Bethesda is still developing The Elder Scrolls VI, and longtime fans are left wondering what new mechanics will define the next chapter. Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith recently suggested that adding boats and naval combat could be a natural evolution for the series. This potential addition would fundamentally change how players explore the game world, moving beyond land-based travel to include sea voyages.
Nesmith suggests water-walking spells and kraken encounters as major additions
Nesmith, who previously led the development of Skyrim, shared his thoughts on future game features in a recent discussion. He emphasized that gameplay over water would be a major addition, comparable in scale to the dragon mechanics introduced in Skyrim. The idea involves not just sailing, but engaging with the ocean environment as a core part of the adventure.
The designer proposed several specific features to support this seafaring focus, including the ability to walk on water and new spells tailored for maritime environments. He also mentioned the possibility of encountering sea creatures like krakens, which would add a new layer of danger to open-world exploration. These elements would require significant development resources to implement properly.
Despite the enthusiasm for naval themes, Nesmith advised against allowing players to explore underwater areas. He cited the complexity of development and past experiences with Fallout 4 as reasons to avoid splitting focus between land and sea exploration. He believes that concentrating on surface-level gameplay would result in a higher quality final product for players.
Nesmith also addressed fan theories suggesting the game will be set in Iliac Bay and Sentinel City. He stated that he hopes these theories are true, as a coastal setting would facilitate the inclusion of boats and naval mechanics. However, he clarified that these are not confirmed facts, but rather hopes aligned with his design preferences.
Source: VideoGameChronicles
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