Hey everyone! It’s 2026, and we’re still waiting for official news on The Elder Scrolls 6. 😭 Bethesda announced it way back in 2018, and for years, all we’ve had is that iconic, super short teaser trailer. It’s one of the most hyped RPGs ever, but we know basically nothing concrete about it. While we can’t predict the setting or story, there are some features we can almost guarantee will be there—and romance is definitely one of them. As a huge fan of both Elder Scrolls and Bethesda’s latest space epic, Starfield, I’ve been thinking a lot about what TES6 could learn from its predecessor’s approach to love and relationships. Let’s dive in!
The Good Stuff: What TES6 Should Keep
First off, let's talk about what Starfield did right. Romancing your crewmates wasn't just a cute side activity; it had real, tangible gameplay benefits that made your character feel more connected to the world.
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Stronger Bonds & Loyalty: One of the best parts was how it deepened your relationship with companions. Your romantic partner genuinely felt like a ride-or-die ally, which is super immersive. This is a classic RPG trope, but Starfield executed it well.
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Meaningful Gameplay Rewards: Getting into a relationship wasn't just for flavor text. It unlocked cool stuff!
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Companion Quests: You got access to special, personal storylines for your partner.
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Gifts! Who doesn't love free loot from their significant other? 🎁
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The "Well Rested" XP Boost: A classic Bethesda mechanic, but earning it with your partner just felt nice and rewarding.
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This system of tying romance to tangible progression is something TES6 would be smart to adopt and even expand upon. Imagine getting unique spells, faction reputation, or property bonuses from your in-game spouse in Tamriel!
The Not-So-Good Stuff: What TES6 MUST Improve
Alright, time for the real talk. While Starfield's romance had its moments, it felt... kinda basic, especially when compared to modern giants like Baldur's Gate 3. That game came out around the same time and totally showed up Starfield in the romance department. TES6 needs to avoid these pitfalls.
Here’s where Starfield stumbled:
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Limited Options: There just weren't enough people to romance! The pool was small and felt restrictive.
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Lack of Buildup: Relationships often felt rushed. You'd go from "hello" to "I love you" without enough meaningful, gradual development in between. It broke the immersion.
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It's Too Rigid: The system felt like checking boxes. Flirt a few times, do a quest, boom—you're married. There was little room for organic, player-driven storytelling.
My Wishlist for TES6 Romance ✨
So, based on Starfield's mixed bag, here’s what I think Bethesda needs to do for The Elder Scrolls 6 to have a next-level romance system that lives up to 2026 standards.
| Feature | Why It's Needed |
|---|---|
| More Romanceable Companions | This is a no-brainer. Tamriel is vast and diverse! Give us options from all races, backgrounds, and factions. |
| Romantic Activities Outside Quests | Let me take my date to a tavern for a drink, buy them a gift at the market, or just go for a walk! Starfield lacked these simple, immersive interactions. |
| Dynamic & Complex Relationships | Allow for rivalry-to-romance arcs, temporary flings, or even polyamory. A modder already added polyamory to Starfield, proving players want freedom! |
| Rewarding Build-Up | Make the journey to a relationship as satisfying as the payoff. More layered dialogue, unique interactions based on your actions, and consequences for your choices. |
Seriously, the role-playing potential is massive. Instead of forcing us into a rigid box, TES6 should let us define what love and relationships mean to our Dragonborn (or whatever we'll be called!). Can you imagine having a politically arranged marriage for a questline, or a bittersweet romance with a character from an enemy faction? The possibilities are endless!
The Final Verdict
The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on for Bethesda after Starfield's somewhat divisive reception. The Elder Scrolls 6 has to be a masterpiece. Learning from Starfield's romance is a great place to start. Keep the rewarding gameplay integration—that’s a solid plus. But for the love of Talos, they have to make it more dynamic, deep, and player-driven. We don't just want a spouse who gives us an XP boost; we want a virtual partner with whom we can write our own unique story in the vast, wonderful world of Tamriel. Here's hoping the wait is almost over and that our patience will be rewarded with the best Elder Scrolls experience yet! 🙏 What are your hopes for romance in TES6? Let me know in the comments!