Former Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith believes boats and potentially naval combat could become defining features of The Elder Scrolls VI—particularly if the rumored Iliac Bay setting proves accurate.
Speaking to GoHumanize, Nesmith suggested that seafaring could offer more than another way to travel. He imagined water-related skills, spells and creatures, alongside boats with functions beyond transportation, comparing the potential impact to that of dragons in Skyrim.
The comments reflect his personal ideas rather than Bethesda’s development plans. Nesmith left the studio in 2021 and is not working on The Elder Scrolls VI. Neither controllable boats nor naval combat has been confirmed.
The discussion followed an interviewer’s question about a possible setting around Iliac Bay and Sentinel. Nesmith explored what that location could make possible, but his answer did not confirm the setting.
He also recommended concentrating on surface gameplay rather than an extensive underwater environment. Drawing on underwater concepts explored during Fallout 4’s development, he argued that attempting both could stretch the team’s resources too thin.
Separately, The Elder Scrolls Online’s High Seas of Tamriel event features naval encounters involving boarding enemies, extinguishing fires and attacking another vessel. Its developers distinguish that structured experience from freely sailing across open water, and it does not establish what TES6 will offer.
Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls VI is its primary development focus and is being built on Creation Engine 3. Whether seafaring becomes part of that adventure remains unannounced.