The Elder Scrolls 6 is a title that will have to re-write the expected experiences of the franchise, with the release being a huge point of excitement for the gaming industry. It is likely that the game will maintain a lot of the mechanics and motifs of its predecessor while also building upon them in a constructive way.
There are many elements of the franchise that can be improved in The Elder Scrolls 6, with companions being one of the most pressing examples. In this way, TES 6 could borrow from a very well-received companion element of the Fallout franchise. While the recent Skyrim boasted many companions, the next TES should look toward a recent animal companion from Fallout 4.
Fallout 4's Animal Companion
2015's Fallout 4 wowed many with its improvements over its predecessor, and its animal companion stood out among fans. Fairly early on in the game, players become acquainted with a German Shepherd known as Dogmeat. This dog acts as an optional permanent companion for the player, being the first animal companion in the franchise.
Many players stuck with Dogmeat for the rest of their playthroughs, with the character quickly becoming a fan-favorite figure of Fallout 4. The legacy of Dogmeat is so apparent that many were furious at the omission of a similar animal companion in Fallout 76. For players who prefer the lone-wolf feel of Bethesda titles, Dogmeat presented the perfect middle-ground of having a companion without the extended interactions of human allies. Cute animal companions are a sure-thing for positive reception in the gaming space, and a similar feature could easily be adapted for Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls franchise.
Animal Companions in The Elder Scrolls 6
With the Fallout and Elder Scrolls IPs both being RPGs, it is no wonder that companions have long played a large role within them. The companion mechanics of both IPs are functionally identical, with players being able to develop relationships, explore unique quest-lines, and swap gear with their allies.
Despite the fantastical elements of The Elder Scrolls, the companions of the franchise do not boast the same variety as Fallout. While players can choose from a range of followers from different races within the likes of Skyrim, there is a clear gap that animal companions could easily fill. Domesticated animals such as dogs and cats have appeared in The Elder Scrolls before, although the player has never been able to use one as a real companion.
It is heavily rumored that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be set within Hammerfell, with the arid region being host to a variety of animals. With Hammerfell boasting the likes of jackals and even lions, TES 6 could easily wow fans with geographically-appropriate animal companions. The native Redguard of Hammerfell are renowned for their warrior spirit and cultural ties to the area, further justifying the presence of domesticated companions in TES 6.
Of course, The Elder Scrolls' fantasy setting could move beyond the scope of known animals, with a huge host of fantastical creatures also being potential companions. This would add fascinating mechanics to beast companions in TES 6, with certain creatures allowing for things like flight or health regeneration. Some could also just be used as adorable pets for gamers to add to their homes, making them more excited to stop by their houses every once in a while.
With how successful Fallout 4 was with a simple dog companion, the concept of multiple outlandish creature companions in TES will surely foster success. Given the likely scale of TES 6, it seems clear that Bethesda would be wise to learn from Fallout 4 wit its range of potential companions.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is currently in development.