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 step into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG, you're greeted with an unparalleled sense of freedom. It's this boundless exploration that has kept millions of players returning to Skyrim's cold landscapes for over a decade.

After years of immersing ourselves in various versions of Skyrim, many of us are eager to find new games that satisfy our fantasy adventuring cravings. To help ease the wait for the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've put together 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

Developer: 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 in style and scope to Skyrim. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion encapsulates 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 across Cyrodil allows you to explore freely, engage with quests, form alliances with factions, and enhance your character with new skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's a fantastic continuation of your Elder Scrolls journey, available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility feature.

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

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands as a testament to the freedom and exploration that make Skyrim so compelling. This Nintendo Switch flagship title redefines the series with a vast, secret-filled open world, physics-based mechanics for battling enemies and navigating terrain, and a stunning art style. From the moment you leave the Great Plateau, Hyrule is yours to explore at your leisure. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, scaling mountains, or tackling the final boss right away, the choice is yours. It's an excellent substitute for Skyrim's sense of adventure, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. You can also explore its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for 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

If you're seeking a sprawling RPG focused on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an excellent choice. 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 quest to reclaim it leads you across a vast, untamed world, much like Skyrim. The game's appeal lies in its emphasis on discovery and the organic stories that emerge from encounters with colossal foes. With its deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapon types, and a unique party system, Dragon's Dogma 2 is perfect for those craving a large-scale fantasy RPG. It's 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

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often hailed as one of the best RPGs ever created, and for good reason. Set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world, it offers a vast open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and a gripping story. You take on the role of Geralt, a seasoned mercenary searching for his surrogate daughter, Ciri, amidst threats from the spectral Wild Hunt. The game provides a similar sense of freedom and immersion as Skyrim, allowing you to pursue your own path, whether it's hunting monsters or diving into the main quest. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, The Witcher 3 and its expansive DLCs are a must-play for Skyrim enthusiasts.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a more grounded, realistic medieval experience while maintaining 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' murder during a Cuman invasion. The game's vast open world, authentic medieval settings, and intricate combat system provide an immersive experience. With survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, and hygiene, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a deeper, more involved RPG experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Additionally, its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is an even more refined experience.

6. Elden Ring

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 and world-building. FromSoftware's latest offering masterfully hides routes and rewards, making every area feel significant and every exploration worthwhile. The game's harsh world is balanced with the satisfaction of overcoming its toughest challenges. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, there's no better time to delve into The Lands Between. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring is perfect for those who've conquered Skyrim and crave a new world to explore.

7. Fallout 4

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 the design philosophies of Skyrim, offering a massive open world where you can build a unique character, explore, and complete quests. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son amidst various factions. Like Skyrim, the main quest is just one part of a larger world you can explore freely. It's a great option for those looking for a similar experience with a post-apocalyptic twist, 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

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 various open-world maps. Your choices impact the story, your stronghold, and the world around you. After finishing Skyrim, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a great next step, available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. You can also dive into its sequel, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, released in 2024.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

Developer: Larian Studios | Publisher: Larian Studios | Release Date: July 29, 2023 | Review: IGN's Baldur's Gate 3 review

Though different in gameplay, Baldur's Gate 3 shares the expansive, choice-driven nature of Skyrim. This top-down CRPG focuses on strategic combat and party management, but its world reacts to your choices, offering a tailored experience. The freedom to mix and match classes, races, and backstories, along with open-ended quests, mirrors Skyrim's approach to player agency. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Baldur's Gate 3 is a must-play for fans of deep, immersive RPGs.

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

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a cult classic remastered in 2020, offering a vibrant fantasy world to explore. As the Fateless One, you're a revived corpse free from fate, tasked with preventing a destructive force from annihilating Amalur. The game's expansive world, engaging combat, and numerous quests make it an excellent follow-up to Skyrim. It's 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

The Forgotten City began as a Skyrim mod but evolved into a unique standalone game. Its story transports you from modern-day Italy to Ancient Rome, where you're caught in an eternal time loop. This detective game focuses on uncovering the mystery of the "Golden Rule" through dialogue and investigation, offering a fresh take on the Skyrim formula. It's 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

Outward is a hardcore RPG that focuses on realism and consequence. As an everyday person, you must pay off a debt within five days, but the journey soon expands into a large-scale open-world adventure. The game's survival systems, lack of fast travel, and dynamic events create a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you're looking for a game that captures Skyrim's sense of exploration with unique twists, Outward is 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

For those ready to move on from Skyrim but still craving more of the Elder Scrolls universe, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms of Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, and engage in new quests with friends. With numerous DLCs enhancing the experience, it's an excellent continuation of your Elder Scrolls journey, 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)

AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our pick of games Skyrim fans will love! Agree with our list or are some of your top picks missing? You can share your own top games like Skyrim lists with us via IGN Playlist, our tool that allows you to keep track of your gaming library, create lists and even rank them, discover what some of your favorite creators are playing, and more. Head over to IGN Playlist to find out more, and start creating your own lists to share with us!