Summary
Followers are one area whereThe Elder Scrolls 6can definitively improve overSkyrim, and they could add plenty of flavor to the adventure. Carrying the torch of Bethesda’s most iconic gameSkyrimmeans thatThe Elder Scrolls 6will need to search for ways to innovate over its famous predecessor no matter what. However, even withSkyrimgiving players so much freedom, there is still plenty of unexplored territory for the next game to tread. Followers are a big part of the character ofSkyrim, andThe Elder Scrolls 6’s collection of followers will likewise have a strong effect.
Apart fromgetting married inSkyrim, taking on a character as a follower is the closest relationship that the Dragonborn can have. In most cases, the player will need to do something to win a potential follower’s favor to make them available. This could range from completing a questline, to simply beating them in a brawl. In addition to tagging along with the player, followers can assist them in a fight as well as carry excess loot to keep the player from becoming encumbered. In most cases, having a follower around far outclasses going on an adventure alone.
MorrowindandOblivionfeatured followers beforeSkyrim, butSkyrim’s selection vastly outclassed those that came before.
Non-Humanoid Followers Could Emerge In The Elder Scrolls 6
Followers Are a Vital Part of Adventuring in Skyrim
When it comes to themany available followers inSkyrim, players have a decent amount of variety. There are followers of every humanoid race, although some, particularly Argonians and Khajit, have rather slim pickings in that regard. In addition, pretty much every fighting style is represented. Warriors, archers, and mages all have their fair share of representatives. There are even a couple of followers who engage in dual-weapon fighting if given the opportunity. Even with all of this variety, there is one area whereSkyrim’s follower selection was lacking, and it’s one whereThe Elder Scrolls 6could innovate handily if the developers choose.
The Elder Scrolls Needs More Non-Humanoid Followers
While the game had some non-humanoid followers, withSkyrim’s tragic dog Meekobeing a prominent example, their numbers were few, and in most cases, they weren’t as useful as humanoid followers. Mostly taking the form of dogs, Dwemer creations, or in one instance, a troll, the non-humanoid follower selection paled in comparison to the alternative, especially since all but the dogs required DLC. While there were conjuration spells that let players summon more mystical creatures, these were typically only for a limited time, and even when they weren’t, the effect wasn’t the same as a proper follower. This is a niche thatThe Elder Scrolls 6can expand upon to great effect.
Elder Scrolls 6 Could Feature Exciting Companion Options
Increasing non-humanoid followers' availability and utility would do wonders tomakeThe Elder Scrolls 6’s followers more immersive. Adding more creatures such as wolves, skeletons, and Atronachs to the recruitable follower pool without requiring conjuration spells would be great for expanding roleplay options. The game could even take a hint fromFallout: New Vegasand let players run with both humanoid and non-humanoid followers. This could let any player travel with a small party through Tamriel, with whatever combination of fighting styles they desire. Giving players more freedom with their followers would help giveThe Elder Scrolls 6a real selling point after the long wait.
A new angle for followers could be highly beneficial, and do plenty to helpThe Elder Scrolls 6reach its ambitious goals. For every reason ranging from utility to personal taste, there’s good reason to give fans a healthy selection of non-humanoid followers alongside the expected companions. After all,The Elder Scrollsis a fantasy series, and fantasy sees all kinds of characters rise to become heroes.The Elder Scrolls 6could be Bethesda’s biggest adventure yet, with its most interesting selection of allies.
