The best move forThe Elder Scrolls 6’s character creator may be to combine elements fromSkyrimandStarfieldinto one package. IfThe Elder Scrolls 6is going to be the biggest and best game yet for the series, then that same approach will need to be taken with the player’s own character. After all, most RPGs thrive on giving the player freedom in that regard. Bethesda games in particular have historically given players many ways to build their respective protagonists. As forThe Elder Scrolls 6,SkyrimandStarfieldcould both hold a part of the secret formula.
Thereveal ofThe Elder Scrolls 6is several years old at this point, with players having learned precious little about the game since then. That means that, at least until more news comes out, past games are the best way for fans to get some idea of what they might be able to expect. Granted,The Elder Scrollshas produced several excellent games. It also bears mentioning thatBethesdahas other good titles in their repertoire as well, most notably theFalloutseries. WhileThe Elder Scrolls 6is still largely unknown, Bethesda’s track record gives it a high bar to clear.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Can Forge its Character Creator By Combining Those From Bethesda’s Past
Skyrim’s Dragonborn’s Race Provides Their First Stat Adjustment
When players were creatingSkyrim’s protagonist, the Dragonborn, many of the player’s options are cosmetic, such as hairstyle and face paint. However, the choice that makes a real impact is the Dragonborn’s race. InSkyrim, every playable race has unique traits that affect the player. For example, Nords have natural frost resistance, while Argonians can breathe underwater. They even have abilities that can be activated manually, like the Bosmers' Command Animal or the Orc’s Berserker Rage. These additions can potentially play a significant role in the player’s strategy. InSkyrim, the Dragonborn’s chosen race is the first step towards their eventual build.
Starfield’s Backgrounds and Traits Offer Healthy Character Customization Options
There are also a few vital decisions thatStarfield’s version of character creationgives players in the form of two categories. The protagonist’s Background is chosen from a list of options, with each giving them a small head start in three of the game’s skills, as well as adding a bit of flavor to them. Immediately afterward, the player can choose up to three Traits, which are completely optional, but will further augment the game, with the most famous being the Kid Stuff trait that adds the protagonist’s parents to the game.
Starfieldisn’t the first Bethesda game to feature character-augmenting traits at creation, with the previously mentionedFalloutalso including them in certain games.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Can Learn Further From Oblivion’s Options
CombiningSkyrimandStarfield’s character creation mechanics has great potential.Oblivion’s Hero of Kvatchalready hailed from a character creation system that acted as something of a blend of the two.Oblivionlet players choose the Hero’s race, class, and birthsign, all of which either augment their stats or grant them an extra ability. Going from this system toSkyrim’s was arguably a step-down, since it gave players fewer options. At the same time, it shows thatThe Elder Scrollscan handle such a dense character creator.The Elder Scrolls 6could very well take a healthy amount of inspiration fromOblivionin this regard.
The Elder Scrolls 6needs its protagonist to be one of Bethesda’s best, befitting one of themost anticipated upcoming RPGsin the industry. In order to do that, the best starting point is the game’s character creator. Rather than simply reprisingSkyrim’s approach, adding the additional options thatStarfieldoffered would be a major upgrade. While players will surely be able to build their character throughout the game, it always helps to start early.The Elder Scrolls 6can combine two character creation formulas to develop something better.
