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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 wilderness of this legendary RPG, it's an adventure that offers unparalleled freedom. This sense of liberation has kept millions of players returning to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.
However, after years of exploring the various iterations of Skyrim, many of us are eager to find new games that can satisfy our craving for fantasy adventure. While we await the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of the best games that echo Skyrim's spirit, which you can dive into right now.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Starting off with a classic, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is a natural choice for those seeking a similar experience to Skyrim. As the predecessor to Skyrim, Oblivion encapsulates the essence of what made its successor so beloved. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a world embroiled in conflict with demonic gods and fiery portals to a hellish realm, setting off on a grand adventure across Cyrodil. With freedom to explore, engage in quests, join factions, and customize your character with an array of skills, weapons, armor, and spells, Oblivion offers more Elder Scrolls magic to tide you over until Elder Scrolls 6. It's available on PC and can be played on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One via backwards compatibility.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A hallmark of the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs available, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild captures the essence of freedom and exploration that defines Skyrim. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series offers a vast, secret-filled open world, interactive physics-based systems for combat and exploration, compelling quests, and a stunning art style. The game sets you free in Hyrule, giving you essential tools and then leaving you to chart your own course. Whether you're uncovering lore, scaling mountains, or confronting the final boss, the world is yours to explore. If you crave the unguided adventure of Skyrim, Breath of the Wild is an excellent choice. It's exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, and you can also try its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
3. Dragon's Dogma 2
For those seeking a fresh, expansive RPG with a strong focus on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a compelling option. Set in the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your quest to slay the dragon unfolds across a vast, untamed world teeming with secrets and monsters. Much like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 encourages exploration, crafting organic stories through encounters with colossal foes. The game also features a deep RPG system with various classes, weapons, armor, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, it's a fantastic choice for fans of Skyrim's scale and depth.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers a rich, 100-plus hour adventure set in a world steeped in Slavic mythology. As Geralt, a white-haired, yellow-eyed mercenary, you search for your surrogate daughter, Ciri, while navigating a dangerous world filled with monsters and political intrigue. Like Skyrim, the game provides an open world for you to explore at your leisure, whether you choose to follow the main storyline or live the life of a bounty hunter. With its expansive world, challenging battles, and impactful choices, The Witcher 3 is a must-play for Skyrim enthusiasts. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
For a more grounded medieval adventure that still captures the freedom of Skyrim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a standout choice. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents are murdered during a Cuman invasion. The game offers a vast open world filled with authentic medieval locales, open-ended quests, and an intricate combat system. With its focus on immersion, including survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, and hygiene, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a deeply engaging experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. If you're interested in a sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, offers an even richer experience.
Elden Ring
For those who enjoy a challenging RPG, Elden Ring is a rewarding experience that masterfully balances difficulty with exploration. FromSoftware's dark RPG invites players into The Lands Between, a world filled with hidden routes, rewarding detours, and formidable bosses. Every area is designed to encourage curiosity and exploration, making each journey feel personal and meaningful. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, there's no better time to delve into this world. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring offers a satisfying alternative to Skyrim's adventure.
Fallout 4
While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares the open-world design philosophies that made Skyrim so beloved. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst the chaos of the Wasteland. Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 allows you to explore freely, build a unique character, and engage in numerous quests. The difference lies in its setting, where you'll confront mutant creatures and navigate a dystopian landscape. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is an excellent choice for those seeking a similar Bethesda experience with a different twist.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
BioWare's Dragon Age: Inquisition is another expansive fantasy RPG that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, you work to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, exploring vast open-world maps, defeating monsters, and uncovering the story. Similar to Skyrim, you can customize your character, choose your class and race, and make impactful decisions that shape the narrative and the world. It's the perfect game to dive into after Skyrim, especially with the opportunity to continue the adventure in 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a robust fantasy RPG experience.
Baldur's Gate 3
While Baldur's Gate 3 differs from Skyrim in its top-down perspective and focus on strategic combat, it's an exceptional fantasy RPG that offers a tailored experience. Set in a richly detailed world, it allows you to build a party with complementary abilities, engage in tactical combat, and follow a storyline that evolves based on your choices. With extensive character customization and the freedom to approach quests your way, Baldur's Gate 3 resonates with Skyrim's sense of exploration and player agency. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for fans of expansive RPGs.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
A beloved cult classic, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning offers a vibrant fantasy RPG experience with its 2020 remaster. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you explore the Faelands, stopping a destructive force from eradicating its people. With fun combat, a vast world, and numerous quests, the game provides a compelling alternative to Skyrim. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, Kingdoms of Amalur is an excellent choice for those seeking a new fantasy adventure.
The Forgotten City
Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City has evolved into a unique standalone game. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported back in time to Ancient Rome, trapped in a city stuck in an eternal time loop. The game challenges you to solve a mystery by uncovering clues and understanding the "Golden Rule" that governs the loop. While it departs from Skyrim's combat focus, it retains the essence of exploration and discovery. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, The Forgotten City offers a fresh take on the formula.
Outward: Definitive Edition
For a more hardcore adventure, Outward casts you as an everyday person facing a debt and a journey across Aurai. The game emphasizes realism and consequence, with survival systems like hunger and sleep, and quests that can fail if neglected. Without fast travel and a unique respawn system, Outward provides a challenging yet rewarding experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a great choice for those seeking Skyrim's open-world exploration with added realism.
The Elder Scrolls Online
If you're ready to continue your Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect transition. This MMO lets you explore various realms across Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, and engage in a plethora of quests. With numerous updates and DLCs over the years, it offers a continually evolving experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, The Elder Scrolls Online is an ideal choice for fans craving more Elder Scrolls content.
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!
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