The first time you stepped into Skyrim's breathtaking world, narrowly escaping execution in Helgen and emerging into its vast wilderness, was unforgettable. That unparalleled sense of freedom, the ability to explore anywhere and everywhere without limitation, is what keeps millions returning to its icy landscape over a decade later. But after years exploring Skyrim's many iterations, you might be craving a new fantasy adventure. To bridge the gap until *The Elder Scrolls VI*, we've curated a list of games capturing Skyrim's spirit.
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 choice, but a perfect one. *Oblivion*, Skyrim's predecessor, shares its defining elements: a sprawling world, captivating quests, deep character customization (skills, weapons, armor, spells), and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Imprisoned and thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods and the emperor's murder, you journey across Cyrodil, shaping your adventure. 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, *Breath of the Wild* delivers a secret-filled open world, physics-based combat, phenomenal quests, and stunning visuals. It throws you into Hyrule with essential tools and lets you explore freely – climb mountains, uncover lore, or tackle the final boss immediately. The freedom and unguided exploration mirror Skyrim's appeal. 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 release, *Dragon's Dogma 2* offers expansive exploration across two realms. As the Arisen, your heart stolen by a dragon, you embark on a quest across a vast world teeming with secrets and challenging monsters. The game emphasizes exploration, deep RPG mechanics (classes, weapons, armor), and a unique party system. 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 top-tier RPG, *The Witcher 3* boasts a massive open world, challenging battles, impactful choices, and a gripping story. As Geralt, you search for Ciri, facing mythical monsters and the Wild Hunt. The game offers freedom to pursue contracts, explore lore, or focus on the main quest. The base game and its DLCs provide countless hours of gameplay. 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
A grounded medieval RPG, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* offers a sense of freedom similar to Skyrim. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you explore 15th-century Bohemia, completing quests, mastering combat, and managing survival mechanics (food, sleep, hygiene). Its immersive experience and realistic setting provide a unique alternative. 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 but rewarding RPG, *Elden Ring* masters exploration. Every area holds significance, rewarding thorough investigation. The game's difficulty adds to the sense of accomplishment. With the *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion and *Elden Ring Nightreign* coming in May, it's a great 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 post-apocalyptic RPG, *Fallout 4* shares Skyrim's design philosophy: a massive open world, character customization, and open-ended quests. You'll explore Boston's wasteland, battling mutants and uncovering the fate of your kidnapped son. The freedom of exploration is similar to Skyrim, offering a post-apocalyptic twist. Playable 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
Offering over 80 hours of gameplay, *Dragon Age: Inquisition* lets you lead the Inquisition, exploring massive open worlds, battling monsters, and shaping the story of Thedas. Character creation, class selection, and impactful choices create a personalized adventure. With *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* (2024) available, now's a great time to play. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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 (top-down CRPG), *Baldur's Gate 3* shares Skyrim's expansive world and player agency. Strategic combat, engaging storylines, and impactful choices create a personalized experience. The freedom to build and play your character is a key attraction. 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 vast world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you explore Amalur, building your character and facing threats to the realm. 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, within a time loop. Solving the mystery of the "Golden Rule" is the focus, replacing combat with investigation and dialogue. A different experience but sharing Skyrim's DNA. 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 (hunger, sleep, environment) and a unique death system. Exploration is key, with no fast travel. A challenging but rewarding experience for those seeking a twist on open-world exploration. 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
An MMO set in the Elder Scrolls universe, *The Elder Scrolls Online* lets you explore familiar and new locations across Tamriel with other players. Numerous quests and updates offer a continuous Elder Scrolls experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
This is our selection of games Skyrim fans will love! Do you agree? Are there any of your favorites missing? Share your picks using IGN Playlist – a tool to manage your game library, create lists, discover what others are playing, and more!
