The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most influential RPGs of all time. Nearly 15 years since its release, it continues to receive official content updates and player-made mods. Although we have received some hints regarding the release date of The Elder Scrolls VI, many aspects of the sequel—including plot details and its place in The Elder Scrolls timeline—remain a mystery to fans, a state of uncertainty likely to persist for some time. However, while we wait, there is one thing worth speculating about: which Skyrim characters might return in this highly anticipated sequel.
Character returns are nothing new for The Elder Scrolls series. Although it is currently unknown which era The Elder Scrolls VI takes place in, if it follows the trend of previous titles, it is reasonable to assume that its story occurs at least a full generation after Skyrim, if not much longer. Even so, the series features many immortal or extremely long-lived characters who have appeared in multiple games. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for some fan-favorite Skyrim characters to return in The Elder Scrolls VI, and there is one particularly beloved character we hope to see in the sequel no matter what.
Paarthurnax
Paarthurnax is an ancient dragon and one of the most interesting characters in Skyrim's main quest. This seemingly timeless entity has lived since the First Era of Tamriel. Considering that most players refuse to kill him at Delphine's request, it stands to reason that this dragon would still be alive by the time of The Elder Scrolls VI.
As the leader of the Greybeards, Paarthurnax is both a dragon and a reclusive, monk-like figure. His choice to reflect on the atrocities he committed against humans in the past makes him one of the smartest and most complex characters in The Elder Scrolls series, representing the pinnacle of the series' character development. Although he was an indispensable aid in the fight against Alduin, this wise dragon may still have some wisdom to impart to the next protagonist of the series.
Paarthurnax resides at the Throat of the World in Skyrim, so it's not far-fetched to imagine that a short flight could take him to the rumored settings of The Elder Scrolls VI—Hammerfell and High Rock.
Teldryn Sero
Teldryn Sero is a Dunmer mercenary whom players can choose to hire in Raven Rock. Compared to some other candidates on this list, he is less well-known, but he remains one of the most suitable characters to return in The Elder Scrolls VI.
At first glance, he seems like just another ordinary mercenary companion, but players who hire Teldryn in-game discover that he is a surprisingly powerful ally with considerable depth to his character. As a Dunmer, Teldryn naturally possesses an extremely long lifespan, meaning he could easily make a cameo in The Elder Scrolls VI without needing any immortality or magical means. As a mercenary, it's not hard to imagine why he would leave his home in Raven Rock to explore other parts of the world, and the journey by ship to High Rock wouldn't be particularly distant.
Teldryn's mercenary career could make him a powerful ally to the protagonist of The Elder Scrolls VI, once again employing his skills as a spellsword to aid the player.
"Liar" Mike
Rather than saying this character might return, it's more accurate to say he will definitely appear in the next The Elder Scrolls game, and likely in every subsequent installment as well. With development on The Elder Scrolls VI proceeding as planned, we can be almost certain that "Liar" Mike is confirmed to appear in the game—if he hasn't already been added.
"Liar" Mike appears in every The Elder Scrolls game, with the sole purpose of spreading misinformation about the game's plot and lore. Although the origins of this mysterious Khajiit are unknown, players speculate that he is either an immortal prankster or comes from a Khajiit clan with extremely long lifespans where members share the same name across generations. Asking this character for answers is futile because, well... he lies, and he lies often.
Karliah
Karliah is another Dunmer whose long lifespan naturally makes her a candidate for appearance in The Elder Scrolls VI. She is an NPC encountered during the Thieves Guild questline. Her role in this questline is not only highly entertaining, but she also boasts one of the most compelling backstories among all NPCs in Skyrim.
She is the granddaughter of Queen Barenziah and Draven Indoril, who is rumored to be a descendant of Indoril Nerevar. Thus, Karliah is connected to two of the most famous and interesting figures in Morrowind's history. Additionally, she shares a long and legendary history with the Thieves Guild: she was the lover of former Guildmaster and Nightingale Gallus Desidenius, and later avenged his death.
It's easy to imagine how Karliah might appear in The Elder Scrolls VI: she would most likely guide the player into joining the Thieves Guild, or even serve as the Guildmaster herself. Given this character's legendary past, it would undoubtedly be a pity not to see more of her story in The Elder Scrolls series.
Serana
Serana is perhaps the most beloved NPC in all of Skyrim. As a pure-blooded vampire and a permanent follower, she has one of the most tragic and engaging backstories in the entire game. Fans are captivated by her sharp yet reserved personality, her excellent storyline, and her practicality as a follower. We certainly hope to see her return to the series.
Serana appears in Skyrim's first DLC, Dawnguard. She is a pure-blooded vampire, one of the "Daughters of Coldharbour," and the biological daughter of Lord Harkon. During her long undead life, Serana spent most of her time sealed away to protect her from her father, who intended to use her as part of a ritual sacrifice to blot out the sun. After being freed by the Dragonborn and with the threat posed by her father permanently eliminated, Serana is finally free to roam the world from which she had been isolated for so long.
Even if none of the other characters on this list return for The Elder Scrolls VI, Serana should make a comeback. She left a lasting and profound impression on players who met her, becoming one of the most memorable and beloved NPCs in the history of The Elder Scrolls. Moreover, seeing her roam freely and explore the world would feel like the perfect continuation of her tragic story.