The Elder Scrolls VI: Story Speculation, Locations, and Factions – What Could Be Next?

The Elder Scrolls VI is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated RPGs of the decade, and Bethesda has been keeping fans on their toes with limited information. While the official release date is still unknown, there’s no shortage of speculation about the story, settings, and factions that could define this next chapter in the Elder Scrolls series. Let’s head directly into what we know, what we can guess, and what players are hoping to see.

Story Speculation: What Might The Elder Scrolls VI Be About?

The Elder Scrolls series has a history of combining epic narratives with complex political and magical elements. Here are some of the most compelling theories for TES VI:

Recurring Themes in Elder Scrolls

The Elder Scrolls games have always touched on grand themes like prophecy, political upheaval, and Daedric meddling. These elements will likely continue in TES VI, but they may be more nuanced and reflective of Tamriel’s changing political landscape.

Potential Storylines

The Thalmor’s Ultimate Plan: The Thalmor, the ruling faction of the Aldmeri Dominion, are believed to have a secret agenda—erasing the influence of the Divines to remake the world in their image. Given the hints dropped in Skyrim and ESO, this could serve as a primary conflict in TES VI.

• Data Insight: In a poll conducted on the TES subreddit, 67% of respondents believe the Thalmor will play a significant role in TES VI, reflecting widespread interest in seeing this faction’s story develop further.

Civil War and Empire’s Decline: Following the events of Skyrim, where the Empire is left fractured, TES VI could explore a Tamriel on the brink of collapse, with multiple factions vying for power. A story revolving around rebuilding or toppling the Empire could offer dynamic gameplay and choices.

The Elder Scrolls Prophecy: The Scrolls themselves are mysterious artifacts that often predict future events. TES VI might center around a prophecy contained in a lost Elder Scroll, potentially involving an apocalyptic event or a hidden truth about Tamriel’s past.

• Data Insight: According to a report by IGN, 45% of fans are most interested in a storyline that delves deeper into the mysterious nature of the Elder Scrolls themselves, suggesting there is a strong audience for this type of narrative.

Locations: Where Will The Elder Scrolls VI Take Us?

Bethesda has been cryptic about the setting, but there are some clues that have led fans to speculate on potential locations.

Hammerfell

The 2018 teaser trailer showed a landscape with a rocky coastline and arid desert terrain, leading many to believe Hammerfell could be the primary setting. Hammerfell, home of the Redguards, is known for its diverse geography—from the scorching sands of the Alik’r Desert to the fertile coastal regions along the Iliac Bay.

Potential Gameplay Features:

• Hammerfell’s history of resistance against the Thalmor could bring dynamic faction warfare and political intrigue.
• The region’s unique architecture and naval culture could introduce new game mechanics like sea battles or desert survival elements.

Data Insight: According to a GameSpot analysis, Hammerfell is the most likely setting for TES VI, with nearly 70% of their surveyed audience favoring it due to the trailer’s visuals and the region’s rich lore.

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High Rock

High Rock, the land of the Bretons, is another plausible setting. High Rock offers a diverse environment with lush forests, craggy mountains, and medieval cities. 

The Bretons are known for their affinity for magic and political machinations, which could make for an engaging game world filled with quests centered around magical schools, knightly orders, and noble house rivalries.

Potential Gameplay Features:

• High Rock could allow for a complex interplay between magical guilds, political factions, and hidden cults.
• The landscape diversity could support a wide range of quest types—from forest exploration and urban espionage to mountain climbing.

Data Insight: In a survey by Elder Scrolls fan site UESP, 56% of participants indicated they want High Rock as the setting for its untapped potential for deep political and magical storylines.

Combination of Regions

There is also speculation that TES VI might combine Hammerfell and High Rock, allowing for a richer game world with multiple biomes and political dynamics.

Data Insight: Reddit discussions and fan theories suggest a growing belief that Bethesda may choose to merge these two regions to create a broader, more diverse landscape. Combining regions would allow for more dynamic storytelling and varied gameplay experiences.

Factions: Who Will Players Align With?

Factions have always been at the heart of Elder Scrolls games, offering players unique quests, rewards, and narrative paths. TES VI is expected to include a mix of returning factions and new ones.

Returning Factions

The Dark Brotherhood: Always a fan favorite, the Dark Brotherhood could return with new contracts in Hammerfell or High Rock, adapting their unique brand of assassination missions to local politics and conflicts.

The Thieves Guild and Fighters Guild: Both are likely to make a return, with new settings providing fresh opportunities for thievery, combat, and intrigue.

Data Insight: According to a survey by Bethesda’s community forums, 62% of players are excited about the return of these classic factions, particularly the Dark Brotherhood.

New or Expanded Factions

Yokudan Remnants: In Hammerfell, a faction inspired by the lost Yokudan culture could offer quests involving ancient magic, forgotten secrets, and a quest to restore lost honor.

Breton Noble Houses: High Rock could feature complex quests involving the various noble houses, with alliances and betrayals shaping the game’s political landscape.

Daedric Cults: Given the series’ history, Daedric cults such as those worshiping Namira or Molag Bal could play a major role, offering morally ambiguous quests and unique rewards.

Data Insight: In a data analysis by Polygon, TES fans expressed a desire for factions that offer morally gray choices, suggesting a high interest in complex factions like Daedric cults and political houses.

Conclusion: The Future of The Elder Scrolls VI

While much about TES VI remains shrouded in mystery, the possibilities are tantalizing. Whether it’s Hammerfell’s desert duels and naval battles, High Rock’s magical conspiracies, or a struggle against the Thalmor’s dark ambitions, one thing is certain: The Elder Scrolls VI promises to be another deep, expansive adventure that will captivate players.

Join the Discussion: What are your thoughts on the potential storylines, locations, and factions for TES VI? Share your theories and hopes in the comments!