There's nothing quite like the exhilarating moment you first set foot in the expansive world of Skyrim. From the dramatic escape at Helgen to the boundless freedom to explore its vast, cold landscapes, it's an adventure that captivates millions. Even after a decade, the allure of Skyrim's open-world exploration continues to draw players back time and again.
However, after years of delving into the various iterations of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new fantasy adventures to satisfy our cravings. As we eagerly await the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of top games that echo the essence of Skyrim, ready for you to dive into 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
It's no surprise that we start with The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, a game that shares the same spirit as Skyrim. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's iconic RPG series, Oblivion predates Skyrim but offers a similarly immersive experience. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a world teetering on the brink of chaos due to demonic gods and fiery portals to hell. Set in Cyrodil, your journey involves exploring a vast realm, completing quests, aligning with factions, and enhancing your character with new skills, weapons, armor, and spells. If you're looking for more Elder Scrolls action, Oblivion is available on PC and can be enjoyed on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One through backward compatibility.
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 hallmark of the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild encapsulates the freedom and exploration that Skyrim fans adore. This game drops you into the open world of Hyrule with minimal guidance, allowing you to uncover secrets, engage with physics-based puzzles, and face enemies on your terms. Whether you're climbing mountains, exploring lore, or challenging the final boss right away, Breath of the Wild empowers you to shape your adventure. It's exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch, and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, offers 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
For those craving a recent, expansive RPG with a strong emphasis on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a stellar choice. Set in the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you step into the shoes of The Arisen, embarking on a quest to slay the dragon that stole your heart. The game's world is teeming with secrets and challenges, inviting you to forge your path and engage in thrilling battles. With diverse classes, a variety of weapons and armor, and a unique party system featuring pawns created by other players, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a rich, Skyrim-like experience 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
Among the pantheon of epic RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands tall. Set in a dark, Slavic-inspired world, you play as Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter on a quest to save his surrogate daughter, Ciri, from the spectral Wild Hunt. The game offers a sprawling open world filled with challenging combat, impactful moral choices, and a gripping narrative. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 grants you the freedom to explore its rich world at your own pace, whether you're hunting monsters or following the main storyline. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's 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
For those seeking a more grounded RPG experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a refreshing take on the genre. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance for his murdered parents. The game's expansive world is filled with authentic medieval settings, dynamic quests, and an immersive combat system. With survival mechanics that require managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a deep, engaging experience on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even more refined and 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 offers a challenging yet rewarding RPG experience that fans of Skyrim will appreciate. Set in the treacherous Lands Between, the game masterfully blends exploration with punishing combat. Every corner of its world holds secrets and rewards for the curious, and overcoming its formidable bosses is incredibly satisfying. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, there's plenty to explore. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring is perfect for those seeking a new, demanding world to conquer.
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 signature open-world design and freedom of exploration. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst a backdrop of mutant creatures and corporate intrigue. The game offers a vast world to explore, unique character customization, and a wealth of quests. If you're looking for a game that echoes Skyrim's design while offering a different setting, Fallout 4 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC is an excellent choice.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Image credit: EADeveloper: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review
Dragon Age: Inquisition delivers another expansive fantasy RPG experience, tasking you with saving the world of Thedas from mysterious rifts. As the leader of the Inquisition, you'll explore vast open-world maps, recruit party members, and make choices that shape the narrative. Much like Skyrim, Inquisition offers deep character customization and a plethora of quests to keep you engaged. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with the follow-up, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, released in 2024, providing even more to explore.
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 different in style, Baldur's Gate 3 shares Skyrim's sense of freedom and expansive world. As a top-down RPG, it focuses on strategic combat and character development, allowing you to craft a unique party and tackle quests in myriad ways. The game's world reacts to your choices, offering a personalized experience. If you enjoy Skyrim's open-ended nature, Baldur's Gate 3 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC will captivate you with its depth and freedom.
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 offers a vibrant fantasy world and engaging combat. As the Fateless One, you're resurrected and set on a path to save the world of Amalur. The game allows for extensive character customization and offers a large world to explore, filled with quests and dungeons. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great choice for Skyrim fans looking for something new yet familiar.
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 standalone game that offers a unique twist on the formula. Set in Ancient Rome, you're trapped in a time loop and must uncover the mystery behind the "Golden Rule." With a focus on detective work rather than combat, The Forgotten City offers a fresh take on Skyrim's mechanics. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a different kind of adventure.
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 RPG experience where you play as an ordinary person trying to pay off a debt. The game quickly expands into a large-scale open-world adventure, with survival mechanics like hunger and sleep adding depth. Without fast travel and with a unique respawn system, Outward provides a challenging yet rewarding experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's perfect for Skyrim fans who enjoy a more realistic and immersive world.
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 not ready to leave the Elder Scrolls universe behind, The Elder Scrolls Online offers a multiplayer experience set in the vast world of Tamriel. Explore iconic locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, as well as new realms like Elsweyr and Summerset, with friends. With numerous quests and the ability to create unique characters, this MMO is a great way to continue your Elder Scrolls journey. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a fantastic choice for those seeking 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!
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