"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 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 Softworks
Developer: 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 to Skyrim in style and scope. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion retains all the elements that made its successor so beloved. You play 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: Nintendo
Developer: 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 the quintessential Nintendo Switch title and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. This acclaimed reinvention of the Zelda series offers a secret-filled open world, physics-based systems for battling enemies and navigating terrain, engaging quests, and a stunning art style. Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand; it sets you free in Hyrule with essential tools, allowing you to explore at your leisure. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, scaling mountains, or heading straight to the final boss, the world is yours to conquer. If you crave the freedom and unguided exploration that defines Skyrim, Breath of the Wild is an excellent choice. It's available exclusively on Nintendo Switch, with its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, offering a similar experience.

3. Dragon's Dogma 2

Image credit: Capcom
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 22, 2024 | Review: IGN's Dragon's Dogma 2 review

For those seeking a sprawling RPG with a strong emphasis on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a compelling option. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your quest to reclaim it takes you through a vast, untamed world teeming with secrets and monsters. Like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 thrives on exploration, with organic stories emerging from encounters with colossal foes. The game also features deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapons, armor, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, it's a fantastic choice for fans of massive fantasy RPGs.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Image credit: CD Projekt
Developer: 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 top-tier RPG, often hailed as one of the best ever made. Set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world, it follows Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter, on his quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while evading the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. The game's expansive open world is filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and a gripping narrative. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 gives you the freedom to explore and shape your journey, whether you choose to focus on monster contracts or the main storyline. With its base game and expansive DLCs, it's a must-play for those who've exhausted Skyrim's offerings. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Image credit: Deep Silver
Developer: 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 an intricate 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. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a great choice for those seeking a more realistic RPG. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even more impressive.

6. Elden Ring

Image credit: Bandai Namco
Developer: 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 routes and rewards. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, there's never been a better time to explore The Lands Between. If you're ready for a new world to conquer after Skyrim, Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

7. Fallout 4

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
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 lets you build a unique character, explore vast environments, and complete quests, all while facing mutant threats and corporate propaganda. As the Sole Survivor, your mission to save your kidnapped son in the ruins of Boston is just one of many objectives you can pursue. Fallout 4 offers the same freedom and exploration as Skyrim, but with a post-apocalyptic twist. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a stellar choice for fans of Bethesda's open-world RPGs.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

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

Dragon Age: Inquisition is another expansive 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 choices that impact the story and world. It's a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, and with Dragon Age: The Veilguard released in 2024, there's plenty more to explore. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

Image credit: Larian Studios
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's an exceptional choice 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 character creation and quest flexibility allow for a highly personalized experience. If you enjoyed Skyrim's freedom and lack of a set path, Baldur's Gate 3 will resonate with you. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Image credit: EA
Developer: 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 fun combat, a vast world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you embark on a journey to stop a destructive force in the Faelands. The game allows you to build your character, choose a class, and freely explore while completing quests and battling formidable enemies. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great option for those seeking a new fantasy RPG after Skyrim.

11. The Forgotten City

Image credit: PID Games
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 that offers a unique experience. 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, with minimal combat. It retains Skyrim's DNA while offering a fresh take on the formula. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a must-try for those looking for something different yet familiar.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

Image credit: Deep Silver
Developer: 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 everyday 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 harsh environments. With no fast travel and a unique respawn system, Outward offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you're looking for Skyrim's sense of exploration with added realism, Outward is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

13. The Elder Scrolls Online

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
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 lets you explore various realms across Tamriel, from Skyrim and Cyrodil to Morrowind and Highrock, with new locations like Elsweyr and Summerset. You can team up with other players to complete quests, battle enemies, and develop unique characters. With numerous DLCs enhancing the experience, The Elder Scrolls Online is a must-play for Skyrim fans. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.