The thrill of your first journey through Skyrim is unforgettable. From the gripping escape at Helgen to the expansive freedom of its wilderness, the game's allure lies in its boundless exploration and the cold, untamed beauty of its landscape. It's no wonder that millions have returned to this legendary RPG for over a decade. However, after exploring the myriad versions of Skyrim, it's natural to crave new adventures in the fantasy genre. To help you bridge the gap until the eagerly awaited Elder Scrolls 6, we've curated a list of top games that capture the essence of Skyrim, ready for you to dive into right now.

1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

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

Starting with an obvious choice, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience akin to Skyrim in both style and scope. As Skyrim's predecessor, it retains the core elements that made its successor so beloved. You begin as a prisoner thrust into a world where demonic gods and fiery portals to hellish realms threaten the land of Cyrodil. Your journey allows you to explore freely, tackle quests, join factions, and enhance your character with new skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's a fantastic way to continue your Elder Scrolls adventure while waiting for the next installment, available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's 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 standout title on the Nintendo Switch and a masterpiece in the fantasy RPG genre, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a must-play. This reinvention of the iconic series offers a world brimming with secrets, physics-based gameplay, and stunning visuals. The game sets you free in Hyrule with just the essentials, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Whether you're hunting for lore, scaling mountains, or confronting the final boss, the choice is yours. If you're after the same sense of freedom and exploration that makes Skyrim so engaging, Breath of the Wild is the perfect fit, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. For a similar experience, you can also explore its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.

3. Dragon's Dogma 2

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 22, 2024 | Review: IGN's Dragon's Dogma 2 review

For those seeking a vast, exploration-driven RPG, Dragon's Dogma 2 is an excellent choice. Set across the realms of Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by a dragon. Your mission to reclaim it leads you through a world teeming with secrets and dangers. Much like Skyrim, the game's allure is its emphasis on exploration and the organic stories that emerge from battling colossal foes. With diverse classes, weapons, and a unique party system, Dragon's Dogma 2 offers a comprehensive fantasy RPG experience 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

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a towering achievement in the RPG genre, set in a dark world inspired by Slavic mythology. As Geralt, you navigate a morally complex landscape, facing mythical beasts and the spectral Wild Hunt. The game's open world is filled with challenging battles and impactful choices, offering an immersive experience that rivals Skyrim. Whether you choose to follow the main quest or explore the side contracts, The Witcher 3 puts the narrative control in your hands. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, this game and its expansive DLCs are perfect for those who've conquered Skyrim.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

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

For a more grounded medieval experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers the same sense of freedom as Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you follow Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge for his parents' murder. The game's expansive world is filled with authentic locations, open-ended quests, and a detailed combat system. It emphasizes immersion through survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, and hygiene. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's an excellent choice for those wanting a more realistic RPG. For an even better experience, check out Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025.

6. Elden Ring

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

Elden Ring challenges players with its punishing yet rewarding gameplay. FromSoftware's latest RPG is a testament to the joy of exploration, with hidden paths and valuable rewards scattered throughout The Lands Between. The game's world is unforgiving but deeply satisfying to navigate. With the addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign in May, now is the perfect time to dive in. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's ideal for those who enjoy a challenging world to explore.

7. Fallout 4

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: November 10, 2025 | Review: IGN's Fallout 4 review

While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares many design philosophies with Skyrim. This post-apocalyptic adventure lets you build your character and explore the vast wasteland of Boston as the Sole Survivor on a mission to save your kidnapped son. The game offers the same freedom of exploration and questing as Skyrim, but with a sci-fi twist. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a great option for those seeking a similar open-world experience from Bethesda.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

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

Dragon Age: Inquisition offers over 80 hours of fantasy RPG gameplay, tasking you with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts. As the leader of The Inquisition, you explore massive open-world maps, battle monsters, and shape the story through your choices. The game allows you to customize your character and build your party, offering a deep and engaging experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a fantastic follow-up to Skyrim, especially with the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

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

Though different in style, Baldur's Gate 3 offers an expansive fantasy RPG experience that complements Skyrim. As a top-down CRPG, it focuses on strategic combat and party management, yet its world is rich with quests and stories that evolve based on your choices. The game encourages experimentation with character creation and quest approaches, providing a tailored experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a must-play for those who enjoy the freedom and depth of Skyrim.

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 beloved cult classic, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning offers a fantasy RPG experience with engaging combat and a vast world to explore. As the Fateless One, you journey through the Faelands to prevent a destructive fate. The game allows you to customize your character, explore dungeons, and tackle quests at your leisure. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's an excellent choice for those seeking a new adventure post-Skyrim.

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 evolved into a full game with a unique premise. Starting in modern-day Italy, you're transported to Ancient Rome trapped in a time loop. The game shifts the focus from combat to detective work, as you uncover the mystery behind the "Golden Rule." It retains Skyrim's DNA while offering a fresh experience. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a compelling alternative for those seeking something different.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

Developer: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review

Outward offers a hardcore RPG experience centered on realism and consequence. You start as an ordinary person tasked with paying off a debt, but your journey quickly expands into a survival epic across Aurai. The game's survival systems challenge you to manage hunger, sleep, and environmental hazards, while quests can fail if neglected. With no fast travel and a unique death system, Outward provides a fresh take on open-world exploration. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a great choice for those who appreciate Skyrim's freedom with added challenges.

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

If you're ready to continue your Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms across Tamriel, including familiar locations like Skyrim and Cyrodil, and new ones like Elsweyr and Summerset. With numerous quests and the ability to play with others, it's a great way to extend your Elder Scrolls experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and updated with multiple DLCs, it's a must-play for fans of the series.

What's your favorite game like Skyrim? --------------------------------------

Breath of the WildOblivionFallout 4Dragon's Dogma 2The Witcher 3Kingdom Come: DeliveranceElden RingDragon Age: InquisitionBaldur's Gate 3Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-ReckoningThe Forgotten CityOutward: Definitive EditionThe Elder Scrolls OnlineSomething else (tell us in the comments)

AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our pick of games Skyrim fans will love! Agree with our list or our some of your top picks missing? You can share your own top games like Skyrim lists with us via IGN Playlist, our tool that allows you to keep track of your gaming library, create lists and even rank them, discover what some of your favorite creators are playing, and more. Head over to IGN Playlist to find out more, and start creating your own lists to share with us!