It can be said thatThe Elder Scrolls 6is one of the most anticipated games of all time, with over a decade having passed since the last mainline release for the massive RPG franchise. With the expectations for the title only growing as time passes, it is clear that the release will have to seriously set itself apart from the likes ofSkyrimto truly deliver a memorable experience to its fan base.
As such, the likely scale ofThe Elder Scrolls 6may possibly lead to many franchise firsts, some of which may seem quite alien but necessary in the grand scheme of things. One of these aspects ofThe Elder Scrollsfranchise could easily concern changes to the game’s narrative structure, in which an obvious and dedicated main storyline for the title may no longer be needed forTES 6to succeed.
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What The Narrative Formula of The Elder Scrolls Games Entails
Bethesda has long employed a specific narrative formula for bothThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutfranchises, which have undoubtedly been historic contributors to the intense success of these two IPs. While Bethesda RPGs will have a clear main narrative that drives the game, there are often several side-narratives that involve factions or specific organizations that, while not imperative to the main story, are important in partially shaping the game world and the wider experience of a given title.
The most memorable of these side narratives includeSkyrim’sCivil War questlineorFallout 4’sRailroad faction questline. These kinds of secondary narratives often provide some of the most engaging experiences that Bethesda’s RPG franchises have to offer, and so it seems plausible thatThe Elder Scrolls 6could do away with a clearly labeled “main” narrative, and instead allow players to have an unprecedented level of narrative freedom and non-linearity.
What a Main Quest-Free The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Look Like
Although unconfirmed, it is widely rumored thatThe Elder Scrolls 6will take place within the province of Hammerfell, which is one of the largest regions in all of Tamriel. Given the diversity of locations within Hammerfell, combined with the intense geopolitical unrest of the region, it can be inferred that the scope of the narratives that can be included inThe Elder Scrolls 6would be huge, to say the least.
When considering this,TES 6’spolitical factionsand enemy types may imply such narrative diversity that it could afford to do away with the concept of a main questline, and instead offer players the highest level of story-based freedom that has ever been offered by anElder Scrollstitle. Without a main storyline, the game world is not tied to a predetermined ending that needs to adhere to specific story beats, meaning that the player could have a much more tangible impact on the game’s overall narrative through the choice of what factions are joined and how questlines are approached.
This form of storytelling would also necessitate exploration in a much more direct way, with the player having to seek out questlines and factions in a truly organic fashion, which would also hark back to the laissez-faire attitude of olderTEStitles likeMorrowind. With the huge amount of expectations thatThe Elder Scrolls 6has to match, a bold narrative decision such as this would be a true statement of intent as to the fascination that unguided exploration can provide to the player. By allowing faction-based narratives to hold much more gravity and to be more abundant,The Elder Scrolls 6not possessing a main narrative campaign could be a fantastic move for the level of organic exploration that the game could then foster.
The Elder Scrolls 6is currently in development.
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