The Elder Scrolls Online launched in 2014. Since then, it's been the only content aside from mods that's been released for The Elder Scrolls, with the last DLC for The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim being Dragonborn in 2012. Since its launch, The Elder Scrolls Online has contributed many different characters and stories to the world of The Elder Scrolls, expanding on the lore in many different ways that enrich the world and keep interest in the franchise during the absence of The Elder Scrolls 6.
With ten years of content behind The Elder Scrolls Online, The Elder Scrolls 6 has to acknowledge the MMO's contribution to the series. While ESO takes place over a thousand years before Skyrim, there are still storylines and settings that could endure or be referenced in The Elder Scrolls 6, even if there's another timeskip of several hundred years after Skyrim. This could be done through its numerous immortal characters, or even through the resources that are already common in The Elder Scrolls such as books and other worldbuilding material.
The Elder Scrolls 6's Next Trailer Could Learn a Lot From The Witcher 4
The Elder Scrolls 6's next trailer shouldn't focus on promising new features, but should instead take the lead from The Witcher 4's approach.
Bringing Back the Daedric Princes in The Elder Scrolls 6
One obvious route to mention would be to bring in the new Daedric Prince, Ithelia. Some ESO players were disappointed with Ithelia, with one opinion being expressed that her concept was more interesting than her execution. Although Ithelia is locked away during the events of Gold Roa d, there are plenty of ways to bring her back for The Elder Scrolls 6 and to give her story justice. As Ithelia is the Daedric Prince of Paths with the power to alter fate, there's a lot of potential to create a meaningful story with her at the center.
Including Ithelia would bring the opportunity to include two other little-used Daedric Princes, Peryite and Vaermina. Peryite is considered one of the weakest of the Daedric Princes, but his opposition to locking away Ithelia and remembering her existence sets up a lot of potential if she reappears in The Elder Scrolls 6. His status as the weakest of the Daedric Princes also has a lot of potential for storytelling and character exploration, and a player character could potentially have an interesting relationship and dynamic with him, depending on his motivations. Vaermina, as the Daedric Prince of Nightmares, offers the opportunity for intriguing gameplay scenarios.
Referencing ESO in The Elder Scrolls 6 Through Its World
One of the best ways to worldbuild in video games is through the environment. The Elder Scrolls has always used in-game books to reference Tamriel's history, and The Elder Scrolls 6 has the chance to begin referencing events from ESO in history, magic, and religious books that are found in-game. These are smaller references that go a long way in making the world feel real and lived-in, and could be incredibly meaningful for those who have played ESO, while those who haven't would still be able to learn more about the events of it.
Other, smaller references could be included as side quests. For example, artifacts that appear in ESO, such as unique weapons and armor, or Daedric artifacts that are unique to ESO, could appear as quest rewards. NPCs that share a family name with significant NPCs from ESO could appear in The Elder Scrolls 6. These are smaller details that likely only ESO players will probably recognize, but it is a great way to pay homage to ESO.
The Elder Scrolls Online
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 39%
- Released
- April 4, 2014
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- ZeniMax Online Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Engine
- proprietary engine, heroengine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- The Elder Scrolls
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an ever-expanding story across all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, an award-winning fantasy RPG. Explore a rich, living world with friends or embark upon a solo adventure. Ultimate freedom—Create your ultimate RPG character, play solo or adventure with friends, and determine your fate in an ever-expanding world. With no level restrictions, go anywhere at any time in a truly open world.
Choose your adventure—Begin your adventure where you like: emerge from Coldharbour in the Base Game, battle Dragons in the Elsweyr Chapter, or get ready to face the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in Blackwood. All content is accessible for new players, and you can switch adventures whenever you like.
- Number of Players
- 1-4 (Co-Op)
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- How Long To Beat
- 160+ Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
