The Elder Scrolls series has a rich history, starting with The Elder Scrolls: Arena in 1994. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved franchise under Bethesda Softworks. With Starfield released, The Elder Scrolls 6 is now in full development, stirring excitement among fans for the next installment in the fantasy RPG saga that produced the iconic Skyrim. However, despite Skyrim's acclaim as one of the greatest video games ever made, it overlooked one of its predecessor's most popular features. With the introduction of Scribing in ESO, The Elder Scrolls 6 faces a challenging dilemma.
Skyrim has been a trailblazer in the fantasy RPG genre, but it had its limitations. Each TES game aims to redefine the classic formula, and one of the most celebrated changes was Oblivion's spellcrafting. This beloved feature never returned to the mainline series, until The Elder Scrolls Online introduced Scribing. It's imperative for TES 6 to follow suit.
The Importance of Spellcrafting for The Elder Scrolls 6
Oblivion's Spellcrafting Remains a Defining Feature
Oblivion's spellcrafting system allowed players to freely combine spell effects, offering endless possibilities. Players could create unique combinations, such as combining Destruction spells with Illusion effects, enabling unprecedented feats in Oblivion.
Despite its absence in Skyrim, there are compelling reasons to reintroduce this feature. With The Elder Scrolls Online introducing spellcrafting through Scribing, The Elder Scrolls 6 cannot afford to ignore its predecessor's success. While reintroducing spellcrafting may invite comparisons, neglecting it could result in its exclusion from future mainline games.
ESO's Scribing Could Inspire TES 6's Spellcrafting
ESO's Scribing system differs from traditional spellcrafting but encourages player creativity. It utilizes Grimoires and Scripts to determine spell effects, applying to various skill lines. The Elder Scrolls 6 should not replicate Skyrim's approach but rather build on Oblivion's success with spellcrafting. Drawing inspiration from ESO's Scribing could revolutionize spellcrafting in TES 6, offering an opportunity to enhance its foundations.