Summary
As franchise fans continue to wait for concrete news about what Bethesda has in store forThe Elder Scrolls 6, one common question is just how big the game world will be. There are still severalprovinces of Tamrielthat have yet to be explored in anElder Scrollsgame, giving Bethesda plenty of options for locales in which to set the series’ next sprawling entry. No matter whereThe Elder Scrolls 6takes place, though, Bethesda should consider officially implementing one popular third-partySkyrimfeature to make what’s sure to be a massive game world more manageable for players.
Just as users added new features toThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimthrough mods andBethesda’s Creation Club, dedicated gamers helped improve theSkyrimexperience for players by creating all manner of interactive maps. Third-party maps like MapGenie’sSkyrimInteractive Map give players a convenient way to track quests, bookmark favorite locations, and uncover new areas to explore. Although tools like this have proven remarkably popular, the requirement for players to visit a website or download an app to use them limits their utility. By integrating an interactive map directly intoThe Elder Scrolls 6, though, Bethesda could make the game more accessible in a way that fits perfectly with the series’ magical world.
RELATED:Microsoft Lawyer Makes an Elder Scrolls 6 Mistake While Responding to FTC
An Interactive Map Could Make The Elder Scrolls 6 More Accessible
Although players had the ability to trackquests inSkyrimit could often be a clunky process, requiring users to wade through multiple menus and submenus. Introducing an interactive map toThe Elder Scrolls 6could alleviate this problem, giving players the option to quickly sort through, track, and highlight individual quests and points of interest. For as large asThe Elder Scrolls 6is likely to be, this could make navigating the world far easier for players and even encourage them to explore side content they may have otherwise ignored.
Beyond being a boon for players intent on finishing every side quest, an interactive map could also benefit casual players. For casual players focused primarily on the main quest but still willing to venture off the beaten path, a toggleable filter on the map could highlight side missions that complement the main story or offer particularly helpful rewards. Players could reach theend of the main quest inSkyrimwithout ever seeing some of the best missions the game had to offer, so being able to quickly find the best and most rewarding side missions could ensure this sort of content isn’t overlooked inThe Elder Scrolls 6.
The Elder Scrolls’ Magical World Provides a Perfect Explanation for an Interactive Map
Adding a map toThe Elder Scrolls 6that provides far more utility than those from previous games could feel slightly out of place if no in-game explanation is given for its existence. In order to reconcile the interactive map’s features with the game’s fantasy setting Bethesda could introduce it as a powerful magical item. With countlessElder Scrollscharacters shown to be capable of wielding powerful arcane items in previous games, one such magically-inclined NPC could give the player the map at the start of the game.
Introducing the interactive map as a magicalElder Scrollsartifactwould be a convenient way to explain why players have access to such a powerful item right from the start. Bethesda could even choose to make the map optional, giving players the choice to forego the helpful item if they prefer to go through the game with minimal assistance. Alternately, Bethesda could include options to turn off the interactive features for uninterested players.
The introduction of an interactive map toThe Elder Scrolls 6would be a great way to make the game more approachable for new players, while still giving series veterans the option to ignore its functionality if they choose. Incorporating this helpful item into the series’ lore could not only become a helpful must-have for some players but also feel like a perfectly natural part of the game world.
The Elder Scrolls 6is in development.
MORE:What Elder Scrolls 6 Needs to Change About Skyrim’s Destruction Magic
