Elder Scrolls Online Raises the Combat Standard for TES 6

Jumping into The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is like finding a perfect middle ground while we all eagerly await the release of The Elder Scrolls 6. As an MMORPG, ESO offers a deep dive into the Elder Scrolls universe with its rich lore and regular updates that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, much like its single-player counterparts. What’s impressive is how the game expands the Elder Scrolls mythos, setting a high standard for the upcoming Elder Scrolls 6 with its combat system.

Launched three years after Skyrim’s big splash, The Elder Scrolls Online carved a niche by delivering the canon Second-Era lore fans were hungry for. The multiplayer format not only filled the void but built a community that still flourishes, with over 9,000 monthly players back in 2024. Regular events filled with significant lore additions, like the fascinating Gold Road Expansion, keep the excitement alive among its dedicated player base.

One of ESO’s captivating features is its extensive bestiary, thanks to its expansive exploration of Tamriel’s different regions. It introduces a plethora of creatures for players to discover and even tame as mounts or pets. Some of these are creatures we’ve never encountered before, while others make a nostalgic return from classics like Daggerfall. Here’s a taste:

• Quasigriff: These fascinating creatures boast four legs but no wings, drawing inspiration from the Gryphon seen in other series entries like TES Blades.
• Welwa: Picture a sizable marsupial equipped with four eyes, often tamed and trained by Iron Orcs as armored mounts, and found across the Summerset Isles, Hammerfell, and Yokuda.
• Lamia: Reptilian in nature, with snakelike torsos, these creatures boast features like fangs, scales, and horns.

Unlike ESO, future mainline TES titles will likely be more region-focused, which could lead to fewer creatures from diverse regions. For example, if TES 6 is to unfold in Hammerfell, integrating beasts from places like Morrowind might pose a challenge. However, there are exciting possibilities to explore:

• Province-Hopping: Imagine a storyline that lets players venture into nearby provinces of Tamriel. It could enrich the experience with a larger variety of creatures, though it risks detracting from the main province’s narrative.

• Regional Variants: Some of Tamriel’s creatures already exhibit regional diversity. Take the Guar, with its various breeds tailored to their native environments, like the Shadowghost Guar’s distinctive patterns that provide natural camouflage.

ESO’s creature diversity not only livens up combat through unique attack styles but also makes each province feel vibrant and distinct. This feature stands as a significant advantage over the single-player entries. The Elder Scrolls 6 could achieve this level of depth by either broadening the exploration scope across multiple provinces or by creatively integrating creatures from diverse areas. If done right, it could deliver an immersive and uniquely engaging Tamriel experience to future players.