Where Should The Elder Scrolls 7 Take Place?

The Elder Scrolls series has enthralled players with its vibrant, lore-rich world of Tamriel, where each province-from Skyrim's icy peaks to Cyrodiil's verdant heartlands-feels distinct and alive. With The Elder Scrolls 6 set to explore Hammerfell (and possibly parts of High Rock), fans are already speculating about the seventh installment's setting. Where should The Elder Scrolls 7 take us? Below are six compelling possibilities, each offering a fresh canvas for Bethesda to craft its next epic.

1. Akavir: The Enigmatic Eastern Continent

Akavir, the mysterious continent east of Tamriel, is a tantalizing prospect. Referenced throughout the series but never visited, Akavir is home to the serpentine Tsaesci, tiger-like Ka Po' Tun, monkeyfolk Tang Mo, and demonic Kamal, promising a rich tapestry of cultures and conflicts.

Why Akavir?

Blank Slate: Akavir's unexplored nature allows Bethesda to create a bold new world while tying it to Tamriel through historical invasions or migrations.
Cultural Depth: The continent's four races and their rivalries could fuel intricate narratives, from diplomatic intrigue to epic wars.
Visual Splendor: Picture Tsaesci palaces gleaming with gold, storm-battered Kamal fortresses, or lush Tang Mo islands-a feast for the eyes.

Challenges: Akavir's separation from Tamriel might feel jarring for fans. Bethesda would need to weave in familiar elements, like Daedric influence, to maintain continuity.

2. Black Marsh: The Swamps of the Argonians

Black Marsh, the Argonians' homeland, is a humid, hostile province of swamps, toxic flora, and enigmatic Hist trees. It's one of Tamriel's least-explored regions, ripe for a dark, immersive adventure.

Why Black Marsh?

Unique Gameplay: Swamps could introduce mechanics like aquatic exploration, survival challenges, or Hist-induced visions altering reality.
Deep Lore: The Argonians' bond with the Hist, their resistance to Imperial rule, and their tribal societies offer rich storytelling potential, perhaps centered on a Hist awakening.
Eerie Atmosphere: Glowing fungi, mist-shrouded ruins, and Sithis worship would create a hauntingly beautiful world.

Challenges: Black Marsh's alien vibe and sparse human population might feel niche. Bethesda would need to balance its strangeness with accessible factions and quests.

3. Elsweyr: The Khajiit's Desert-Jungle Homeland

Though The Elder Scrolls Online visited Elsweyr, a single-player exploration of the Khajiit's homeland-spanning deserts, jungles, and savannahs-could be stunning. The Khajiit's nomadic culture and moon-driven biology add unique flavor.

Why Elsweyr?

Vivid Landscapes: Shimmering dunes, moonlit jungle temples, and vibrant Khajiit architecture would rival Morrowind's eccentricity.
Khajiit Variety: The Khajiit's diverse forms (from Alfiq to Senche-raht) could inspire creative NPCs and player options.
Mystical Narrative: A story tied to the Lunar Lattice, Azura, or Khajiit criminal networks could blend spirituality and intrigue.

Challenges: ESO's Elsweyr coverage might reduce its novelty. Bethesda would need to differentiate the experience and deepen the Khajiit's cultural complexity.

4. Summerset Isles: The Altmer's Arcane Haven

The Summerset Isles, home of the Altmer, were featured in ESO, but a next-gen revisit could showcase their crystalline cities and magical grandeur. As the Aldmeri Dominion's heart, Summerset brims with arcane and political potential.

Why Summerset?

Magical Innovation: The setting could introduce spellcrafting, arcane guilds, or Psijic Order quests involving time manipulation.
Political Drama: The Altmer's rigid society, strained by Thalmor extremism, could drive a narrative of rebellion or espionage.
Breathtaking Visuals: Coral-and-glass towers, auroral skies, and Ayleid ruins would make Summerset a visual marvel.

Challenges: The Altmer's elitism and heavy magical focus might alienate fans of grittier adventures. Bethesda would need to humanize the High Elves and diversify the tone.

5. Pan-Tamriel: A Continent-Wide Epic

What if The Elder Scrolls 7 spanned all of Tamriel? With advanced technology, Bethesda could craft an interconnected world where players traverse provinces to face a continent-wide threat.

Why Pan-Tamriel?

Grand Scale: A story about an Akaviri invasion, Daedric crisis, or Empire's collapse could unite Tamriel's diverse regions.
Nostalgic Freedom: Players could revisit iconic locations (Whiterun, Vivec City) while exploring new areas.
Varied Gameplay: Each province could offer unique mechanics-sailing in High Rock, desert survival in Hammerfell, or Hist visions in Black Marsh.

Challenges: The project's scale could overwhelm development, risking shallow regions. Bethesda would need to ensure cohesion across diverse settings.

6. A Daedric Realm: Beyond Nirn's Borders

For a radical shift, The Elder Scrolls 7 could unfold in a Daedric realm like the Deadlands, Shivering Isles, or Apocrypha. These surreal planes offer boundless creative freedom.

Why a Daedric Realm?

Unique Storytelling: A Prince's domain could explore themes of madness, ambition, or forbidden knowledge, with reality bending to their will.
Alien Landscapes: From Apocrypha's tentacled libraries to the Deadlands' fiery wastes, the visuals would be unforgettable.
High Stakes: A plot about escaping or defying a Daedric Prince could feel intensely personal and cosmic.

Challenges: A Daedric setting might feel too detached from Tamriel's grounded fantasy. Bethesda would need to anchor it with familiar lore and a living world.

My Choice: Akavir

Akavir is my top pick for The Elder Scrolls 7. Its untouched lore and exotic cultures offer Bethesda a chance to reinvent the series while preserving its essence. A story of Tamrielic explorers landing on Akavir, entangled in Tsaesci schemes and Ka Po' Tun wars, would blend the familiar with the unknown. Akavir's potential for stunning visuals and innovative gameplay makes it a worthy successor to Skyrim and The Elder Scrolls 6.

Fan Perspectives

X posts reveal diverse fan preferences. Many advocate for Black Marsh, drawn to its Argonian mysteries. Others champion Elsweyr for its vibrant Khajiit culture. Akavir has strong support for its mythical allure, while some suggest Yokuda or Atmora, though their sparse lore poses challenges. This variety highlights fans' desire for a setting that's both fresh and quintessentially Elder Scrolls.

Conclusion

The Elder Scrolls 7 is likely years away, but imagining its setting fuels excitement. Whether Bethesda takes us to Akavir's alien shores, Black Marsh's eerie swamps, or a Daedric realm's chaotic depths, the goal is a world that's immersive, alive, and brimming with adventure. Where do you want The Elder Scrolls 7 to take place? Share your vision, and let's keep Tamriel's spirit burning.