The Elder Scrolls 6 map concept leaves fans divided

Starfield was an unexpectedly divisive game, which places a hefty level of expectation on The Elder Scrolls VI.

I happen to adore Starfield, but many others felt it strayed too far from Bethesda’s formula, losing the charm of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises.

It’s with that in mind that people are hoping for a return to form when it comes to The Elder Scrolls VI.

My take is that Starfield didn’t stray from the usual formula at all.

In fact, I think the unspoken point of contention is whether Bethesda’s formula holds up in 2024.

Yes, Skyrim is beloved but I’m not sure that people really do want a carbon copy of that 13 years on.

Of course, we won’t know what The Elder Scrolls VI has in store until it arrives, and we’re yet to even get anything in the way of a major reveal.

With Bethesda quietly beavering away, fans have taken to imagining what might be with one Reddit user creating a mock-up map.

Let’s throw it back to The Elder Scrolls VI’s original teaser trailer.

Reddit user Expensive-Country801 is the creator of this specific mock-up who suggested that The Elder Scrolls VI should be set “entirely in a lore-accurate Imperial City”.

“Think how GTA is the gold standard for open world games, and it's all set in one city,” they continued.

“Narrative storytelling and characterisation would improve for TES when in one interwoven setting.”

Take a look at the rough topography of what a one-city map might look like below, as shared by Expensive-Country801.

Credit / Expensive-Country801 via Reddit

I understand the logic here, but I can’t say I agree that this would work for The Elder Scrolls.

“I like the concept. I think it would require the game to be a very different style than the others for it to work though,” replied InternationalCup5118.

“It would genuinely be an interesting setting concept for a side/spin-off game. No way is this ever happening for a numbered main-series game,” added YouCantTakeThisName.

Many others agreed with the idea that this could work as a spin-off, although Bethesda might want to think about outsourcing if we’re beginning to talk about spin-offs.

It’s not a studio known for its efficiency or speed.

This is simply a fan theory though. The suspicion that The Elder Scrolls VI might be set in Hammerfell likely holds more weight but only time will tell.