virtually every decision the player makes has consequences on the story and the world.
Related:10 Video Game Worlds Bigger Than Skyrim
The quirky science fiction narrative begs for multiple play throughs just to see how events change when playing as a different type of character. With more time and a bigger budget,Elder Scrolls VIcould follow a similar design goal on a larger scale.
1The Witcher 3
CD Projekt Redknocked it out of the park withThe Witcher 3. The world is massive, populated by vast wilderness, quaint villages, and bustling cities. Additionally, the abundance of side quests feel like they are handled with the same care as the main storyline.
Geralt’s decisions are often tough, with no answer ever truly feeling morally just. The relationship between the protagonist and Ciri adds a heart to the narrative lacking in manyElder Scrollstitles.The Witcher 3raised the bar foropen-worldRPGs; will Bethesda match it?
