There are so many things Bethesda could do with with the next Elder Scrolls game. In the past, I’ve spoken about potential settings for the game, and have also discussed the idea of how it could be some sort of prequel. Alternatively, though, is it possible that Bethesda makes The Elder Scrolls 6 a direct sequel to Skyrim, wherein you continue the story of the Dragonborn?
It would be a series first, of course, with each Elder Scrolls game having been set in a different location and tackling a completely different story, so there’s been nothing in the past to suggest that this could happen. However, given the massive popularity of Skyrim, a future instalment that serves as a direct follow up to the game isn’t all that unforeseeable. Bethesda have continued to cash in on the Skyrim brand with continued re-releases, so just maybe, they’re not done with that particular branch of the Elder Scrolls universe yet.
Even from a narrative perspective, there’s so many stories still left to tell in that region. For instance, the next game could focus on the ongoing conflict against the Thalmor, or the aftermath of the civil war. Fans of the series, and fans of Skyrim, would no doubt be interested in such stories. The argument is to be made that such stories can always be told via DLCs, but Skyrim is almost seven years old now, so that possibility remains unlikely.
Of course, I know that an Elder Scrolls game that serves as a direct sequel to Skyrim is highly unlikely. The franchise has never been known to do such things in the past but I also remain curious to see new locations and new stories in the series. However, if by some miracle Bethesda were indeed to do such a thing, maybe it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
This article is part of our series on Bethesda’s next big entry into the world of The Elder Scrolls. Through this series we take a look at the possible new features that Bethesda can add into the next The Elder Scrolls game, based on what they implemented in the previous entries and player feedback.