The first time you explored Skyrim is an unforgettable experience. From the dramatic escape at Helgen to the expansive wilderness that beckons you to roam freely, the sense of freedom and adventure in this legendary RPG has captivated millions of players for over a decade. However, after years of revisiting Skyrim in its various iterations, many of us are eager for new games that offer similar fantasy adventures. To help bridge the gap until the eagerly awaited Elder Scrolls 6 arrives, we've curated a list of the best games that echo the spirit 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
It's no surprise that The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion tops our list. As Skyrim's predecessor, it offers a similar scope and style that fans adore. You start as a prisoner thrust into a world embroiled in conflict with demonic gods and fiery portals to a hellish realm. Set in the enchanting land of Cyrodil, you're free to explore, engage with factions, and develop your character through a vast array of skills, weapons, armor, and spells. Oblivion is a must-play for any Elder Scrolls enthusiast, available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's 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
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands out as a stellar fantasy RPG and a perfect match for Skyrim fans. This Nintendo masterpiece is renowned for its open-world exploration, physics-based gameplay, and stunning visuals. The game drops you into Hyrule with minimal guidance, allowing you to uncover secrets, climb mountains, or tackle the final boss at your leisure. If you crave the freedom and exploration that define Skyrim, Breath of the Wild, exclusive to Nintendo Switch, is an excellent choice. 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
Dragon's Dogma 2 is a recent addition that caters to fans of expansive, exploration-driven RPGs. As The Arisen, you're tasked with reclaiming your heart from an ancient dragon across the realms of Vermund and Battahl. The game's emphasis on exploration, complete with hidden secrets and encounters with colossal monsters, mirrors the allure of Skyrim. With various classes, weapons, and a unique party system, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a deep RPG 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
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a critically acclaimed RPG that stands shoulder to shoulder with Skyrim. Set in a dark, richly detailed world inspired by Slavic mythology, you control Geralt of Rivia on his quest to find Ciri amidst political intrigue and monstrous threats. The game's open world, complex choices, and engrossing narrative provide an experience akin to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a must-play for fans of deep, narrative-driven RPGs.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review
Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a more grounded RPG experience set in medieval Bohemia. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you're thrust into a vast open world with realistic combat and survival mechanics. The game's focus on immersion and decision-making provides a fresh take on the freedom and exploration found in Skyrim. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further refines this experience.
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. FromSoftware's latest title offers a brutal yet captivating world filled with hidden paths and rewarding secrets. The game's expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, make it an ideal time to explore The Lands Between. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a perfect choice for those who enjoy a challenging yet rewarding adventure.
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 of Skyrim's design elements. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor on a mission to find your kidnapped son. The game's open-world exploration, character customization, and quest-driven gameplay make it a compelling alternative for Skyrim fans. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it remains one of Bethesda's finest offerings.
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'll explore vast open-world maps, recruit party members, and make choices that shape the narrative. The game's focus on character development and impactful decisions provides a rich experience for Skyrim fans. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a great entry point before diving into Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024.
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 offers an expansive fantasy RPG experience that appeals to Skyrim fans. Its top-down perspective and focus on tactical combat and strategic party management set it apart, yet its expansive world and player-driven narrative echo Skyrim's freedom. With countless ways to build your character and approach quests, it's a game that invites experimentation. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for those seeking a deep RPG experience.
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
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a remastered cult classic that offers a vast fantasy world and engaging combat. As the Fateless One, you're tasked with thwarting a destructive force across the Faelands. The game's focus on exploration, character development, and quest completion makes it a solid choice for Skyrim fans. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great way to dive into another expansive RPG.
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 full game that offers a unique twist on the RPG formula. Set in a time loop in Ancient Rome, you're tasked with solving a mystery without breaking the Golden Rule. Its focus on detective work and narrative-driven gameplay sets it apart, yet it retains the core elements of exploration and choice that Skyrim fans enjoy. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a refreshing take on the genre.
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 with a focus on survival and realism. Starting as an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt, you'll navigate the harsh world of Aurai, facing threats and environmental challenges. The game's unique systems, such as no fast travel and dynamic respawn mechanics, add a layer of immersion and consequence that Skyrim fans might appreciate. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a challenging yet rewarding 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
For those looking to extend their Elder Scrolls experience with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms of Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, with a wealth of quests and activities. With numerous updates and DLCs, it's a continually evolving world that offers more of the Elder Scrolls universe. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's an excellent way to keep the adventure going.
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!
