There's nothing quite like the first time you explored Skyrim. From the moment you narrowly escape your grisly execution in Helgen and emerge into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG, the sense of sheer freedom captures you. This boundless adventure, allowing you to go anywhere and everywhere without limitations, has kept millions of players coming back to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.
After years of exploring the many different versions of Skyrim, it's natural to seek new games that can satisfy your fantasy adventuring itch. To help ease the wait until the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've compiled a list of some of the best games that echo the essence of Skyrim and are available to play right now.
Image credit: Bethesda SoftworksDeveloper: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Oblivion review
If you're looking for a game similar in style and scope to Skyrim, consider diving into The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion. As the predecessor to Skyrim, Oblivion still encapsulates the elements that made its sequel so beloved. You play as a prisoner thrust into the center of a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish realm, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Set forth across the land of Cyrodil on a daring adventure, exploring freely, completing quests, and aligning with factions while building your character with new skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells. It's a perfect continuation of your journey through Tamriel, available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backwards compatibility feature.
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 as the poster child of the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series offers an expansive, secret-filled open world for you to explore. With a range of physics-based systems, engaging quests, and a stunning art style, the game gives you the freedom to navigate Hyrule as you see fit. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, climbing to the peak of a mountain, or heading straight to the final boss, the choice is yours. It's the perfect substitute for the unguided exploration that makes Skyrim so compelling, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. You might also consider its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 22, 2024 | Review: IGN's Dragon's Dogma 2 review
For those seeking a recent, sprawling RPG with a heavy focus on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an excellent choice. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your quest to find and slay this dragon leads you through a vast, untamed world teeming with secrets and formidable foes. The game's deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapons, armor sets, and a unique party system, make it a satisfying substitute for Skyrim's epic scale. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Image credit: CD ProjektDeveloper: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt | Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Witcher 3 review
In the realm of 100-plus hour RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as a top-tier experience. Set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, filled with monsters, magic, and complex politics, it's often hailed as one of the best RPGs ever made. Playing as Geralt, a seasoned mercenary searching for his surrogate daughter, Ciri, you'll navigate a perilous journey, facing mythical beasts and the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. The Witcher 3 offers a rich, open world where you can choose to live the life of a bounty hunter, taking on contracts, or dive straight into the main story. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, this game and its expansive DLCs are a must-play for Skyrim fans.
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review
For a more grounded medieval epic, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers the freedom and immersion akin to Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge for his parents' murder. This open-world game lets you explore authentic medieval settings, tackle open-ended quests, and master an intricate combat system. With survival mechanics that include managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation, it's a deeply immersive experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a great choice for those looking for something more realistic. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, promises an even richer experience.
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's perfect for those who crave a new world to explore. FromSoftware's dark masterpiece excels in exploration, rewarding curiosity with hidden routes and valuable treasures. The game's punishing yet gratifying nature, combined with its expansive world, makes it an ideal follow-up to Skyrim. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign coming in May, now is a great time to dive in. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring offers a thrilling adventure in The Lands Between.
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 much of Skyrim's DNA, making it a great alternative for those looking for a similar design philosophy. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, tasked with finding your kidnapped son amidst a wasteland teeming with quests and dangers. This open-world RPG lets you build a unique character, explore vast environments, and engage in combat, but with a twist of shooting mutant abominations instead of casting spells. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 remains one of Bethesda's best offerings.
Image credit: EADeveloper: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers another expansive fantasy RPG experience, with over 80 hours of gameplay. As you lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, you'll explore massive open-world maps, defeat monsters, and uncover a new story. Build your character, choose your class and race, and embark on an adventure where your choices impact the narrative and the world around you. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, with Dragon Age: The Veilguard released in 2024 offering further adventures.
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 gameplay, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich fantasy RPG experience that echoes Skyrim's sense of freedom. This top-down CRPG focuses on strategic combat, party composition, and quests that react to your choices. With a vast world to explore and the ability to tailor your playthrough through extensive character customization and quest approaches, it's a must-play for those who enjoyed Skyrim's open-ended nature. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Baldur's Gate 3 provides a unique yet familiar adventure.
Image credit: EADeveloper: Big Huge Games | Publisher: EA | Release Date: February 7, 2012 | Review: IGN's Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning review
A cult classic reborn through its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur is ideal for Skyrim fans seeking another fantasy RPG. As the Fateless One, a corpse brought back to life, you'll explore the Faelands, stopping a destructive force. With fun combat, a huge world, and numerous quests, you can build your character and freely explore this realm. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great choice for immersive gameplay.
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 formula. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported back to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective game challenges you to uncover a mystery through dialogue and clues, offering a fresh take on Skyrim's mechanics. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a must-try for those looking for something different yet reminiscent of Skyrim.
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review
Outward offers a hardcore adventure where you play as an everyday person tasked with paying off a debt. This quickly escalates into an open-world epic across the land of Aurai, where survival and realism are paramount. With no fast travel and a unique respawn system, Outward challenges you to navigate its world with care. If you're looking for Skyrim's exploration with added realism, this game, available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, is worth exploring.
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
If you're ready to continue your Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms across Tamriel, including Skyrim, Cyrodil, and new locations like Elsweyr and Summerset. With numerous quests and the ability to play with others, it's an excellent way to experience more of the Elder Scrolls universe. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and with multiple DLCs, it's a surefire bet for Skyrim fans.
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