The initial experience of exploring Skyrim is truly unforgettable. From the thrilling escape at Helgen to stepping into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG, the sense of freedom is unparalleled. This boundless exploration has captivated millions of players, drawing them back to Skyrim's cold landscapes for over a decade. However, after years of diving into its many versions, it's natural to seek new adventures that can satisfy the same fantasy exploration itch. As we await the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of top games that echo the spirit of Skyrim, available to play right now.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Starting with a familiar choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers a similar experience to Skyrim in terms of style and scope. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's renowned RPG series, Oblivion is Skyrim's predecessor, yet it retains all the elements that made its sequel a phenomenon. You begin as a prisoner caught in a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish realm, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across the expansive land of Cyrodil, where you're free to explore at your leisure, engage in quests, join factions, and develop your character with a variety of skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's more of the Elder Scrolls experience you love, available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One via backward compatibility.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a must-play. This acclaimed reinvention of the seminal series boasts an open world brimming with secrets, physics-based gameplay for battling enemies and navigating challenging landscapes, captivating quests, and a breathtaking art style. Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand; it sets you free in Hyrule with the tools you need, allowing you to explore, climb mountains, uncover lore, or even challenge the final boss from the start. If you crave the freedom and exploratory nature of Skyrim, this game is an excellent choice, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. You can also dive into the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
3. Dragon's Dogma 2
A recent addition to our list, Dragon's Dogma 2 is perfect for those seeking a sprawling RPG with a strong emphasis on exploration. Set in the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you step into the shoes of The Arisen, a warrior whose heart has been claimed by an ancient dragon. Your quest is to hunt down and slay this dragon, leading you across a vast, untamed world filled with secrets and dangers. Much like Skyrim, the allure of Dragon's Dogma 2 lies in its exploration and the organic stories that unfold as you battle colossal foes and survive perilous encounters. It's a deep RPG with diverse classes, weapon types, armor sets, and a unique party system that lets you recruit other players' allies. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, it's a great choice for Skyrim enthusiasts.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Among the pantheon of extensive RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as a masterpiece. Set in a dark world inspired by Slavic mythology, it features a vast open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex decisions that impact the storyline, and a gripping narrative. You play as Geralt, a seasoned mercenary searching for his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while facing mythical creatures and evading the spectral warriors of the Wild Hunt. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 offers freedom within a rich fantasy world, allowing you to pursue contracts as a bounty hunter or follow the main storyline. The base game and its expansive DLCs are essential experiences after conquering Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
For a more grounded, realistic medieval experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers the sense of freedom found in Skyrim. A cult hit upon its 2018 release, it follows Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents' murder during a Cuman invasion. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you explore a vast open world with authentic locations, engage in open-ended quests, and master an intricate combat system. The game focuses on immersion, with survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation. If you're looking for a deeper, more realistic RPG experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is an even more refined experience worth exploring.
Elden Ring
For those who relish a challenge, Elden Ring is a rewarding yet demanding RPG. FromSoftware's latest dark fantasy epic masterfully blends exploration with punishing gameplay. The game's world, The Lands Between, is designed to reward curiosity, with hidden paths leading to new areas and valuable rewards tucked away in its corners. Despite its unforgiving nature, Elden Ring offers a sense of charting your own path through a living, breathing world. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure, Elden Ring Nightreign, now is an ideal time to dive in. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's perfect for Skyrim fans seeking a new world to conquer.
Fallout 4
While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares many design principles with Skyrim, making it a compelling choice for fans of Bethesda's work. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst a world filled with mutant creatures and corporate propaganda. Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers a vast open world for exploration, character customization, and a variety of quests. It's an excellent way to experience a game that echoes Skyrim's essence but with a unique post-apocalyptic twist. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 remains a standout Bethesda title.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
BioWare's expansive fantasy RPG, Dragon Age: Inquisition, offers over 80 hours of gameplay. You lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, exploring large open-world maps, defeating monsters, and uncovering a rich narrative. Similar to Skyrim, you can customize your character, choose their class and race, and embark on an adventure where your choices impact the story and the world around you. It's an ideal follow-up to Skyrim, especially as you can transition into Dragon Age: The Veilguard, released in 2024. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Inquisition is a robust fantasy RPG experience.
Baldur's Gate 3
Though different in gameplay, Baldur's Gate 3 shares the expansive fantasy RPG appeal of Skyrim. A top-down CRPG, it emphasizes strategic combat, party composition, and quest completion based on character abilities. Its world is rich with tactical engagements, compelling stories, and quests that evolve with your choices, creating a personalized experience. Baldur's Gate 3 encourages experimentation with its extensive character customization and flexible quest approaches. If you appreciate Skyrim's freedom, you'll enjoy this game's open-ended nature. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
A cult classic revitalized with its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur offers a fantasy RPG experience akin to Skyrim. You play as the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, and tasked with thwarting a destructive force in the Faelands. With fun combat, a vast world, and numerous quests, you can freely explore, customize your character, and engage in adventures. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great choice for those seeking a new fantasy RPG after Skyrim.
The Forgotten City
Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City evolved into a full game with a unique narrative. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported to Ancient Rome trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective-style game challenges you to uncover the city's mystery by talking to citizens and piecing together clues, all while retaining elements of Skyrim's DNA. If you're looking for a fresh take on the Skyrim formula, The Forgotten City is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Outward: Definitive Edition
For a more hardcore adventure, Outward casts you as an ordinary person facing a debt deadline. As you navigate the open world of Aurai, you encounter survival challenges like hunger, sleep, and harsh environments. Without fast travel and with a unique respawn system, Outward emphasizes realism and consequence. If you enjoy Skyrim's open-world exploration but want a twist, Outward is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
The Elder Scrolls Online
For those who can't get enough of the Elder Scrolls universe, The Elder Scrolls Online offers an MMO experience where you can explore Tamriel with friends. From familiar locales like Skyrim and Cyrodil to new regions like Elsweyr and Summerset, you can complete quests, battle enemies, and customize your character. With numerous updates and DLCs, it's a perfect way to extend your Elder Scrolls journey. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-try for Skyrim fans.
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!
