Skyrim and Morrowind Collide In New RPG That's Precisely What Bethesda Won't Make

With The Elder Scrolls VI, many are hoping that it marks a return to form for Bethesda, but I’m doubtful as to whether that’s possible.

Starfield arguably didn’t skew away from the classic Bethesda formula; it just wrapped it up in new-gen packaging resulting in an experience that felt as if it had one foot in the past and one in the present.

That’s perhaps why Starfield proved to be so polarising - and The Elder Scrolls VI could very well suffer the same fate.

It may be wiser for the game to try and do something new but for those who yearn for something that feels very classic Bethesda, The Lantern of the Laughless Saint may fit the bill.

“Everyone’s Making a Soulslike. We’re Making a Scrollslike,” Say Devs

Developed by NerveLabs, The Lantern of the Laughless Saint is an open-world indie RPG due to land on PC in 2026.

It can be played solo or in co-op and is inspired by classics of the genre.

“Drawn by a shared dream, you awaken on an isolated island crowned by a silent Tower,” the synopsis reads.

“Unravel the mystery of the Laughless Saint, confront the weight of human desire, and decide what deserves to be saved when the light beneath the world finally stirs.”

The game features all of the features you could possibly hope to find in an old-school style RPG.

NerveLabs

Quests are open-ended and can be approached via a number of different ways, plus there are side quests, hidden locations, and shortcuts to find across The Lantern of the Laughless Saint’s map.

There’s a “large cast of bizarre characters”, and the way you treat others will be reflected in something known as The Amphitheater.

“Treat others with kindness and generosity, and a trusted friend will take their seat in your audience. Fail or abuse them, and something darker takes their place. The House fills either way,” devs tease.

The game definitely has a strong Elder Scrolls feel to it, and that’s very intentional.

The team recently launched a bizarre new trailer.

“F**k you, Todd Howard,” it begins. “Elder Scrolls VI is taking so long that we’re just making our own except we’re making it weird and unique like Morrowind was.”

“Cast spells that make you jump 5,000 feet and f**king die. Fungus wizards. Vulture gorillas, vultrillas. Lizard men. That guy looks familiar,” the voiceover guy continues.

“Everyone’s making a soulslike. We’re making a scrollslike. Kill every NPC. Pickpocketing, lockpicking, and f**king co-op. Can you do that Todd?”

It’s quite a sales pitch, but one that I actually think is going to get The Lantern of the Laughless Saint tons of positive attention.

READ MORE: Elder Scrolls 6 Could Be Unplayable For Millions Of Gamers In Surprise U-Turn

The game, which launches sometime in 2026, will serve as a precursor to a larger project, The Holy Fool.

This is definitely a unique team and project well worth keeping an eye on.