The first time you set foot in the expansive world of Skyrim is an unforgettable experience. From your dramatic escape at Helgen to the freedom of exploring its vast, cold wilderness, the sense of limitless adventure captivates millions and keeps them coming back year after year. But as we've explored every nook and cranny of Skyrim's various editions, the yearning for new adventures in the fantasy genre has grown. While we eagerly await the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, here's a curated list of games that offer a similar thrill to tide you over.
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
Starting with a familiar name, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is the perfect prequel to dive into if you're craving more of the Elder Scrolls magic. As a prisoner thrust into a conflict with demonic gods and fiery portals to hellish realms, you'll explore Cyrodil at your own pace, taking on quests, aligning with factions, and customizing your character with an array of skills, weapons, and spells. Available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility, Oblivion is a timeless journey through Tamriel.
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
A flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and a masterpiece in fantasy RPGs, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers an open world brimming with secrets. With its physics-based systems, you can experiment with battling enemies and navigating the landscape in creative ways. As you explore the vast Hyrule, you're free to pursue any path you choose, from climbing the highest peaks to confronting the final boss. This freedom and unguided exploration make Breath of the Wild an excellent substitute for Skyrim's allure. Available exclusively on Nintendo Switch, you can also delve 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
If you're after a sprawling RPG that emphasizes exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a compelling choice. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you take on the role of The Arisen, a warrior on a quest to slay an ancient dragon that stole their heart. The game's world is ripe with secrets and teeming with monsters, ensuring each journey is filled with thrilling encounters. With its deep RPG mechanics, class variety, and unique party system, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a satisfying experience on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
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 stands out as a pinnacle of RPGs, set in a world steeped in Slavic mythology. As Geralt, you navigate a complex narrative, making choices that affect the game's outcome while exploring a vast open world. Whether you focus on monster hunting or diving into the main storyline, the freedom to explore and the depth of the world are reminiscent of Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, this game and its expansive DLCs are essential for any RPG fan.
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 medieval adventure, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a compelling alternative to Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance after a brutal attack on his village. The game's open world, complete with authentic locations and immersive mechanics like survival and combat, provides a unique experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a must-try for those looking for a deeper, more realistic RPG. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances this experience.
Elden Ring
Image credit: Bandai NamcoDeveloper: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco | Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Review: IGN's Elden Ring review
For those who enjoy a challenge, Elden Ring delivers a punishing yet rewarding RPG experience. Its world, The Lands Between, is designed to encourage exploration, with hidden paths and rewarding secrets at every turn. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, there's never been a better time to explore this dying yet vibrant world. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring is perfect for those seeking a new, challenging adventure.
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 on a quest to find your kidnapped son. The open world, character building, and quest system are all hallmarks of Bethesda's approach, offering a similar sense of freedom and exploration. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is a great choice for fans of Skyrim's style.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Image credit: EADeveloper: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers another expansive fantasy RPG experience, where you lead the Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts. With over 80 hours of gameplay, you'll build your character, explore vast maps, and make choices that impact the story. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's an excellent follow-up to Skyrim, especially with the recent release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024.
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 offers a rich fantasy RPG experience akin to Skyrim. As a top-down CRPG, it focuses on strategic combat and character development, but its open-ended quests and freedom to explore make it a great fit for Skyrim fans. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for those who enjoy a deeply immersive RPG.
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 revitalized in its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur offers a vibrant fantasy world to explore. As the Fateless One, you navigate the Faelands, completing quests and battling threats. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great option for those seeking a new fantasy RPG adventure.
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 transforms into a unique detective game set in a time-looping ancient Roman city. With its focus on investigation and the absence of combat, it offers a fresh take on the RPG formula. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's an intriguing alternative for Skyrim enthusiasts.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review
Outward is a hardcore RPG that focuses on survival and realism, casting you as an ordinary person in the world of Aurai. With no fast travel and complex survival mechanics, it offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's ideal for those who appreciate Skyrim's open-world exploration with added realism.
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 a continued Elder Scrolls experience with a multiplayer twist, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. Explore various realms of Tamriel, complete quests, and interact with other players. With numerous updates and DLCs, it's a comprehensive experience available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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!
