The initial thrill of exploring Skyrim is unparalleled. From the moment you escape your execution in Helgen and step into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG, you're met with a world that invites you to explore every corner without any restrictions. This sense of freedom is what has kept millions of players coming back to its frosty landscapes for over a decade.
After years of immersing ourselves in the various iterations of Skyrim, many of us are eager to find new games that can satisfy our craving for fantasy adventures. While 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.
1. 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
A natural starting point, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is an excellent choice for those seeking a similar experience to Skyrim. As the predecessor to Skyrim, Oblivion offers a vast world filled with the same freedom and depth. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish realm, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across the land of Cyrodil, where you can explore freely, engage with various factions, and develop your character through a wide range of skills, weapons, armor, and spells.
Oblivion is essentially more of the Elder Scrolls experience, making it an ideal choice to continue your adventures in Tamriel while waiting for Elder Scrolls 6. It's available on PC and can be played on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One through backwards compatibility.
2. 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 not only a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch but also one of the finest fantasy RPGs available. This reinvention of the Zelda series offers a secret-laden open world, innovative physics-based systems for combat and exploration, captivating quests, and a breathtaking art style.
Breath of the Wild gives players the freedom to explore Hyrule without any hand-holding. You're equipped with essential tools and then left to your own devices. Whether you choose to uncover lore, scale the highest peaks, or challenge the final boss immediately, the choice is yours. This unguided exploration mirrors the freedom that makes Skyrim so compelling. Breath of the Wild is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, and you can also explore 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
Dragon's Dogma 2 is a recent addition to the RPG genre that emphasizes exploration across two expansive realms, Vermund and Battahl. You play as The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon, embarking on a quest to slay the beast. The game's true appeal lies in its focus on exploration, with a world filled with secrets and populated by formidable monsters, leading to thrilling, organic encounters.
As a deep RPG, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers various classes to master, a wide array of weapons and armor, and a unique party system allowing you to recruit allies created by other players. It's a fitting choice for those yearning for a grand fantasy RPG akin to Skyrim. Dragon's Dogma 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
4. 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 stands out as one of the most celebrated RPGs, set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world. Playing as Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter, you search for your surrogate daughter, Ciri, navigating a vast open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and an engrossing narrative.
Much like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 offers players the freedom to explore its rich world at their leisure. Whether you choose to focus on the main story or take on side contracts, the game remains engaging and rewarding. With its expansive base game and two substantial DLCs, The Witcher 3 is a must-play for anyone who has exhausted Skyrim. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
5. 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, realistic medieval experience that captures the sense of freedom found in Skyrim. This cult hit follows Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance after his parents are killed during a Cuman invasion. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you're thrown into a large open world filled with authentic locations, open-ended quests, and a complex combat system.
The game emphasizes immersion through its survival mechanics, from managing food and sleep to maintaining hygiene and armor condition. If you're looking for a more involved RPG with a historical setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an excellent choice. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Additionally, its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even better and worth exploring.
6. 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 from FromSoftware, known for its bleak, punishing gameplay. The game excels in exploration, hiding new paths and rewarding those who delve into every corner of its world. Every area and detour feels significant, making you feel like you're truly exploring a living, albeit harsh, world.
With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, now is the perfect time to dive into The Lands Between. If you're ready for a new world to explore and don't mind facing tough challenges, Elden Ring is an excellent choice. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
7. 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 elements with Skyrim, making it an appealing choice for fans of Bethesda's open-world RPGs. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, on a quest to find your kidnapped son while navigating a world filled with quests and mutant threats.
Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers a vast open world with the freedom to explore and complete objectives at your own pace. It's a great option for those seeking a similar experience with a different setting. Fallout 4 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and remains one of Bethesda's standout titles.
8. 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're tasked with saving the realm of Thedas from mysterious rifts. You can build your character, choose your class and race, and explore vast open-world maps while completing quests and making impactful decisions.
Similar to Skyrim, Inquisition offers a deep, engaging experience that lets you shape your journey. After completing Skyrim, diving into Dragon Age: Inquisition is a great way to continue your fantasy RPG adventure, and you can follow it up with 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
9. 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 differs from Skyrim in its top-down perspective and focus on strategic combat, it's an exceptional choice for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. The game offers a carefully crafted world filled with tactical battles, compelling storylines, and dynamic quests that evolve based on your choices.
Baldur's Gate 3 encourages experimentation with its extensive character customization and open-ended approach to quest completion. If you enjoyed the freedom and player-driven narrative of Skyrim, Baldur's Gate 3 will resonate with you. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
10. 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 fun, expansive fantasy RPG experience. Playing as the Fateless One, a resurrected corpse, you explore the Faelands to stop a destructive force. The game allows you to build your character, choose your class, and freely explore while completing quests and battling formidable enemies.
If you're looking for another fantasy RPG to dive into after Skyrim, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a solid choice. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
11. 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 has evolved into a full game with a unique twist. The story begins in modern-day Italy, where you're transported back in time to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This game shifts the focus from combat to detective work, tasking you with solving a mystery through conversations and clue-gathering.
The Forgotten City offers a fresh take on the RPG formula while retaining the essence of Skyrim. If you're looking for something different yet connected to Skyrim's DNA, this game is worth exploring. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
12. 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 everyday person striving to pay off a debt within five days. This quickly escalates into a large-scale open-world adventure as you navigate the harsh environment of Aurai. The game emphasizes realism and consequence, with survival mechanics that require managing hunger, sleep, and environmental hazards.
Outward's unique systems and focus on exploration make it a compelling choice for Skyrim fans looking for a fresh challenge. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
13. 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 who can't get enough of the Elder Scrolls universe, The Elder Scrolls Online offers an MMO experience set across various realms of Tamriel. You can explore familiar locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, as well as new territories such as Elsweyr and Summerset, all while completing quests and interacting with other players.
If you've exhausted Skyrim and want more from the Elder Scrolls series, The Elder Scrolls Online is a fantastic choice, especially with its numerous DLCs. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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!
