The thrill of first venturing into the world of Skyrim is unforgettable. From the moment you narrowly escape execution at Helgen and step into its vast, untamed wilderness, the game offers an unparalleled sense of freedom that has captivated millions for over a decade. This sense of limitless exploration is what keeps players coming back, eager to uncover every hidden corner of its cold, expansive landscape.
After years of exploring the various editions of Skyrim, many of us are on the hunt for new games that can satisfy that same fantasy adventure itch. While we eagerly await the release of the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of the best games that echo the spirit of Skyrim, available for you to dive into right now.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
Starting with an obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers a similar experience to Skyrim in style and scope. As the predecessor to Skyrim, Oblivion retains all the elements that made its successor so beloved. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish realm, and the assassination of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey across Cyrodil is a thrilling adventure where you're free to explore, engage in quests, form alliances with factions, and develop your character with a range of skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's a fantastic way to continue your Elder Scrolls journey while waiting for Elder Scrolls 6. Oblivion is available on PC, and can be played on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One through backwards compatibility.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece on the Nintendo Switch and one of the finest fantasy RPGs ever crafted. It's a game that embodies the essence of exploration and freedom, much like Skyrim. You're dropped into the open world of Hyrule with essential tools and left to your own devices. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, climbing mountains, or tackling the final boss, the choice is yours. Its physics-based gameplay, stunning art style, and engaging quests make it an ideal substitute for Skyrim. Breath of the Wild is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, offers a similar experience.
Dragon's Dogma 2
For those craving a modern RPG with a strong emphasis on exploration, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an excellent choice. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you step into the shoes of The Arisen, whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your mission to reclaim it and slay the beast leads you through a vast, untamed world brimming with secrets and dangers. Like Skyrim, the joy lies in the exploration and the encounters with colossal foes. With various classes to master and a unique party system, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a rich RPG experience on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands tall among long-form RPGs. Set in a dark, Slavic-mythology-inspired world, it offers a vast open world filled with challenging battles, morally complex choices, and an engrossing narrative. As Geralt, a seasoned mercenary, you're on a quest to find your surrogate daughter, Ciri, while navigating a world teeming with monsters and political intrigue. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 allows you to explore freely, follow the main story, or engage in side quests as a bounty hunter. With its expansive world and two substantial DLCs, it's a must-play for Skyrim fans. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a more grounded RPG experience set in 15th-century Bohemia. You play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents are murdered during a Cuman invasion. The game immerses you in a detailed medieval world with authentic locations, open-ended quests, and a complex combat system. With its focus on survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a deep and immersive experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further enhances this experience.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a challenging yet rewarding RPG that excels in exploration. FromSoftware's dark fantasy world is filled with hidden paths, secret areas, and rewarding discoveries. Every corner of the game is meticulously crafted to offer a sense of exploration and achievement. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign standalone adventure in May, it's an ideal time to delve into The Lands Between. Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Fallout 4
While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares the same open-world exploration and character-building philosophy as Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son. The game's vast wasteland is filled with quests and encounters that you can explore at your own pace. It's a great way to experience a game with Skyrim's DNA but with a sci-fi twist. Fallout 4 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition is a sprawling fantasy RPG from BioWare that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As you lead The Inquisition to save Thedas from mysterious rifts, you'll explore large open-world maps, battle monsters, and uncover a new story. Like Skyrim, you can build your character, choose your class and race, and embark on an adventure that reacts to your choices. It's a perfect follow-up to Skyrim, and with Dragon Age: The Veilguard released in 2024, there's even more to explore. Dragon Age: Inquisition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Baldur's Gate 3
Though different in gameplay style, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich, expansive fantasy RPG experience akin to Skyrim. This top-down CRPG focuses on strategic combat, party dynamics, and quests that evolve with your choices. Its vast world and freedom to experiment with different classes and approaches make it an excellent choice for Skyrim enthusiasts. Baldur's Gate 3 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a cult classic that offers fun combat, a vast world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, resurrected by the Well of Souls, you traverse the Faelands to stop a destructive force. The game allows you to build your character, choose a class, and explore freely, making it a great follow-up to Skyrim. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
The Forgotten City
Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City offers a unique twist on the formula. Set in Ancient Rome within an eternal time loop, you must solve a mystery governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective game retains the essence of Skyrim's exploration while offering a fresh narrative experience. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Outward offers a hardcore RPG experience with a focus on realism and consequence. As an everyday person, your initial task is to pay off a debt within five days, but it soon escalates into an epic adventure across Aurai. With survival mechanics like hunger and sleep, and no fast travel, Outward provides a challenging and immersive open-world experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
The Elder Scrolls Online
For those looking to continue their Elder Scrolls adventure with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various regions of Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, and engage in new quests. With numerous DLCs released over the years, it offers a continually expanding world to explore. The Elder Scrolls Online is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
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