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The Elder Scrolls 6 Will Use a New Creation Engine

Originally published on: February 20, 2026
▼ Summary

– Todd Howard stated that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be a return to the classic open-world RPG style Bethesda is known for, unlike recent departures.
– He clarified that both Starfield and Fallout 76 represented creative detours from this classic style of game.
– The game will be powered by a new engine, Creation Engine 3, which the studio has been developing for several years.
– Howard indicated development is progressing well and nearing a milestone, but confirmed the game’s release is still “going to be a while yet.”
– The studio aims to innovate within its classic style to make the world of The Elder Scrolls 6 feel fresh and new for players.

The upcoming release of The Elder Scrolls 6 marks a significant return to form for Bethesda Game Studios, as confirmed by creative director Todd Howard. In a recent interview, Howard emphasized that the studio is refocusing on the deep, open-world role-playing experiences that originally defined its reputation. This next chapter in the legendary fantasy series will be built upon a substantially upgraded technical foundation, signaling a major evolution for the developer’s signature game design.

During a conversation with Kinda Funny Games, Howard reflected on the studio’s recent projects. He acknowledged that titles like Starfield and Fallout 76 represented creative departures from the core formula fans have come to anticipate. With the sixth mainline Elder Scrolls entry, the team is deliberately steering back toward that foundational style. Howard described the shift as a homecoming to a classic approach the developers deeply understand and have genuinely missed crafting.

“We have a style of game we really, really like, that people expect from us, and there is a lot of innovation to be done there still,” Howard stated. The goal is to deliver a world that feels fresh and immersive, giving players that profound sense of discovery the series is known for. He expressed clear satisfaction with the project’s current trajectory, noting the team is happy with its direction.

A critical component of this renewed vision is the technology powering it. Howard revealed that the studio has invested years into advancing its internal tools. The engine that drove Starfield, known as Creation Engine 2, has been systematically overhauled. The result is what the team is calling Creation Engine 3, the new platform that will underpin The Elder Scrolls 6 and shape the studio’s future titles. This substantial behind-the-scenes work is aimed at enabling greater ambition and fidelity in the games to come.

Naturally, discussion turned to the long-awaited game’s release timeline. First announced over six years ago, fans are eager for a concrete date. Howard remained characteristically cautious, offering only that the development team is approaching a major milestone and progress is positive. However, he tempered expectations with a frank assessment, indicating that players should still expect a considerable wait before the RPG is complete. The message is clear: Bethesda is committed to getting this homecoming right, even if it takes more time.

(Source: Kotaku)

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