The Elder Scrolls series has been a cornerstone in the world of RPGs, with its last installment, Skyrim, being a cultural phenomenon. However, fans have been eagerly waiting for the next chapter, Elder Scrolls 6, and the news so far has been a mix of excitement and disappointment. Let's delve into what we know about the game's expected release.
A Distant Horizon: The Release Date
According to Todd Howard, the game's director, Elder Scrolls 6 is unlikely to be released until at least 2028. This was confirmed in an interview with GQ, where Howard mentioned that the game is still in the early stages of development. The game was initially announced in 2018, but there have been very few updates since. This long wait has left fans questioning the decision to announce the game so early.
Platform Availability: An Xbox Exclusive?
With Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media, the game is almost certain to be released on PC and Xbox Series X|S. However, a PS5 release is less certain. The game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one, allowing subscribers to pick it up at no extra cost.
Setting the Stage: Where Will It Take Place?
The game is expected to take place on the continent of Tamriel, like all other games in the series. While there have been rumors about the game being set in Valenwood, the home of the Bosmer, nothing has been confirmed. Other potential locations include Hammerfell and High Rock.
The Long Road Ahead: Development Focus
Bethesda wants to make Elder Scrolls 6 the "ultimate fantasy-world simulator." However, the company is currently focused on Starfield, another big IP set to release later this year. This means that substantial updates on Elder Scrolls 6 are unlikely to come anytime soon.
Fallout 5: What Comes After
Interestingly, Todd Howard confirmed that Fallout 5 will be Bethesda's next project after Elder Scrolls 6. This means that the company has a full slate of projects for the foreseeable future.
Further Reading: Other Notable Releases
While fans wait for Elder Scrolls 6, there are other notable releases to look forward to. Starfield is set to release later this year, and Fable 4 is also in the pipeline, although it doesn't have a release date yet. These releases could serve as a distraction as fans endure the long wait for Elder Scrolls 6.
Conclusion
The wait for Elder Scrolls 6 is proving to be a test of patience for fans. With a distant release date and limited updates, the anticipation continues to build. However, the promise of an "ultimate fantasy-world simulator" gives hope that the wait will be worth it.