There's nothing quite like the exhilarating moment you first step into the vast world of Skyrim. From the heart-pounding escape during your execution in Helgen to the freedom of exploring its untamed landscapes, the game offers an adventure that captivates millions with its boundless exploration and freedom. However, after diving into various versions of Skyrim over the years, many of us are on the hunt for new games to satisfy that fantasy adventuring itch. To help you bridge the gap until the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of some of the best games that echo the essence of Skyrim, available to play right now.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Starting with an obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion provides an experience remarkably similar to Skyrim in scope and style. As Skyrim's predecessor, it encapsulates all the elements that made its sequel so beloved. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a world where demonic gods and fiery portals to a hellish realm threaten the land of Cyrodil. Your journey is one of freedom, allowing you to explore, complete quests, ally with factions, and develop your character with an array of skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's a perfect continuation of your Elder Scrolls journey while waiting for the next installment, available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is not just a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch; it's also one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. This reinvention of the iconic series offers an expansive open world brimming with secrets, dynamic physics systems for combat and exploration, enthralling quests, and a visually stunning art style. The game throws you into Hyrule with minimal guidance, equipping you with essential tools and then setting you free. Whether you choose to explore, climb, or confront the final boss right away, the world is yours to conquer. If you're craving the unguided freedom of Skyrim, Breath of the Wild is a perfect match, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. You can also dive into its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
Dragon's Dogma 2
For those seeking a modern, expansive RPG 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 their heart from an ancient dragon. The game's allure lies in its vast, secret-filled world and the thrill of battling colossal monsters. With deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapon types, and a unique party system that lets you recruit allies created by other players, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a rich fantasy experience on par with Skyrim. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, and for good reason. Set in a dark, Slavic-inspired world, you play as Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter on a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while evading the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. The game offers a massive open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and a gripping narrative. Like Skyrim, it sets you free to explore at your own pace, whether you choose to focus on monster contracts or the main storyline. With its extensive base game and two significant DLCs, The Witcher 3 is a must-play for Skyrim fans, available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Moving into a more grounded medieval setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a taste of Skyrim's freedom with its open world and immersive gameplay. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you follow Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance after his parents are killed during a Cuman invasion. The game allows you to explore authentic medieval landscapes, engage in open-ended quests, and master an intricate combat system. With survival mechanics that require you to manage everything from food and sleep to hygiene and armor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a deep and engaging experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, the sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even better and worth exploring.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a challenging yet immensely rewarding RPG that masters the art of exploration. Set in the unforgiving Lands Between, the game hides routes to new areas and rewards for those willing to explore every corner. With its punishing yet gratifying gameplay, Elden Ring is perfect for those who relish a challenge and the thrill of discovery. The addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure, Elden Ring Nightreign, in May, make it an excellent time to delve into this world. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring offers a unique and captivating experience for Skyrim enthusiasts.
Fallout 4
While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares the same design ethos as Skyrim, making it a compelling alternative. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor on a quest to save your kidnapped son from The Institute. The game offers a vast open world to explore, filled with quests and the freedom to build your character and navigate the Wasteland as you see fit. If you're looking for a game that mirrors Skyrim's gameplay with a unique twist, Fallout 4 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and remains one of Bethesda's finest offerings.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers another expansive fantasy RPG experience, with over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, you're tasked with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts. The game allows you to create your character, choose their class and race, and explore massive open-world maps, recruit party members, and make choices that impact the story. It's a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, especially with the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a rich and engaging adventure.
Baldur's Gate 3
While different in gameplay style, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a compelling fantasy RPG experience that resonates with Skyrim fans. As a top-down CRPG, it focuses on strategic combat, party building, and quests that adapt to your choices. Its expansive world is filled with engaging stories and quests that feel uniquely tailored to your playthrough. With the freedom to mix and match classes, races, and backstories, Baldur's Gate 3 encourages you to explore and experiment, much like Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for those who enjoy immersive fantasy RPGs.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning, a cult classic remastered in 2020, is an excellent choice for those seeking a new fantasy RPG with engaging combat and a vast world. You play as the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, and set out to stop a destructive force threatening Amalur. With the freedom to build your character, explore the Faelands, and complete numerous quests, this game offers a rich and rewarding experience. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, Kingdoms of Amalur is a great addition to any Skyrim fan's library.
The Forgotten City
Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City evolved into a full standalone game due to its compelling narrative. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported back in time to Ancient Rome trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective game focuses on solving a mystery through dialogue and exploration rather than combat, offering a unique twist on Skyrim's formula. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, The Forgotten City is a fascinating and innovative experience for RPG enthusiasts.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Outward is a hardcore RPG that focuses on realism and consequence, casting you as an everyday person tasked with paying off a debt within five days. This quickly evolves into a large-scale adventure across the land of Aurai, where you must contend with survival challenges and environmental threats. With no fast travel and a unique respawn system, Outward offers a fresh take on the open-world exploration found in Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a challenging and rewarding experience.
The Elder Scrolls Online
If you're ready to expand your Elder Scrolls experience, The Elder Scrolls Online offers an MMO take on the series. Explore various realms of Tamriel, including returning locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, and new locales like Elsweyr and Summerset. With the ability to play with friends, complete quests, and build your character, it's a great way to continue your adventures in the Elder Scrolls universe. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, The Elder Scrolls Online has been enhanced with numerous DLCs over the years, making it a robust and evolving 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!