13 Games to Play If You Loved Skyrim

The first time you stepped into Skyrim's breathtaking world, narrowly escaping execution in Helgen only to be greeted by its vast, untamed wilderness, is a memory etched in the minds of millions. That unparalleled sense of freedom, the ability to explore anywhere and everywhere without limitations, is what keeps players returning to its icy landscapes after over a decade.

But after years spent exploring Skyrim's various iterations, many crave new adventures to scratch that fantasy itch. While we eagerly await *The Elder Scrolls VI*, let's explore some fantastic alternatives that capture the magic of Skyrim:

1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

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

An obvious starting point, *Oblivion* offers a strikingly similar experience to Skyrim in style and scope. As a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor, you'll journey across Cyrodil. Explore freely, complete quests, forge alliances, and customize your character with skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's classic *Elder Scrolls*, a perfect bridge to *Elder Scrolls VI*. Available on PC and playable via backward 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 greatest fantasy RPGs ever created, *Breath of the Wild* delivers a secret-laden open world, physics-based combat, phenomenal quests, and stunning visuals. Hyrule unfolds before you, offering complete freedom. Climb mountains, uncover lore, or charge straight for the final boss—the choice is yours. This unguided exploration 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 addition to the list, *Dragon's Dogma 2* emphasizes exploration across the realms of Vermund and Battahl. As the Arisen, your quest to slay a dragon unfolds across a vast, untamed world brimming with secrets and challenging monsters. Deep RPG mechanics, diverse classes, weapons, armor, and a unique party system enhance the experience. 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 titan among 100+ hour RPGs, *The Witcher 3* immerses you in a Slavic-inspired world of monsters, magic, and political intrigue. Geralt's quest to find Ciri takes you on a perilous journey filled with challenging battles, morally gray choices, and a captivating story. The game's vast open world offers unparalleled freedom—hunt monsters, follow the main quest, or forge your own path. The base game and its two expansive DLCs are well 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

Shifting from high fantasy to a grounded medieval setting, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* captures Skyrim's freedom in a realistic historical context. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you explore 15th-century Bohemia. The game emphasizes immersion through its detailed combat, survival mechanics (food, sleep, hygiene), and intricate quest system. *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, released in February 2025, is even better. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

6. Elden Ring

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

A challenging but rewarding experience, *Elden Ring* masters exploration. Every corner holds a secret, every detour yields rewards. The Lands Between is a living, breathing world that punishes and rewards in equal measure. With the *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion and *Elden Ring Nightreign* coming in May, now's the perfect time to explore. 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 departure from fantasy, *Fallout 4* shares Skyrim's open-world design and character-building mechanics. Explore a post-apocalyptic Boston, battle mutants, and complete quests with the same freedom Skyrim offers. 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 expansive fantasy RPG, *Dragon Age: Inquisition* offers 80+ hours of gameplay. Lead the Inquisition, explore massive open worlds, battle monsters, and shape Thedas's fate through your choices. Character customization and impactful decisions mirror Skyrim's design. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Play *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* (2024) afterward.

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 differing in gameplay style, *Baldur's Gate 3* shares Skyrim's expansive world and player agency. Strategic combat, engaging storylines, and choices that shape your experience make it a compelling alternative. Its freedom of character creation and quest completion align with Skyrim's open-ended nature. 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 remastered cult classic, *Kingdoms of Amalur* offers engaging combat, a vast world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, explore Amalur, build your character, and confront formidable threats. 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* offers a unique twist on the open-world formula. A detective story set in ancient Rome, it features a time loop mechanic and focuses on investigation and dialogue rather than combat. 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 RPG where you're an ordinary person, not a chosen hero. Survival mechanics, realistic consequences, and a lack of fast travel create a challenging but rewarding experience. 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

Explore Tamriel with friends in this massively multiplayer online RPG. Visit familiar and new locations, complete quests, and build your character alongside other players. Numerous DLCs enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

This is our selection of games for Skyrim fans! Do you agree? Are some of your favorites missing? Share your picks using IGN Playlist—a tool to manage your games, create lists, and discover what others are playing!