The first time you step into the world of Skyrim is unforgettable. From the dramatic escape during your execution at Helgen to the expansive wilderness that unfolds before you, the game offers an unparalleled sense of freedom that has captivated millions for over a decade. This freedom to explore and adventure without boundaries is what keeps players coming back to its cold, untamed landscapes.
However, after years of delving into various versions of Skyrim, many of us are eager to find new games that satisfy our craving for epic fantasy adventures. As we eagerly await the release of the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of the best games that capture the essence of Skyrim, available to play right now.
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 a classic, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is the perfect precursor to Skyrim. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's iconic RPG series, Oblivion offers a similar expansive world and freedom. You begin as a prisoner caught in the midst of a battle against demonic gods and fiery portals to a hellish realm. Your journey takes you across Cyrodil, where you can freely explore, undertake quests, align with factions, and develop your character with a variety of skills, weapons, armor, and spells.
Oblivion is a must-play for any Elder Scrolls fan looking to continue their journey through Tamriel while awaiting Elder Scrolls 6. It's available on PC and can be enjoyed through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility feature.
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
As a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece of open-world exploration and fantasy RPG gameplay. It introduces a world full of secrets, innovative physics-based mechanics, and captivating quests, all wrapped in a stunning art style.
The game gives you the freedom to explore Hyrule from the get-go, allowing you to climb mountains, delve into lore, or even challenge the final boss right away. Breath of the Wild offers the same sense of unguided exploration that makes Skyrim so compelling, making it an excellent alternative. It's available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, with its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, offering 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, a more recent addition to the RPG genre, is ideal for those seeking a vast, exploration-focused game. Set across two realms, Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, a warrior on a quest to reclaim your heart from an ancient dragon.
The game's focus on exploration, filled with secrets and dangerous encounters, mirrors the thrill of Skyrim. With diverse classes, weapons, and a unique party system that lets you recruit other players' characters, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a rich RPG experience. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
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 a critically acclaimed RPG set in a dark, Slavic-inspired world. As Geralt of Rivia, you navigate a morally complex landscape, hunting monsters and seeking your adopted daughter, Ciri, while evading the spectral Wild Hunt.
Similar to Skyrim, The Witcher 3 offers a vast open world with freedom to explore, take on contracts, and engage with its rich narrative. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, and includes two expansive DLCs that extend the adventure.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review
For those seeking a more grounded RPG experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a realistic medieval setting. As Henry, a blacksmith's son, you embark on a quest for revenge after your parents' murder during a Cuman invasion.
The game emphasizes immersion with its authentic medieval world, open-ended quests, and detailed combat and survival mechanics. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances the experience.
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 and world-building. FromSoftware's latest title is set in the dying world of The Lands Between, where every area holds secrets and every exploration is meaningful.
With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign, now is a great time to dive into this game. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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 Bethesda's design philosophy with Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son.
Fallout 4 offers a massive open world with freedom to explore, build your character, and complete quests, albeit with a post-apocalyptic twist. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, making it a great choice for fans of Skyrim's open-world exploration.
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 a sprawling fantasy RPG where you lead the Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts. You can build your character, choose your class and race, and explore vast open-world maps, all while making choices that affect the story and world around you.
It's an ideal game for Skyrim fans looking for another deep RPG experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and you can continue the adventure with Dragon Age: The Veilguard released in 2024.
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
Though different in gameplay, Baldur's Gate 3 shares Skyrim's sense of freedom and expansive world. This top-down CRPG offers strategic combat, detailed character customization, and quests that evolve based on your choices.
If you appreciate Skyrim's open-ended nature, Baldur's Gate 3 will allow you to experiment and tailor your playthrough. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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
A remastered cult classic, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning offers a vibrant fantasy world with engaging combat and a plethora of quests. As the Fateless One, you explore the Faelands to thwart a destructive force.
The game's freedom to explore, build your character, and complete quests makes it a great fit for Skyrim fans. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
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 offers a unique experience. You're transported back in time to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule."
This detective game challenges you to solve mysteries and interact with characters, all while retaining Skyrim's core elements. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review
Outward is a hardcore RPG that emphasizes realism and consequence. As an ordinary person, you navigate the harsh world of Aurai, managing survival elements and completing quests within time limits.
With its unique systems and open-world exploration, Outward offers a fresh take on the genre. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
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 continue their Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms of Tamriel, complete new quests, and interact with other players.
With numerous updates and DLCs, it's a rich experience for Skyrim fans. 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!
