"13 Must-Play Games for Skyrim Fans"

The thrill of first exploring Skyrim is truly unforgettable. From your narrow escape during the execution at Helgen to stepping out into its expansive, untamed wilderness, the game offers a sense of freedom that has captivated millions of players for over a decade. However, after years of revisiting Skyrim's various editions, many of us crave new adventures that offer a similar sense of freedom and exploration. As we eagerly await the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, here's a curated list of games that can satisfy that fantasy adventure itch.

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 offers a similar experience to Skyrim in both style and scope. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion retains the core elements that made its sequel 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 can freely explore, complete quests, align with factions, and enhance your character with new skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. Available on PC and playable via backward compatibility on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One, Oblivion is a great way to continue your Elder Scrolls adventure.

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 not only a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch but also one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever created. This game offers a vast, secret-filled open world, innovative physics-based systems for combat and exploration, captivating quests, and a breathtaking art style. Breath of the Wild empowers you with freedom from the outset, allowing you to explore Hyrule as you see fit, whether it's hunting for lore, scaling mountains, or even challenging the final boss early on. For a game that mirrors Skyrim's sense of unguided exploration, Breath of the Wild is a stellar choice, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Consider also diving into 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 expansive RPG genre, emphasizing exploration across the realms of Vermund and Battahl. As The Arisen, whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon, your mission is to hunt and slay this beast. The game's allure lies in its focus on uncovering secrets and engaging in thrilling encounters with colossal monsters, creating memorable stories along the way. With diverse classes, a variety of weapons and armor, and a unique party system that includes allies crafted by other players, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a deep, satisfying RPG experience akin to Skyrim. 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 that has earned its place among the greatest in the genre. Set in a dark world inspired by Slavic mythology, you take on the role of Geralt, a seasoned monster hunter, in a quest to find his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while facing off against the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. The game offers a vast open world filled with challenging battles, impactful choices, and a compelling narrative. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the main storyline or take on side quests as a bounty hunter, The Witcher 3 provides a rich, immersive experience similar to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, including its expansive DLCs.

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 more grounded RPG experience set in 15th-century Bohemia. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance for his murdered parents, you'll navigate a vast open world filled with authentic medieval locations and dynamic quests. The game emphasizes immersion through its realistic combat and survival mechanics, including managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor condition. For a different yet equally engaging experience as Skyrim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Don't miss out on its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, which promises an even richer 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 masterfully blends exploration with intense combat. FromSoftware's latest creation offers a vast, interconnected world where every path and secret is worth exploring. The game's punishing difficulty is offset by the satisfaction of overcoming its formidable bosses and uncovering hidden treasures. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure, Elden Ring Nightreign, set for May, it's an excellent time to delve into The Lands Between. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring is perfect for those who enjoy a tough but rewarding experience.

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 elements with the Elder Scrolls series, making it an excellent choice for Skyrim fans. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst the ruins. Like Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers a vast open world to explore, a wealth of quests, and the freedom to build your character as you see fit. Instead of battling dragons and casting spells, you'll face mutants and corporate propaganda. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is a compelling alternative that echoes Skyrim's core appeal.

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 that offers over 80 hours of immersive gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, your mission is to save Thedas from mysterious rifts. The game allows you to build your character, choose your class and race, and explore vast open-world maps, recruit party members, and make choices that shape the story and the world. After completing Skyrim, Dragon Age: Inquisition provides another deep fantasy experience, and you can continue with 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard. 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 CRPG, it offers a rich, expansive world and a highly engaging narrative. The game emphasizes strategic combat, character building, and quests that evolve based on your choices. Baldur's Gate 3's freedom in character customization and quest approach resonates with Skyrim's ethos of player-driven exploration. If you're looking for a fantasy RPG that encourages experimentation and personal narrative, Baldur's Gate 3 is 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 reborn through its 2020 remaster, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning offers a vast fantasy world with engaging combat and a plethora of quests. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you explore the Faelands to prevent a destructive force from annihilating Amalur's people. With character development, class selection, and open-world exploration, this game provides a similar experience to Skyrim. 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

Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City evolved into a standalone game that transports you from modern-day Italy to ancient Rome trapped in a time loop. This detective RPG challenges you to unravel the mystery of the "Golden Rule," which resets the loop when broken. While it diverges from Skyrim's combat-focused gameplay, it retains the game's core elements of exploration and narrative depth. For a unique take on the formula, The Forgotten City is 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 offers a hardcore RPG experience where you play as an ordinary person striving to pay off a debt within five days, which soon evolves into a grand adventure across the land of Aurai. The game emphasizes realism with survival mechanics like managing hunger and sleep, and lacks fast travel, adding to the immersion. If you enjoy Skyrim's open-world exploration with added realism, Outward is 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 move on from Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online extends the Elder Scrolls experience into an MMO format. Explore various realms of Tamriel, including familiar locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, as well as new ones like Elsweyr and Summerset. With a wealth of quests and the ability to play with friends, it's an excellent way to continue your Elder Scrolls journey. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, The Elder Scrolls Online has been continuously updated with new content.