There's nothing quite like the first time you explored Skyrim. From the moment you narrowly escape your grisly execution in Helgen and emerge into the legendary RPG's vast wilderness, it's an adventure that allows you to go anywhere and everywhere with no limitations. It's this sense of sheer freedom that has captivated millions of players, drawing them back to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.
However, after years of exploring the various iterations of Skyrim, many of us are on the hunt for new games to satisfy our craving for fantasy adventure. As we eagerly await the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've put together a list of the best games that offer a similar experience to Skyrim, which you can 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
Starting with an obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers a similar experience in style and scope to Skyrim. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's iconic RPG series, Oblivion may be Skyrim's predecessor, but it retains the elements that made its younger sibling a smash hit.
You begin as a prisoner caught in the midst of a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish plane, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across the land of Cyrodiil, where you can explore freely, complete quests, align with factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells.
Simply put, it's more of the Elder Scrolls universe, providing an excellent way to continue your journey through Tamriel while you wait for Elder Scrolls 6. You can play it on PC, and it's also available through the Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backwards 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
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the poster child for the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever created. This acclaimed reinvention of the series has everything: a secret-filled open world, innovative physics-based systems for combat and exploration, engaging quests, and a stunning art style.
Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand; it sets you loose in a fully explorable Hyrule with essential tools and lets you decide your path. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, climbing the highest peaks, or heading straight to the final boss, the choice is yours from the moment you leave the Great Plateau.
If you're seeking the same sense of freedom and unguided exploration that makes Skyrim so compelling, Breath of the Wild is an ideal substitute. It's available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, and you can also jump 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
For those seeking a recent, expansive RPG with a strong focus on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an excellent choice. Set across two realms, Vermund and Battahl, you take on the role of The Arisen, a player-created warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon.
Your quest to reclaim your heart and slay the dragon leads you through a vast, untamed world teeming with secrets and dangers. Like Skyrim, the true allure of Dragon's Dogma 2 lies in its exploration, where you'll encounter monstrous foes and create your own stories as you narrowly escape perilous encounters.
The game also offers deep RPG mechanics with various classes, a wide array of weapons and armor, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies crafted by other players. It's perfect for those hungry for a massive fantasy RPG experience similar to Skyrim. Dragon's Dogma 2 is 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
Among the pantheon of RPGs that offer over 100 hours of gameplay, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out. Set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world of monsters, magic, and political intrigue, it's widely regarded as one of the best RPGs ever made. The game features a vast open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and a compelling narrative.
You play as Geralt, a seasoned mercenary with white hair and yellow eyes, on a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while evading the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. Much like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 sets you free in a richly detailed world where you can choose to pursue the main storyline or live the life of a bounty hunter, tackling monster contracts.
The base game and its expansive DLCs are highly recommended once you've exhausted Skyrim's offerings. 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
Moving away from fantastical elements into a more grounded medieval setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance captures the sense of freedom found in Skyrim. Launched in 2018, it quickly became a cult classic, telling the story of Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge.
Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you follow Henry as he flees his village after his parents are murdered by Cumans and joins the service of Lord Hanush of Leipa to track down the culprits. The game then opens up to a vast world with authentic medieval settings, open-ended quests that react to your choices, and a detailed combat system.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance emphasizes immersion, with survival mechanics that include managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor condition. If you're looking for a more realistic and engaging RPG experience than Skyrim, this game is definitely worth exploring. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, offers an even better experience and is well worth checking out.
Elden Ring
Image credit: Bandai NamcoDeveloper: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco | Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Review: IGN's Elden Ring review
For those who relish a challenge, Elden Ring is a rewarding yet punishing experience. FromSoftware's latest RPG masterpiece is one of the most satisfying games ever made, not just for its challenging boss fights but for its mastery of exploration.
Elden Ring excels in making every area meaningful and rewarding those who explore its nooks and crannies. The game's world feels alive and dynamic, even as it crushes you with its difficulty. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion now available and the standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign coming in May, it's a perfect time to dive into The Lands Between.
If you've conquered Skyrim and are looking for another world to explore without shying away from a challenge, Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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 many design philosophies with Skyrim. This massive open-world RPG from Bethesda allows you to build a unique character, explore vast environments, and complete quests, albeit in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Set in a devastated Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, a vault dweller on a mission to rescue their kidnapped son from The Institute. Like Skyrim, the main quest is just one part of a larger world filled with objectives, where you can explore freely without being railroaded.
Fallout 4 offers a similar experience to Skyrim with a post-apocalyptic twist and is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, remaining one of Bethesda's finest games.
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 BioWare's take on a sprawling fantasy RPG, offering over 80 hours of gameplay. You lead the Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts in the sky, exploring vast open-world maps, defeating monsters, and uncovering a new story in the Dragon Age universe.
Like Skyrim, you build your character, choose their class and race, and embark on an adventure, adding new members to your party and making choices that affect the story and the world around you.
After finishing Skyrim, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a meaty RPG to sink your teeth into, and you can follow it up with 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard. It's 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 and Skyrim differ in gameplay, with the former being a top-down, strategic CRPG, it's a must-play for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. Its world is filled with tactical combat, engaging stories, and quests that evolve based on your choices, providing a personalized playthrough.
Baldur's Gate 3 encourages experimentation with its systems, from character creation to quest approaches. If you enjoyed Skyrim's freedom and lack of forced paths, you'll appreciate the flexibility and depth offered here. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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 fun combat system, a vast world, and plenty of quests for those who've finished Skyrim. You play as the Fateless One, a resurrected corpse freed from fate, journeying through the Faelands to prevent a destructive force from wiping out Amalur's people.
You can build your character, choose a class, and freely explore the Faelands, tackling quests and dungeons. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
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 with a unique premise. The story begins in modern-day Italy, where you wake up on an island and are transported back to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by a mysterious "Golden Rule."
This detective game tasks you with talking to citizens, learning about the Golden Rule, and solving the underlying mystery, all while retaining elements of Skyrim's core mechanics. If you're looking for a fresh take on the Skyrim formula, The Forgotten City is an intriguing choice, available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review
For fans of hardcore adventures, Outward offers an RPG experience where you play as an ordinary person trying to pay off a debt within five days. This quickly escalates into a large-scale open-world journey across Aurai, facing harsh threats and environmental challenges.
Outward stands out with its focus on realism and consequences, including survival mechanics like hunger and sleep, and quests that can fail if not completed in time. Without fast travel and with a unique respawn system that moves you around the map, Outward provides a fresh take on open-world exploration. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
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 transition from Skyrim to another Elder Scrolls adventure, The Elder Scrolls Online offers an MMO experience set across various realms of Tamriel. With returning locations like Skyrim and Cyrodiil, as well as new areas like Elsweyr and Summerset, you can explore, complete quests, and build unique characters alongside friends.
Having been updated with numerous DLCs over the years, The Elder Scrolls Online is a must-try for those who crave more Elder Scrolls content. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our selection of games that Skyrim fans will love! Do you agree with our list, or are some of your top picks missing? Share your own list of favorite games like Skyrim with us via IGN Playlist, our tool for tracking your gaming library, creating and ranking lists, and discovering what your favorite creators are playing. Visit IGN Playlist to learn more and start creating your own lists to share with us!
