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 kept millions of players returning to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.

However, after years of exploring the various versions of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new games that can satisfy our cravings for fantasy adventures. To help ease the wait for the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of the best games that capture the essence of Skyrim and are available to play 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

Starting with an obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is a perfect entry point for those seeking an experience akin to Skyrim. As the fourth installment in Bethesda's iconic RPG series, Oblivion, though a predecessor, shares the core elements that made Skyrim 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 Cyrodiil, where you're free to explore as you see fit, tackle quests, form alliances with factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more.

Oblivion is more Elder Scrolls action, offering a fantastic way to continue your journey through Tamriel while waiting for Elder Scrolls 6. It's available on PC and through backward compatibility on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

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 hallmark of the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. This acclaimed reinvention of Nintendo's seminal series boasts a secret-laden open world, innovative physics-based systems for combat and navigation, captivating quests, and a visually stunning art style.

Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand. It releases you into the expansive world of Hyrule with essential tools, allowing you to explore at your leisure. Whether you're searching for lore, scaling mountains, or heading straight to the final boss, the game offers complete freedom from the outset.

If you crave the same sense of freedom and unguided exploration that defines Skyrim, Breath of the Wild is an excellent choice. It's exclusively available on Nintendo Switch, and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, provides 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

A more recent addition to our list, Dragon's Dogma 2 is ideal for those seeking a sprawling RPG with a strong emphasis on exploration. Set in the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you assume the role of The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon.

Your mission is to find and slay this dragon, leading you on an epic journey through a vast, untamed world. Like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2's allure lies in its focus on discovery, filled with hidden secrets and encounters with formidable monsters, creating organic stories through intense battles and survival.

This deep RPG also features various classes, a wide array of weapons and armor, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players. It's 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

In the realm of 100-plus hour RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as a top-tier choice. Set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world of monsters, magic, and political intrigue, it's often hailed as one of the best RPGs ever made. The game offers a vast open world with challenging battles, impactful moral choices, and a compelling narrative.

You play as Geralt, a seasoned witcher on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, while confronting mythical beasts and the spectral warriors of the Wild Hunt. Similar to Skyrim, The Witcher 3 provides the basics and then sets you free in a rich fantasy world.

Whether you choose to live as a bounty hunter, taking on monster-slaying contracts, or dive straight into the main storyline, the game gives you the reins. The Witcher 3 and its expansive DLCs are highly recommended once you've exhausted Skyrim's offerings. It's 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

Stepping away from traditional fantasy, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a more grounded medieval experience while capturing the sense of freedom found in Skyrim. This cult classic follows Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance after his parents are killed during a Cuman invasion in 15th-century Bohemia.

The game unfolds in a vast open world, filled with authentic medieval settings, open-ended quests that respond to your decisions, and a detailed combat system. Kingdom Come: Deliverance emphasizes immersion, with survival mechanics requiring you to manage food, sleep, hygiene, and armor condition.

For those looking for a more immersive and grounded RPG experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a compelling choice. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, promises an even more refined 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's perfect for those who enjoy a test of skill. FromSoftware's latest masterpiece is known for its tough bosses and intense combat, but it's also a masterclass in exploration.

The game's world is filled with hidden paths and rewards, making every exploration meaningful. It encourages you to chart your own course through a living, breathing world that, while harsh, richly rewards curiosity.

With 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 into Elden Ring. If you're ready for a new world to explore and don't mind facing formidable foes, The Lands Between await. It's 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 open-world RPG from Bethesda lets you build a unique character, explore vast environments, and tackle numerous quests. Instead of casting spells, you'll be shooting at mutants in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Set in a ravaged Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor on a mission to rescue your kidnapped son from The Institute. Like Skyrim, your main quest is just one part of a larger tapestry of objectives, allowing for free exploration without forced paths.

Fallout 4 is a great way to experience a game that shares Skyrim's DNA with a post-apocalyptic twist. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and remains one of Bethesda's finest offerings.

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 another expansive fantasy RPG from BioWare, offering over 80 hours of gameplay. You lead The Inquisition, tasked with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts in the sky, as you explore vast open-world maps, battle monsters, and uncover a new Dragon Age story.

Like Skyrim, Inquisition lets you build your character, choose their class and race, and embark on an adventure. As you progress, you'll recruit party members, complete quests, and make choices that impact the story and Thedas.

It's another meaty fantasy RPG to enjoy after Skyrim, especially as you can transition into the 2024 release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard. 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

Although Baldur's Gate 3 differs from Skyrim in gameplay, being a top-down, strategic RPG, it's an essential choice for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. Its world is filled with tactical combat, engaging storylines, and dynamic quests that evolve based on your choices, offering a personalized experience.

The game encourages experimentation, allowing you to mix and match classes, races, and backstories, and freely approach quests. If you appreciate Skyrim's lack of direction and freedom, Baldur's Gate 3 will be a great fit. 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

A cult classic revived in its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is perfect for those seeking a fun, combat-driven fantasy RPG with a large world and numerous quests. You play as the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, on a quest to prevent a cataclysm in the Faelands.

As you journey, you'll build your character, choose a class, and explore freely, completing quests and overcoming challenges. 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 stands out as it began as a Skyrim mod before becoming a full game. Its narrative begins in modern-day Italy, where you wake on an island and are transported back to Ancient Rome. The city is trapped in a time loop that resets when the "Golden Rule" is broken.

This game transforms Skyrim's fundamentals into a detective experience, focusing on talking to citizens, uncovering the Golden Rule, and solving mysteries with minimal combat. If you're interested in a unique twist on Skyrim's formula, The Forgotten City is a must-try. 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 appeals to those who enjoy a hardcore adventure. Instead of a chosen hero, you play as an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt within five days, leading to a larger open-world epic across Aurai. The game emphasizes realism and consequences, with survival systems for managing hunger, sleep, and environmental challenges.

Outward has no fast travel and unique respawn mechanics, making it a compelling choice for those seeking Skyrim's open-world exploration with innovative twists. 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

For those ready to expand their Elder Scrolls experience, The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMO set across various Tamriel realms. You can visit familiar locations like Skyrim and Cyrodiil, as well as new areas such as Elsweyr and Summerset, completing quests and building characters with friends.

If you've explored everything Skyrim offers and want more Elder Scrolls action, this game, enriched with numerous DLCs, is a perfect continuation. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

What's your favorite game like Skyrim?

• Breath of the Wild
• Oblivion
• Fallout 4
• Dragon's Dogma 2
• The Witcher 3
• Kingdom Come: Deliverance
• Elden Ring
• Dragon Age: Inquisition
• Baldur's Gate 3
• Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
• The Forgotten City
• Outward: Definitive Edition
• The Elder Scrolls Online
• Something else (tell us in the comments)

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 for tracking your gaming library, creating lists, and discovering what your favorite creators are playing. Head over to IGN Playlist to learn more and start creating your own lists to share with us!