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13 Games to Play If You Loved Skyrim

By CharlotteMar 22,2025

The first time you stepped into Skyrim's breathtaking world, narrowly escaping execution in Helgen and emerging into its vast wilderness, was likely unforgettable. That unparalleled sense of freedom, the ability to explore anywhere and everywhere without limitations, is what keeps millions returning to its icy landscape a decade later.

But after years exploring Skyrim's many iterations, you might be craving new adventures. To bridge the gap until The Elder Scrolls VI arrives, we've curated a list of fantastic games that capture Skyrim's essence:

1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Oblivion Screenshot
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
**Developer:** Bethesda Game Studios | **Publisher:** Bethesda Softworks | **Release Date:** March 20, 2006 | **Review:** IGN's Oblivion review

A classic for a reason, Oblivion offers a similar scope and style to Skyrim. As a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods and the murder of the Emperor, you journey across Cyrodil. Explore freely, complete quests, join factions, and build your character with skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's more Elder Scrolls, perfect for continuing your Tamriel journey. Play it on PC, or via backwards compatibility on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild Screenshot
Image credit: Nintendo
**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, Breath of the Wild delivers an open world brimming with secrets, physics-based gameplay, phenomenal quests, and stunning visuals. Hyrule is yours to explore; climb mountains, uncover lore, or even rush to the final boss—the choice is entirely yours. This unguided exploration mirrors Skyrim's freedom perfectly. Available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. Tears of the Kingdom offers a similar experience.

3. Dragon's Dogma 2

Dragon's Dogma 2 Screenshot
Image credit: Capcom
**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 exploration across two realms. As the Arisen, your quest to slay a dragon leads you through a vast world teeming with secrets and challenging monsters. The game emphasizes exploration, featuring diverse classes, weapons, armor, and a unique party system with recruitable allies. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 Screenshot
Image credit: CD Projekt
**Developer:** CD Projekt Red | **Publisher:** CD Projekt | **Release Date:** May 19, 2015 | **Review:** IGN's The Witcher 3 review

A legendary RPG with over 100 hours of gameplay, The Witcher 3 immerses you in a Slavic-inspired world of monsters, magic, and political intrigue. As Geralt, you search for Ciri, facing mythical creatures and the Wild Hunt. The game's freedom, rich lore, and compelling story make it a perfect Skyrim alternative. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Screenshot
Image credit: Deep Silver
**Developer:** Warhorse Studios | **Publisher:** Deep Silver | **Release Date:** February 13, 2018 | **Review:** IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review

For a grounded medieval experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers Skyrim's freedom in a realistic setting. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you explore 15th-century Bohemia, completing open-ended quests and mastering a detailed combat system. The game's immersive survival mechanics add another layer of depth. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The 2025 sequel is even better!

6. Elden Ring

Elden Ring Screenshot
Image credit: Bandai Namco
**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. Every area holds meaning; every detour offers rewards. The Lands Between is a living, breathing world, though one that delights in crushing you. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and Elden Ring Nightreign coming in May, now's the perfect time to play. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

7. Fallout 4

Fallout 4 Screenshot
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
**Developer:** Bethesda Game Studios | **Publisher:** Bethesda Softworks | **Release Date:** November 10, 2015 | **Review:** IGN's Fallout 4 review

While a post-apocalyptic RPG, Fallout 4 shares Skyrim's design philosophies. Explore a massive open world, build a unique character, and complete quests—this time battling mutants instead of dragons. The freedom of choice and exploration are key elements. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition Screenshot
Image credit: EA
**Developer:** BioWare | **Publisher:** EA | **Release Date:** November 18, 2014 | **Review:** IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review

Dragon Age: Inquisition offers over 80 hours of gameplay, where you lead the Inquisition to save Thedas from rifts in the sky. Explore massive open worlds, defeat monsters, and shape the story through your choices. Character creation and impactful decisions are central to the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 Screenshot
Image credit: Larian Studios
**Developer:** Larian Studios | **Publisher:** Larian Studios | **Release Date:** July 29, 2023 | **Review:** IGN's Baldur's Gate 3 review

While different in gameplay style, Baldur's Gate 3 shares Skyrim's open-endedness. Its strategic combat, engaging storylines, and reactive quests provide a unique experience tailored to your choices. Extensive character customization and freedom of approach make it a compelling alternative. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning Screenshot
Image credit: EA
**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 vast world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you explore Amalur, building your character and facing formidable threats. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

11. The Forgotten City

The Forgotten City Screenshot
Image credit: PID Games
**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 twist. This detective game, set in ancient Rome, features a time loop mechanic and focuses on investigation and dialogue rather than combat. It's a refreshing change of pace while retaining the spirit of open exploration. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

Outward: Definitive Edition Screenshot
Image credit: Deep Silver
**Developer**: Nine Dots Studio | **Publisher:** Deep Silver | **Release Date:** May 17, 2022 | **Review:** IGN's Outward review

Outward offers a hardcore adventure where you play as an ordinary person, not a chosen hero. Survival mechanics, realistic consequences, and the absence of fast travel create a challenging yet rewarding experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

13. The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online Screenshot
Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
**Developer:** ZeniMax Online Studios | **Publisher:** Bethesda Softworks | **Release Date:** June 9, 2015 | **Review:** IGN's The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited review

For a continued Elder Scrolls experience with friends, ESO offers an MMO setting. Explore familiar and new locations across Tamriel, complete quests, and build your character with others. Numerous DLCs enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

What's your favorite game like Skyrim?

This is our selection of games Skyrim fans will love! Share your favorites using IGN Playlist—our tool for tracking your games, creating lists, and discovering what others are playing!

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