The first time you stepped into Skyrim's world is a memory etched in the minds of millions. Escaping execution in Helgen and emerging into that vast, untamed wilderness – the sheer freedom to explore anywhere, everywhere – is what keeps players returning after a decade. That feeling of boundless adventure is truly unforgettable.
But after years exploring Skyrim's various iterations, many crave new fantasy adventures. To bridge the gap until *Elder Scrolls VI*, we've curated a list of games capturing Skyrim's spirit:
1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
A natural starting point. Oblivion, Skyrim's predecessor, shares the same captivating elements. As a prisoner caught in a conflict involving demonic gods and the emperor's murder, you journey across Cyrodil. Explore freely, complete quests, join factions, and develop your character with skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's classic Elder Scrolls, a perfect stopgap before Elder Scrolls VI. Available on PC and playable via Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One backward compatibility.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A Nintendo Switch masterpiece and one of the best fantasy RPGs ever. Breath of the Wild offers a secret-filled open world, physics-based combat, phenomenal quests, and stunning visuals. It throws you into Hyrule with essential tools and lets you explore at your own pace – climb mountains, uncover lore, or tackle the final boss. The freedom and unguided exploration mirror Skyrim's appeal. Available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Tears of the Kingdom offers a similar experience.
3. Dragon's Dogma 2
A recent release emphasizing exploration across Vermund and Battahl. As the Arisen, your heart is stolen by a dragon, setting you on a quest across a vast world. Uncover secrets, battle monsters, and master various classes, weapons, and armor. The unique pawn system lets you recruit allies created by other players. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
A top-tier RPG offering over 100 hours of gameplay. Geralt's quest to stop the Wild Hunt unfolds in a Slavic-inspired world filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue. Explore a massive open world, face challenging battles, make morally gray choices, and follow an engrossing story. The freedom to choose your path, whether following the main quest or pursuing contracts, makes it a compelling alternative to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
A grounded medieval epic offering unbridled freedom. Follow Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after a Cuman invasion. Explore a vast open world with authentic medieval settings, complete open-ended quests, and master an intricate battle system. Immersive survival mechanics add depth. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (released February 2025) enhances the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
6. Elden Ring
A challenging but rewarding RPG. FromSoftware's masterpiece masters exploration, hiding routes and rewards for those who thoroughly explore. Every area feels meaningful, rewarding curiosity. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and Elden Ring Nightreign (May release) enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
7. Fallout 4
A post-apocalyptic alternative. Sharing design philosophies with Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers a massive open world, character customization, and quests. Explore the Wasteland, battle mutants, and complete objectives at your own pace. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
8. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Another expansive fantasy RPG with over 80 hours of gameplay. Lead the Inquisition, explore massive open worlds, defeat monsters, and unravel a compelling story. Character customization and choices impact the narrative. Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024) offers a continuation. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
9. Baldur's Gate 3
A top-down CRPG with strategic combat. While differing gameplay-wise from Skyrim, it offers a vast fantasy world, engaging storylines, and quests that react to player choices. Extensive character customization and freedom of approach make it a compelling alternative. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
A remastered cult classic. Explore the world of Amalur as the Fateless One, a resurrected corpse. Build your character, choose a class, and explore the Faelands, completing quests and battling formidable threats. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
11. The Forgotten City
Originally a Skyrim mod, this game transports you to Ancient Rome within a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." Solve mysteries through investigation and dialogue, with minimal combat. A unique take on the open-world formula. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
12. Outward: Definitive Edition
A hardcore RPG focusing on realism and consequences. Survival mechanics, including hunger, sleep, and environmental challenges, add depth. The lack of fast travel and unique death system create a challenging but rewarding experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
13. The Elder Scrolls Online
An MMO set in the Elder Scrolls universe. Explore familiar and new locations across Tamriel, complete quests, and team up with other players. Numerous updates and DLCs add to the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
This is our selection of games for Skyrim fans. Agree or disagree? Share your favorites using IGN Playlist to track your games, create lists, and discover new titles!
