"13 Must-Play Games for Skyrim Fans"

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, untamed wilderness, you're launched into an adventure that offers unparalleled freedom. This sense of liberation has kept millions of players returning to Skyrim's cold landscapes for over a decade.

After years of exploring the many iterations of Skyrim, it's natural to seek new games that can satisfy that fantasy adventuring itch. To help bridge the gap until the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6 arrives, we've curated a list of top games that capture the essence of Skyrim, offering similar experiences you can dive into right now.

1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Oblivion review

An obvious choice to start our list, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is the perfect precursor to Skyrim. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's renowned RPG series, Oblivion offers a similarly expansive and immersive experience. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a battle against demonic gods and fiery portals to a hellish realm, all while navigating the murder of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across the land of Cyrodil, where you can explore freely, complete quests, join factions, and enhance your character with an array of skills, weapons, armor, and spells.

Oblivion is a continuation of the Elder Scrolls saga, making it an ideal choice for those eager to explore more of Tamriel while awaiting Elder Scrolls 6. It's available on PC and can be played on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One via backwards compatibility.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

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Developer: 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 a hallmark of the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. It boasts an open world brimming with secrets, physics-based systems for engaging combat and navigation, captivating quests, and a breathtaking art style. Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand; instead, it sets you free in Hyrule, equipping you with essential tools and letting you chart your own path. Whether you're scouring for lore, scaling mountains, or confronting the final boss, the world is yours to explore from the moment you leave the Great Plateau.

If you crave the freedom and exploration that make Skyrim so compelling, Breath of the Wild is an excellent alternative. It's exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch, and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, offers a similar experience.

3. Dragon's Dogma 2

Image credit: Capcom
Developer: 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 scene, offering a vast world that emphasizes exploration. You step into the role of The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your quest to reclaim it leads you through the realms of Vermund and Battahl, where you'll uncover secrets and face numerous monsters. The game's focus on exploration, coupled with its deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapons, and a unique party system, makes it a satisfying choice for those craving a Skyrim-like adventure.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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Developer: 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 monumental RPG set in a dark, Slavic-inspired world of monsters and magic. As Geralt, a seasoned witcher, you embark on a quest to find your surrogate daughter, Ciri, while confronting the spectral Wild Hunt. The game's expansive world is filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and a gripping narrative.

Much like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 offers freedom to explore and engage with the world at your own pace, whether you choose to pursue the main storyline or take on monster contracts. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, making it an excellent follow-up after conquering Skyrim.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

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Developer: 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 15th-century Bohemia. You play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents are killed during a Cuman invasion. The game provides an open world filled with authentic medieval settings, dynamic quests, and a complex combat system. Its focus on immersion, including survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, and hygiene, sets it apart.

If you're looking for a more realistic and immersive RPG experience akin to Skyrim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is highly recommended. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances this experience.

6. Elden Ring

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Developer: 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 and world-building. Set in the dying world of The Lands Between, the game encourages you to venture off the beaten path, rewarding your curiosity with hidden areas and valuable loot. Its tough combat and intricate design make it a must-play for those who relish a challenge.

With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign in May, there's no better time to explore Elden Ring. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, offering a thrilling alternative to Skyrim.

7. Fallout 4

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: 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. 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 is filled with quests, unique character development, and exploration, offering a similar sense of freedom and adventure. Instead of battling mythical creatures, you'll face mutant horrors and explore a world filled with alternate-history lore.

Fallout 4 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, providing a refreshing twist on the open-world RPG formula.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

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Developer: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review

Dragon Age: Inquisition is a sprawling fantasy RPG that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. You lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, exploring vast open-world maps, defeating monsters, and shaping the story through your choices. Much like Skyrim, you can customize your character, select their class and race, and embark on an adventure that evolves based on your actions.

This is a perfect game to dive into after Skyrim, especially as you can transition directly to the 2024 release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Dragon Age: Inquisition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

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Developer: Larian Studios | Publisher: Larian Studios | Release Date: July 29, 2023 | Review: IGN's Baldur's Gate 3 review

While different in gameplay from Skyrim, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich, expansive fantasy RPG experience. As a top-down CRPG, it focuses on strategic combat and deep character development. The game's world reacts to your choices, providing a personalized experience. Its flexibility in character creation and quest approaches mirrors the freedom found in Skyrim.

If you enjoyed Skyrim's open-endedness, Baldur's Gate 3 is an excellent choice. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

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Developer: Big Huge Games | Publisher: EA | Release Date: February 7, 2012 | Review: IGN's Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning review

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning, a remastered cult classic, offers a fun and expansive fantasy RPG experience. You play as the Fateless One, resurrected and tasked with saving the world of Amalur. The game features a large world to explore, engaging combat, and a plethora of quests. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a new adventure after Skyrim.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

11. The Forgotten City

Image credit: PID Games
Developer: 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. You're transported from modern-day Italy to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective game challenges you to uncover the city's mystery through dialogue and investigation, offering a fresh take on the RPG genre while retaining Skyrim's core elements.

If you're looking for a game that plays with Skyrim's formula in an innovative way, The Forgotten City is a must-try. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

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Developer: 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 ordinary person trying to pay off a debt. The game quickly expands into a large-scale open-world adventure across the land of Aurai. Its focus on realism and consequence, including survival mechanics and no fast travel, sets it apart. Outward's unique systems and challenging gameplay make it an intriguing choice for those seeking a different take on open-world exploration.

Outward is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

13. The Elder Scrolls Online

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Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited review

The Elder Scrolls Online extends the Elder Scrolls experience into an MMO format, allowing you to explore various realms of Tamriel with friends. From Skyrim and Cyrodil to Morrowind and Highrock, the game offers familiar locations and new ones like Elsweyr and Summerset. You can team up with other players to complete quests and build unique characters.

If you've exhausted Skyrim and crave more Elder Scrolls content, The Elder Scrolls Online is an excellent choice, especially with its numerous DLCs. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.