The Elder Scrolls 6remains one of the most anticipated games in the industry. Bethesda’s sixth mainline entry in its beloved fantasy RPG series was originally announced back in 2018, and its progress has been practically silent ever since. The game may have been announced much too early, butThe Elder Scrolls 6is very much in production. As the follow-up toStarfield, many are wondering if Bethesda is taking the same approach to its nextElder Scrollsentry.
Starfieldgarnered mixed reception, but the game’s plans for post-launch DLC remain a strong point. Last year,Starfieldreceived its first ever DLC withShattered Space. This isn’t the only expansion planned, though. Todd Howard has confirmed thatStarfield is set to get yearly DLCs. IfThe Elder Scrolls 6takes this same approach, there are some upsides and downsides that need to be considered with this method.
The Pros and Cons of The Elder Scrolls 6 Sharing Starfield’s Post-Launch Roadmap
The Case For Annual Expansions
The most obvious pro is that it can keep the game going for years after launch. Having an expected expansion every year is a strong way to ensure that players keep returning. Post-launch expansions can also be exciting ways to add extra chapters to the game’s base story that dive even deeper into certain lore points.Fallout 4’sFar Harboris a great example of how DLCs can offer players incredibly compelling side stories that add a greater level of depth to the overall narrative.
Also, extra content like new weapons, NPCs, and potentially even modes of transportation can be introduced through yearly expansions.Shattered Spaceadded two new companion options, allowing players to have even more people to add to their crew. Unfortunately, when it comes to annual DLCs, there is one major con.
Bethesda has yet to confirm the title and release date ofStarfield’s next DLC.
The Case Against Annual Expansions
This may only be one point, but it’s a massive one. Ultimately, the extra work going intoStarfieldafter its release could potentially be better utilized to make sure thatThe Elder Scrolls 6gets finished quicker. This same issue will also pop up onceThe Elder Scrolls 6is here. In the past, Todd Howard has claimed thatFallout 5is on the schedule afterThe Elder Scrolls 6, and spending time on making expansions for the latter could makea newFalloutgameeven further away from release.
Platforms likeStarfield’s Creation Clubraise the question if major annual DLCs are even needed in the first place. Between the Bethesda-made base content and fan-made Creations, there already may be plenty to keepStarfieldgoing for years to come. AfterShattered Spacereceived similarly mixed reviews toStarfield’s base version, it may be best for Bethesda to pivot most of its attention to its next project and keep a smaller team in charge of crafting official developer-approved Creations.
A potential leak from YouTuber Extas1s has claimed that the first major look intoThe Elder Scrolls 6could happen in July 2025, but this should be taken with a grain of salt.
The Wait Between Releases is Getting Much Longer
The Elder Scrolls 6has excited many, but it’s also been notorious, as it feels like it’s been in development since the dawn of time. The last mainline game,Skyrim, was released back in 2011, and the wait currently has no end in sight. Since game development has evolved by leaps and bounds in that time, it has also become more sophisticated and complex, so the long wait is understandable. Annual DLCs can greatly enhance a game, but they can also hinder the progress of future projects, and it would be a shame if Fallout fans were stuck waiting as long asElder Scrollsplayers have been.
