The first time you explored Skyrim is an unforgettable experience. From the thrilling escape from execution in Helgen to stepping into the vast, untamed wilderness of this legendary RPG, the sense of freedom is palpable. This freedom has captivated millions, drawing them back to Skyrim's cold landscapes for over a decade. However, after years of revisiting the various editions of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new adventures to satisfy our fantasy RPG cravings. While we await the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, here's a curated list of games that offer a similar experience to Skyrim that you can enjoy right now.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
A natural starting point, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience akin to Skyrim in style and scope. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion retains the core elements that made its successor so popular. You play as a prisoner thrust into a world where demonic gods and fiery portals to hell threaten Tamriel. Your journey across Cyrodil is yours to shape, with freedom to explore, complete quests, align with factions, and enhance your character through new skills, weapons, armor, and spells. It's a must-play for any Elder Scrolls fan, available on PC and through Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One's backwards compatibility.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands out as a stellar fantasy RPG, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. It's a game that thrives on open-world exploration, filled with secrets, physics-based puzzles, and a captivating art style. It empowers players with the freedom to explore Hyrule without constraints, whether climbing mountains, seeking lore, or challenging the final boss right away. If you're looking for the same sense of freedom and exploration that defines Skyrim, Breath of the Wild is an excellent choice, available exclusively on Nintendo Switch. You can also dive into its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, for a similar experience.
Dragon's Dogma 2
Dragon's Dogma 2 is a recent addition to the RPG genre, offering a vast world ripe for exploration. As The Arisen, whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon, you embark on a quest across two realms, Vermund and Battahl. The game's focus on exploration, filled with secrets and encounters with colossal monsters, mirrors Skyrim's appeal. With deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapons, and a unique party system, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a satisfying choice for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is renowned as one of the best RPGs ever created, set in a dark, Slavic-inspired world. As Geralt, you navigate a vast open world, facing challenging battles and making choices that impact the story. The game's freedom to explore and engage with its rich lore and quests is reminiscent of Skyrim. Whether you choose to hunt monsters or follow the main storyline, The Witcher 3 offers a compelling experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a grounded medieval experience with the freedom of Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents' murder. The game's open world, filled with authentic locations and open-ended quests, provides a deep sense of immersion. With survival mechanics and intricate combat, it's a compelling choice for those seeking a more realistic RPG. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even more impressive.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a challenging yet rewarding RPG that excels in exploration. FromSoftware's latest offering is a masterclass in creating a living, breathing world where every path and secret is worth discovering. The game's difficulty adds to the satisfaction of exploration and combat. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, now is a great time to dive into The Lands Between. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's perfect for those who enjoy a tough adventure.
Fallout 4
While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares many design elements with Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor, searching for your kidnapped son. The game's open world, character customization, and quest-driven gameplay echo Skyrim's appeal, albeit in a different setting. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Fallout 4 is a great option for those who enjoy Bethesda's open-world RPGs.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition is another expansive fantasy RPG that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, you explore vast open-world maps, battle monsters, and uncover a new story in Thedas. The game's character customization and choice-driven narrative are reminiscent of Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a great follow-up, especially with the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard in 2024.
Baldur's Gate 3
While different in gameplay style, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a rich, expansive fantasy RPG experience. Its top-down perspective and focus on strategic combat and party dynamics set it apart, but its expansive world and choice-driven quests echo Skyrim's appeal. With a vast array of character customization options and a world that reacts to your choices, it's a must-play for fans of deep RPGs. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a remastered cult classic that offers a fun combat system, a large world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you explore the Faelands to stop a destructive force. The game's freedom to build your character and explore at your own pace makes it a great choice for Skyrim fans. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.
The Forgotten City
Originally a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City evolved into a full game with a unique premise. You're transported from modern-day Italy to Ancient Rome, trapped in a time loop governed by the "Golden Rule." This detective game uses Skyrim's fundamentals to create a fresh experience, focusing on solving mysteries rather than combat. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a unique take on the RPG genre.
Outward: Definitive Edition
Outward offers a hardcore RPG experience, focusing on realism and consequence. As an everyday person, you navigate the world of Aurai, facing survival challenges and time-sensitive quests. With no fast travel and a unique respawn system, Outward provides a fresh take on open-world exploration. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's perfect for those seeking a challenging adventure.
The Elder Scrolls Online
For those looking to continue their Elder Scrolls journey with friends, The Elder Scrolls Online is the perfect choice. This MMO lets you explore various realms of Tamriel, from Skyrim to Morrowind, with new quests and locations. With numerous updates and DLCs, it's a continually evolving experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a great way to extend your Elder Scrolls adventure.
