The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Feature Story NPCs Similar to Oblivion’s, Rather than Skyrim’s

Oblivion’s main storyline offers a richer emotional experience with characters like Martin Septim, making players feel more connected, unlike the somewhat detached NPCs in Skyrim. This lack of compelling characters in Skyrim often results in less emotional engagement. The upcoming Elder Scrolls 6 should aim to create at least one emotionally engaging character in its main questline.

Spoiler alert: This article contains story details from The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.

In each Elder Scrolls game, numerous NPCs enrich the world of Tamriel. While most aren’t directly tied to the main story, they add depth as merchants, quest-givers, or faction members, playing a crucial role in world building.

Characters central to the main storyline hold vital importance. They need to captivate players and motivate them to pursue the central narrative. In Oblivion, figures like Martin Septim make the story captivating, forming a genuine bond with the Hero of Kvatch. Despite having a larger main cast, Skyrim’s characters are often neutral or detached from the Dragonborn, lacking a personal connection. The Elder Scrolls 6 could benefit from taking inspiration from Oblivion by crafting characters that resonate emotionally with players.

In Oblivion, notable NPCs such as Martin Septim, Baurus, Jauffre, and Mankar Camoran provide a mix of allies and adversaries. Martin, in particular, develops a close bond with the Hero of Kvatch, creating a poignant narrative especially upon his demise. These connections keep the story grounded, encouraging players to invest emotionally.

Skyrim’s storyline lacks characters like Martin who forge lasting friendships. Even the bond with Paarthurnax feels limited. Allies like the Blades, Delphine, and Esbern turn antagonistic if the Dragonborn chooses not to slay Paarthurnax, contrasting sharply to the friendly alliances in Oblivion.

Skyrim’s NPCs don’t advance the standard of character relationships. Instead, they view the Dragonborn as a means to an end, with loyalties hinging on gameplay objectives like ending wars or defeating Alduin. Serana from the DLC represents the closest semblance of friendship. Without deep connections, Skyrim’s narrative becomes more about necessity than personal relationships with dynamic characters.

For The Elder Scrolls 6, it’s crucial to design a character that offers emotional depth in the main story. Skyrim’s NPCs, while autonomous, sometimes cause frustration by acting oppressively when players deviate from their expectations. In contrast, Oblivion’s characters collaborate with the Hero, weaving conflict into the storyline’s stakes more organically.