It’s no secret thatThe Elder Scrolls 6is one of the most anticipated RPGs at the moment. The sixth mainline entry to Bethesda’s long-running franchise has been on many gamer’s list of titles they are most eager for, but there has yet to be any substantial insight given about what to expect inThe Elder Scrolls 6. Announced back in 2018, all fans have had to go on for six years is an incredibly brief announcement trailer.
While much ofThe Elder Scrolls 6is unknown, there are a few features that gamers can assume will be present in the game, based on Bethesda’s past projects. In the world of RPGs, romance is a key element that many players enjoy, andThe Elder Scrolls 6is bound to include it. There may be no clear evidence to showcase what the game’s romance gameplay will be like, but looking to Bethesda’s most recent release,Starfield, likely holds some answers.Romance inStarfieldcan be enjoyable, butThe Elder Scrolls 6using it as a blueprint has a mix of pros and cons.
The Pros and Cons of The Elder Scrolls 6 Using Starfield’s Approach to Romance
Building Stronger Relationships With One’s Allies
One of the most beneficial parts of romancingcrew members inStarfieldis that it helps create stronger bonds with allies. While this isn’t anything unique to the RPG genre,Starfielddoes a solid job at making one’s in-game romantic partner feel as though they would follow their character to the ends of the earth. The dialogue options for flirting leave a bit to be desired, but the general way romance affects gameplay and quests is somethingThe Elder Scrolls 6would benefit from utilizing.
Benefits of Romancing Companions
The Elder Scrolls 6 May Have More to Learn From Starfield’s Mistakes Than Successes With Romance
WhileStarfield’s romance mechanics are good, they aren’t exactly great. The lack of companion options, no real relationship build-up, and a rigid approach to relationships hold the romance gameplay back. Romance inStarfieldwas greatly overshadowed by another RPG at the time of its launch.Baldur’s Gate 3really madeStarfield’s romance options feel quite lackluster. The two titles were released in close proximity to one another, andBaldur’s Gate 3clearly boasts the superior romance system when comparing the two. IfThe Elder Scrolls 6needs to learn anything fromStarfield’s romance mechanics, Bethesda should look at making it far more dynamic.
InStarfield, players can only romance four companions: Andreja, Barrett, Sam, and Sarah.
Ways The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Improve Starfield’s Romance
Offering more companions to romance is the obvious change needed, but features like taking one’s romantic partner out on dates or being able to flirt with multiple companions at once would offer so much more player freedom. A modder has even added a mode that allowspolyamorous relationships inStarfield, proving there is a demand for more dynamic romance options.Starfield’s romance mechanics can bring players plenty of in-game benefits, but from a role-playing standpoint, it forces players into a rigid box that can break immersion.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Waits in the Wings
The clock continues ticking, leaving many wondering whenThe Elder Scrolls 6will see the light of day. An announcement could happen any day, but there is no way to know for sure when that will be. After the divisiveness ofStarfield,The Elder Scrolls 6has the tough task of impressing players.
There’s no telling whatStarfieldfeatures Bethesda will reuse forThe Elder Scrolls 6. Romance that benefits players is a plus, butThe Elder Scrolls 6will hopefully bring a far more rewarding role-playing experience with its romanceable companions.
