Looking back through the archives, few pieces spark as much "were we naive?" nostalgia as our February 2012 "Armchair Designer" column. Titled "Ten things we want to see in Elder Scrolls 6," that wishlist was published just three months after the launch of Skyrim. At the time, we had no idea we'd be waiting until 2026 for a release—a year that sits seven years after the setting of Blade Runner and one year after the release of Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

While the original author from over a decade ago may no longer be on our team, the specific ambitions laid out in that Elder Scrolls ":"wishlist" remain fascinating to revisit.

The Original 2012 Wishlist Breakdown

The original predictions were bold, ranging from highly probable shifts in lore to wild mechanical overhauls. Here is what was originally proposed:

  • A 200+ year time skip: Returning to the Iliac Bay region of Daggerfall (2:1 odds).
  • Depart Tamriel entirely: Venturing to the continent of Akavir (50:1 odds).
  • Morrowind-style reactivity: Reintroducing NPC permadeath and world consequences (100:1 odds).
  • World-altering systems: Maintaining map size but adding more dynamic events like Oblivion Gates (10:1 odds).
  • BioWare-style companions: Expanding followers into deep, party-based characters (18:1 odds).
  • Squad tactics: Designing larger-scale encounters with tactical combat systems (14:1 odds).
  • Immersive sim stealth: Revamping detection using light and sound propagation (1och:1 odds).
  • Daedric pact magic: Introducing Warlock-style magic with permanent consequences (70:1 odds).
  • Movement overhaul: A direction inspired by Dishonored or Mirror's Edge (150:1 odds).
  • Social mechanics: Introducing a blog or sharing mechanic (4:1 odds).

Evaluating the Elder Scrolls 6 Wishlist Today

Looking at these ideas through a modern lens, some of Bethesda's recent work feels like a spiritual nod to these old dreams. While we didn't get BioWare-style companions in Tamriel, we certainly saw that influence in Fallout 4 and Starfield. Similarly, while we didn't get squad tactics, Bethesda has experimented with massive new systems like the settlement building in Fallout 4. There is even a sense that Starfield serves as a sort of "Elder Scrolls in space" for those craving exploration.

The idea of Daedric pact magic or deep stealth remains a personal favorite. Bethesda design director Emil Pagliarulo famously brought elements of his time at the stealth legends Looking Glass Studios into the series. I would love to see that evolution continue rather than seeing the series stick to the same "crouch-walk" mechanics we've seen in Fallast 4.

The Potential of Akavir and New Frontiers

The most ambitious part of the Elder Scrolls 6 wishlist was the suggestion to move to Akavir. While it felt like a curveball in 2012, it represents a massive opportunity for the franchise. Imagine a "Dune-like" colonial setting where players navigate the political tension of Thalmor or Imperial outposts on a foreign continent.

A setting like this could allow for:

  • Faction-based progression: Earning reputation to access native settlements.
  • Dynamic political landscapes: Choosing between the East Empire Company, the Thalmor, or native Tsaesci forces.
  • Deep Lore Integration: Using a time skip to create a "rump state" atmosphere where the mainland's power has shifted.

Ultimately, we are dreaming of something akin to Pillars of Eternity 2 set within the Elder Scrolls universe. It would provide that classic nostalgia while preventing the series from falling into a stagnant loop. Whether Bethesda follows this old roadmap or carves its own path, the anticipation for the next era of Tamriel remains higher than ever.