Top 13 Games for Skyrim Fans

Apr 20,25

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 legendary RPG's vast wilderness, it's an adventure that allows you to go anywhere and everywhere with no limitations. It's this sense of sheer freedom that has had millions of players returning to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.

But after spending years exploring the many different versions of Skyrim that have been released, it's safe to say we're all looking for new games to scratch that fantasy adventuring itch. So, to ease the wait until we get an official follow-up in the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've compiled a list of some of the best games in the same vein as Skyrim that you can play 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 offers an experience similar in style and scope to Skyrim. As the fourth game in Bethesda's landmark RPG series, Oblivion is Skyrim's predecessor but still boasts all the elements that made its successor a hit. 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. Your journey takes you across Cyrodil, where you can freely explore, complete quests, ally with factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells. It's more Elder Scrolls action, perfect for continuing your adventure through Tamriel while awaiting Elder Scrolls 6. You can play it 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: Nintendo
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 not just the poster child of the Nintendo Switch but also one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. This acclaimed reinvention of the series offers everything from a secret-filled open world to physics-based systems that let you creatively battle enemies and navigate challenging terrain. With phenomenal quests, a stunning art style, and much more, Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand. Instead, it sets you loose in a fully explorable Hyrule, giving you the tools to do as you please—whether it's scouring the land for lore, climbing the tallest peaks, or heading straight to the final boss. If you're seeking the same freedom and unguided exploration that makes Skyrim compelling, Breath of the Wild is a perfect fit, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. You can also dive into its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for 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

A more recent release, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an ideal choice if you're looking for a sprawling RPG focused on exploration. Set across two realms, Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, a player-created warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your mission to find and slay this dragon takes you through a vast, untamed world filled with secrets and monsters. Much like Skyrim, the game's charm lies in its emphasis on exploration, where you'll encounter organic stories and survive thrilling encounters. It's a deep RPG with various classes, weapon types, and armor sets, plus a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, it's a must-play for those craving a massive fantasy RPG like Skyrim.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Image credit: CD Projekt
Developer: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt | Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Witcher 3 review

In the realm of RPGs that offer over 100 hours of gameplay, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out. Set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, it's often hailed as one of the best RPGs ever made. You play as Geralt, a rugged mercenary on a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while facing mythical monsters and evading the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. The Witcher 3, like Skyrim, offers a giant open world where you can choose your path—whether to live as a bounty hunter, focusing on monster contracts, or to tackle the main story head-on. With its rich lore, morally complex choices, and engrossing narrative, it's an excellent follow-up to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, the base game and its two expansive DLCs are a must-play.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Image credit: Deep Silver
Developer: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review

Stepping away from high fantasy, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a grounded medieval epic that captures the sense of freedom found in Skyrim. 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 unleashes you into a vast open world filled with authentic medieval locations, open-ended quests that respond to your decisions, and an intricate combat system. Focusing on immersion, it includes survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation. If you're after a more realistic RPG experience than Skyrim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a compelling choice, available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances the experience.

6. Elden Ring

Image credit: Bandai Namco
Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco | Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Review: IGN's Elden Ring review

For those who enjoy a challenge, Elden Ring is a punishing yet rewarding RPG. FromSoftware's latest dark fantasy masterpiece excels in exploration, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with new areas and hidden treasures. Every detour feels meaningful, and the game's world, The Lands Between, feels alive despite its bleakness. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, now is the perfect time to explore this dying world. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring is ideal for those who've conquered Skyrim and are ready for a new challenge.

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 much of Skyrim's design philosophy, making it a great choice for fans looking for something different yet familiar. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst the ruins. Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers a vast open world where you can explore freely, build your character, and complete numerous quests. Instead of casting spells at mud crabs, you'll be shooting mutant abominations and navigating a world filled with alternate-history corporate propaganda. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is a top Bethesda game that shares Skyrim's DNA with a post-apocalyptic twist.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Image credit: EA
Developer: 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. Tasked with saving the realm of Thedas from mysterious rifts, you lead The Inquisition across large open-world maps, battling monsters and uncovering the story. Similar to Skyrim, you build your character, choose your class and race, and embark on your journey, recruiting party members and making choices that impact the story and the world. It's a rich, engaging RPG perfect for those who've finished Skyrim and are ready for more. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, you can transition seamlessly into 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard after finishing Inquisition.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

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

While Baldur's Gate 3 differs from Skyrim in gameplay style, it's a top-tier CRPG that fans of expansive fantasy RPGs will love. Its top-down perspective focuses on strategic combat and party dynamics, with quests that evolve based on your choices. The game encourages experimentation, from character creation to quest completion, giving you the freedom to play your way. If you appreciated Skyrim's lack of hand-holding, you'll find Baldur's Gate 3's approach appealing. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for those seeking a tailored fantasy RPG experience.

10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

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

A cult classic revived through its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a great choice for those who've finished Skyrim and want another fantasy RPG. Set in the world of Amalur, you play as the Fateless One, resurrected to stop a destructive force. The game offers a large world to explore, complete with quests, dungeons, and formidable enemies. With fun combat and plenty to do, it's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, making it an excellent follow-up to Skyrim.

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 unique standalone game. 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 focuses on conversation and clue-gathering rather than combat, offering a fresh take on Skyrim's formula while retaining its core DNA. If you're looking for something different yet reminiscent of Skyrim, The Forgotten City is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

Image credit: Deep Silver
Developer: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review

Outward is a hardcore RPG that casts you as an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt. As you traverse the land of Aurai, the game evolves into a large-scale open-world epic filled with survival challenges. With no fast travel and a unique respawn system that triggers random events, Outward emphasizes realism and consequence. If you're looking for a game that captures Skyrim's sense of exploration with added realism, Outward: Definitive Edition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

13. The Elder Scrolls Online

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: 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 same universe. Explore various realms across Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, and engage in numerous quests with friends. With a multitude of DLCs added over the years, it's a surefire way to continue your Elder Scrolls adventure. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's perfect for fans who've exhausted Skyrim and want more.

What's your favorite game like Skyrim? --------------------------------------
Copyright © 2024 godbu.com All rights reserved.