When it comes to the weapons ofThe Elder Scrolls, they typically aren’t too different from each other. Most of them share the same attack patterns and abilities, with there not being much variation. ButThe Elder Scrolls 6could see a change to this formula by taking inspiration from another popular open-world RPG.
Elden Ringis widely acclaimed for its huge variety of weapons, with builds often built around individual ones alone. Many of them have different attack patterns, special abilities, and secret traits that make them all unique from each other.The Elder Scrolls 6could pick up on this formula, modeling various new weapons after this concept.
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Revitalizing the Weapons of The Elder Scrolls
While not completely similar, some examples of the closestThe Elder Scrollsfranchise has come to havingElden Ring-esque weapons includeSkyrim’s Dawnbreakerand Bloodskal Blade. These two weapons are known for their unique effects, with Dawnbreaker making undead enemies explode upon death, and the Bloodskal Blade being able to send out blasts of energy with heavy attacks. However, weapons like these are few and far between, with the defining trait of most weapons most often being the power of their enchantments. In that regard,The Elder Scrolls 6could take more cues fromElden Ringto enhance this aspect of the game.
Not only do the weapons ofElden Ringcome in a huge variety, but their unique abilities can often make or break builds. From turning into a throwable spear of lightning, or being able to berate the enemy with ranged magical energy slashes, just about anything can be found in the game. This variety often lent itself well to gameplay, with players being able to experiment with which flashy special ability they felt best complimented their build. EvenSkyrim’s most powerful weaponshave a lot to learn from this kind of approach to creating unique weapons.
The Elder Scrolls 6could model its own weapons off of that. Though it may be a bit more limited due to the fact that the games are typically meant to be played in first-person, this would not stop it from embracing it. It also has the perfect opportunity to do this throughThe Elder Scrolls' many Daedric artifacts. For example, Volendrung could be revamped to have the special ability to send shockwaves when using heavy attacks. Considering how powerful Volendrung and many other Daedric artifacts are described to be in the lore, this would not only be thematically fitting, but it would also be completely justified.
But most of all, this would also bring some of the thrills of exploration fromElden RingtoThe Elder Scrolls 6. Throughout the player’s travels inElden Ring, they are bound to find many unique weapons along the way, slowly building up their arsenal. This hugely rewards the player for going out of their way to explore areas they would otherwise not need to.The Elder Scrollsfranchise is already known for encouraging exploration, so having a feature like this would only add to the enjoyment of it.The Elder Scrolls 6should take afterElden Ringin that regard, infusing the experiences of both to create something truly unique.
ThoughThe Elder Scrolls 6’s release datewon’t be anytime soon, at least it has the benefit of being able to look back on the great features of previous games and build upon them. In that regard,Elden Ring’s earlier release may have provided something that could lead toThe Elder Scrolls 6’s success.
The Elder Scrolls 6is in development.
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