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 hit with a sense of sheer freedom that has kept millions of players coming back to its cold landscapes for over a decade.
However, after years of exploring the various versions of Skyrim that have been released, many of us are eager to find new games that can satisfy our craving for fantasy adventure. While we eagerly await the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've put together a list of some of the best games that capture the essence 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 style and scope. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion encompasses all the elements that made its sequel a hit. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish realm, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Embark on an epic journey across Cyrodil, where you can freely explore, complete quests, ally with factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more.
Oblivion is an excellent way to continue your journey through Tamriel while waiting for Elder Scrolls 6. It's available on PC and through the Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward 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
As the flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and one of the greatest fantasy RPGs ever crafted, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a must-play for any fan of open-world exploration. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series offers an open world brimming with secrets, physics-based systems to experiment with in combat and navigation, captivating quests, and a visually stunning art style.
Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand; instead, it releases you into the vast world of Hyrule with essential tools and lets you explore at your own pace. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, scaling the tallest peaks, or challenging the final boss right away, the game gives you the freedom to chart your own course. If you're looking for the same sense of exploration and freedom that makes Skyrim so engaging, Breath of the Wild is an excellent alternative, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. 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
If you're seeking a sprawling RPG that prioritizes exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an excellent choice. Set in the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, a warrior whose heart has been stolen by an ancient dragon. Your quest to slay this dragon takes you across a vast, untamed world filled with secrets and monstrous encounters that create unforgettable stories.
Like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 emphasizes deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapons, and armor sets, along with a unique party system where you can recruit allies crafted by other players. This game is sure to satisfy your hunger for a massive fantasy RPG on the scale of Skyrim. 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 epic RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as one of the best. Set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world, this game offers a vast open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and an immersive story. You play as Geralt, a seasoned witcher on a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while facing mythical monsters and the spectral Wild Hunt.
Much like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 provides a rich fantasy world where you can live out your own adventures, whether by hunting monsters or delving into its compelling narrative. The base game and its expansive DLCs offer a rewarding experience for those who have exhausted Skyrim's content. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is 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
For a more grounded medieval experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers the unbridled freedom reminiscent of Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you follow Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents are murdered during a Cuman invasion. This game allows you to explore a vast open world, undertake open-ended quests influenced by your decisions, and master an intricate combat system.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance focuses on immersion, with survival mechanics that require you to manage food, sleep, hygiene, and armor condition. If you're after a more involved and realistic RPG experience than Skyrim, this game is worth exploring. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, offers an even richer experience, making it a must-try as well.
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. Set in the bleak world of The Lands Between, this game rewards curiosity with hidden routes, new areas, and valuable rewards. Every corner of its world is meaningful, and every detour offers potential benefits, even if it also presents the risk of brutal encounters.
With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure, Elden Ring Nightreign, set for May, there's never been a better time to dive in. If you're ready for a new world to explore and enjoy a challenge, Elden Ring, available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, is a compelling choice.
Fallout 4
Image credit: Bethesda SoftworksDeveloper: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: November 10, 2025 | Review: IGN's Fallout 4 review
Although it's not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares much of Skyrim's design philosophy. This open-world RPG lets you craft a unique character, explore expansive environments, and tackle numerous quests. Instead of casting spells, you'll be fighting mutant creatures in a post-apocalyptic Boston, searching for your kidnapped son and uncovering the mysteries of The Institute.
Fallout 4 offers the same freedom and open-ended exploration as Skyrim, but with a post-apocalyptic twist. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, making it one of Bethesda's standout 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 is another expansive fantasy RPG that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of the Inquisition, you're tasked with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts. Explore large open-world maps, defeat monsters, and uncover a new story in the Dragon Age universe.
Like Skyrim, Inquisition allows you to customize your character, choose your class and race, and embark on an adventure where your choices affect the narrative and the world around you. It's an ideal 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
While Baldur's Gate 3 differs from Skyrim in its top-down perspective and focus on strategic combat, it offers an expansive fantasy RPG experience that fans of Skyrim will appreciate. Its world is filled with tactical battles, engaging storylines, and quests that evolve based on your choices, creating a personalized experience.
Baldur's Gate 3 encourages experimentation with a vast array of classes, races, and backstories, allowing you to approach quests and challenges in your own way. If you enjoyed Skyrim's freedom and non-linearity, Baldur's Gate 3, available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, will be right up your alley.
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 revitalized by its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur is perfect for those seeking a new fantasy RPG with engaging combat, a vast world, and numerous quests. You play as the Fateless One, a revived corpse in the world of Amalur, tasked with stopping a destructive force.
Explore the Faelands, build your character, choose your class, and delve into dungeons to combat formidable threats. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, offering a satisfying experience for Skyrim fans.
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. You start in modern-day Italy, waking on an island and discovering a mysterious woman who transports you back to Ancient Rome. The city you find yourself in is trapped in a time loop, resetting whenever the "Golden Rule" is broken.
The Forgotten City transforms Skyrim's core elements into a detective game focused on solving a mystery through conversations and clue-gathering, with minimal combat. If you're looking for a fresh take on the Skyrim formula, this game, available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, is well worth exploring.
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 adventure where you play as an ordinary person trying to pay off a debt within five days. This quickly evolves into a large-scale open-world epic as you navigate the harsh environment of Aurai, facing tough threats and surviving through realistic systems that include managing hunger, sleep, and the elements.
Without fast travel and with a unique respawn system that moves you around the map instead of killing you, Outward offers a fresh twist on open-world exploration. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience for those who enjoyed Skyrim's sense of adventure.
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 allows you to explore various realms across Tamriel, from Skyrim and Cyrodil to new locales like Elsweyr and Summerset, while completing a plethora of quests.
The Elder Scrolls Online offers a rich multiplayer experience, letting you team up with others to tackle enemies and missions. With numerous DLCs added over the years, it's a continually evolving game that provides more Elder Scrolls content for fans who've exhausted Skyrim. 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 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!
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