There's nothing quite like the first time you explored Skyrim. From the moment you narrowly escape your grisly execution in Helgen and emerge into the legendary RPG's vast wilderness, it's an adventure that allows you to go anywhere and everywhere with no limitations. It's this sense of sheer freedom that's had millions of players returning to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.
But after spending years exploring the many different versions of Skyrim that have been released, it's safe to say we're all looking for some new games to scratch that fantasy adventuring itch. So, to ease the wait until we get an official follow-up in the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've compiled a list of some of the best games in the same vein as Skyrim that you can play right now.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Image credit: Bethesda SoftworksDeveloper: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Oblivion review
An obvious choice to start our list, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience similar in style and scope to Skyrim. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion still boasts all the elements that made its younger sibling so popular. You play as a prisoner thrust into the heart of a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery gates to a hellish plane, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Embark on a daring adventure across the land of Cyrodil, where you're free to explore as you wish, complete quests, ally with factions, and enhance your character with new skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells. It's more Elder Scrolls goodness, and a fantastic way to continue your journey through Tamriel while awaiting Elder Scrolls 6. Oblivion is available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backwards compatibility feature.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 3, 2017 | Review: IGN's Breath of the Wild review
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the poster child of the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. Nintendo's innovative reinvention of the iconic series offers it all: a richly detailed open world brimming with secrets, physics-based mechanics to manipulate during battles and navigation, compelling quests, and a visually stunning art style.
Breath of the Wild empowers players with unparalleled freedom. After descending from the Great Plateau, you're unleashed into Hyrule, equipped with essential tools, and free to embark on any path you choose. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, scaling mountains, or boldly facing the final boss, the world is yours to explore. If you crave the same liberty and unguided adventure that makes Skyrim so engaging, Breath of the Wild is a perfect match. It's available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, and you can also dive into its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
3. Dragon's Dogma 2
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 22, 2024 | Review: IGN's Dragon's Dogma 2 review
For those seeking a sprawling RPG that prioritizes exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a compelling choice. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you step into the boots of The Arisen, a player-created warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your mission is to hunt down and slay this dragon, leading you on a journey through a vast, untamed world.
Much like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 excels in exploration, with its world packed with hidden secrets and monsters patrolling every corner. Engaging with these colossal foes creates organic narratives and thrilling encounters. The game also offers deep RPG mechanics, including various classes to master, diverse weapon types and armor sets, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players. If you're hungry for a massive fantasy RPG on the scale of Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Image credit: CD ProjektDeveloper: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt | Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Witcher 3 review
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a top-tier RPG set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue. As Geralt, a seasoned mercenary with a white mane and yellow eyes, you embark on a quest to rescue your surrogate daughter, Ciri, while navigating the ever-present threat of the spectral Wild Hunt.
Similar to Skyrim, The Witcher 3 offers a vast, lore-rich open world where you have the freedom to explore at your leisure. Whether you choose to focus on monster-hunting contracts or dive straight into the gripping main storyline, the choice is yours. With its expansive world, challenging battles, morally complex decisions, and engrossing narrative, The Witcher 3 is a must-play for Skyrim fans. The base game and its expansive DLCs are available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review
Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a different take on the RPG genre, focusing on a realistic medieval setting. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance in 15th-century Bohemia, you're thrust into a world of open-ended quests and authentic medieval environments after your parents are killed during a Cuman invasion.
This game emphasizes immersion, with intricate combat mechanics and survival elements that require you to manage food, sleep, hygiene, and armor condition. If you're looking for a more grounded RPG experience compared to Skyrim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, enhances the experience further and is definitely worth exploring.
Elden Ring
Image credit: Bandai NamcoDeveloper: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco | Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Review: IGN's Elden Ring review
Elden Ring is a challenging yet rewarding RPG that pushes the boundaries of exploration. FromSoftware's latest offering combines bleak atmosphere with satisfying gameplay, making every victory feel hard-earned.
The game excels in encouraging players to venture off the beaten path, revealing new areas and rewarding curiosity with valuable items. No corner of the world is meaningless, and every exploration is fruitful. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure, Elden Ring Nightreign, slated for May, there's never been a better time to explore The Lands Between. Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Fallout 4
Image credit: Bethesda SoftworksDeveloper: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: November 10, 2025 | Review: IGN's Fallout 4 review
While Fallout 4 diverges from the fantasy genre, it shares many design philosophies with Skyrim, offering a massive open-world RPG experience. As the Sole Survivor, you emerge from a vault to search for your kidnapped son amidst the ruins of Boston, facing off against mutated creatures and corporate propaganda.
Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 allows you to craft your character and explore freely, with numerous quests and objectives to pursue. It's a perfect blend of Bethesda's signature style, now with a post-apocalyptic twist. Fallout 4 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and remains one of Bethesda's most compelling titles.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Image credit: EADeveloper: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers an expansive fantasy RPG experience with over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of the Inquisition, your mission is to save Thedas from mysterious rifts tearing the sky apart. You'll explore vast open-world maps, battle monsters, and unravel the story of Thedas.
Like Skyrim, Inquisition lets you build your character from the ground up, selecting race and class, and then embark on your adventure. Along the way, you'll recruit new party members and make decisions that impact the world around you. It's a hearty alternative to Skyrim, and with 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard on the horizon, it's a great time to dive in. Dragon Age: Inquisition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Baldur's Gate 3
Image credit: Larian StudiosDeveloper: Larian Studios | Publisher: Larian Studios | Release Date: July 29, 2023 | Review: IGN's Baldur's Gate 3 review
While Baldur's Gate 3 differs from Skyrim in its top-down perspective and focus on strategic combat, it's an exceptional entry for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. Its meticulously crafted world offers tactical battles, compelling storylines, and dynamic quests that evolve based on your choices, providing a personalized experience.
The game encourages experimentation with its character creation and quest mechanics, allowing you to tailor your adventure. If you appreciate Skyrim's freedom and non-linear progression, you'll find Baldur's Gate 3 equally engaging. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Image credit: EADeveloper: Big Huge Games | Publisher: EA | Release Date: February 7, 2012 | Review: IGN's Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning review
A cult classic reborn through its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a fantastic choice for those seeking a new fantasy RPG after Skyrim. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you journey across the Faelands to thwart a destructive force threatening Amalur's inhabitants.
With engaging combat, a vast world, and numerous quests, Kingdoms of Amalur offers a rich experience. You'll build your character, choose a class, and explore freely, tackling dungeons and formidable enemies. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
The Forgotten City
Image credit: PID GamesDeveloper: Modern Storyteller | Publisher: PID Games | Release Date: July 28, 2021 | Review: IGN's The Forgotten City review
Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City has evolved into a full game that stands on its own merits. The story begins in modern-day Italy, where you're transported back to Ancient Rome after exploring a mysterious ruin. You find yourself in a city trapped in an eternal time loop, reset whenever the "Golden Rule" is broken.
The Forgotten City transforms Skyrim's core mechanics into a detective game, focusing on dialogue, investigation, and puzzle-solving rather than combat. It offers a unique twist on the open-world formula, retaining Skyrim's DNA while delivering a distinct experience. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review
Outward offers a hardcore RPG experience, casting you as an ordinary person struggling to pay off a debt within five days. This simple task quickly escalates into a large-scale open-world adventure across the land of Aurai, where you'll face tough challenges and contend with survival elements like hunger, sleep, and the environment.
The game's focus on realism and consequences sets it apart, with quests that can fail if not completed in time and no fast travel. Instead of death, you're subjected to random events that move you around the map. If you enjoy Skyrim's open-world exploration but crave additional layers of challenge, Outward is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
The Elder Scrolls Online
Image credit: Bethesda SoftworksDeveloper: ZeniMax Online Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited review
If you're ready to move on from Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online offers a multiplayer continuation of the Elder Scrolls experience. This MMO lets you explore various realms across Tamriel, from Skyrim and Cyrodil to Morrowind and Highrock, and new locales like Elsweyr and Summerset.
You can team up with other players to tackle enemies, complete quests, and develop unique characters. With numerous DLCs enhancing the game over the years, The Elder Scrolls Online is an excellent choice for fans looking for more Elder Scrolls content. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our pick of games Skyrim fans will love! Agree with our list or are some of your top picks missing? You can share your own top games like Skyrim lists with us via IGN Playlist, our tool that allows you to keep track of your gaming library, create lists and even rank them, discover what some of your favorite creators are playing, and more. Head over to IGN Playlist to find out more, and start creating your own lists to share with us!
