Bethesda recently offered a new glimpse of The Elder Scrolls 6, revealing its title as Sentinel and sharing a cryptic quote. While this scarce information fuels ongoing speculation, fans have long been developing theories about what the game might entail. These theories range from the return of long-lost races to the resolution of persistent political conflicts.
The setting for The Elder Scrolls 6 has been strongly suggested to be Hammerfell, the homeland of the Redguards. This was initially inferred from the first teaser trailer in 2018 and further supported by the recent name reveal, as Sentinel is a major city within Hammerfell. The quote accompanying the announcement is attributed to a Moth Priest serving the High Queen of Hammerfell, reinforcing this connection. However, some theories suggest the game might also incorporate High Rock, the neighboring province of the Bretons, which borders both Hammerfell and Skyrim. Its smaller size compared to other Tamrielic regions could make it a suitable candidate for inclusion in the main game or as a future DLC, similar to Solstheim in Dragonborn.
The Elder Scrolls' Namesake
The Elder Scrolls themselves, ancient and powerful artifacts containing knowledge of past, present, and future, are central to the franchise's lore but have rarely been the focal point of any game's narrative. The quote revealed with Sentinel, "The scroll offered only a shimmer, a veil thinly lifted to my eyes. A future lost. A victory undone. Sands of time scattered by fate,” appears to be from an Elder Scroll. Moth Priests are known for their study of these artifacts and their ability to divine the future. This could indicate that the Elder Scrolls will play a more prominent role in Sentinel's plot, perhaps delving into their origins and true purpose.
Nautical Adventures and Lost Civilizations
A persistent fan theory suggests the inclusion of sailing mechanics. Given that the game is set in Hammerfell, the Iliac Bay, which separates Hammerfell and High Rock, becomes a significant geographical feature. This bay, the primary setting of The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall, contains numerous islands, leading to speculation that players might use boats to explore them or travel between provinces. Implementing sailing would be a considerable technical undertaking, but with an expected development time that could see the game release in 2028, it's a possibility.
Another highly anticipated fan theory revolves around the return of the Dwemer, the franchise's enigmatic dwarven race. Known for their advanced technology and mysterious disappearance, Dwemer ruins are common in many Elder Scrolls titles. The exact fate of the Dwemer remains one of the series' greatest unsolved mysteries. While Bethesda reportedly prevented the Dwemer's inclusion in The Elder Scrolls Online, some fans believe their reappearance is being saved for a mainline installment, potentially making them a central element in Sentinel's narrative, perhaps even leading to a conflict with the Redguards of Hammerfell.
Unraveling Political Tensions
The current political landscape of Tamriel, particularly the conflict between the Thalmor and the Empire, is another area fans hope to see addressed. The Great War between the Thalmor-led Aldmeri Dominion and the Empire of Cyrodiil, which resulted in Hammerfell's secession, left lingering tensions. Although the Redguards successfully expelled the Thalmor from their lands, the scars of this war are likely to be present in Sentinel, which is rumored to take place around 4E 206. Dialogue in Skyrim hinted at the Dominion preparing for further conflict, raising the possibility that Sentinel could explore this escalating war.