Companions have been an enduring part ofThe Elder Scrollsfranchise, but are a relatively recent addition toThe Elder Scrolls Online.While the MMORPG is known for expanding the world of Tamriel seen in previousElder Scrollstitles, it is slowly adding in functionality around social and relationship mechanics with NPCs. Companions were added toThe Elder Scrolls Onlinewith the Blackwood DLC, but there were only four to choose from. The upcomingElder Scrolls Online: Necromexpansion is slated to introduce two new companions, and some much-needed representation for Argonians and Redguards.
While players are waiting for more details onthe upcomingElder Scrolls 6,The Elder Scrolls Onlineis a great way to experience new stories within the same overarching universe. However, the game is different in some significant ways given there is no romance, combat is less tactile, and companions are primarily used to gain an edge in battle. Still,The Elder Scrolls Onlinehas taken the franchise forward with a diverse representation of in-game races, cultures, and creeds, as seen in the advent of new Redguard and Argonian companions.
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Argonians and Redguards Have Been Underrepresented Across The Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrollsfranchise has had consistent issues regarding racial and cultural diversity in past games. In particular,The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimfocused on the Nord and Imperial races given its location. While Redguards found some meaningful representation with the1998 titleThe Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard, this game was a commercial bomb. While the Redguards have made vast cultural and historical contributions to the world of Tamriel, including Redguard companion Azandar Al-Cybiades as a powerful arcanist and teacher with a prominent role inNecromis one of the few major examples of representation in named characters.
Of all the playable races inThe Elder Scrolls, Argonians may have the least representation overall. It’s also challenging to watch Argonians face consistent harassment and degradation as thieves, dockworkers, and other NPCs with no meaningful substance. Whilethe Blackwood chapter ofThe Elder Scrolls Onlinefeatures Argonian territories, no Argonian companions were included - in fact, Argonians were Daedric-worshipping enemies at times. This history makes the addition of Argonian companion Sharp-As-Night a refreshing twist.
Elder Scrolls Online’s Companions Hints at Potential Depth and Representation in The Elder Scrolls 6
The development ofThe Elder Scrolls 6alongside ZeniMax’s exploration of new locations and themes inThe Elder Scrolls Online: Necronbodes well for the future of companion mechanics. While some fans have wanted to see more depth with elements like romance, it’s great to see them receive unique quest lines, personalities, and combat styles. HopefullyThe Elder Scrolls Onlinewill continue to create new companions of every playable race, giving them the substance and autonomy that’s been missing from the original RPGs.
WhileThe Elder Scrolls Onlinehas pushed companion mechanics forward, there is still much that the game can do to create a diverse and equitable world. As with otherfantasy RPGs likeHogwarts LegacyandDragon Age,futureElder Scrollscontent should innovate beyond old tropes around race and culture.The Elder Scrollsgames have frequently used underrepresented races like the Redguards and Argonians as enemies, cult members, and more. Given the sheer diversity of creatures inThe Elder Scrolls Online, and the hope for more playable races inThe Elder Scrolls 6,there needs to be a higher standard for representation.
The Elder Scrolls Onlineis available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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