13 Games to Play If You Loved Skyrim

The first time you stepped into Skyrim's world—a narrow escape from execution in Helgen, followed by the breathtaking freedom of its vast wilderness—is an experience etched in the memories of millions. That unparalleled sense of freedom has kept players returning to its icy landscapes for over a decade. But after years exploring Skyrim's various iterations, many are seeking new adventures to scratch that fantasy itch. While we eagerly await *Elder Scrolls VI*, here are some fantastic games to bridge the gap.

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 choice, but a perfect one. *Oblivion*, Skyrim's predecessor, shares the same compelling elements that made its successor so popular. As a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods and the assassination of the Emperor, you'll journey across Cyrodiil. Explore freely, complete quests, join factions, and customize your character with skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's more *Elder Scrolls*, a great way to continue your Tamriel adventure. 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 best fantasy RPGs ever created. *Breath of the Wild* offers a secret-filled open world, physics-based combat, phenomenal quests, and a stunning art style. It throws you into Hyrule with essential tools and lets you explore at your own pace, whether you're uncovering lore, scaling mountains, or tackling the final boss. This unguided exploration mirrors Skyrim's compelling freedom. 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 release, *Dragon's Dogma 2* offers expansive RPG gameplay focused on exploration. Across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, tasked with slaying a dragon that stole your heart. The world is brimming with secrets and challenging monsters, creating organic narratives as you survive perilous encounters. It features deep RPG mechanics, various classes, weapons, armor, and a unique party system with player-created allies. 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 top-tier RPG offering over 100 hours of gameplay. *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* is set in a dark fantasy world filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue. As Geralt, you search for your surrogate daughter, Ciri, facing mythical creatures and the spectral Wild Hunt. The game provides freedom to pursue contracts, explore, or focus on the main storyline. The base game and its DLCs are highly recommended. 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

A grounded medieval RPG offering a sense of freedom similar to Skyrim. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you explore 15th-century Bohemia. The game features authentic locations, open-ended quests influenced by your decisions, and an intricate combat system. Immersive survival mechanics add depth. *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* (released February 2025) is also highly regarded. 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 RPG. *Elden Ring* masters exploration, hiding paths and rewards for those who thoroughly explore. No area feels meaningless. With the *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion and *Elden Ring Nightreign* (coming in May), it's a great time to experience The Lands Between. 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

A post-apocalyptic RPG sharing design philosophies with Skyrim. *Fallout 4* lets you build a character, explore vast environments, and complete quests in a world filled with mutants and corporate propaganda. The freedom of exploration is a key similarity to Skyrim. 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 large-scale fantasy RPG with over 80 hours of gameplay. Lead the Inquisition to save Thedas from rifts in the sky, exploring vast open worlds, defeating monsters, and shaping the story through your choices. Character creation and party management are key features. Play *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* (2024) afterward. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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 different in gameplay style (top-down, strategic combat), *Baldur's Gate 3* offers a vast fantasy world with compelling storylines and quests that react to your choices. Extensive character customization and freedom of approach make it a great alternative for Skyrim fans who value open-ended gameplay. 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 fun combat, a large world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you explore Amalur to stop a destructive force. Character building and open exploration are central features. 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* is a unique detective game set in Ancient Rome, featuring a time loop mechanic. It emphasizes investigation and dialogue over combat, offering a different kind of experience while retaining the spirit of open-world exploration. 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 focusing on realism and survival. You play as an ordinary person struggling to pay off debts, embarking on a large-scale adventure in Aurai. Survival mechanics, lack of fast travel, and unique death system add challenge and immersion. 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

An MMO set in the Elder Scrolls universe. Explore various Tamriel realms, complete quests, and team up with other players. Features many returning locations and new areas to discover. Numerous DLCs enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

This is our selection of games that Skyrim fans will love! Do you agree? Are some of your favorites missing? Share your picks via IGN Playlist!