"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 step into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG, you're launched into an adventure that offers boundless freedom. It's this sense of limitless exploration that has kept millions of players returning to Skyrim's cold landscapes for over a decade.

However, after years of delving into the numerous versions of Skyrim, many of us are on the hunt for new games to satisfy that fantasy adventuring craving. As we eagerly await the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of top games that capture the spirit of Skyrim and are available to play right now.

1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Oblivion review

A natural starting point, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion provides an experience that mirrors Skyrim in both style and scope. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's iconic RPG series, Oblivion is Skyrim's predecessor but still boasts all the elements that made its successor a massive hit.

You begin as a prisoner caught in the midst 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're free to explore at your own pace, undertake quests, join factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more.

Oblivion offers more Elder Scrolls adventure, making it a fantastic continuation of your journey through Tamriel while you await Elder Scrolls 6. It's available on PC and can be played on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One through backward compatibility.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 3, 2017 | Review: IGN's Breath of the Wild review

The poster child of the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever created, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers an unmatched experience. Nintendo's acclaimed reinvention of its seminal series encompasses everything from a richly detailed open world to innovative physics-based systems that allow you to engage enemies and navigate challenging terrain, along with captivating quests and a stunning art style.

Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand. Instead, it sets you loose in a fully explorable Hyrule, equipping you with essential tools and then letting you decide your path. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, scaling the highest peaks, or heading straight to the final boss, the world is yours to explore from the moment you descend from the Great Plateau.

If you crave the freedom and unguided exploration that makes Skyrim so compelling, Breath of the Wild is an excellent substitute. It's exclusively available on Nintendo Switch. You can also dive into its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.

3. Dragon's Dogma 2

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 22, 2024 | Review: IGN's Dragon's Dogma 2 review

A recent addition to our list, Dragon's Dogma 2 is perfect for those seeking a sprawling RPG that prioritizes exploration. Set across 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 is to hunt down and slay this dragon, leading you on a journey through a vast, untamed world. Much like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2's allure lies in its focus on exploration, filled with secrets to uncover and monsters to battle, crafting organic stories as you survive thrilling encounters.

As a deep RPG, it features various classes to master, an array of weapon types and armor sets, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players. If you're yearning for a massive fantasy RPG akin to Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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

Among RPGs that offer over 100 hours of gameplay, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as one of the best. Set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, filled with monsters, magic, and complex politics, it's often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs ever made.

You play as Geralt, a gruff, white-haired mercenary on a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while facing mythical beasts and evading the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. Much like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 provides you with the basics and then releases you into a rich fantasy world to explore freely.

Whether you choose to live the life of a bounty hunter, tackling monster contracts while ignoring the main quest, or follow the main storyline, the game puts control in your hands. The base game and its expansive DLCs are well worth playing once you've exhausted Skyrim's offerings. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

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

Moving away from high fantasy to a more grounded medieval setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance captures the sense of freedom that Skyrim offers. This cult hit from 2018 follows Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents are murdered during a Cuman invasion.

Set in 15th-century Bohemia, the game lets you explore a vast open world with authentic medieval locations, open-ended quests that respond to your choices, and an intricate combat system. Kingdom Come: Deliverance emphasizes immersion through high-stakes battles and survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation.

If you're looking for an RPG that's more involved than Skyrim or set in a more realistic environment, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a must-try. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even better, so it's definitely worth exploring.

6. Elden Ring

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

For fans of a challenge, Elden Ring is a demanding game that rewards perseverance. FromSoftware's latest RPG masterpiece is one of the most gratifying experiences available, not just for the thrill of defeating its challenging bosses but for its masterful approach to exploration.

Elden Ring hides paths to new areas and valuable rewards off the beaten path, ensuring that no area feels meaningless and every detour is worth exploring. It's a living, breathing world that tests your limits but rewards your curiosity.

With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, now is the perfect time to dive in. If you've finished Skyrim and are seeking a new world to explore, even if it means facing giant lobsters, The Lands Between await. Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

7. Fallout 4

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 many design philosophies with Skyrim, making it an excellent choice for fans looking for a similar experience. This massive open-world RPG from Bethesda lets you build a unique character, explore expansive environments, and complete quests, but with a post-apocalyptic twist.

Set in Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, a vault dweller on a mission to rescue your kidnapped son from The Institute. Like Skyrim, this mission is just one of many objectives you can pursue freely in the Wasteland. If you're seeking an experience with Skyrim's DNA but in a different genre, Fallout 4 is playable on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and remains one of Bethesda's best offerings.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Developer: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review

Another expansive fantasy RPG, Dragon Age: Inquisition offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As you lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, you'll explore large open-world maps, battle monsters, and unravel a new Dragon Age story.

Like Skyrim, Inquisition allows you to create and customize your character, choose your class and race, and embark on your adventure. As you progress, you'll recruit new party members, complete quests, and make choices that impact the story, your keep, and Thedas.

This meaty RPG is the perfect follow-up after Skyrim, especially with the option to jump into Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024. Dragon Age: Inquisition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

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, focusing on strategic, top-down RPG elements, it's a must-play for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. It offers a meticulously crafted world with tactical combat, engaging storylines, and quests that evolve with your choices, creating a personalized experience.

From the vast array of classes, races, and backstories in character creation to the freedom in how you approach quests, Baldur's Gate 3 encourages experimentation. If you enjoyed Skyrim's lack of direction and freedom, you'll appreciate Baldur's Gate 3. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

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

Revived through its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a great choice for those seeking a new fantasy RPG with engaging combat, a vast world, and numerous quests. You play as the Fateless One, brought back to life by the Well of Souls, and embark on a journey to stop a destructive force in the Faelands.

You can build your character, choose a class, and freely explore the Faelands, tackling quests, delving into dungeons, and confronting formidable foes. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

11. The Forgotten City

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 has evolved into a full game that takes the fundamentals of Skyrim and crafts a unique experience. The story begins in modern-day Italy, where you wake on an island and are transported back in time to Ancient Rome, caught in an eternal time loop governed by the "Golden Rule."

This game shifts the focus from combat to detective work, as you talk to citizens, uncover clues, and solve the mystery behind the Golden Rule. If you're looking for a game that feels like Skyrim but with a fresh twist, The Forgotten City is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

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

For fans of a hardcore adventure, Outward casts you as an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt within five days. This quickly escalates into a large-scale open-world epic across the land of Aurai, where you face tough threats and contend with survival elements like hunger and sleep.

Outward stands out with its focus on realism and consequence, including survival systems and quests that can fail if not completed in time. Without fast travel and a unique respawn system, it offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you're looking for Skyrim's sense of exploration with a twist, Outward is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

13. The Elder Scrolls Online

Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited review

A natural follow-up to Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMO that lets you explore various realms of Tamriel with friends. From Skyrim and Cyrodil to Morrowind and Highrock, the game features returning locations and new ones like Elsweyr and Summerset, offering a plethora of quests to complete.

You can team up with other players to tackle enemies, complete missions, and develop your unique characters. If you've exhausted Skyrim and crave more Elder Scrolls content, especially with the numerous DLCs available, The Elder Scrolls Online is a must-play 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)