13 Must-Play Games for Skyrim Fans

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's had millions of players returning to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.

However, after spending years exploring the many different versions of Skyrim that have been released, it's safe to say we're all looking for some 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 SoftworksDeveloper: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Oblivion review

An obvious choice to start with, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience similar in style and scope to Skyrim. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion still possesses all the elements that made its younger sibling so popular. You begin 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 the land of Cyrodil, where you can explore freely, complete quests, align with factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells. It's a quintessential Elder Scrolls experience, perfect for continuing your adventures in Tamriel while awaiting Elder Scrolls 6. Oblivion is available on PC and can be played through the 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 the epitome of freedom and exploration, making it a perfect match for Skyrim fans. This acclaimed reinvention of Nintendo's seminal series features a vast, secret-filled open world, dynamic physics-based systems for combat and navigation, compelling quests, and a stunning art style. Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand; it sets you free in Hyrule, equipping you with essential tools and letting you explore at your own pace. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, climbing the tallest mountain, or challenging the final boss right away, the choice is yours. If you're after the unguided exploration that makes Skyrim so engaging, Breath of the Wild is an excellent substitute, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. You can also dive into 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

For those craving a sprawling RPG with a focus on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a fantastic choice. Set in the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you step into the shoes of The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your quest to reclaim it and slay the dragon takes you through a vast, untamed world teeming with secrets and monstrous encounters. Dragon's Dogma 2, like Skyrim, emphasizes exploration and organic storytelling through your adventures and battles. With a deep RPG system featuring various classes, weapons, and armor, along with a unique party system where you can recruit allies from other players, it's a rich fantasy experience. It's 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 a top-tier RPG that rivals Skyrim in its scope and depth. Set in a grim world inspired by Slavic mythology, it offers a vast open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and a captivating narrative. You play as Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter searching for his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while facing mythical creatures and the spectral warriors of the Wild Hunt. The game gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure, whether you choose to focus on monster contracts or follow the main storyline. With its expansive world and two substantial DLCs, The Witcher 3 is a must-play for those who have exhausted Skyrim's offerings. It's 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

For a more grounded yet equally immersive experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance captures the essence of Skyrim's freedom. 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's open world invites you to explore authentic medieval settings, undertake open-ended quests influenced by your choices, and master an intricate combat system. With its focus on immersion through survival mechanics like food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a unique take on the RPG genre. 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.

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 masterfully blends exploration and combat. Set in the dying world of The Lands Between, the game encourages you to explore every corner, revealing hidden paths and rewarding your curiosity with valuable loot. Its punishing difficulty adds to the satisfaction of overcoming its formidable bosses. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign set for May, there's never been a better time to dive in. If you're looking for a new world to explore and enjoy a good challenge, 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

While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares many design philosophies with Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst a backdrop of mutant creatures and corporate propaganda. The game's open world allows for free exploration, much like Skyrim, with a focus on character building, quest completion, and environmental interaction. If you're looking for a similar experience with a post-apocalyptic twist, Fallout 4 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and remains one of Bethesda's finest offerings.

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 is another expansive fantasy RPG that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, your mission is to save Thedas from mysterious rifts and uncover a new story. You can build your character, choose their class and race, and explore vast open-world maps, recruit party members, and make choices that impact the narrative and world. It's an excellent follow-up to Skyrim, and with Dragon Age: The Veilguard released in 2024, there's plenty more to explore. Dragon Age: Inquisition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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

Though different in gameplay style, Baldur's Gate 3 is a must-play for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs like Skyrim. This top-down CRPG focuses on strategic combat and character development, offering a world that reacts to your choices. The game's flexibility in character creation and quest completion mirrors Skyrim's sense of freedom. If you enjoy crafting your own path and experimenting with different approaches, Baldur's Gate 3 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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

A remastered cult classic, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a great choice for those seeking another fantasy RPG with engaging combat and a vast world to explore. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you journey across the Faelands to thwart a destructive force. With character customization, class selection, and a wealth of quests and dungeons, it's an excellent option for Skyrim fans. It's 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 offers a unique twist on the RPG genre. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported back to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop triggered by a mysterious "Golden Rule." The game transforms into a detective story, focusing on dialogue and clue-finding rather than combat. It's a refreshing departure from typical RPGs while retaining the exploration and narrative elements that Skyrim fans enjoy. The Forgotten City is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

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 adventure where you play as an ordinary person trying to pay off a debt. This quickly escalates into a larger open-world epic as you navigate the land of Aurai, facing tough challenges and surviving harsh environments. The game emphasizes realism with survival mechanics like hunger, sleep, and environmental hazards, and there's no fast travel. Instead of dying, you trigger random events that move you around the map. If you're looking for a game with Skyrim's exploration but with added survival elements, Outward is 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 who want to continue their Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms across Tamriel, including familiar locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, as well as new areas like Elsweyr and Summerset. You can team up with other players to tackle quests, defeat enemies, and build your characters. With numerous DLCs enriching the game over the years, The Elder Scrolls Online offers endless adventures for Skyrim fans. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

What's your favorite game like Skyrim? --------------------------------------

Breath of the WildOblivionFallout 4Dragon's Dogma 2The Witcher 3Kingdom Come: DeliveranceElden RingDragon Age: InquisitionBaldur's Gate 3Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-ReckoningThe Forgotten CityOutward: Definitive EditionThe Elder Scrolls OnlineSomething else (tell us in the comments)

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!