13 Games Like Skyrim You'll Love

There's nothing quite like the first time you explored Skyrim. From the moment you narrowly escape your grisly execution in Helgen and step out into the legendary RPG's vast wilderness, you're met with an adventure that allows you to go anywhere and everywhere with no limitations. It's this sense of sheer freedom that has kept millions of players returning to its cold, untamed landscapes for over a decade.

After years of exploring the various versions of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new games that can scratch that fantasy adventuring itch. As we await the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've put together a list of some of the best games that offer experiences similar to Skyrim, 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

Starting with the obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience akin to Skyrim in style and scope. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion retains all the elements that made its younger sibling 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 Cyrodil, where you're free to explore, complete quests, ally with factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility feature.

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

A flagship title for the Nintendo Switch and one of the greatest fantasy RPGs ever crafted, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild encapsulates everything you could want in a game. With its secret-filled open world, physics-based systems, engaging quests, and stunning art style, it offers unparalleled freedom. You're dropped into Hyrule with essential tools and the freedom to explore at your own pace, whether climbing mountains, uncovering lore, or tackling the final boss right away. If you're looking for a game that mirrors Skyrim's unguided exploration, Breath of the Wild is an excellent choice, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, provides 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 more recent addition to the RPG scene, Dragon's Dogma 2 is perfect for those seeking a sprawling, exploration-focused game. Set across two realms, Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, whose heart was stolen by a dragon. Your mission to reclaim it takes you across a vast, untamed world filled with secrets and monsters. The game's deep RPG mechanics, various classes, and unique party system, where you can recruit allies created by other players, make it a compelling choice for Skyrim fans. It's 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 the pantheon of epic RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as one of the best. Set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world, it features a vast open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and a compelling narrative. As Geralt, a white-haired mercenary, you search for your surrogate daughter, Ciri, while facing mythical monsters and evading the spectral Wild Hunt. The game's freedom to explore and engage with its rich world makes it a worthy successor to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, the base game and its expansive DLCs are essential playthroughs.

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, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a more grounded medieval experience. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you follow Henry, a blacksmith's son, on a quest for revenge after his parents are killed during a Cuman invasion. The game's open world, filled with authentic medieval settings, open-ended quests, and an intricate combat system, provides a sense of freedom akin to Skyrim. Its focus on immersion, from survival mechanics to high-stakes battles, makes it a unique and engaging RPG. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even more impressive.

6. Elden Ring

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

For those who relish a challenge, Elden Ring is a punishing yet rewarding RPG. FromSoftware's latest masterpiece excels in exploration, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path and uncover hidden areas and rewards. Set in the dying world of The Lands Between, the game's difficulty and sense of discovery make it a compelling choice for Skyrim fans. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign standalone adventure in May, there's never been a better time to dive in. 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. This post-apocalyptic open-world RPG from Bethesda allows you to create a unique character, explore vast environments, and complete numerous quests. Set in a dystopian Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst a backdrop of mutant creatures and corporate propaganda. Its freedom and open-world exploration make it a great alternative for Skyrim enthusiasts. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

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

Dragon Age: Inquisition offers another expansive fantasy RPG experience. Tasked with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts, you lead The Inquisition through massive open-world maps, battling monsters and uncovering a deep narrative. Like Skyrim, you can customize your character, choose your class and race, and embark on an adventure that lets you make impactful choices. With over 80 hours of gameplay, it's an excellent follow-up to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, you can continue your journey with 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

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, it offers a rich, expansive fantasy RPG experience. As a top-down CRPG, it focuses on strategic combat and party management, yet it shares Skyrim's freedom in how you approach quests and build your character. Its world is full of tactical combat, engaging storylines, and quests that evolve with your choices. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for those who enjoy immersive RPGs.

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

A remastered cult classic, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is ideal for those seeking another fantasy RPG with engaging combat and a vast world. You play as the Fateless One, a revived corpse freed from fate, exploring the Faelands to stop a destructive force. With character building, class selection, and open-world exploration, it provides a similar experience to Skyrim. 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 expands into a unique full game. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported back to Ancient Rome trapped in a time loop. This detective game challenges you to solve mysteries by talking to citizens and uncovering clues, all while navigating the loop triggered by a mysterious "Golden Rule." It retains Skyrim's core DNA while offering a fresh, non-combat-focused experience. 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

Outward offers a hardcore adventure with a focus on realism and consequence. As an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt, you navigate the harsh world of Aurai, facing survival challenges and environmental hazards. Without fast travel and with a unique respawn system, it provides a fresh take on open-world exploration. 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

For those ready to continue their Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO allows you to explore various realms across Tamriel, including returning locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, and new areas like Elsweyr and Summerset. With numerous quests and the ability to play with others, it's an excellent extension of the Elder Scrolls universe. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's continually updated with new content.

And that's our pick of games Skyrim fans will love! Do you agree with our list, or are some of your top picks missing? 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!