The first time you escaped Helgen and stepped into Skyrim's breathtaking wilderness is a memory etched in the minds of millions. That unparalleled freedom to explore its vast, untamed landscape is why players keep returning after a decade. But after years spent exploring Skyrim's many iterations, the desire for fresh fantasy adventures is natural. To bridge the gap until *The Elder Scrolls VI*, we've compiled a list of 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 choice, but a fantastic one. *Oblivion*, Skyrim's predecessor, shares the same captivating open world, compelling quests, and deep character customization. Fight demonic gods, explore Cyrodil, and forge your own path. 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, *Breath of the Wild* offers a similarly expansive open world, physics-based gameplay, and phenomenal quests. Explore Hyrule at your own pace, climb mountains, or tackle the final boss—the choice is yours. 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
Across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you are The Arisen, tasked with slaying a dragon. Explore a vast world, uncover secrets, and battle colossal foes. A deep RPG with diverse 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 with over 100 hours of gameplay. Geralt's quest to stop the Wild Hunt unfolds in a richly detailed world filled with challenging battles, moral dilemmas, and a captivating story. Explore freely, take on contracts, or confront the Wild Hunt head-on. 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 epic offering a unique sense of freedom. Play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge. Explore a vast open world, complete quests, and master an intricate battle system. Immersive survival mechanics add depth. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* (released 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 that masters exploration. Chart your path across The Lands Between, uncover hidden areas, and conquer formidable bosses. The *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion and *Elden Ring Nightreign* (coming in May) enhance the experience. 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
A post-apocalyptic twist on the open-world RPG formula. Explore Boston's Wasteland, build your character, and complete quests. Shares the same DNA as Skyrim but with a unique 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
Over 80 hours of gameplay await in this sprawling fantasy RPG. Lead the Inquisition, explore massive open worlds, and shape the fate of Thedas. Build your character and make choices that impact the story. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Play *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* (2024) afterward.
9. Baldur's Gate 3
Developer: Larian Studios | Publisher: Larian Studios | Release Date: July 29, 2023 | Review: IGN's Baldur's Gate 3 review
A top-down CRPG with strategic combat, engrossing storylines, and outstanding quests that react to your choices. Experiment with classes, races, and backstories. Offers freedom and exploration similar to Skyrim. 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 with fun combat, a huge world, and plenty of quests. Play as the Fateless One and explore the Faelands. 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
A unique detective game that started as a Skyrim mod. Solve a mystery in Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop. Focuses on investigation and dialogue rather than combat. 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 focusing on realism and consequence. Manage hunger, sleep, and the environment. No fast travel and a unique death system. 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 MMO. Visit familiar and new locations, complete quests, and build your character. Numerous DLCs enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
This is our selection of games Skyrim fans will adore! Do you agree, or are some of your favorites missing? Share your own list via IGN Playlist!
