13 Games to Play If You Loved Skyrim

The first time you stepped into Skyrim's breathtaking landscape, narrowly escaping execution in Helgen, was likely unforgettable. That unparalleled sense of freedom, the ability to explore a vast, untamed world without limitations, is what keeps millions returning to its icy embrace after over a decade. But after countless hours exploring Skyrim's many iterations, the yearning for new adventures in similar fantastical realms is understandable. While we eagerly await *Elder Scrolls VI*, let's explore some exceptional games that capture that same magical essence.

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. As a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor, you'll traverse Cyrodil, completing quests, joining factions, and customizing your character with an array of skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's more *Elder Scrolls*, pure and simple—a perfect way to continue your Tamriel journey. Available on PC and playable via backwards 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 greatest fantasy RPGs ever created, *Breath of the Wild* delivers a captivating open world brimming with secrets, physics-based gameplay, phenomenal quests, and stunning visuals. This 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 immediately—the choice is entirely yours. If you crave Skyrim's freedom and open-ended exploration, this is an ideal 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 more recent addition, *Dragon's Dogma 2* is a sprawling RPG prioritizing exploration across the realms of Vermund and Battahl. As the Arisen, your heart stolen by an ancient dragon, you embark on a quest across a vast world filled with secrets and challenging monsters. The game boasts deep RPG mechanics, diverse classes, weaponry, armor, and a unique party system featuring allies created by other players. 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 titan among 100+ hour RPGs, *The Witcher 3* immerses you in a Slavic-inspired world of monsters, magic, and political intrigue. Geralt's quest to stop the Wild Hunt is legendary, featuring a massive open world, challenging battles, impactful choices, and a gripping narrative. Like Skyrim, it offers freedom of choice, allowing you to pursue contracts, explore the world, or confront the Wild Hunt directly. The base game and its expansive DLCs are well worth the time. 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

Shifting from high fantasy to a grounded medieval setting, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* captures Skyrim's sense of freedom in a realistic historical context. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you explore 15th-century Bohemia, completing quests, mastering combat, and managing survival mechanics like food, sleep, and hygiene. Its immersive gameplay and grounded setting provide a unique alternative to Skyrim's fantasy. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The sequel, released in February 2025, is even better.

6. Elden Ring

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

A challenging yet rewarding experience, *Elden Ring* masters the art of exploration. FromSoftware's bleak yet captivating world rewards curiosity and exploration, hiding paths and treasures for those willing to venture off the beaten track. With the *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion and *Elden Ring Nightreign* coming in May, there's never been a better time to explore 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

While a departure from fantasy, *Fallout 4* shares Skyrim's open-world design and character customization. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you'll explore a vast wasteland, complete quests, and battle mutated creatures. Its freedom of exploration and character development make it a compelling alternative for Skyrim fans seeking a different setting. 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

BioWare's epic fantasy RPG offers over 80 hours of gameplay. Lead the Inquisition to save Thedas from rifts tearing across the sky, exploring vast open worlds, battling monsters, and shaping the story through your choices. Character creation, class selection, and impactful decisions mirror Skyrim's core elements. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* (2024) provides a continuation of the story.

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* provides a similarly expansive fantasy experience. Its strategic combat, engaging storylines, and impactful quests offer a unique approach to open-world RPGs. The freedom of character creation and quest completion mirrors 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

This remastered cult classic offers fun combat, a huge world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you explore Amalur, building your character and battling threats. Its open world and character progression will appeal to Skyrim fans. 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* offers a unique detective experience within a time loop in Ancient Rome. While lacking combat, its focus on investigation and puzzle-solving provides a refreshing alternative to Skyrim's 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 consequence, *Outward* features survival mechanics and challenging gameplay. Its open world and unique mechanics offer a distinct twist on the open-world exploration found in Skyrim. 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 continued *Elder Scrolls* adventures with friends, *ESO* offers an MMO experience across various Tamriel realms. Explore familiar and new locations, complete quests, and build your character alongside other players. Numerous updates and DLCs enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

This selection showcases games that capture the spirit of Skyrim. Share your favorites using IGN Playlist!