The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Embrace Important Changes Introduced in ESO

Big shifts are on the horizon with The Elder Scrolls 6 debuting after more than ten years since Skyrim left its mark. Bethesda’s latest RPG is anticipated to draw inspiration from several popular titles in recent history. While it would be exciting to witness another corner of Tamriel brought to life with intricate detail and smooth gameplay, much like its predecessors, you can’t overlook the influence of The Elder Scrolls Online, which has unfolded nearly the entire continent along with richer lore. ESO’s success lies in revisiting and expanding upon the class-based framework of earlier TES games, and The Elder Scrolls 6 could benefit from this by officially bringing death magic into the fold as a player option.

The concept of necromancy isn’t uncharted territory in Tamriel, yet it’s never been a fully-fledged path players could develop. Traditionally, spells that might fall under necromancy were scattered across Conjuration, Restoration, and Mysticism in The Elder Scrolls, creating a rather fragmented and unsynchronized build. With ESO introducing necromancy as a full class, there’s now a clear template for refining its strengths and addressing its weaknesses, paving the way for a playable necromancer in the series.

In ESO, though promising on paper, the Necromancer class hasn’t quite hit the mark with its summoner archetype. Minion lifespans are often too short, missing the classic thrill of commanding a legion of the risen dead from afar. Despite these setbacks, the class offers impressive versatility, even if it’s not the strongest in sheer power.

A standout feature of the ESO Necromancer lies in the variety of builds it accommodates, especially beyond the realm of summoning. The Bone Tyrant skill line flips the usual script with a focus on tanking, employing defensive spells and health regeneration, while Living Death turns the class into a healer with strong support capabilities. The Grave Lord, focusing on minion mechanics, marries damage-over-time abilities to illustrate how the Necromancer’s identity can be broadened and honed.

For The Elder Scrolls 6 to integrate a Necromancer role effectively, it must tread lightly to ensure it fits within the established magical disciplines of the series. Mysticism once covered spells like Soul Trap and Detect Life until its abolition scattered these spells across other schools in Skyrim, leaving Conjuration as the closest relative to death-oriented magic. By focusing on elements such as enhanced reanimation and draining health, necromancy can enrich existing schools instead of forming an entirely new one.

A tricky topic that ESO touches upon is necromancy’s culturally taboo nature. Many spells from this school are considered crimes if performed openly—an aspect fittingly reflected by the grim deeds of Tamriel’s mightiest necromancers. Whether Bethesda intends to incorporate a playstyle that might alienate players from NPC acceptance is yet to be seen, and the impact of magical choices on a player’s reputation in TES6 could shape gameplay significantly.

Incorporating insights from The Elder Scrolls Online, adding nuanced player options like a Necromancer, and respecting the intricate lore, The Elder Scrolls 6 promises to be a bold evolution of the beloved franchise, merging innovations with tradition for a richly detailed and immersive adventure.