Survival Mode was one of the best additions made to Skyrim, and Elder Scrolls 6 should include it from the start rather than as a later addition. Survival Mode altered the game in a very significant way, making it perfect for players seeking a greater challenge. It would be a perfect mechanic to bring back once Elder Scrolls 6 comes out.
In Survival Mode, Skyrim became much more difficult, requiring players to manage several new resources in addition to their health, stamina, and magicka. They needed to stay warm in cold environments, eat regularly to maintain good health, and sleep periodically to avoid fatigue. In addition, other aspects of the game are tweaked in order to make the adventure more difficult. For example, fast travel is disabled in most circumstances, and carry weight is heavily restricted among other changes. Despite the difficulty, it was so well-received that Skyrim's Switch port lacking Survival Mode is considered one of its weaknesses.
One advantage of Survival Mode is that it gave use to several items that were previously overlooked, most notably food. In Skyrim, most food items were virtually useless with the exception of a few standouts such as vegetable soup and garlic bread. While food could heal the player, it was for such minuscule amounts that potions and Restoration spells outclassed them several times over even at the beginning of the game. However, in Survival Mode, food is absolutely vital to survive, as hungry characters are far less effective in combat. In addition, soups gain an additional effect of warming players up in cold environments, making vegetable soup even more powerful than before. While Elder Scrolls 6 needs an inventory rework, making sure those items are useful should also be a priority.
Elder Scrolls 6 Could Benefit From The Challenge Of Survival Mode
Obviously, one of the biggest draws of Survival Mode is the increased difficulty. Many of the elements of Survival mode are similar to those found in Fallout: New Vegas' Hardcore Mode, such as hunger and fatigue mechanics, although some details are changed for the games' respective differences. Players who have already beaten the game previously would likely be appreciative of the new challenge, as would those who enjoy hard games in general. These types of challenges add replay value, and it would be wise to include this extra level in the next game. Elder Scrolls 6 can benefit from complexity, and the mechanics of Survival Mode bring that in spades.
Finally, one of the biggest appeals of Survival Mode is roleplaying. By removing fast travel and requiring the player to eat and sleep, they will become more immersed in their character's journey. They will have to closely manage the protagonist's health and quality of life, and they will be experiencing every step of the adventure. Not only does the player have to be more alert, but they will be experiencing many more of the game's random events as they manually travel from place to place. Naturally, this will make the game longer and more immersive, and many hardcore fans of Elder Scrolls would be happy for it. Combined with other concepts, such as new magic in Elder Scrolls 6, it could make for a truly unforgettable fantasy experience.
Survival Mode may not have been a part of Skyrim's original release, but it is one of the best additions to the series. The added twist essentially turns the game into a survival game as well as an RPG, making for a more unique experience. Keeping this in mind, there is a strong argument for including Survival Mode in Elder Scrolls 6 at launch.
