Summary
The memorable structure ofThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim’s story of the player as the chosen one destined to save the world has remained a notable pillar of RPGs in recent years, but that doesn’t mean the next entry in the series needs to follow this formula. While many have found playing as the Dragonborn and setting out to stop Alduin to be a satisfying experience, there’s always been an argument to made regarding whether railroading the player into a particular role is even in line with open-world RPG gameplay in the first place. Bethesda is sure to be influenced byThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimas it works onTES6, but subverting what has since become a predictable trend in the franchise could provide a fresher experience.
The Elder Scrollsis known for having the player begin as a prisoner before being released out into the worlds of each respective game, but this lowly start hasn’t always been honored by the protagonist’s pre-determined role in the story. An unexpected event usually frees the player up to face things on their own terms, and much of the gameplay that defines memorableTESmoments for many comes as a result of emergent events while exploring. It’s true that the compellingstory crafted around the Dragonborn inSkyrimis an impressive feat for the genre, but it could also just as easily be said that its follow-up could benefit from abandoning this style in favor of the fulfillment of defining one’s own character.
Skyrim’s Dragonborn Isn’t The Elder Scrolls' First Chosen One
How Morrowind is Echoed by Skyrim’s Protagonist
It was a bold choice to make the player character have a place within a prophecy with major plot significance inSkyrim, but this isn’t the first time Bethesda has pulled this off. Also beginning as a simple prisoner inMorrowind, the player is eventually said to be the Nerevarine, the reincarnation of an ancient Chimer hero destined to slay an evil god.Morrowind’s Dagoth Ur andSkyrim’s Alduinfill much of the same role, godly forces of destruction who can only be stopped by the player due to outside powers.
Therespective narratives ofTEStitleswhich see the player as a chosen one figure have merits in their wonderful representations of series lore, but this structure has always inevitably caused a sense of cognitive dissonance. While there’s a world-threatening matter at hand, the player, with the weight of the world on their shoulders, can instead choose to enjoy meandering about for countless hours while exploring unrelated faction questlines.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Let Players Truly Begin as a Nobody
Open World RPGs Thrive Off Freedom
There’s an inherent sense of accomplishment associated with starting at the bottom and then building a character up within an RPG, and there’s arguably no better way to encourage this scenario than havingplayers begin as a prisoner inTES. Having a linear main quest available is always a plus given its potential for high-quality storytelling, but presenting it in a fashion similar toOblivion’s more hands-off plot that sees another character as the chosen one could strike a fitting balance withinThe Elder Scrolls 6.
It’s no secret that the main appeal of the franchise lies in the sheer number of options someone has in terms of questing. Not being tied down as a key force in a completely pre-written prophecy next time around may end up being a direct improvement overthe waySkyrimhandles it Dragonborn.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
WHERE TO PLAY
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim celebrates 10 years of adventuring in stunning detail. The Anniversary Edition includes a decade worth of content: the critically acclaimed core game and add-ons of Skyrim Special Edition, plus Creation Club content released on or prior to July 22, 2025.EPIC FANTASY REBORNSkyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLDPlay any type of character you may imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAYChoose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.BATTLE DRAGONSBattle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
