Summary
The Elder Scrolls Onlinemay be fundamentally different from the rest of the franchise, but it features one key combat and progression feature that should be adapted for use inThe Elder Scrolls 6. The gaming landscape has changed quite a bit since the release ofSkyrimin 2011, so learning from the ongoing MMO could helpThe Elder Scrolls 6improve its RPG elementsand build-crafting systems.
Developed by a different team and built around wholly different genre conventions,The Elder Scrolls Onlineis naturally distinct from mainlineElder Scrollsgames, although it does share a few core similarities. Of course, the lore and world-building are mostly the same, asESOis set in the same universe as the single-player games. By extension, many parallels can be observed between the RPG elements of bothESOand the rest of the franchise, particularly about classes, spells, and special abilities. That said,The Elder Scrolls Onlinemakes a few worthwhile changes thatThe Elder Scrolls 6should heed.
The Elder Scrolls Online’s Approach to Combat Stats Would Work Wonders in The Elder Scrolls 6
How Core Stats Work in The Elder Scrolls Online
NewESOfeatures like Scryinghave buttressed the role-playing elements of the game, giving players more opportunities to craft certain builds and upgrade their avatars in specific ways. However, the game’s approach to its core stat categories, also known as attributes, plays a major role in progression and scaling. The function of each core stat is as follows:
While Health functions mostly the same as in the otherElder Scrollsgames, Magicka and Stamina are far more influential, playing a larger role in how much DPS a player can inflict. This can impact build-crafting as, while playing as a mage, for instance, players can go all-in on Magicka upgrades and reap significant rewards as far as effective damage is concerned. The same goes for players looking to be damage-heavy melee fighters, who can forgo Health and Magicka upgrades in favor of significant weapon proficiency. Players can also leverage stats to get creative withbuilds inThe Elder Scrolls Online, as various iterations of the battle mage archetype are feasible through this system.
Improving ESO’s Approach to Stats in The Elder Scrolls 6
As satisfying asThe Elder Scrolls Online’s build-crafting options can be, the game is somewhat restricted by its MMO, live-service framework;ESO, fundamentally, prioritizes a wide variety of content over highly polished or immersive gameplay mechanics. While this isn’t necessarily a negative thing, especially for an MMO,The Elder Scrolls 6has a chance to build uponESO’s handling of core stats. By leveraging the advantages inherent to a single-player RPG,The Elder Scrolls 6can makeESO’s featuresa bit more refined, while keeping what works.
For one thing,The Elder Scrolls 6could have more complex and involved moment-to-moment combat, perhaps implementing melee combos or more unique spell-casting options. This would help make the Magicka and Stamina damage scaling more rewarding, as the specific investment benefits would lead to more engaging combat scenarios. Also, building a battle mage through this system could result in more mechanically satisfying gameplay, further enhancing this approach to stats.
Bethesda could be making some game design changeswhen it comes toThe Elder Scrolls 6. While any innovation should be welcomed by fans of the series, the sixth entry could also benefit from taking some notes from its cooperative online counterpart, especially when it comes to crafting meaningful and interesting combat progression.
