There's nothing quite like the first time you explored Skyrim. From the moment you narrowly escape your grisly execution in Helgen and step into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG, the sense of sheer freedom captivates you. This freedom has drawn millions of players back to its cold landscapes for over a decade.
After years of exploring the various versions of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new adventures that offer a similar fantasy experience. While we eagerly await the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, here's a curated list of games that echo the magic of Skyrim and are available to 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
A natural starting point, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience akin to Skyrim in both style and scope. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's iconic RPG series, Oblivion predates Skyrim but retains all the elements that made its successor so beloved.
You begin as a prisoner thrust into a world of demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish realm, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across Cyrodil, where you're free to explore at your leisure, engage in quests, align with factions, and develop your character through an array of skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells.
Oblivion is available on PC and can be enjoyed through backward compatibility on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One, providing a seamless continuation of your Elder Scrolls journey.
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
A cornerstone of the Nintendo Switch library and one of the finest fantasy RPGs, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild embodies the essence of exploration and freedom found in Skyrim. Nintendo's transformative take on its iconic series offers a world brimming with secrets, physics-based gameplay, and a visually stunning art style.
From the moment you leave the Great Plateau, Breath of the Wild places no limits on your adventure. You can delve into Hyrule's lore, scale its tallest peaks, or confront the final boss whenever you choose. This unguided exploration mirrors the freedom that makes Skyrim so enthralling. The game is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, with a similar experience available in its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.
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 recent release with a focus on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a compelling choice. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you assume the role of The Arisen, a warrior on a quest to reclaim your heart from an ancient dragon.
The game's emphasis on exploration is reminiscent of Skyrim, with a world teeming with secrets and formidable monsters. Your journey will weave organic stories as you battle colossal foes and navigate perilous encounters. Dragon's Dogma 2 also offers deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapons, armor, and a unique system for recruiting allies. It's 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
In the realm of extensive RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as a masterpiece. Set in a dark world inspired by Slavic mythology, it offers a vast open world filled with challenging combat, intricate narratives, and impactful moral choices.
You play as Geralt, a seasoned witcher on a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri, amidst the looming threat of the spectral Wild Hunt. The game's open-world design and freedom to explore align closely with Skyrim's ethos. Whether you choose to hunt monsters as a bounty hunter or follow the main storyline, the control is yours. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, The Witcher 3 and its expansive DLCs are a must-play for Skyrim enthusiasts.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review
Shifting from high fantasy to a more grounded medieval setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance captures the essence of Skyrim's freedom. This cult classic follows Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance after his parents' murder during a Cuman invasion.
Set in 15th-century Bohemia, the game offers an immersive open world filled with authentic locations, open-ended quests, and a complex combat system. Its focus on survival mechanics, such as managing food, sleep, and hygiene, adds depth to the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a unique alternative to Skyrim. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, promises an even richer experience.
Elden Ring
Image credit: Bandai NamcoDeveloper: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco | Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Review: IGN's Elden Ring review
For those who relish a challenge, Elden Ring offers a rewarding yet punishing experience. FromSoftware's latest RPG masterpiece is renowned for its deep exploration and brutal combat, making it an excellent choice for Skyrim fans seeking new horizons.
Elden Ring's world is designed to reward curiosity, with hidden paths leading to new areas and valuable rewards tucked away in every corner. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, now is the perfect time to dive into The Lands Between. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring promises an unforgettable journey.
Fallout 4
Image credit: Bethesda SoftworksDeveloper: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: November 10, 2025 | Review: IGN's Fallout 4 review
While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares Bethesda's design philosophy with Skyrim. This post-apocalyptic open-world RPG allows you to craft a unique character and explore vast landscapes filled with quests and mysteries.
Set in a ruined Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst the backdrop of The Institute. Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers freedom in exploration without a linear path, making it an engaging alternative. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 remains one of Bethesda's top offerings.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Image credit: EADeveloper: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review
Another expansive fantasy RPG, Dragon Age: Inquisition offers over 80 hours of gameplay. You lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, exploring large open-world maps, defeating monsters, and uncovering a compelling story.
Similar to Skyrim, you can customize your character's class and race, recruit party members, and make choices that shape the narrative. It's an excellent follow-up to Skyrim, especially with the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024. 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
Though different in gameplay style, Baldur's Gate 3 is a top-tier CRPG that shares Skyrim's expansive world and freedom. This top-down RPG emphasizes strategic combat and party-building, offering a tailored experience based on your choices.
The game's vast world, engaging storylines, and dynamic quests make it a must-play for fans of fantasy RPGs. With extensive character customization and freedom in how you tackle quests, Baldur's Gate 3 resonates with Skyrim's ethos. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a game that invites you to explore and experiment at your own pace.
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 offers a rich fantasy world with engaging combat and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you journey through the Faelands to thwart a destructive force.
The game allows you to customize your character, choose a class, and explore freely, echoing the freedom found in Skyrim. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, Kingdoms of Amalur is an excellent choice for those seeking a similar experience.
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 evolved into a full game with a unique premise. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported back to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule."
This detective game tasks you with unraveling the city's mystery through conversations and clue-finding, offering a fresh twist on Skyrim's formula. With minimal combat, The Forgotten City provides a different yet compelling experience. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a must-try for those looking for something new.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review
For those craving a hardcore adventure, Outward casts you as an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt. This quickly escalates into a large-scale open-world epic across the land of Aurai.
Outward's focus on realism and consequence, including survival mechanics and the absence of fast travel, sets it apart. The game's unique systems and emphasis on open-world exploration make it a fascinating alternative to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, Outward is ideal for those who enjoy a challenge.
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 continue your Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms of Tamriel, from Skyrim and Cyrodil to new locales like Elsweyr and Summerset.
With a multitude of quests and the ability to team up with other players, it offers a fresh take on the Elder Scrolls universe. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and enhanced with numerous DLCs, The Elder Scrolls Online is an excellent extension of your Skyrim experience.
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!
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