Fantasy is a classic genre in RPGs, andThe Elder Scrollsis one of the most prominent video game fantasy RPG franchises. It’s also the only fantasy RPG franchise currently developed at Bethesda, resulting in a long wait between game releases. One of the biggest strengths of a fantasy RPG is the inclusion of a magic system. A robust magic system can transform a player’s experience of a game, and should ideally be a key part of a fantasy RPG.The Elder Scrolls 6has the opportunity to improve uponSkyrim’s magic system, especially as Bethesda haven’t recently released a game with a magic system at all in recent years.
Magic has always been a part ofThe Elder Scrolls, butSkyrimwas criticized even at launchin 2011 for simplifyingThe Elder Scrolls' magic system. While it did make magic more intuitive, it also made magic less useful and, ultimately, less powerful, especially for magic-based builds and when compared to previous games inThe Elder Scrollssuch asOblivionandMorrowind.The Elder Scrolls 6needs a robust magic system that improves onSkyrim’s.
The Importance of Magic in The Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls’magic systemhas changed with each game, particularly betweenMorrowind,Oblivion, andSkyrim. It’s uncertain what kind of magic systemThe Elder Scrolls 6will have, but there’s more pressure on it to succeed than many of its other systems because of its unique nature as an exclusive part of the fantasy genre.
Bethesda’s last fantasy game wasSkyrim, which was released 14 years ago in 2011. Since then, Bethesda has focused on its sci-fi IPs,FalloutandStarfield. As such,Skyrim’s magic systemremains the latest magic system that Bethesda has developed. This magic system shouldn’t be carried over toThe Elder Scrolls 6as it’s far too simplified and can’t hold up, especially at higher levels. With other, far more creative mechanics available,The Elder Scrolls 6could feasibly create a far more interesting, dynamic, and powerful magic system that is still intuitive and accessible.
Bringing Back Magic in The Elder Scrolls 6
Skyrim’s magic system is currently outdated, and even at the time it was released in 2011, it received criticism for being overly simplified compared to its predecessors.Oblivion’s magic system allowed players to hold weapons in both hands, with the cast key binding separate to weapon attacks. There were also features such as the ability to create unique spells, which was an incredibly popular feature that was controversially removed inSkyrim. Many other spells were either removed or simplified, making magic less potent and less viable to pursue than other builds, especially when compared to previousThe Elder Scrollsgames.
SinceSkyrim’s release, there have been many other fantasy RPG games with far more robust magic systems.The Elder Scrolls 6will need to improve its magic system to compete with other modern fantasy RPGs that have been released sinceSkyrim, but also those that will be released alongsideThe Elder Scrolls 6. Bringing backOblivion’s spell crafting system would be a good start, but adding more spells, including more lore, and improving the Mages Guild storyline to make magic more integral to its plot than it was in theCollege of Winterhold storyline inSkyrimwould be good steps.
