AsThe Elder Scrolls 6is undergoing development, combat is sure to remain a core game mechanic that defines the upcoming game as it has every game before it. Whether shooting bone arrows at dragons or hacking and slashing ancient Dwemer constructs deep underground, players must quickly adapt to stay alive past the first five minutes of gameplay.The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis iconic for its opening scene, which involves a deadly dragon attack and almost immediate combat for the player. While combat in the franchise has become easier to use, much has remained consistent and lackluster over the years, meaningThe Elder Scrolls 6could desperately use something new.
The combat system in theElder Scrollscan be summarized by the gameplay inSkyrim.Players can find, unlock, and equip different weapons, magic, and abilities usingSkyrim’s massive skill tree. Players can then level up specific skills depending on the combat styles they focus on. While the game has been renowned for having an incredibly open and dynamic combat system, some invisible rules are still in place. After all, many battles inSkyrimfeature the player character hacking and slashing, shooting, or blasting magic repeatedly until the enemy is down. Understandably, there’s significantly less nuance there than many players would like.
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Trainable Melee Combat Techniques for The Elder Scrolls 6 is a Must
With the announcement and current development ofThe Elder Scrolls 6,players will certainly be expecting a complete overhaul of the combat system. While there has been very little information released about the game’s combat system or the game as a whole, theMicrosoft-owned Bethesda development teamcould find inspiration in many role-playing games that have come out in recent years. Two major issues with the current combat system are that melee combat can oftentimes be repetitive and clunky and that there is not enough of a difference between melee play styles.
Games likeGhost of Tsushimaare brilliant examples of what a dynamic melee combat system could look like. Given that theElder Scrollsfranchise allows players to use both blunt weapons and blades, there is quite a bit of potential for a truly innovative combat system that provides unique strengths and weaknesses to each weapon type. While there aretrainers acrossThe Elder Scrolls 5that can help level up skills, there is no true “training” element involved. Developers could also incorporate a system for training with and fighting other NPCs, similar toJade Empire.This system could come with special side quests to unlock powerful techniques that set the franchise apart from the pack.
Magic in Elder Scrolls 6 Needs to be Diverse, Dynamic, and Lore-Driven
While magic is a prevalent part ofThe Elder Scrollsfranchise, it has largely remained the same. Outside of the “shout” mechanic, which is arguably the most unique and defining aspect ofThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim,players who decide to be magic users might find themselves bored after countless blasts of generic white magic. One element that makes the shout mechanic so remarkable is that eachThu’umplayers learn has a unique casting experience, look, and feel.Dragon Age, Pillars of Eternity, and other titles have dynamic magic systems that create choice and consequence for the player, and ElderScrolls 6needs to do the same.
One way to innovate on the current magic system would be to introduce different pros and cons for using each kind of magic. Developers could think about how schools of magic are taught, if there are physical tolls for using certain types of magic, and even howdivine beings like the Daedracould factor into a player’s magic usage.
Another idea would be to twist how players learn magic. While books are a convenient mechanic, they are anti-climactic, especially when compared to learning shouts. Players could discover magic through rituals, tattoos, communicating with animals, or gaining the favor of a particular god. This would bring a welcome refresh tomagic in theElder Scrollsfranchise.
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Stealth and Ranged Combat Needs to Feel Unique While Remaining Balanced
Anyone who has played as a stealth-based Dragonborn might have discovered just howoverpowered theSkyrimarchery system seems. This is especially true as the damage bonuses for fighting from stealth are staggeringly more powerful than any other perk in the game. While this is nice for first-time players, the lack of balance can easily make combat stale. One idea to innovate on the current system is inspired by theAssassin’s Creedfranchise and involves making more sophisticated enemy AI. On top of this, there could be more limitations on how stealth can work in specific environments and areas.
Archery is an incredible skill inSkyrim, as the current system allows players to aim and track their shots in a satisfying way. Even so, Bethesda has ample potential to level up this system and make it the bestarchery-based video game combat systemout there. This could be done by allowing players to craft, upgrade, and customize their bow and other weapons. Adaptive triggers on next-gen consoles could also provide new ways to utilize ranged weapons. Anything from engravings and customizing bowstring tension to building a bow at a workshop would make the experience more gratifying and personal.
The Elder Scrolls 6is currently in development.
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