Summary
As one of the most reputable gaming franchises of the century, Bethesda has an uphill climb to maintain the pristine reputation of one of its premier IPs inThe Elder Scrolls. It’s been well over a decade sinceSkyrimtook the gaming industry by storm with its challenging gameplay and intricate plot, and expectations forThe Elder Scrolls 6have gradually been building — especially with the introduction ofStarfieldlast year. Although the potential release date might still be miles away, the large time gap betweenSkyrimandThe Elder Scrolls 6demands the new installment feature a host of changes whenever it makes the rounds, and the leveling system in particular could benefit from some refurbishing.
Skyrimis highly regarded in the roleplaying community, outstripping much of its competition with a stellar blend of immersive magical physics and realistic limits. Since it was so far ahead of the genre’s offerings,Skyrimtook on a life of its own compared to the average AAA title, boasting an impressive average player count that endured for years after its hype should have waned. In light of its legendary status in gaming, Bethesda has a mammoth task on its hands to top what is considered its best-ever product to date, andThe Elder Scrolls 6will need to rock the apple cart to reach similar heights.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Needs to Keep Up With the Times
While conventional wisdom says that winning formulas shouldn’t be changed, the extended time betweenSkyrimandThe Elder Scrolls 6’s future release datecalls for an overhaul to keep up with the times. There is a bevy of elements lined up for improvement to give the next installment a competitive edge, but the leveling system sticks out among the elements needing an upgrade.
Skyrim’s Leveling Loophole Should be Closed in TES 6
Bethesda has already affirmed its developmental stance regarding the dynamic, stating that it would remain the same as inSkyrim. However, glancing at other competitors in the space, it’s easy to see whyThe Elder Scrolls 6shouldn’t stick to its guns in all dimensions.
Skyrim’s leveling is considered one of the best in the franchise since it addressedmany ofOblivion’s notable issues. But, even with its relative stability, there was an oversight that allowed players to gain an edge. It was a common theme for players to hold off on leveling till they were locked in battle with powerful enemies, run down their HP significantly, and then upgrade to effectively get a second wind in health, magicka, and stamina. This loophole may have been deliberate by Bethesda, but with challenging games likeElden Ringenjoying a meteoric boost in popularity, the developer might need a strategic rethink.
That’s not to sayThe Elder Scrolls 6should go down the route of Souls games. One of the reasons behindSkyrim’s success was that it divested itself from others in the genre, and it needs to maintain this individuality. Evolution demands the upcoming installment absorb some things from competitors, however. Eliminating the safety net of a mid-fight recharge would raise the stakes and make for epic battles against Draugr Death Lords and their ilk inThe Elder Scrolls 6’s location, so it stands to reason that Bethesda gives this dynamic a new complexion.Oblivion’s leveling system, where players only upgraded when going to sleep, presents a blueprint to follow.
In addition to escalating the pressure of fights,The Elder Scrolls 6’s leveling needs to be a tad more intuitive thanSkyrimto further the dynamic of immersion. Progressing along individual skills could be confusing, and the manner of implementation on in-game menus left a lot to be desired. Leveling inSkyrim’s menus could pause gameplay for long stretches — which is the ultimate enemy of the fast-paced theme gamers have come to expect. If these upgrades feature inThe Elder Scrolls 6, the divergences fromSkyrim’s levelingcould form the base building blocks for another legendary roleplaying experience.
