Elder scrolls 6 news: The Elder Scrolls 6: Everything we know so far

The Elder Scrolls 6: Everything we know so far

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The Elder Scrolls 6 is coming, but it’s behind another of the upcoming Bethesda games in the release schedule queue. The studio is currently focusing its attention on development of its first new IP in 25 years, with Starfield set to launch as one of the biggest new games for 2023. But once Bethesda is done with that, it’ll be turning its attention to the new Elder Scrolls game.

The Elder Scrolls 6 was teased back in 2018, and the studio is currently moving through pre-production on its next fantasy RPG alongside early work on Fallout 5 , which Todd Howard said is set to come after Elder Scrolls 6. So there’s a lot going on at Bethesda right now, and if you want to get caught up on everything we know about ESO 6 you’ll want to keep on reading for all the latest news and details.

(Image credit: Skyrim)

News came to light in January 2022 that Elder Scrolls 6 may still be in pre-production according to a Bethesda HR Linked-in profile, with Howard later confirming it in June 2022. The profile noted that the studio is still in the pre-production phase of the development process for the upcoming Elder Scrolls entry.

With the studio’s next project Starfield set to come in 2023, it’s not so surprising. Especially when Todd Howard hinted that we may not see Elder Scrolls 6 release until 2026 at the earliest.

Transcribe the past and map the future. 📖Here’s to a Happy New Year!🕯 pic.twitter.com/bL44CzLDIEDecember 31, 2020

Fans believe this Tweet is a confirmation that the next Elder Scrolls will take place in Hammerfell. The official Elder Scrolls Twitter account posted a New Year’s message featuring a map of Skyrim, with the words «transcribe the past and map the future.» Eagle-eyed fans quickly pointed out that the location of the candles on the image may contain a clue. One is placed directly on Skyrim, one on a book holding the map down, and another beyond Skyrim’s borders in the southwest — right by the label for Hammerfell. This is the home of the Redguards, and it’s been on everyone’s radar since the teaser trailer seemed to line up with some geographic details of Hammerfell.

It’s looking more and more likely that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be an Xbox exclusive title. Recent reports suggest it’s planned to be an Xbox exclusive, and since Starfield was announced as an Xbox and PC exclusive at E3 2021, it seems likely Elder Scrolls 6 will follow the same path. Despite this, Todd Howard has said «it’s hard to imagine» not bringing The Elder Scrolls 6 to multiple platforms.

Xbox made it clear during the Jefferies Interactive Entertainment conference that it will «absolutely» buy more studios, with games «first or best» on the platform. Xbox CFO Tim Stuart did clarify reports about Elder Scrolls 6 being an Xbox exclusive. «What we’ll do in the long run is we don’t have intentions of just pulling all of Bethesda content out of Sony or Nintendo or otherwise. But what we want is we want that content to be either first or better or best, or pick your differentiated experience, on our platforms. We will want Bethesda content to show up the best on our platforms,» Spencer said.

«Just as they took the bold first steps to bring The Elder Scrolls franchise to the original Xbox, Bethesda were early supporters of Xbox Game Pass, bringing their games to new audiences across devices and have been actively investing in new gaming technology like cloud streaming of games,» Phil Spencer wrote in the announcement.

Even if Elder Scrolls 6 is not a PC and Xbox Series X exclusive, the fact that it will likely be on Xbox Game Pass is a game-changer, as PS5 owners will have to buy the game at full price.

(Image credit: Bethesda)

All we’ve got to go on is this 36-second trailer Bethesda that debuted at E3 2018. Hearing the low thrum of the drums as the title appears certainly got us all hyped back then, and it’s got us ready for more, but we haven’t got much else since then. You can check out the trailer for yourself in the tweet below.

We’re excited to announce our next chapter, The Elder Scrolls VI. pic.twitter.com/3aF5evUsnYJune 11, 2018

(Image credit: Bethesda)

We’ve got a glimpse of a few new details about Elder Scrolls 6, straight from Todd Howard himself. During an interview with IGN Howard fleshed out a tiny bit on what fans can expect from the game, saying that «I think when they eventually see the game and what we have in mind, they’ll understand the gap more in terms of technology and what we want it to do… The one thing [the gap between Skyrim and Elder Scrolls 6’s release] does is people are still playing Skyrim, it’s still one of the best-selling games. I know people joke about it online, but it’s one of the best-selling games on Switch. Anything we put it out on, it becomes a hit game. And they love it, they still play it, it’s almost infinitely playable, all of the mods and everything like that. And we’re 8 years post-Skyrim. It lets us know going into Elder Scrolls 6 that this is a game we need to design for people to play for a decade at least, at least».

So whatever Elder Scrolls 6 includes, gameplay-wise, it’s going to be there for the long haul, just like Skyrim. There’s likely going to be a bigger emphasis on replayability, which might mean that tiny choices at the beginning of the game end up massively changing big story beats. Judging from Howard’s remark about the technology and «what [Bethesda] wants it to do», it sounds like the developers might be creating brand new gameplay mechanics to make Elder Scrolls 6 unlike anything we’ve seen before.

(Image credit: Bethesda)

On September 10, 2018, Bethesda started the process to trademark the term ‘Redfall’, causing the internet to jump into a flurry of excitement about whether the enigmatic word could be the name of Elder Scrolls 6. Yeah, I was one of them. This is how Redfall could be related to Elder Scrolls 6: the good people of Reddit have theorised that it might be the name of a plague sweeping Tamriel , putting you slap-bang in the middle of it.

It all boils down to — well, boils, actually, as they’re part of a disease that followers of Peryite (the Daedric Prince of pestilence, natural order, and tasks) have been infected with. In the quest The Only Cure, the blotchy red-skinned, poison-puking devotees of Peryite mention a plague that started in High Rock, leading some to wonder whether the ‘Red’ part of the trademark might be linked to the illness. The ‘-fall’ part of the term might be linked to it beginning in Daggerfall, one of High Rock’s kingdoms. It’s all a theory at this point — but one definitely worth entertaining for a while at least.

Elder Scrolls 6 should explore the dark past of these 7 locations: prepare to be asked some tricky moral questions…
10 games like Skyrim that’ll satisfy your need for adventure

For now, check out our new games of 2021 (that Elder Scrolls 6 will definitely not be a part of).

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Sam Loveridge is the Global Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar, and joined the team in August 2017. Sam came to GamesRadar after working at TrustedReviews, Digital Spy, and Fandom, following the completion of an MA in Journalism. In her time, she’s also had appearances on The Guardian, BBC, and more. Her experience has seen her cover console and PC games, along with gaming hardware, for over seven years, and for GamesRadar, she is in charge of reviews, best lists, and the overall running of the site and its staff. Her gaming passions lie with weird simulation games, big open-world RPGs, and beautifully crafted indies. Basically, she loves all games that aren’t sports or fighting titles!

Starfield: Everything we know about Bethesda’s new RPG

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Starfield is the biggest of the upcoming Xbox Series X games for 2023, and one of the most anticipated upcoming Bethesda games in recent memory. It’s an all new-RPG from Bethesda Game Studios, the developer behind some of the best RPGs of all-time – like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim and Fallout 4. This is the studio’s first new IP in 25 years, so expect this to be a key new game for 2023.

Starfield is set to let us define our own place in the galaxy and chart our own path between the stars. We were supposed to already have it in our hands, although a video game delay pushed Starfield into the new year. Xbox boss Phil Spencer says that Starfield was delayed partly because Xbox has «experienced shipping games too early», so it’s good to see Xbox and Bethesda taking the time to realize its lofty ambitions.

So keep on reading to find everything we know so far on Starfield, from the release window to extensive gameplay details.

Starfield release date

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Microsoft Gaming has confirmed that the Starfield release date is set for the first half of 2023. The new RPG was originally scheduled to release on November 11, 2022, although a Starfield delay was announced back in May. At the time, developer Bethesda said that the Starfield release date had been moved as it wants to achieve its «incredible ambitions» for the game, explaining that it wants us to «receive the best, most polished version» of the experience.

Starfield platforms

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Starfield is set to launch as an Xbox Series X console exclusive, and Bethesda has also confirmed that the RPG will launch on PC. This is a result of Microsoft’s $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax Media in 2021 – a deal which included Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6 creator Bethesda Game Studios. As with all games released by the Xbox Games Studio collective, Starfield will be available for both direct purchase and via Xbox Game Pass / PC Game Pass from the day of its release.

Is Starfield on PS4 or PS5?

While Starfield was announced before the Microsoft Gaming acquisition of Bethesda, the game will still be an Xbox platform exclusive. This means that a Starfield PS4 or PS5 release is out of the question. Todd Howard, Bethesda’s creative director, has said that the ability to focus on a smaller number of platforms will «make for a better product». Good news for Xbox owners, but it does mean that PlayStation owners will not be able to experience Starfield.

Starfield reveal trailer

While Starfield was teased at Bethesda’s E3 2018 press conference – a mood piece, more than anything else – we had to wait until the Microsoft and Bethesda Games Showcase 2021 for the Starfield reveal trailer. In the two-minute teaser, we received first details on the story, the world, and a sense of what the new Creation Engine 2 could deliver. You can watch the Starfield reveal trailer above, or read our comprehensive Starfield trailer breakdown from E3 2021.

Starfield gameplay trailer

As part of the Microsoft and Bethesda Games Showcase 2022, Bethesda debuted the first Starfield gameplay trailer. In this sprawling 15-minute presentation, Bethesda creative director Todd Howard walked the world through key elements such as combat, exploration, story, character customization, and so much more. The Starfield gameplay reveal served as a fantastic introduction to the wide-open universe Bethesda is building here. You can watch the Starfield gameplay trailer above.

Starfield setting

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The Starfield setting is one of Bethesda’s most ambitious. While the studio is no stranger to building massive, open-ended explorable worlds through the likes of Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, Starfield is set across the cosmos itself. ‘The Settled Systems’, as it’s known in-game, is an area that extends outward from our Solar System by approximately 50 light years. As for how much of this setting we’ll be able to freely explore, Bethesda has confirmed that Starfield will have more than 100 systems and 1000 planets.

Starfield story

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The core Starfield story is very much a closely-guarded secret, although Bethesda has given out a few details. We know that Starfield takes place in 2330, 20 years after two of the largest factions in The Settled Systems – the United Colonies and Freestar Collective – engaged in a bloody Colony War for territorial control. You’ll assume the role of a member of Constellation, an organization of space explorers trying to navigate what remains of the aftermath – where you go, and who you choose to side with from there is up to you. Additionally, Bethesda has confirmed that the Starfield main quest will be 20% bigger than Skyrim and Fallout 4.

Starfield gameplay

(Image credit: Bethesda)

While the Starfield gameplay appears to be drawing heavily from other popular science-fiction games like Elite Dangerous and No Man’s Sky, at its heart it is still a Bethesda RPG. If you’ve played any of the studio’s Fallout or The Elder Scrolls games you’ll know what that means: wide open spaces and settlements to explore, progression systems that reward you for investing time in the elements of the game that you enjoy, and an overall structure that leverages choice and consequence.

Starfield will also include gameplay elements that are new to Bethesda games, such as flying ships in outer space, as well as a more considered focus on resource management, crafting and base building, and real-time combat with firearms. Like Bethesda’s previous RPGs, you’ll be able to switch between a first- and third-person perspective at will. For a more detailed breakdown of how Starfield will play, you’ll want to read our comprehensive breakdown of the 10 Starfield gameplay features that prove it’ll be worth the wait.

Starfield dialogue and persuasion

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Bethesda recently teased the Starfield dialogue and persuasion system, which will give you yet another way to shape this adventure into your own. While you can choose to run and gun your way through the game, you can invest enough XP into obtaining the gift of gab – with Starfield launching into a turn-based minigame as you try to persuade NPCs around to your position. It looks to have a lot in common with similar systems seen in older Bethesda games, like the legendary Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. Todd Howard has confirmed that Starfield has over four times as much dialogue as Skyrim, so taking the time to converse with NPCs will be a massive part of the experience.

Starfield ship customization

(Image credit: Bethesda)

One of the most exciting new features in Starfield is the ability to clamber into a spaceship and explore outer space. You’ll be able to pilot your ship freely within systems and engage in ship-to-ship combat, which are two elements of the Starfield experience that Bethesda is keen to dial into. Starfield ship building has been confirmed, giving you the capacity to modify every aspect of your vessel. From what we’ve seen of it so far, it appears that ships are modular, allowing you to modify all elements of their design – from the visual placement of the engines and cockpit, to more considered choices such as how power splits between weapons, shields, and your light-speed travel capabilities.

Starfield crafting and research

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Bethesda has confirmed that the Starfield crafting and research systems are a huge part of the game. Not only will you be able to unlock mods and gear for your explorer – including the ability to improve your favorite weapons and your space suit – but you’ll also be able to heavily invest in outpost expansions. At its most basic level, Starfield will allow you to run research projects to expand your crafting options – such as improvements to your jetpack, or new mods to your pistol. If you want to dig deeper into this side to the game, you’ll be able to utilize base-building systems similar to those seen in Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 to more effectively mine and gather resources – and you can even assign NPCs to work at these outposts to ensure your research projects are completed with maximum efficiency.

Starfield backgrounds

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Character creation in Starfield is going to be a time sink. That’s true of just about every Bethesda game, but the studio is really leaning in this time. One key element of the character creator this time around will be in the Starfield backgrounds and starting skills. Bethesda is really leaning into the role-playing aspect of Starfield, so picking an appropriate backstory that reflects the type of character you want to embody will be key to enhancing your experience – particularly as NPCs may bring up your history or proficiencies in conversation and in key story moments.

There have been 16 Starfield backstories revealed so far, one of which you’ll be able to pick during character creation. These range from ‘Chef’ (which gives you the Gastronomy skill to craft special food and drink, and gain an additional 30 health points with Wellness) to ‘Diplomat’ (which gives you starting skills such as increased chance of success on speech challenges with Persuasion, and the ability to force a target NPC below your level to stop fighting for a time with Diplomacy) to ‘Pilgrim’, ‘Bounty Hunter’, and beyond.

Starfield skills

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The Starfield skills system appears to be an amalgamation of the systems found in Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. The Starfield skills are split into multiple tiers, falling under five different categories: Physical, Social, Combat, Science, and Tech. Earning XP and investing it in the skills that interest you the most – and best serve the type of character you’re building – will only enhance your chosen path. For example, if you like to play at range, you might want to invest in the ‘Sniper Certification’ in the Combat category, which ensures that scoped weapons are steadier and have less sway.

Interestingly, Bethesda has teased that there’s more to the skill system in Starfield than meets the eye. Creative director Todd Howard has noted that certain categories will see improvements based on your assigned backgrounds and starting skills, and that your chosen skills will improve through consistent use and practice. «You can unlock new skills as you level up, and then you rank those skills up by using them and completing challenges,» he said during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase.

Starfield traits

(Image credit: Bethesda)

During character creation, you’ll be able to pick up-to-three unique modifiers that carry both positive and negative effects. We know of 16 Starfield traits so far, and they appear to be optional indulgences that can further enhance the role-playing aspects at the heart of the experience or increase the difficulty of certain aspects to the game. These traits also seemed perfectly placed to increase the replayability factor of Starfield, particularly when combined with other elements such as base building, crafting, and faction alignment.

Here’s an example of how these Traits may impact your Starfield playthrough: ‘Kid Stuff’ means that you can actually visit your in-game parents at their home, although 10% of all your income will be automatically sent to support them; ‘Starter Home’ will give you a small house on a peaceful little moon from the outset, but you’ll have a 50,000 credit mortgage hanging over you with GalBank; while ‘Introvert’ will give you greater endurance while adventuring alone and less when out with other humans. We also know that there will be certain Faction and Religion specific Traits which can have various impacts on alignments throughout the core Starfield story.

Starfield engine

(Image credit: Bethesda)

The Starfield engine is confirmed to be the Creation Engine 2. This game engine was engineered alongside Starfield, and is designed to be the new standard for the studio moving forward. So while games like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim and Fallout 4 all shared the same technology, the Creation Engine 2 has allowed Bethesda to set itself up for further expansion and evolution in this new generation. Creative director Todd Howard has already confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 6 will build on what the company has been able to achieve with Starfield and Creation Engine 2.

Starfield mods

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Bethesda has always supported the community’s efforts to modify its games, and that isn’t set to change for Starfield. Despite being created atop a new game engine platform, Bethesda has confirmed that Starfield mods will indeed be supported. We have no further details just yet, although creative director Todd Howard said the following in a Reddit AMA: «Our plan is to have full mod support like our previous games. Our modding community has been with us for 20 years. We love what they do and hope to see more make a career out of it. »

Is Starfield multiplayer?

Given the ambitious nature of Bethesda’s new creation, you may be wondering whether Starfield is single player or if some sort of multiplayer component is in the game. Bethesda has confirmed that Starfield will be single-player experience, and that no online multiplayer modes are currently planned.

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Josh West is the UK Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. He has over 10 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+’s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you’ve definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.