SinceStarfield’s release has come and gone, Bethesda fans have shifted their attention to the studio’s next open world RPG:The Elder Scrolls 6. It has been 13 years since the lastElder Scrollsgame was released and 6 years sinceThe Elder Scrolls 6was announced. While work is confirmed to still be underway on the game, Bethesda has kept details to a minimum.
Expectations forThe Elder Scrolls 6are incredibly high. Not only does Bethesda need a win afterStarfield’s somewhat troubled launch, butThe Elder Scrolls 6is a follow-up to one of the most beloved western RPGs of all time.Skyrimraised the bar for Bethesda games with its environmental storytelling, soundtrack, and scope. However, when it comes to one aspect ofThe Elder Scrolls 6, the game may be better off following in the footsteps of one of the franchise’s spin-offs.
Taking Cues From The Elder Scrolls Online’s Aesthetic
The art style used inSkyrimis a great fit for the experience that the game wants to deliver. The Nordic, alpine setting has a realistic aesthetic that lends itself to the lived-in nature of the open world, which makesSkyrim’s more fantastical elements stand out to the viewer. That said,The Elder Scrolls 6might be better off taking inspiration fromThe Elder Scrolls Online’s art style.
The Issues With Skyrim’s Visuals
Especially when looking back atSkyrim’s art style from the modern era of video game graphics, the game’s visuals are pretty drab.Skyrim’s color palette is the primary culprit, as it is dominated by muted shades of green, gray, brown, and white. PastBethesda RPGslikeFallout 3have been criticized in the past for the one-note color schemes found in their open worlds, andSkyrimdid little to divert from this pattern. The game’s art style was a product of its time, but players will have higher expectations for a modern release.
The Benefits of an ESO-esque Art Style
The Elder Scrolls Onlinestands apart from mainline entries inThe Elder Scrollsseries thanks in part to its diversity in visuals. Not only doesESOallow players to explore significantly more biomes than were offered in older games in the franchise, but its setting is filled with vibrant colors. This helps the game’s regions to truly stand apart from one another. PreviousElder Scrollsgames had memorable encounters spread throughout the open world that made exploring each region feel memorable, but inESO, the locations themselves — whether it be Stros M’Kai, Auridon,Summerset, or a number of other distinct areas in the world — are memorable to explore.
When it comes to fantasy media, there are already so many shows, movies, and games — including someElder Scrollsentries — that feel the need to resort to washed out, lackluster color palettes. The decision not to shy away from color makesESO’s open worldstand out in an entrancing way.ESO’s pops of color lend credence to the idea of Tamriel being a magical, fantastical world.
Taking inspiration fromESO’s art style would go a long way in makingThe Elder Scrolls 6’s open world feel more distinctive and more appealing thanSkyrim’s.The Elder Scrolls 6’s setting is rumored to be Hammerfell, and a rich and varied color scheme would help the province’s unique biomes to stand apart from one another. Hammerfell’s most well known region is the Alik’r Desert, which could feel like a chore to explore if Bethesda takes notes fromSkyrim’s visual style.
Showcasing Graphical Improvements in The Elder Scrolls 6
Additionally,The Elder Scrolls 6is bound to be quite a leap forward graphically compared toSkyrim. If Bethesda wants to show off how good this game looks compared to its predecessor, going in the direction ofESOwould make any graphical enhancements stand out significantly more. There’s a lot that Bethesda should borrow fromSkyrim, but in this instance, taking afterESO’s art style is one easy way to helpThe Elder Scrolls 6feel like an immediate upgrade when fans watch the first trailer — whenever it comes out.
