"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 wilderness of this legendary RPG, the sense of sheer freedom captivates millions of players, drawing them back to its cold, untamed landscapes for over a decade. This freedom to go anywhere and everywhere without limitations is what makes Skyrim an unforgettable adventure.

Yet, after years of exploring the various iterations of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new games that satisfy that fantasy adventuring itch. As we eagerly await the official follow-up, Elder Scrolls 6, we've put together a list of some of the best games that echo the spirit of Skyrim, ready for you to dive into 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 starting point, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience that mirrors the style and scope of Skyrim. As Skyrim's predecessor, it's packed with the elements that made its successor so beloved. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a conflict with demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish realm, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across Cyrodil, where you're free to explore, undertake quests, align with factions, and enhance your character with new skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's a quintessential Elder Scrolls experience, available on PC and through backwards compatibility on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One, perfect for continuing your Tamrielian adventure while awaiting Elder Scrolls 6.

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, a defining title for the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted, embodies the essence of exploration and freedom that defines Skyrim. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series offers an open world brimming with secrets, physics-based systems for battling enemies and navigating challenges, captivating quests, and a visually stunning art style. From the moment you descend from the Great Plateau, you're given the tools and the freedom to explore Hyrule at your leisure, whether you're uncovering lore, scaling mountains, or diving straight into the final boss's lair. If you're after the unguided exploration that makes Skyrim so compelling, Breath of the Wild, exclusive to Nintendo Switch, is an ideal choice. You might also consider 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 seeking a recent release with a strong emphasis on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a compelling option. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you embody The Arisen, a warrior whose heart has been claimed by an ancient dragon. Your mission to slay this beast takes you through a vast, untamed world filled with secrets and dangers. Much like Skyrim, the heart of Dragon's Dogma 2 lies in its exploration, where encounters with colossal monsters create memorable stories. The game also offers deep RPG mechanics with various classes, weapons, and armor, along with a unique party system featuring allies created by other players. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, promising an extensive fantasy RPG experience akin to Skyrim.

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

Among the pantheon of RPGs demanding over 100 hours of playtime, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out. Set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue, it's often hailed as one of the best RPGs ever made. As Geralt, a seasoned witcher, you navigate a vast, open world on a quest to find your surrogate daughter, Ciri, while facing the spectral Wild Hunt. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 provides the tools and then sets you free in a rich fantasy world where you can choose to focus on the main story or explore countless side quests. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's an essential playthrough for any Skyrim fan looking for more depth and narrative richness.

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

Moving away from traditional fantasy, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a more grounded medieval experience while maintaining the sense of freedom found in Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance after his parents are killed. The game's expansive world is filled with authentic medieval settings, open-ended quests influenced by your choices, and a complex combat system. Immersive elements like survival mechanics—managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor condition—enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a great choice for those seeking a more realistic RPG. Additionally, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, builds upon its predecessor and is well 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 challenges players with its punishing gameplay but rewards them with one of the most satisfying RPG experiences. FromSoftware's latest offering excels in exploration, with hidden paths and valuable rewards scattered throughout The Lands Between. Every area has purpose, and every detour can lead to exciting discoveries. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, there's never been a better time to explore this dying world. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's perfect for those who've finished Skyrim and crave a new, challenging world to explore.

7. Fallout 4

Image credit: Bethesda SoftworksDeveloper: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: November 10, 2025 | Review: IGN's Fallout 4 review

Though not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares the open-world exploration and character-building philosophies of Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst a wasteland filled with quests and factions. Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 lets you explore freely without guidance, offering a unique experience with its alternate history setting. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's an excellent choice for those looking for a different yet familiar experience.

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 by BioWare offers another expansive fantasy RPG experience with over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, you're tasked with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts. You'll build your character, explore vast open-world maps, defeat monsters, and influence the story through your choices. This game is a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, and with Dragon Age: The Veilguard releasing in 2024, it's an ideal time to delve into the series. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a meaty fantasy RPG worth your time.

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

While Baldur's Gate 3 diverges from Skyrim in gameplay mechanics—focusing on strategic, top-down RPG combat—it shares the expansive fantasy setting and narrative depth. This game is a stellar introduction to CRPGs, offering tactical combat, engaging storylines, and quests that evolve based on your choices. The freedom to create and customize your character and approach quests in myriad ways echoes Skyrim's open-endedness. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for those who enjoy immersive, expansive RPGs.

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 cult classic reborn with its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a fantastic choice for Skyrim fans seeking a new fantasy RPG. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you journey across the Faelands to thwart a destructive force. The game offers fun combat, a vast world, and numerous quests. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's an engaging alternative to Skyrim.

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 has evolved into a unique standalone game. Starting in modern-day Italy, you find yourself transported back to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective-style game diverges from Skyrim's combat focus, emphasizing narrative and mystery-solving. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's an innovative take on the RPG genre that retains the essence of Skyrim's exploration.

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 RPG experience, casting you as an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt within five days. This quickly escalates into a large-scale open-world adventure across Aurai, emphasizing realism and consequence. With survival mechanics, no fast travel, and unique death mechanics, Outward provides a fresh twist on open-world exploration. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's ideal for those who want a challenging and immersive RPG.

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 looking 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, including familiar locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, and new ones like Elsweyr and Summerset. With numerous quests and the ability to play alongside others, it's an expansive way to experience more of the Elder Scrolls universe. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a great option for fans who've exhausted Skyrim's content.