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

After years of exploring the many different versions of Skyrim that have been released, it's safe to say we're all eager for new games to satisfy our fantasy adventuring cravings. To ease the wait for the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've compiled a list of some of the best games that echo Skyrim's essence, which 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 with, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience remarkably similar in style and scope to Skyrim. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's landmark RPG series, Oblivion precedes Skyrim but retains all the elements that made its successor so beloved.

You begin as a prisoner thrust into 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 Cyrodiil, where you're free to explore and shape your adventure. Engage in quests, align with factions, and develop your character through new skills, weapons, armor sets, spells, and more.

In essence, it's more of the Elder Scrolls experience, perfect for continuing your journey through Tamriel as you await Elder Scrolls 6. Oblivion is available on PC and can be played through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backwards compatibility feature.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

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

As the flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and one of the best fantasy RPGs ever made, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a must-play. Nintendo's acclaimed reinvention of its iconic series offers a secret-filled open world, physics-based systems for battling enemies and navigating treacherous terrain, phenomenal quests, and a stunning art style.

Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand. It sets you free in the fully explorable world of Hyrule with essential tools and lets you chart your own course. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, climbing the tallest mountains, or heading straight to the final boss, the choice is yours from the moment you leave the Great Plateau.

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

3. Dragon's Dogma 2

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

If you're after a recent RPG that emphasizes exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 might be the perfect fit. Set across two realms, Vermund and Battahl, you step into the role of The Arisen, a player-created warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon.

Your mission is to hunt and defeat this dragon, leading you on a quest through a vast, untamed world. Similar to Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 encourages exploration, with a landscape teeming with secrets and monsters. Your adventures will weave organic stories as you battle colossal foes and narrowly survive dangerous encounters.

As a deep RPG, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers 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. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, it's a fantastic choice for fans of sprawling fantasy RPGs like Skyrim.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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

In the realm of 100-plus hour RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as a top-tier choice. Set in a grim world inspired by Slavic mythology, filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue, it's often hailed as one of the best RPGs ever crafted. The game boasts a vast open world with challenging battles, morally complex choices that impact quest outcomes, and a captivating story.

You play as Geralt, a rugged, white-haired, yellow-eyed mercenary on a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri. His journey takes him through perilous landscapes, facing mythical beasts and evading the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt.

Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 gives you the basics and then sets you loose in a richly detailed fantasy world. Whether you choose to hunt monsters as a bounty hunter, ignoring the main quest, or follow the compelling storyline to confront the Wild Hunt, the choice is yours. The base game and its expansive DLCs are a must-play after you've explored everything Skyrim offers. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

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

Shifting from high fantasy to a more grounded medieval epic, Kingdom Come: Deliverance captures the essence of Skyrim's unbridled freedom. Launched in 2018, this game quickly gained a cult following as it tells the story of Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance.

Set in 15th Century Bohemia, the narrative follows Henry as he flees his village after his parents are killed during a Cuman invasion. Joining Lord Hanush of Leipa's service, Henry pursues his parents' murderers across a vast open world filled with authentic medieval settings, open-ended quests that respond to your decisions, and a complex combat system.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance emphasizes immersion, from high-stakes battles to survival mechanics that include managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation. If you're seeking an RPG with a more realistic setting and deeper involvement than Skyrim, this game is worth exploring. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, offers an even richer experience, making it highly recommended as well.

6. Elden Ring

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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 rewarding RPG that demands skill and perseverance. FromSoftware's latest entry in their line of challenging RPGs is not only punishing but also one of the most satisfying games you can play. It's not just about surviving; it's about mastering the art of exploration.

Elden Ring excels in hiding new paths and valuable rewards for those willing to explore every corner of its world. No area is meaningless; every detour holds potential. This sense of discovery makes you feel like you're charting your own course across a living, breathing world—a world that, while unforgiving, richly rewards your curiosity.

With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign coming in May, there's never been a better time to dive in. If you've conquered Skyrim and are looking for a new world to explore, The Lands Between might just be the challenge you need. Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

7. Fallout 4

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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 a great choice for fans of Bethesda's work. This massive open-world RPG allows you to build a unique character, explore expansive environments, and complete quests. The key difference is the post-apocalyptic setting, where you'll be battling mutant creatures and navigating corporate propaganda instead of casting spells at mythical beasts.

Set in Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, a vault dweller searching for their kidnapped son amidst the ruins. Like Skyrim, your main mission is just one part of a larger tapestry of objectives scattered across the Wasteland. You're free to explore without any guiding hand, offering an experience that echoes Skyrim's freedom with a post-apocalyptic twist. Fallout 4 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, remaining one of Bethesda's best titles.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

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

BioWare's Dragon Age: Inquisition is another expansive fantasy RPG offering over 80 hours of gameplay. You're tasked with saving the realm of Thedas from mysterious rifts in the sky, leading the Inquisition through massive open-world maps, battling monsters, and uncovering a compelling Dragon Age story.

Similar to Skyrim, Inquisition lets you create your character, choose their class and race, and embark on your journey. As you explore the game's diverse worlds, you'll recruit new party members, complete quests, and make choices that shape the story, your keep, and the entire realm of Thedas.

If you're looking for another meaty fantasy RPG to dive into after Skyrim, Inquisition is a great choice. And with 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard on the horizon, there's never been a better time to get started. Dragon Age: Inquisition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

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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, being a top-down CRPG focused on strategic combat and party management, it's an essential pick for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. Its world is meticulously crafted, filled with tactical battles, engrossing storylines, and quests that evolve based on your choices, leading to a personalized playthrough.

Baldur's Gate 3 allows extensive character customization, from classes and races to backstories, and gives you the freedom to approach quests in your own way. If you enjoyed Skyrim's lack of direction and open-endedness, you'll appreciate how Baldur's Gate 3 encourages experimentation and personal exploration. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

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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 who've exhausted Skyrim and crave another fantasy RPG. You play as the Fateless One, a corpse revived by the Well of Souls, freed from the constraints of fate.

Your journey takes you through the Faelands to thwart a destructive force threatening Amalur's people. Along the way, you'll develop your character, choose a class, and freely explore, completing quests, delving into dungeons, and confronting formidable threats. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

11. The Forgotten City

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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 stands out for its unique narrative. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported back to Ancient Rome after exploring a mysterious ruin. The city is trapped in a time loop, resetting whenever the "Golden Rule" is violated.

While it retains some of Skyrim's core elements, The Forgotten City is primarily a detective game. You'll interact with citizens, learn about the Golden Rule, and uncover clues to solve the underlying mystery. With minimal combat, it offers a fresh take on the formula while maintaining the essence of Skyrim's exploration and storytelling. The Forgotten City is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

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

For those seeking a hardcore adventure, Outward casts you as an ordinary person trying to pay off a debt within five days. This simple task evolves into a grand open-world epic as you navigate the land of Aurai, facing tough challenges and battling the elements to survive.

Outward's focus on realism and consequence sets it apart. It includes survival systems that require managing hunger, sleep, and environmental hazards, while quests can fail if not completed in time. Without fast travel and with a unique respawn system that triggers random events, Outward offers a fresh twist on open-world exploration. It's 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

If you're ready to move on from Skyrim but want to stay within the Elder Scrolls universe, The Elder Scrolls Online is an excellent choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms of Tamriel with friends, from Skyrim and Cyrodiil to Morrowind and Highrock, as well as new locations like Elsweyr and Summerset.

You can team up with other players to tackle enemies, complete missions, and develop your own unique characters. With numerous DLCs enhancing the game over the years, The Elder Scrolls Online offers endless adventures for fans eager for more Elder Scrolls content. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.