13 Games to Play If You Loved Skyrim

The first time you stepped into Skyrim's world is an experience few forget. Escaping execution in Helgen and emerging into that vast, untamed landscape, the sheer freedom to explore anywhere, everywhere, is what keeps millions returning after a decade. That feeling of limitless adventure is iconic.

But after years exploring Skyrim's many iterations, you might be craving something new. To bridge the gap until *Elder Scrolls VI*, here are some fantastic games that capture that same fantasy adventuring spirit.

1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

**Developer:** Bethesda Game Studios | **Publisher:** Bethesda Softworks | **Release Date:** March 20, 2006 | **Review:** IGN's Oblivion review

An obvious choice, but a perfect one. Oblivion, Skyrim's predecessor, shares the same core elements that made its successor so popular. Imprisoned and thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods, a hellish plane, and the Emperor's murder, you'll journey across Cyrodil. Explore freely, complete quests, join factions, and build your character with skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's more Elder Scrolls, a great way to continue your Tamriel journey. Play it on PC, or via backwards compatibility on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

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 Nintendo Switch masterpiece and one of the best fantasy RPGs ever, Breath of the Wild delivers. Explore a secret-filled open world, experiment with physics-based combat and traversal, tackle phenomenal quests, and admire the stunning art style. The game throws you into Hyrule with essential tools and lets you decide your path – climb mountains, hunt for lore, or head straight for the final boss. This unparalleled freedom mirrors Skyrim's appeal perfectly. Available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Tears of the Kingdom offers 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 recent release, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers sprawling RPG exploration. Across Vermund and Battahl, you play The Arisen, a warrior whose heart is stolen by a dragon. Your quest? Find and kill it. Exploration is key; secrets abound, and encounters with colossal monsters will create memorable moments. Deep RPG elements include various classes, weapons, armor, and a unique party system with player-created allies. 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

A top-tier 100+ hour RPG, Geralt's quest to stop the Wild Hunt is unforgettable. In a Slavic-mythology-inspired world of monsters, magic, and politics, The Witcher 3 is a masterpiece. Explore a vast world, fight challenging battles, make morally gray choices, and follow an engrossing story. Like Skyrim, you're given freedom to pursue the bounty hunter life or tackle the Wild Hunt's storyline. The base game and its DLCs are worth experiencing. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

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

A grounded medieval epic, Kingdom Come: Deliverance captures Skyrim's freedom. As a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you'll explore 15th-century Bohemia. The game offers a vast open world with authentic locations, open-ended quests reacting to your decisions, and an intricate battle system. Immersion is key, with survival mechanics focusing on food, sleep, hygiene, and armor. A more realistic, involved experience than Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The 2025 sequel is even better.

6. Elden Ring

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

A challenging but rewarding game, Elden Ring masters exploration. FromSoftware's bleak RPG is gratifying, not just for defeating challenging bosses, but for the rewarding exploration. Every area holds meaning; every detour offers rewards. The Lands Between is a living, breathing world that will crush you, but also richly reward your curiosity. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and Elden Ring Nightreign coming in May, now's the perfect time to play. 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 a post-apocalyptic setting differs from fantasy, Fallout 4 shares Skyrim's design philosophies. It's a massive open-world RPG where you build a character, explore, and complete quests. Shoot mutants instead of casting spells, but the freedom of exploration remains. As the Sole Survivor, your mission to save your son is just one of many objectives in the Wasteland. 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

Another massive fantasy RPG with 80+ hours of gameplay, Dragon Age: Inquisition lets you save Thedas from rifts in the sky. Lead the Inquisition, explore vast open worlds, defeat monsters, and uncover a compelling story. Build your character, choose class and race, and embark on an adventure with party members, completing quests and making impactful choices. A great follow-up to Skyrim, especially with Dragon Age: The Veilguard (2024) to follow. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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 gameplay differs from Skyrim, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a fantastic CRPG experience. Its strategic combat, party building, and quest choices create a personalized adventure. The vast world, engrossing storylines, and freedom to play your way make it a great alternative for Skyrim fans who appreciate open-ended progression. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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 remastered in 2020, Kingdoms of Amalur offers fun combat, a huge world, and plenty of quests. As the Fateless One, you'll explore Amalur, building your character and freely exploring the Faelands. 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 is a unique detective game set in Ancient Rome within a time loop. Solve the mystery of the "Golden Rule" through conversation and investigation, with minimal combat. A different kind of experience, but retaining the spirit of open-ended exploration. 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

A hardcore adventure where you're a regular person, not a prophesied hero. Pay off a debt, then explore Aurai, facing threats and the elements. Realism and consequences are key, with survival systems focusing on hunger, sleep, and environmental factors. No fast travel, and death triggers random events. A unique 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

Continue your Elder Scrolls journey with friends in this MMO. Explore Tamriel's realms, complete quests, and visit familiar and new locations. Team up with players, fight enemies, and build your character. Numerous DLC updates enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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)

This is our selection of games Skyrim fans will love! Share your favorites using IGN Playlist!