Starfieldlooks to be an ambitious title, and some of its features could very well be a test run forThe Elder Scrolls 6. With information onStarfieldslowly coming out as a release creeps closer, attention is being drawn to the game’s promoted features. As a new IP, it has a lot to live up to considering Bethesda’s library includes the highly popularThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutseries, butStarfield’s new ideas could be its driving force.
Considering thereportedly positive responses fromStarfieldbeta testers, a lot is going to be expected of it upon release. Of course, sinceStarfieldis a new IP from a company that has created games in the past that are essentially royalty among Western RPGs, it will likely have a high bar to pass to be considered on par with its peers. However,Starfield’s aim seems to be more than simply beingThe Elder Scrollsin space, and it looks to have enough new ideas to make it stand out on its own.
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Starfield’s Procedurally Generated Planets Could Be a New Design Blueprint
One of the most interesting new features comes in the form ofStarfield’s procedurally generated planets. At first, it sounds like a bit of an odd idea, since the game will need to have a plot for the player to follow. Admittedly, using procedural generation to create worlds does sound like it could make building a structured game difficult, since the element of randomness would make it unpredictable. However, if done properly, it could be the fuel that could keep the game alive long past its initial release.
While Bethesda has tried procedurally generated content before, including some ofSkyrim’s popular side quests, taking that method to create entire worlds is at an entirely new level. Effectively, no two playthroughs ofStarfieldwould be the same, since the worlds created would always be different. This could extend to dungeons as well, giving players different traps and enemies to encounter.
This would do wonders for the game’s replay value, as the same paths could take the player on different adventures. Of course, when it comes to themain quest ofStarfield, some locations and characters could be hard-coded to always happen the same way.
After all, even roguelikes, a genre that thrives on procedurally generated gameplay, tend to keep their NPCs and boss battles consistent. If procedural generation works forStarfield, then it could be an excellent addition toTheElder Scrolls' next title, making Tamriel far more unpredictable and exciting.
Starfield’s Outposts Could Introduce Management Mechanics to The Elder Scrolls
Among thenew features planned forStarfield, managing outposts is one that sticks out among the pack. While most of the game is set to be an action RPG in the same vein as Bethesda’s usual fare, the outpost function is a more low-key feature. With outposts, players will be able to oversee planetary shelters and the people that live there, keeping track of them and making sure that the outpost is running smoothly.
While it sounds like something that players could overlook, it has the potential to be a rewarding side task for those who work on it. The concept sounds similar toFallout 4’s settlement-building mechanic, which let the player set up settlements across the wasteland once the areas in question were safe.
Starfieldhas a chance to take the concept even further. With the variety of potential planets, players could have the chance to design all sorts of outposts. In addition, early gameplay implies that outposts have the ability to generate resources for the player. This could encourage players to build different kinds of outposts in different places to maximize their recourse output.
With the outpost system, not only canStarfieldimprove onFallout 4’s settlements, it could pave a path forThe Elder Scrolls 6to have a similar mechanic. After the nuclear wasteland and entirely new planets, a medieval world is a remaining option that Bethesda has yet to let players build a new community. IfStarfield’s outpost system goes well, then players may have the chance to do the same onceThe Elder Scrolls 6comes out.
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Starfield’s Intense Levels of Customization Could Bode Well for The Elder Scrolls 6
While Bethesda games typically have custom protagonists for players, the sheer level ofcustomization available inStarfieldcould herald the same forThe Elder Scrollsin the future. So far, it looks likeStarfieldcould be one of Bethesda’s most flexible games yet in that department, showing off a lot of options already. It looks like players might be able to spend a lot of time just designing their character and ship.
Players will be able tocreate their own ships inStarfield, with several options when it comes to building. This is an element that could be replicated inTheElder Scrolls 6in regard to the player’s weapons and armor. In addition to visuals, the ship’s performance will be able to be tweaked in various ways through options and add-ons, which could translate to players being able to modify crafted equipment similarly inThe Elder Scrolls' future. In addition, the player character themselves can have their stats change depending on traits and elements of their backstory that the player chooses.
When it comes time to designThe Elder Scrolls 6’s customization options,Starfieldmay be a good direction to follow. While going through more traits that affect the character would make the process longer, it would also offer more builds than before, letting players design a character almost exactly to their specifications.Starfield’s impressive-looking ship design feature looks like a good reason to be excited.
Starfieldlooks to be an ambitious game, as one would expect from how long it has been in development. WhileStarfieldneeds to help Bethesda recover afterRedfallfirst and foremost, its own unique features could not only elevate the game, but provide inspiration for Bethesda’s other titles. It’s fitting thatStarfieldtakes place in the future, because it could very well be a road map for the future ofThe Elder Scrolls.
Starfieldwill be released on June 20, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
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