The first time you set foot in the expansive world of Skyrim is an unforgettable experience. From the dramatic escape at Helgen to venturing out into the vast, untamed wilderness, the game offers unparalleled freedom that keeps millions of players coming back for more, even over a decade later. However, after years of exploring various editions of Skyrim, many of us are on the lookout for new adventures that can satisfy our craving for epic fantasy RPGs. While we eagerly await the release of the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, here's a curated list of games that capture the essence of Skyrim and are ready for you to dive into right now.
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 expansive world and gameplay style. In Oblivion, you begin as a prisoner thrust into a battle against demonic forces and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. As you explore the vast region of Cyrodil, you have the freedom to engage in quests, ally with different factions, and develop your character with a variety of skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's a seamless continuation of the Elder Scrolls saga and a fantastic way to keep exploring Tamriel while waiting for Elder Scrolls 6. You can enjoy it on PC, as well as through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backward compatibility feature.
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 crafted. This masterpiece offers an open world teeming with secrets, innovative physics-based systems for battling foes and navigating terrain, captivating quests, and a visually stunning art style. From the moment you step off the Great Plateau, you're free to explore Hyrule at your own pace, whether it's uncovering lore, scaling mountains, or challenging the final boss. For those who cherish the freedom and exploratory nature of Skyrim, Breath of the Wild is an ideal alternative, exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch. You might also consider its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
Image credit: CapcomDeveloper: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 22, 2024 | Review: IGN's Dragon's Dogma 2 review
If you're seeking a recent RPG with a strong focus 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 on a quest to reclaim your heart from an ancient dragon. Much like Skyrim, the game emphasizes discovery, with a world brimming with secrets and formidable monsters that create thrilling, organic stories through your encounters. Additionally, Dragon's Dogma 2 features deep RPG mechanics with various classes, weapons, and armor, as well as a unique system to recruit allies. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, offering a vast fantasy adventure akin to Skyrim.
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 stands out as a pinnacle in the realm of RPGs, set in a dark, Slavic-inspired world filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue. As Geralt of Rivia, you embark on a quest to find your surrogate daughter, Ciri, navigating a richly detailed open world with challenging battles and impactful choices. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure, whether you choose to focus on monster contracts or delve into the gripping main storyline. With its expansive world and two substantial DLCs, it's a must-play for any Skyrim enthusiast. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a perfect follow-up to your Skyrim adventures.
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 medieval experience that echoes the freedom of Skyrim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a compelling choice. This cult hit follows Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance in 15th-century Bohemia. After a devastating Cuman invasion, you embark on a journey through an expansive open world, engaging in intricate battles and managing survival elements like food, sleep, and hygiene. If you're after an immersive and realistic RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance delivers on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Also, consider checking out its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, for an even richer experience.
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 punishing difficulty but rewards them with one of the most satisfying RPG experiences available. FromSoftware's latest RPG masterpiece excels in exploration, with hidden paths and rewarding secrets scattered throughout its dying world. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign standalone adventure, there's no better time to explore The Lands Between. If you're ready for a challenging yet rewarding world to explore after Skyrim, Elden Ring awaits on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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 same design philosophy as Skyrim, making it a fitting choice for fans seeking similar gameplay. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor searching for your kidnapped son amidst mutant threats and corporate propaganda. Much like Skyrim, Fallout 4 offers a vast open world to explore, with numerous quests and the freedom to forge your path. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a great way to experience Bethesda's signature open-world RPG style in a different setting.
Image credit: EADeveloper: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers an expansive fantasy RPG experience, tasking you with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts. As the leader of The Inquisition, you'll explore vast open-world maps, recruit party members, and make choices that shape the narrative. With over 80 hours of gameplay, it's a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, especially with the subsequent Dragon Age: The Veilguard released in 2024. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Inquisition provides another rich fantasy world to delve into.
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 captures the essence of a vast, expansive fantasy RPG akin to Skyrim. This top-down RPG focuses on strategic combat, party composition, and quests that evolve based on your choices. With its deep character customization and freedom to approach quests as you see fit, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a personalized experience that Skyrim fans will appreciate. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for those who enjoy immersive RPGs.
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 is a cult classic reborn through its 2020 remaster, perfect for those seeking a new fantasy RPG after Skyrim. As the Fateless One, you're resurrected in the world of Amalur and tasked with averting a catastrophic fate. With engaging combat, a massive world, and numerous quests, this game offers a similar sense of exploration and adventure. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a great choice for continuing your fantasy RPG journey.
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 has evolved into a unique standalone game that blends elements of detective work with RPG mechanics. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported to Ancient Rome trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This narrative-driven game challenges you to solve mysteries through dialogue and exploration, offering a fresh take on the Skyrim formula. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's an intriguing addition to your gaming library.
Image credit: Deep SilverDeveloper: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review
For a more hardcore RPG experience, Outward casts you as an ordinary person facing survival challenges in the open world of Aurai. With no fast travel and a focus on realism, you must manage hunger, sleep, and environmental hazards while tackling quests. This unique approach to RPG gameplay, combined with its open-world exploration, makes Outward a compelling choice for Skyrim fans. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a game that adds interesting twists to the genre.
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
If you're ready to extend your Elder Scrolls adventure with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect MMO to dive into. Explore various realms of Tamriel, including familiar locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, as well as new territories like Elsweyr and Summerset. With a plethora of quests and the ability to play alongside others, it's an excellent way to continue your journey through the Elder Scrolls universe. The game's continuous updates and DLCs keep the experience fresh, and it's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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!
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