The gaming community is eagerly awaiting The Elder Scrolls 6, with fans on the edge of their seats since Bethesda first teased this fantasy RPG back in 2018. While the initial announcement might have been prematurely made, rest assured, the game is actively in development. With Starfield as its predecessor, many are curious about whether Bethesda will employ a similar strategy for the upcoming Elder Scrolls installment.
Starfield received a mixed bag of reviews, but its commitment to a robust DLC plan has been noteworthy. Last year, Starfield expanded its universe with the launch of the Shattered Space DLC, and that’s just the beginning. Todd Howard has indicated there are plans for annual DLCs. If The Elder Scrolls 6 follows suit, this approach brings both potential benefits and drawbacks to the table.
Exploring the Pros and Cons of The Elder Scrolls 6 Adopting Starfield’s DLC Strategy
The Argument for Annual Expansions
To begin with, a clear advantage is how it can extend the game’s life span well beyond its initial launch. With yearly DLC, players are encouraged to revisit the game, consistently reigniting their excitement. These expansions often allow for deeper dives into the game’s lore, adding nuanced layers that enhance the story. Take Fallout 4’s Far Harbor, for example; it brought in captivating side narratives, enriching the overall gaming experience.
Moreover, new expansions can introduce a wealth of additional content, from weapons to NPCs, and possibly even new transportation modes. Shattered Space, for instance, brought in two new companions, providing players with more crew options. However, there’s a significant downside when it comes to annual DLCs.
[Note: Bethesda has not yet confirmed when the next Starfield DLC will be released.]
Exploring the Downsides of Annual Expansions
It might seem like just a single point, but it’s a crucial one—developing DLCs every year demands considerable time and resources, potentially diverting them from other projects. The resources poured into Starfield post-launch could arguably be put to better use in accelerating the completion of The Elder Scrolls 6. This dilemma will resurface once The Elder Scrolls 6 is released, potentially delaying Fallout 5, which Todd Howard has mentioned will follow Elder Scrolls 6 on Bethesda’s schedule.
Services like Starfield’s Creation Club prompt the question of whether substantial annual DLCs are necessary. With both studio-made content and creations from the community, there might already be plenty to sustain Starfield for years. Following the mixed reactions Shattered Space received, similar to the core game, perhaps Bethesda should focus on their next big thing while maintaining a smaller team to handle official community creations.
[Note: Reports from YouTuber Extas1s suggest a major reveal for The Elder Scrolls 6 could be in July 2025, but this is unverified and should be taken cautiously.]
The Increasing Duration Between Releases
The buzz around The Elder Scrolls 6 is palpable, but so too is the frustration over its extended development period. The gap since Skyrim’s 2011 release feels endless, exacerbated by today’s heightened game development complexities. Annual DLCs undoubtedly enhance games but can impede the momentum of future projects. It would be unfortunate for Fallout enthusiasts to wait as long as Elder Scrolls fans have.
Ultimately, while Bethesda’s strategy with Starfield might have laid a blueprint for The Elder Scrolls 6, the community will be keenly watching how this saga unfolds, crossing fingers for a development journey that satisfies both the new and long-time fans of the series.
