Why The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Incorporate Firearms Post-Avowed

When diving into the world of western fantasy RPGs, Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series is invariably on everyone’s lips. This franchise has dominated the fantasy gaming landscape for more than thirty years. Even though its last major release is close to hitting the 14-year mark, it remains a beloved staple among gamers. As new titles emerge, such as Avowed, it’s inevitable that comparisons will be drawn to Bethesda’s storied back catalog.

Avowed, an open-zone fantasy RPG, carries forward the essence of the Elder Scrolls while adding its own modern twists. At times, it feels like a spiritual successor to Skyrim, despite not being universally recognized as superior to some of Bethesda’s masterpieces. Yet, Avowed introduces plenty of valuable features and enhancements to the RPG arena, notably its impressive selection of weapons. While The Elder Scrolls 6 should forge its own path, borrowing some of Avowed’s unique elements might really enrich its gameplay.

In the world of Avowed, weaponry enthusiasts will find all their favorite toys. One-handed swords and maces, two-handed warhammers, and traditional bows, as well as innovative magical weapons like wands and grimoires, are all available. However, Avowed spices things up with the inclusion of firearms, adding a fresh dimension to combat.

These firearms, split into Pistols and Arquebuses, don’t seem groundbreaking at first. They pack quite a punch compared to other ranged weapons, but their sluggish reload speeds can disrupt the heat of battle. Where they truly shine is in combination with classic fantasy arms. Wielding a sword and pistol evokes the daring image of a medieval pirate, while pairing a grimoire or wand with a pistol feels like stepping into the shoes of a mystical mercenary. By introducing firearms, Avowed refreshes the typical RPG loadout, and it’s an innovation that could inspire a similar evolution in The Elder Scrolls 6.

However, Elder Scrolls fans have mixed feelings about incorporating firearms into its mythos. Throughout the series, gunpowder hints have surfaced now and then. The Tribunal expansion in Morrowind lets players use Dwemer explosive satchels, Skyrim’s Dawnguard brings explosive crossbow bolts, and in The Elder Scrolls Online, players can set off explosive traps in quests.

Although gunpowder has been subtly included, actual firearms haven’t been explicitly featured in the Elder Scrolls canon yet. The closest mentions appear in Daggerfall’s books discussing cannons. This doesn’t rule out the possibility of firearms making an exciting entry into the series in the future.

Even though a magical projectile has an edge over a metal bullet, introducing guns into The Elder Scrolls 6 could add a novel twist to combat diversity. To make this transition seamless, integrating a brief but solid lore backstory would be crucial, offering players a fresh array of strategic choices while respecting the rich history of the Elder Scrolls universe.