Future Bethesda Games Should Take Starfield’s Backgrounds…

Summary

Starfield introduces backgrounds and traits to its character creator, allowing players to have greater control over their character's backstory and abilities.
The backgrounds represent classic sci-fi tropes, offering players 21 different options to choose from, each determining the player's starting skills.
The inclusion of backgrounds and traits in Starfield enhances the game's roleplay potential and reinforces the opportunity for multiple playthroughs, making it a fantastic addition that other Bethesda RPGs should adopt.

Starfield may play like other Bethesda RPGs, but the studio has introduced a plethora of new features that have helped set this game apart from the rest of its catalog. Not only did it completely reinvent how Fallout 4's base building works, but it also introduced the concept of backgrounds. These backgrounds serve as a great way to build out characters while also rewarding multiple playthroughs since players may want to try them all. It feels like a great addition to the formula, and hopefully Bethesda will expand upon it in the future.

While Starfield's backgrounds are not super advanced, they go a long way in giving the protagonist more life. Each one has its benefits and drawbacks, which allows players to tailor them to their playstyle. It is something that no previous Bethesda RPG has really dabbled in, but now all future titles definitely need to replicate it. Starfield got the idea started, now The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 need to run with it.

Starfield's Backgrounds Are a Fantastic Addition to the Formula

When players start up Starfield, they are greeted with the standard character creator that most RPGs have. Players must first select their starting look, and then they are able to customize it further with various sliders. Once they have built out the body and face, the game presents them with the background screen. Unlike past Bethesda games, Starfield gives players the option to actually select their character's backstory. While the number of options may feel daunting at first, the freedom makes this character creator feel special.

Each of Starfield's backgrounds represents classic sci-fi tropes and archetypes that players would expect from a sci-fi game like this. They can choose to be a bounty hunter, a long hauler, an explorer, a pilgrim, or even a chef. There are 21 different backgrounds to choose from with each determining the player's three starting skills. While some choices may be better than others, the choice really depends on how players want to approach Starfield's early hours.

Previous Bethesda RPGs simply tossed players into the world without letting them decide what their character's backstory was, which forced them to just imagine what it could have been. The Elder Scrolls ties its bonuses to the race that players select while Fallout ties it to the SPECIAL point system. These both have their uses, but Starfield's backgrounds are a step above the rest. Not only does it make players feel like they have greater control over their character, but it also boosts Starfield's roleplay potential considerably.

Bethesda could have just included the backgrounds, yet it chose to take it a step further. After players select their background, they are able to further build out their character by selecting three optional traits. Each trait adds an extra layer to the characters while also giving them various benefits and penalties. Players can give themselves a family, they can become an introvert, they can have an adoring fan, or they can even start with their dream home. With 17 traits to choose from, there are countless combinations that players can try out.

Starfield's backgrounds and traits are great additions that future Bethesda RPGs should definitely expand upon. Games like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 could do so much more with the concept if given the chance as their worlds offer limitless storytelling potential. Letting players decide who they were before the game is a fantastic way to inject some more roleplay into the world while also giving players a way to replay the game multiple times. That is why this needs to be more than a one-time thing as it is exactly what Bethesda RPGs have been missing.