"13 Must-Play Games for Skyrim Fans"

The initial exploration of Skyrim is an unforgettable experience. From the thrilling escape from execution at Helgen to stepping into the vast, untamed wilderness, this legendary RPG offers an unparalleled sense of freedom that has captivated millions of players for over a decade. The game's open-world nature allows you to venture anywhere, fostering a unique and immersive adventure that keeps players coming back.

After years of delving into various versions of Skyrim, it's natural to seek new games that can satisfy your craving for fantasy adventure. As we eagerly await the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, here's a curated list of games that offer experiences akin to Skyrim, available to play 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

Starting with an obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is a must-play for anyone seeking a similar experience to Skyrim. As Skyrim's predecessor, it delivers the same expansive world and freedom. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods and the murder of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across Cyrodil, where you can freely explore, complete quests, align with factions, and develop your character with a wide array of skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells. It's the perfect way to continue your Elder Scrolls journey, available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility feature.

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 a standout title on the Nintendo Switch and a top-tier fantasy RPG. This acclaimed game offers a secret-filled open world, physics-based systems for creative problem-solving, and stunning visuals. It empowers you to explore Hyrule without restrictions, setting you loose with essential tools and letting you decide your path. Whether you're seeking lore, scaling mountains, or challenging the final boss immediately, the game accommodates your choices. If you crave the freedom and exploration that define Skyrim, Breath of the Wild is a perfect substitute, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Consider also playing 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 release that emphasizes exploration in a vast RPG setting. As The Arisen, whose heart was stolen by a dragon, you embark on a quest across two realms, Vermund and Battahl, to reclaim it. The game's world is teeming with secrets and formidable monsters, creating engaging, organic stories through exploration and combat. With diverse classes, weapons, and a unique party system featuring other players' creations, it offers a deep RPG experience akin to Skyrim. 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 is hailed as one of the greatest RPGs ever created, set in a dark world inspired by Slavic mythology. As Geralt of Rivia, you search for your surrogate daughter, Ciri, navigating a vast open world filled with challenging battles and impactful choices. The game allows you to explore freely, whether you focus on the main quest or take on monster-hunting contracts. With its expansive world and engaging story, The Witcher 3 is an ideal follow-up to Skyrim. 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 medieval setting with the same sense of freedom found in Skyrim. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge for his murdered parents, you're thrust into a detailed open world in 15th-century Bohemia. The game emphasizes immersion through realistic combat, survival mechanics, and decision-driven quests. If you're looking for a more realistic RPG experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a compelling choice, available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Don't miss out on its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, which promises an even richer experience.

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 that excels in exploration. As you navigate the treacherous Lands Between, every hidden path and secret rewards your curiosity. The game's punishing difficulty is offset by its rich world and satisfying progression. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign, it's an ideal time to dive in. If you're ready for a new world to explore after Skyrim, Elden Ring is 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

Although a departure from fantasy, Fallout 4 shares Bethesda's signature open-world design with Skyrim. As the Sole Survivor, you explore a post-apocalyptic Boston, searching for your kidnapped son while facing mutant threats. The game allows you to build your character and explore freely, echoing Skyrim's freedom. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is an excellent choice for those seeking a similar gameplay experience with a different setting.

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 offers a sprawling fantasy RPG experience with over 80 hours of gameplay. As you lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, you'll explore vast maps, recruit party members, and make choices that impact the story. Similar to Skyrim, it allows you to craft your character and explore at your own pace. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a great follow-up, especially with the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024.

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's top-down perspective differs from Skyrim, it's a must-play for fans of expansive RPGs. Its world is filled with tactical combat, engaging stories, and quests that evolve based on your choices. The game encourages experimentation with character creation and quest approaches, much like Skyrim's freedom. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a fresh yet familiar RPG experience.

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 vast fantasy world with engaging combat and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you explore the Faelands to prevent a destructive force from wiping out Amalur's people. The game's open-world exploration and character development are reminiscent of Skyrim. 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 evolved into a standalone game. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective-focused RPG uses Skyrim's framework to deliver a unique narrative experience, emphasizing exploration and puzzle-solving. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's an innovative take on the formula.

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 with a focus on realism and survival. As an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt, you navigate the harsh world of Aurai, facing survival challenges and threats without fast travel. The game's unique mechanics and open-world exploration echo Skyrim's freedom. 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 ready to move on from Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online offers a multiplayer experience set in the expansive world of Tamriel. Explore iconic locations, complete new quests, and collaborate with other players. With numerous updates and DLCs, it's an excellent continuation of the Elder Scrolls saga. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.