Starfieldhasn’t been the universally beloved success that Bethesda Game Studios was probably hoping for, but eyes are still on the horizon forThe Elder Scrolls 6. While there’s virtually no concrete information available about the game, which is early in development at the time of writing, there are strong hopes that it willevolve the formula ofThe Elder Scrolls, modernizing the “Bethesda-isms” that many ofStarfield’s detractors argue are outdated.
One of the greatest points of contention regardingStarfieldat launch was the total absence of land vehicles; it was seen as rather transgressive and counterintuitive for Bethesda to design a game explicitly about roaming vast, barren planets without any sort of expeditious transportation. It was arguably regressive as well since, while a game likeFallout 4may have also lacked land vehicles,SkyrimandOblivionboth allowed players to ride horses, making locomotion much easier and quicker. Luckily, Bethesda heeded the criticisms of its players and added the REV-8 in a long-awaited post-launch patch. While it’s not perfect, the REV-8 is definitely an experience-enhancer, andThe Elder Scrolls 6may struggle to live up to this newfound standard.
Transportation In The Elder Scrolls 6 May Be Subject to Unfavorable Comparisons After Starfield’s REV-8
The Potential for Land Vehicle In The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Smaller
One of the biggest reasons why theabsence of land vehicles inStarfieldwas so bafflingis the context of the game’s world. After all, no one would reasonably expect a post-apocalyptic franchise likeFalloutto have automobiles, but the advanced, copacetic vision of the future displayed inStarfieldshould be replete with different modes of transportation, easily accessible to the masses.
It should go without saying, but this is not the case withThe Elder Scrolls. The high-fantasy franchise derives its aesthetic and world-building elements from typical medieval fantasy IP likeLord of the Rings: modern technology is virtually nonexistent. Horseback riding isthe only lore-friendly way forElder Scrollsplayers to get around, aside from walking, and it’s tough to make this form of transportation as engaging as driving an automobile (see:GTA V’s driving vs.Red Dead Redemption’s horseback riding). Now that Bethesda Game Studios has set a precedent for high-speed transport, players may be looking for something similar inThe Elder Scrolls 6.
How The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Provide Lore-Friendly Vehicles
For better or worse,The Elder Scrolls 6has some lofty expectationsto live up to, as it’s the direct successor to what many consider one of the greatest action-RPGs ever made. As such, and considering the common criticisms ofStarfield, Bethesda Game Studios shouldn’t shy away from being bold and inventive, delivering an experience that fans of its games have come to expect while also being unpredictable and novel.
One way that the studio could accomplish this is via unique traversal options. Specifically,The Elder Scrolls 6could leverage Dwarven lorefor this end: Dwarves/Dwemer in the world ofTESwere a technologically advanced race, able to create steampunk-esque contraptions and even automatons. Given what players have seen of Dwarven technology in previous games, it wouldn’t be inconceivable for their technology to yield some sort of automobile. Perhaps players can come across a Dwemer survivor, doing favors for them in exchange for this advanced machinery and, eventually, upgrades for it.
Alternatively,The Elder Scrolls 6could lean into its more high-fantasy roots and allow for different types of mounts, some of which are faster or more capable than a standard horse, but this would be a bit more pedestrian and by-the-numbers. Evoking underexplored aspects of the series lore, though, could deepen players' appreciation for the game world while helpingThe Elder Scrolls 6measure up toStarfield’s transportation features.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
