"13 Must-Play Games for Skyrim Fans"

The first time you ventured into the world of Skyrim is an experience that stays with you. From the dramatic escape during your execution at Helgen to stepping into its vast, untamed wilderness, the game offers an unparalleled sense of freedom. This liberty has drawn millions back to its cold landscapes for over a decade. However, after exploring every nook and cranny of Skyrim's multiple versions, many of us are now on the hunt for new games to satisfy our cravings for epic fantasy adventures. While we eagerly await the next installment, The Elder Scrolls 6, we've rounded up a selection of games that echo the essence of Skyrim and are ready for you to dive into 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 the perfect precursor to Skyrim, offering a similar scope and style. As a prisoner caught in a battle against demonic gods and fiery portals to a hellish realm, you journey through the land of Cyrodiil. The freedom to explore, engage with factions, and develop your character with a variety of skills, weapons, armor, and spells mirrors the beloved experience of Skyrim. Available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility, Oblivion is a great way to continue your Elder Scrolls journey.

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 standout title on the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs you can play. It combines a richly detailed open world with innovative physics-based gameplay, captivating quests, and a breathtaking art style. The game's approach to exploration, where you're free to roam Hyrule from the outset, mirrors Skyrim's ethos of unguided adventure. Whether you're scouring for lore, climbing the highest peaks, or challenging the final boss early, Breath of the Wild is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch, and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, offers 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, a recent addition to our list, offers a sprawling RPG experience with a strong emphasis on exploration. As The Arisen, you're tasked with reclaiming your heart from an ancient dragon across the realms of Vermund and Battahl. The game's expansive world is filled with secrets and formidable foes, drawing you into organic storytelling through exploration and combat. With its deep class system, diverse weaponry, and unique party dynamics, Dragon's Dogma 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and it's a compelling choice for those craving a fantasy RPG on the scale of Skyrim.

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 celebrated as one of the greatest RPGs, set in a richly detailed world inspired by Slavic mythology. As Geralt, you embark on a quest to find your surrogate daughter, Ciri, facing monsters and navigating complex moral choices that influence the game's outcome. Like Skyrim, it offers a vast open world where you can follow the main story or engage in side activities, such as monster hunting. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, The Witcher 3, along with its expansive DLCs, is a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.

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

For a more grounded, realistic take on the RPG genre, Kingdom Come: Deliverance transports you to 15th-century Bohemia as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge for his murdered parents. The game's emphasis on immersion, with detailed medieval settings, open-ended quests, and intricate combat, provides a different but equally engaging experience to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a deep, immersive world. Its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances the 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 challenges players with its demanding gameplay but rewards them with one of the most satisfying RPG experiences available. FromSoftware's masterpiece is renowned for its exploration, where hidden paths and rewards await those who dare to venture off the beaten track. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign in May, it's an excellent time to explore The Lands Between. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Elden Ring offers a thrilling alternative to Skyrim's adventures.

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 the open-world exploration and character-building philosophy of Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son while navigating a world filled with quests and dangers. Fallout 4's freedom to explore and engage with the environment without a strict path makes it a compelling choice for fans of Bethesda's style. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's one of Bethesda's standout titles.

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 offers another expansive fantasy RPG experience with over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, you aim to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, exploring large open-world maps and building your character. Like Skyrim, the game allows you to shape your adventure through your choices, making it an engaging follow-up. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and with the new Dragon Age: The Veilguard released in 2024, it's a great time to dive in.

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

Though different in gameplay style, Baldur's Gate 3 is an exceptional CRPG that offers a vast, immersive world. It emphasizes strategic combat and player choice, allowing you to tailor your experience through character creation and quest interactions. The freedom to approach quests your way, without being directed down a specific path, is reminiscent of Skyrim's appeal. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Baldur's Gate 3 is a must-play for fans of expansive RPGs.

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

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning, a remastered cult classic, offers a fantasy RPG experience with engaging combat and a vast world to explore. As the Fateless One, you're tasked with stopping a destructive force in the Faelands. The game's focus on character development and open-world exploration makes it a fitting choice for Skyrim fans. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great option for those seeking a similar adventure.

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 expands on its roots to offer a unique detective experience set in an Ancient Roman time loop. The game challenges you to uncover the mystery behind the "Golden Rule" and solve the city's enigma, focusing on dialogue and puzzle-solving rather than combat. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, The Forgotten City provides a fresh twist on the Skyrim formula.

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 focused on survival and realism. As an ordinary person, you're tasked with paying off a debt, which leads to a larger adventure across the land of Aurai. The game's emphasis on survival mechanics, time-sensitive quests, and lack of fast travel adds a unique layer to the open-world exploration. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, Outward is a compelling choice for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding RPG.

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 looking to continue their Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect MMO. Explore various realms across Tamriel, from Skyrim and Cyrodiil to new locales like Elsweyr and Summerset. With countless quests and the ability to build unique characters, it's an excellent way to extend your Elder Scrolls experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and continuously updated with new DLCs, The Elder Scrolls Online offers endless adventures.

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 our 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!