"13 Must-Play Games for Skyrim Fans"

The first time you step into the world of Skyrim is an unforgettable experience. From the dramatic escape from your execution at Helgen into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG, you're granted the freedom to explore every nook and cranny of its cold, expansive landscape. It's this sense of limitless adventure that has captivated millions of players and kept them coming back for over a decade.

Yet, after exploring the numerous iterations of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new adventures to satisfy our fantasy gaming cravings. While we await the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of games that echo the spirit of Skyrim, offering similar open-world exploration and rich storytelling.

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 an obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers a similar expansive experience to Skyrim. As the fourth entry in Bethesda's iconic RPG series, Oblivion is Skyrim's predecessor, yet it retains all the elements that made its sequel so popular. As a prisoner thrust into a battle against demonic gods and fiery portals to hell, you'll traverse the land of Cyrodil on an epic quest. The game allows for free exploration, enabling you to complete quests, form alliances, and develop your character with a variety of skills, weapons, armor, and spells. Available on PC, and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backwards compatibility, it's a perfect bridge to the next Elder Scrolls adventure.

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 cornerstone of the Nintendo Switch library, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a standout fantasy RPG. This acclaimed reinvention of the series offers an open world brimming with secrets, physics-based systems for combat and exploration, engaging quests, and a visually stunning art style. The game empowers you to explore Hyrule freely from the outset, allowing you to climb mountains, uncover lore, or even tackle the final boss immediately. If you crave the freedom and unguided exploration that defines Skyrim, Breath of the Wild, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch, is an excellent choice. You can also dive into its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for 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

For those seeking a recent, expansive RPG with a focus on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a compelling choice. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you assume the role of The Arisen, a warrior on a quest to slay the dragon that stole their heart. The game's world is filled with secrets and monsters, offering thrilling encounters and a deep RPG experience with various classes, weapons, and a unique party system where you can recruit other players' characters. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, Dragon's Dogma 2 provides a Skyrim-like adventure on a grand scale.

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

Ranked among the best RPGs ever created, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers an immersive journey through a Slavic-inspired world filled with monsters and political intrigue. As Geralt, you search for your surrogate daughter, Ciri, navigating a vast open world with challenging battles and impactful choices. Like Skyrim, the game lets you explore freely and choose your path, whether it's hunting monsters or pursuing the main storyline. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, The Witcher 3 is a must-play after conquering Skyrim.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

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

For a more grounded, realistic medieval RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance captures the essence of Skyrim's freedom. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge in 15th-century Bohemia, you'll explore a vast open world with authentic locations and intricate combat. The game emphasizes immersion with survival mechanics, including managing food, sleep, and hygiene. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's an excellent choice for those wanting a deeper, more realistic RPG experience. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances this experience and is definitely worth exploring.

6. Elden Ring

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

Elden Ring challenges players with its tough gameplay, but rewards them with one of the most satisfying RPGs available. FromSoftware's latest offering excels in exploration, hiding new areas and treasures off the beaten path. Every area has purpose, and every detour offers potential rewards. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign standalone adventure, it's an ideal time to explore The Lands Between. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring is perfect for those seeking a new world to conquer after Skyrim.

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 much of Skyrim's design DNA. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son. Like Skyrim, the game offers a vast open world to explore, with numerous quests and the freedom to forge your own path. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is a great choice for those wanting a similar experience with a different setting.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

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

Dragon Age: Inquisition, from BioWare, offers over 80 hours of fantasy RPG gameplay. As you lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, you'll explore vast open-world maps, battle monsters, and uncover the game's story. The game allows you to build your character and make choices that impact the world around you. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, with the option to dive into Dragon Age: The Veilguard released in 2024.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

Developer: Larian Studios | Publisher: Larian Studios | Release Date: July 29, 2023 | Review: IGN's Baldur's Gate 3 review

Although Baldur's Gate 3 differs from Skyrim in gameplay style, it's an exceptional fantasy RPG. This top-down CRPG emphasizes strategic combat and character development, allowing you to build a party and complete quests based on your characters' abilities. The game's world reacts to your choices, offering a personalized experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Baldur's Gate 3 is perfect for those who appreciate Skyrim's freedom and expansive storytelling.

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 cult classic reborn through its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur offers a vast fantasy world with engaging combat and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you awaken in the Faelands to stop a destructive force threatening Amalur's people. The game lets you build your character, choose a class, and explore freely. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a new fantasy RPG.

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 evolved into a full game. Set in modern-day Italy, you're transported back to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the Golden Rule. This detective game focuses on uncovering the city's mystery through dialogue and clues, rather than combat. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it offers a unique twist on Skyrim's formula.

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 RPG experience, focusing on realism and consequence. As an everyday person trying to pay off a debt, you'll navigate the land of Aurai, facing threats and surviving harsh conditions. With survival mechanics like hunger and sleep, and no fast travel, the game challenges you to adapt and endure. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, Outward provides a fresh take on open-world exploration.

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 wanting to extend their Elder Scrolls experience with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms across Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, completing quests and building your character. With numerous updates and DLCs, it offers endless content for fans of the series. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's an excellent way to continue your journey in the Elder Scrolls universe.

What's your favorite game like Skyrim? --------------------------------------

Breath of the WildOblivionFallout 4Dragon's Dogma 2The Witcher 3Kingdom Come: DeliveranceElden RingDragon Age: InquisitionBaldur's Gate 3Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-ReckoningThe Forgotten CityOutward: Definitive EditionThe Elder Scrolls OnlineSomething else (tell us in the comments)

AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our pick of games Skyrim fans will love! Agree with our list or our 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!