The Elder Scrolls 6: A Return to Classic Bethesda RPGs

Bethesda Game Studios is charting a course back to its roots with The Elder Scrolls 6, promising a return to the gameplay style that defined earlier hits like Skyrim, Oblivion, and Fallout 4. This shift comes after the studio’s recent ventures into latest territory with Fallout 76 and Starfield, which director Todd Howard described as “creative detours.”

A Step Away From Recent Titles

Speaking on the Kinda Funny Gamescast, Howard explained that Fallout 76 and Starfield represented a departure from the core experience that Bethesda RPGs are known for. He characterized these games as a “little bit of a creative detour from kind of that classic Elder Scrolls, Fallout, where you are exploring a world in a certain way.” GamesRadar and IGN both reported on Howard’s comments.

Back to Familiar Territory

With The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda intends to recapture the essence of its beloved single-player, open-world RPGs. Howard stated, “We are coming back to that classic style that we’ve missed, that we recognize really, really well.” TheGamer highlights this commitment to a familiar formula.

Engine Evolution

The development of The Elder Scrolls 6 is also benefiting from advancements in Bethesda’s game engine technology. The studio has been refining Creation Engine 2, the engine used in Starfield, and is now progressing to Creation Engine 3, which will serve as the foundation for The Elder Scrolls 6 and future projects. IGN reported that Howard confirmed this engine upgrade.

A Familiar Team

A significant portion of the team that worked on Skyrim remains with Bethesda, bringing their experience and expertise to The Elder Scrolls 6. This core group is being supplemented by new talent, contributing fresh perspectives to the project. IGN noted Howard’s comment that “the majority of people who made Skyrim are still here.”

Looking Ahead

While details regarding the setting and specific gameplay features remain scarce, Todd Howard’s statements signal a clear intention to deliver an Elder Scrolls experience that resonates with long-time fans. The return to a “classic style” suggests a focus on immersive world exploration and a compelling single-player narrative, hallmarks of the franchise’s most successful installments.