The first time you ventured into the world of Skyrim is an unforgettable experience. Escaping execution at Helgen and stepping into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG sets the stage for an adventure filled with limitless freedom. It's this sense of exploration and autonomy that has captivated millions of players, drawing them back to Skyrim's cold, expansive landscapes for over a decade.
Yet, after exploring the numerous iterations of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new adventures that can satisfy our craving for fantasy exploration. As we await the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, here's a curated list of games that echo Skyrim's spirit of adventure and freedom, available to dive into right now.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
It's no surprise that we start with The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, a game that mirrors Skyrim in style and scope. As the predecessor to Skyrim, Oblivion offers a rich, immersive experience with all the hallmarks that made its successor so popular. As a prisoner caught in the midst of a demonic invasion, you'll explore the realm of Cyrodil, tackling quests, forging alliances, and developing your character with an array of skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's a quintessential Elder Scrolls experience, perfect for continuing your journey through Tamriel. Oblivion is available on PC and can be enjoyed through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backwards compatibility.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and a masterpiece of fantasy RPGs, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers a world brimming with secrets and physics-based interactions. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series provides a vast open world where you're free to explore, experiment, and embark on epic quests without any hand-holding. From climbing the highest peaks to diving straight into the final boss fight, Breath of the Wild delivers the same sense of unguided freedom that makes Skyrim so compelling. Available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, you can also jump into its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
3. Dragon's Dogma 2
For those seeking a recent and sprawling RPG centered on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an excellent choice. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you step into the shoes of The Arisen, on a quest to slay the dragon that stole your heart. The game's focus on exploration and the thrill of uncovering secrets in a world teeming with monsters mirrors the experience of Skyrim. With deep RPG mechanics, various classes, and a unique party system, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a substantial fantasy RPG experience. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a standout among RPGs, offering an expansive world inspired by Slavic mythology. As Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter, you'll navigate a world fraught with difficult battles, moral dilemmas, and a compelling narrative. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 lets you explore freely, whether you choose to hunt monsters as a bounty hunter or follow the main storyline to confront the Wild Hunt. With its extensive base game and two expansive DLCs, The Witcher 3 is a must-play after Skyrim. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Shifting from high fantasy to a more grounded medieval setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance captures the essence of Skyrim's freedom. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance after his parents' murder, you'll explore the vast, historically accurate world of 15th-century Bohemia. The game's focus on immersion, from detailed combat to survival mechanics, offers a unique and engaging experience. If you're looking for a more realistic RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a worthy contender. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even more refined and worth exploring.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a challenging yet rewarding RPG that excels in exploration. FromSoftware's latest title is a masterclass in world-building, where every path and hidden corner holds significance. The game's demanding nature and rewarding exploration make it a perfect fit for those who enjoy the thrill of discovery in Skyrim. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign, now is an ideal time to explore The Lands Between. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Fallout 4
Although not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares the same design philosophies as Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you'll embark on a quest to rescue your son while navigating the wasteland. The freedom to explore and engage in various quests, combined with Bethesda's signature open-world design, makes Fallout 4 a great alternative. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it remains one of Bethesda's finest offerings.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition is another expansive fantasy RPG from BioWare that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As you lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, you'll explore vast open-world maps, battle monsters, and shape the story through your choices. Similar to Skyrim, you'll craft your character and embark on an adventure that reacts to your decisions. It's a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, especially with Dragon Age: The Veilguard available to jump into afterward. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Baldur's Gate 3
While Baldur's Gate 3 differs from Skyrim in gameplay, it offers a compelling fantasy RPG experience. This top-down CRPG emphasizes strategic combat and character development, allowing you to craft a unique party and approach quests in myriad ways. Its expansive world and reactive storytelling make it an excellent choice for those who love Skyrim's freedom. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
A cult classic reimagined, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a fantastic choice for those seeking a new fantasy RPG. As the Fateless One, resurrected to stop a destructive force, you'll explore the vast world of the Faelands, complete quests, and battle formidable enemies. Its engaging combat and expansive world make it a great follow-up to Skyrim. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
The Forgotten City
Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City stands out for its unique narrative. Transported back to Ancient Rome within a time loop, you must solve the mystery of the Golden Rule. This detective-focused RPG uses Skyrim's fundamentals to deliver a fresh experience. It's perfect for those looking for a new twist on the Skyrim formula. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Outward is a hardcore RPG that emphasizes realism and consequence. As an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt, you'll navigate the open world of Aurai, facing survival challenges and time-sensitive quests. With no fast travel and a unique respawn system, Outward offers a fresh take on the open-world exploration found in Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
The Elder Scrolls Online
For those wanting to continue their Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms of Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, completing quests and building your character. With numerous DLCs enhancing the experience, it's an excellent way to extend your time in the Elder Scrolls universe. 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!