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 emerge into its vast wilderness, was likely unforgettable. That unparalleled sense of freedom, the ability to explore anywhere and everywhere without restriction, is what has kept millions captivated for over a decade. But after countless hours exploring Skyrim's various iterations, you might be yearning for new adventures. To bridge the gap until *Elder Scrolls VI* arrives, we've curated a list of exceptional games 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 terms of 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 develop your character with an array of skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's quintessential *Elder Scrolls*, a perfect way to continue your Tamriel journey. Available on PC and playable via Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One backward compatibility.

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 captivating open world brimming with secrets, physics-based combat, phenomenal quests, and stunning visuals. The game throws you into Hyrule with minimal guidance, allowing you to explore at your own pace, climb mountains, uncover lore, or even challenge the final boss early on. If you crave the freedom and unguided exploration of Skyrim, this is a perfect alternative. 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 our list, *Dragon's Dogma 2* is a sprawling RPG prioritizing exploration across the realms of Vermund and Battahl. As the Arisen, you'll hunt a dragon that stole your heart, traversing a vast world filled with secrets and challenging monsters. The game features deep RPG mechanics, diverse classes, a variety of weapons and armor, and a unique party system with recruitable 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 legendary 100+ hour RPG, *The Witcher 3* casts you as Geralt, hunting mythical monsters and evading the Wild Hunt while searching for Ciri. The game offers a massive open world, challenging battles, impactful moral choices, and a gripping storyline. Much like Skyrim, it provides a rich fantasy world with considerable freedom. 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

For a more grounded medieval experience, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* offers a similar sense of freedom to Skyrim. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you'll explore 15th-century Bohemia, completing quests, mastering combat, and managing survival needs like food, sleep, and hygiene. The game emphasizes immersion and realism. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, released in February 2025, is also highly recommended.

6. Elden Ring

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

A challenging yet rewarding RPG, *Elden Ring* masters exploration, hiding paths and rewards for those who thoroughly investigate. Every area feels meaningful, and the sense of discovery is unparalleled. With the *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion and *Elden Ring Nightreign* coming in May, now is the perfect time to play. 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 post-apocalyptic RPG, *Fallout 4* shares many design similarities with Skyrim. It features a vast open world, character customization, exploration, and quests, offering a unique post-apocalyptic twist on the familiar formula. 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 substantial fantasy RPG, *Dragon Age: Inquisition* offers over 80 hours of gameplay. Lead the Inquisition, explore massive open worlds, defeat monsters, and unravel a compelling storyline. Character creation and impactful choices are central to the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* (2024) is a worthy sequel.

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* offers a vast fantasy world with strategic combat, engaging storylines, and impactful choices. Its freedom of character creation and approach to quests aligns well 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 fun combat, a large world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you'll 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* is a unique detective game set in ancient Rome, featuring a time loop mechanic and a focus on investigation rather than combat. It offers a fresh take on the open-world RPG formula. 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 emphasizing realism and consequences, *Outward* features survival mechanics and a unique approach to death and exploration. It offers a challenging yet rewarding open-world 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 locations and new realms, completing quests and building your character. The game has been extensively updated with DLC over the years. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

This concludes our selection of games for Skyrim enthusiasts. Do you agree with our choices? Are there any of your favorites missing? Share your thoughts and your own top picks via IGN Playlist!