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, is what keeps millions returning to its icy landscape after over a decade. But after countless hours exploring Skyrim's various iterations, you might be craving a new adventure. To bridge the gap until *The Elder Scrolls VI*, we've curated a list of fantastic games that capture the spirit 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 starting point, *Oblivion* offers a similar style and scope to Skyrim. As a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods and the emperor's murder, you'll journey across Cyrodiil. Explore freely, completing quests, joining factions, and customizing your character with skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's classic *Elder Scrolls*, perfect for continuing your Tamriel journey. 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 best fantasy RPGs ever, *Breath of the Wild* delivers a secret-filled open world, physics-based combat, phenomenal quests, and stunning visuals. It throws you into Hyrule with minimal guidance, allowing complete freedom to explore, climb mountains, or even tackle the final boss immediately. If you crave Skyrim's open-ended exploration, this is a perfect alternative. 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

Spanning two realms, Vermund and Battahl, *Dragon's Dogma 2* puts you in the role of The Arisen, a warrior whose heart has been stolen by a dragon. Explore a vast world, uncover secrets, battle colossal foes, and master various classes, weapons, and armor. Its emphasis on exploration and challenging encounters will satisfy your craving for a massive fantasy RPG. 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* offers over 100 hours of gameplay. As Geralt, you'll embark on a perilous journey through a Slavic-inspired world filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue. The vast open world, challenging battles, morally gray choices, and captivating story make it a must-play. The base game and its two expansive DLCs provide countless hours of adventure. 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

For a more grounded medieval experience, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* offers a unique sense of freedom. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you'll explore a vast open world, complete quests with impactful choices, and master an intricate battle system. The game's focus on immersion, including survival mechanics, enhances the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The 2025 sequel is also highly recommended.

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 secrets, rewarding curiosity. The game's difficulty is balanced by the satisfaction of overcoming its challenges. 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

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

While a departure from fantasy, *Fallout 4* shares Skyrim's design philosophies. Explore a massive open world, build a unique character, and complete quests in a post-apocalyptic Boston. Its open-ended nature and character customization provide a familiar yet distinct experience. 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

Another expansive fantasy RPG, *Dragon Age: Inquisition* offers over 80 hours of gameplay. Lead the Inquisition, explore vast open worlds, defeat monsters, and uncover a compelling story. Character creation and impactful choices shape your adventure. With *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* (2024) available, now is a great time to jump in. 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, *Baldur's Gate 3* offers a vast fantasy world with strategic combat, engaging storylines, and impactful choices. Its open-ended nature and character customization options provide a similar sense of freedom 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, *Kingdoms of Amalur* offers fun combat, a huge world, and many quests. As the Fateless One, you'll explore the Faelands, build your character, and confront formidable threats. 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. Solve the mystery of the "Golden Rule" within a time loop, focusing on investigation and dialogue rather than combat. A refreshing change of pace while retaining the spirit of exploration. 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 consequences, *Outward* challenges you with survival mechanics and a unique death system. Explore the world of Aurai, face tough threats, and manage resources to survive. 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 updates and DLCs provide endless content. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

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This concludes our list of games Skyrim fans will love! Do you agree with our choices? Share your favorites using IGN Playlist—a tool to manage your game library, create lists, discover what others are playing, and more!