13 Games to Play If You Loved Skyrim
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, you're met with an unparalleled sense of freedom. This freedom, allowing you to go anywhere and do anything, has captivated millions of players for over a decade, drawing them back to Skyrim's cold landscapes time and again.
As we've spent years exploring the various iterations of Skyrim, the desire for new fantasy adventures grows. To help bridge the gap until the much-anticipated release of Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of games that capture the essence of Skyrim's open-world exploration and adventure. These titles offer a similar vein of immersive gameplay and can keep you engaged while you wait for the next chapter in the Elder Scrolls saga.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Starting off with an obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion provides an experience that mirrors the style and scope of Skyrim. As the predecessor to Skyrim, Oblivion is packed with the same elements that made its sequel so beloved. You begin as a prisoner thrust into the midst of a battle against demonic forces, fiery portals to hellish realms, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across Cyrodil, where you're free to explore at your own pace, engage in quests, form alliances, and develop your character with an array of skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's a perfect continuation of your Elder Scrolls adventure, available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A standout on the Nintendo Switch and one of the best fantasy RPGs ever created, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild delivers everything a Skyrim fan could want. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series offers a vast, secret-filled open world, dynamic physics-based gameplay, captivating quests, and a visually stunning art style. The game sets you free in Hyrule with essential tools, encouraging you to explore at your leisure, whether you're uncovering lore, scaling mountains, or challenging the final boss right away. For those seeking the same sense of freedom and unguided exploration as Skyrim, Breath of the Wild is an ideal choice, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. Fans can also dive into the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
Dragon's Dogma 2
For those craving a sprawling RPG with a strong focus on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a fantastic option. Set in the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you step into the role of The Arisen, a warrior on a quest to reclaim your heart from an ancient dragon. The game's world is filled with secrets and populated by menacing monsters, creating organic stories as you battle for survival. With diverse classes, weapons, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a rich RPG experience on the scale of Skyrim. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands as a monumental RPG, set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, filled with monsters, magic, and complex politics. You play as Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter, Ciri, while facing the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. Much like Skyrim, the game offers an expansive open world where you can choose your path, from hunting monsters to pursuing the main storyline. With its compelling narrative and vast open world, The Witcher 3 and its expansive DLCs are perfect for those who've exhausted Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Stepping away from fantasy into a more grounded medieval setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers an immersive open-world experience similar to Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge for his murdered parents. The game allows you to explore a vast, historically accurate world, engage in dynamic quests, and master an intricate combat system. With a focus on survival mechanics like food, sleep, and hygiene, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a more involved experience than Skyrim, available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. For an even better experience, check out Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025.
Elden Ring
For those who enjoy a challenging RPG, Elden Ring offers a rewarding experience with its tough combat and deep exploration mechanics. FromSoftware's latest RPG masterpiece excels in rewarding curiosity, with hidden paths and treasures scattered across its expansive world. The game's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure, Elden Ring Nightreign, make it an even more compelling choice for Skyrim fans looking for a new world to conquer. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring promises a thrilling journey through The Lands Between.
Fallout 4
While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares many design philosophies with Skyrim, making it a great alternative. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor on a quest to rescue your kidnapped son. Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers a vast open world filled with quests and the freedom to explore without guidance. Instead of battling mythical creatures, you'll face mutated monsters and navigate a world steeped in alternate history. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is a compelling choice for those seeking a similar experience to Skyrim with a different twist.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers an expansive fantasy RPG experience that echoes Skyrim's scope. You lead the Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, exploring large open-world maps, battling monsters, and unraveling a deep storyline. Like Skyrim, you can customize your character, choose your class and race, and make decisions that impact the game's world. With over 80 hours of gameplay and the opportunity to jump into Dragon Age: The Veilguard afterward, Inquisition is an excellent follow-up for Skyrim fans. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Baldur's Gate 3
While Baldur's Gate 3 differs from Skyrim in its top-down, strategic combat, it offers a rich fantasy RPG experience. Known for its tactical gameplay and deep storytelling, Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to create a character and explore a world where your choices significantly impact the narrative. Its emphasis on player freedom and experimentation aligns well with Skyrim's open-ended nature, making it a must-play for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
A cult classic revived in its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning offers a vibrant fantasy world to explore. As the Fateless One, you're resurrected to stop a destructive force threatening Amalur. The game features engaging combat, a large world, and numerous quests, making it an excellent choice for those who've finished Skyrim and crave another fantasy adventure. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
The Forgotten City
Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City evolved into a standalone game with a unique premise. You find yourself transported back in time to Ancient Rome, trapped in a city stuck in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective game focuses on solving mysteries through dialogue and exploration, offering a fresh take on Skyrim's gameplay mechanics. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, The Forgotten City is perfect for those looking for something different yet reminiscent of Skyrim.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Outward offers a hardcore RPG experience where you play as an ordinary person trying to pay off a debt. The game quickly escalates into an open-world adventure across Aurai, emphasizing survival elements like hunger, sleep, and environmental challenges. Without fast travel and with a unique respawn system, Outward provides a fresh twist on open-world exploration. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a great choice for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience.
The Elder Scrolls Online
If you're looking to continue your Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various regions of Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, completing quests and building your character alongside other players. With numerous updates and expansions, The Elder Scrolls Online offers a continually evolving world for fans to enjoy. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's an excellent way to extend your Elder Scrolls 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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