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, the sense of sheer freedom captures you. This legendary RPG has kept millions of players coming back to its cold, expansive landscapes for over a decade. Yet, after years of exploring various versions of Skyrim, it's natural to seek new adventures that satisfy that same fantasy itch. As we eagerly await the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of games that offer similar experiences to tide you over.
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
Starting with a classic, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion provides a similar experience in style and scope to Skyrim. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion encapsulates the elements that made its younger sibling a hit. You play as a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery portals to hellish realms, and the murder of Tamriel's emperor. Embark on an epic journey across Cyrodil, where you're free to explore at your own pace, engage in quests, ally with factions, and develop your character with a plethora of skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells. Available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backwards compatibility, Oblivion is a fantastic way to continue your Elder Scrolls saga.
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 a masterpiece of open-world exploration, perfect for those who cherish the freedom of Skyrim. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series offers a secret-laden open world, innovative physics-based systems for combat and navigation, captivating quests, and a stunning art style. From the outset, Breath of the Wild empowers you to explore Hyrule freely, whether you're hunting for lore, scaling mountains, or rushing into the final boss's lair. Available exclusively on Nintendo Switch, it's a sublime alternative to Skyrim, and you can further immerse yourself with 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
Dragon's Dogma 2 is a recent addition to the RPG genre that emphasizes exploration across the vast realms of Vermund and Battahl. As The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by a dragon, you're tasked with hunting this beast. The game's world is brimming with secrets and dangers, offering organic storytelling through your encounters with colossal monsters. With diverse classes, a wide range of equipment, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players, Dragon's Dogma 2 delivers a massive fantasy RPG experience. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, it's an excellent choice for Skyrim enthusiasts.
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 monumental RPG, set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, where you play as Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter on a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri. With its vast open world, challenging battles, and morally complex choices, The Witcher 3 offers a rich narrative and immersive gameplay. Whether you choose to focus on the main storyline or take on side quests as a bounty hunter, the game provides a deeply engaging experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a must-play for those who've conquered Skyrim.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review
For a grounded medieval RPG that captures the freedom of Skyrim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a standout choice. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents' murder. The game's open world, filled with authentic locations and reactive quests, offers an immersive experience. With its detailed survival mechanics and intricate combat system, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a deeply engaging alternative to Skyrim's fantasy. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a compelling option for those seeking a different yet equally captivating RPG.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances this immersive experience 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 excels in exploration and discovery. Set in the dying world of The Lands Between, the game hides new areas and valuable rewards off the beaten path, ensuring that every exploration is meaningful. With its punishing combat and the new Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, along with the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign in May, it's a perfect time to dive in. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring offers a thrilling experience for those ready to explore a new world after Skyrim.
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 the design philosophies of Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor on a mission to rescue your kidnapped son. The game's open world allows for free exploration, much like Skyrim, but with a unique twist of facing mutant creatures and corporate propaganda. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is an excellent choice for those who enjoy Bethesda's approach to open-world RPGs.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Image credit: EADeveloper: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review
Dragon Age: Inquisition is a sprawling fantasy RPG where you lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts. With over 80 hours of gameplay, you can build your character, explore massive open-world maps, and make choices that impact the story and world. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a meaty RPG to delve into before jumping into 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
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
Although different in gameplay, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich fantasy RPG experience. As a top-down CRPG, it focuses on strategic combat and deep character customization. The game's world reacts to your choices, creating a personalized playthrough. With its vast array of classes, races, and backstories, Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to experiment freely, much like Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for fans of expansive RPGs.
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
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a remastered cult classic that offers a large fantasy world with engaging combat and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you explore the Faelands to stop a destructive force. With the ability to build your character and explore freely, this game is perfect for those who've exhausted Skyrim. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great option to consider.
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 unique standalone game. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported to an Ancient Roman city trapped in a time loop, governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective game focuses on talking to citizens, uncovering clues, and solving mysteries without much combat. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, The Forgotten City offers a fresh take on the RPG genre.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review
Outward is a hardcore RPG where you play as an ordinary person trying to pay off a debt. The game evolves into a survival-focused open-world adventure across Aurai. With its emphasis on realism, including survival mechanics and no fast travel, Outward offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's an intriguing alternative for Skyrim fans.
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 looking to continue your Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is an excellent choice. This MMO allows you to explore various realms across Tamriel, from Skyrim to new locales like Elsweyr and Summerset. With a plethora of quests and the ability to build unique characters, it's a fantastic way to dive deeper into the Elder Scrolls universe. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's perfect for those who want more Elder Scrolls content.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our pick of games Skyrim fans will love! Agree with our list or our 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!
