"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 legendary RPG's vast wilderness, it's an adventure that allows you to go anywhere and everywhere with no limitations. It's this sense of sheer freedom that has captivated millions of players, drawing them back to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.

After years of exploring the many different versions of Skyrim, it's natural to seek new games that can satisfy that fantasy adventuring itch. While we eagerly await the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of the best games that echo the spirit of Skyrim, available for you to dive into right 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 choice to start with, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience remarkably similar in style and scope to Skyrim. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion 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 Cyrodil, where you're free to explore, complete quests, ally with factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells. It's a quintessential Elder Scrolls experience, perfect for continuing your journey through Tamriel while awaiting Elder Scrolls 6. Oblivion is available on PC and can be played on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One via backwards compatibility.

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 is a standout title on the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series offers a secret-filled open world, innovative physics-based systems for combat and exploration, captivating quests, and a stunning art style. Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand; it sets you free in the expansive world of Hyrule with essential tools, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, scaling mountains, or challenging the final boss, the game offers unparalleled freedom. If you're seeking a game that captures the essence of Skyrim's unguided exploration, Breath of the Wild is an excellent choice, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. You can also explore 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

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a recent addition to the RPG genre that emphasizes exploration across two vast realms, Vermund and Battahl. You play as The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon, embarking on a quest to reclaim it. The game's allure lies in its focus on exploration, with a world brimming with secrets and monsters that create organic, thrilling encounters. As a deep RPG, it offers various classes, a wide array of weapons and armor, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players. If you're craving a massive fantasy RPG akin to Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

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

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a monumental RPG set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue. Often hailed as one of the best RPGs ever, it features a vast open world with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and a compelling narrative. As Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter, you search for your surrogate daughter, Ciri, navigating a perilous journey against the spectral warriors of the Wild Hunt. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 offers freedom to explore its rich world, whether you choose to focus on the main quest or engage in side contracts. The base game and its expansive DLCs are essential for any RPG enthusiast. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a grounded medieval epic that captures the sense of freedom found in Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents are killed during a Cuman invasion. The game's open world is filled with authentic medieval settings, open-ended quests that respond to your decisions, and a detailed combat system. With its focus on immersion, including survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a deeply engaging experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances this immersive experience.

6. Elden Ring

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

Elden Ring is a challenging yet rewarding RPG that excels in exploration. FromSoftware's latest offering is a masterclass in creating a living, breathing world where every path and detour holds significance. The game's punishing difficulty is offset by the satisfaction of overcoming its formidable bosses and uncovering hidden rewards. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure, Elden Ring Nightreign, set for May, there's no better time to explore The Lands Between. Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

7. 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. This post-apocalyptic open-world RPG lets you build a unique character, explore vast environments, and complete quests. Set in a ravaged Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst the ruins. Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers freedom to explore without a set path, making it an excellent choice for fans of Bethesda's open-world style. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and remains one of Bethesda's standout titles.

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 is a sprawling fantasy RPG that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, you're tasked with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts. The game allows you to build your character, choose their class and race, and explore massive open-world maps while recruiting party members and making impactful choices. It's a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, and with the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024, there's even more to look forward to. Dragon Age: Inquisition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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 differs from Skyrim in gameplay, it's a must-play for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. This top-down CRPG focuses on strategic combat, party composition, and quests that evolve based on your choices. The game's world is rich with tactical encounters, engaging storylines, and quests that feel tailored to your playthrough. With extensive character customization and freedom in how you approach quests, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a unique yet familiar experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a cult classic remastered in 2020, offering a fun combat system, a vast world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you explore the Faelands to stop a destructive force. The game allows you to build your character, choose a class, and freely explore while completing quests and battling formidable enemies. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

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

The Forgotten City began as a Skyrim mod but evolved into a full game with a unique premise. Starting 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 talking to citizens, uncovering clues, and solving the mystery, offering a fresh take on the Skyrim formula. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

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 is a hardcore RPG that casts 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, where you must contend with survival elements like hunger, sleep, and the environment. With no fast travel and a unique respawn system, Outward offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

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

The Elder Scrolls Online extends the Elder Scrolls experience into an MMO format, allowing you to explore various realms of Tamriel with friends. From Skyrim and Cyrodil to Morrowind and Highrock, the game offers familiar and new locations, quests, and character-building opportunities. With numerous DLCs enhancing the experience, The Elder Scrolls Online is a must-play for fans looking for more Elder Scrolls content. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.