13 Games to Play If You Loved Skyrim

Skyrim’s vast and open world, coupled with its rich RPG elements, captured the imaginations of countless players. While we eagerly await the next installment in the Elder Scrolls franchise, exploring similar games can satisfy that craving for epic adventures. Here are thirteen games that offer a taste of Skyrim’s magic, each with distinct features and experiences.

1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

A natural choice for fans of Skyrim’s vast world, Oblivion, the fourth installment in the Elder Scrolls series, offers a similar sense of freedom and exploration. Players are thrown into the midst of a conflict involving demonic forces and political intrigue. The world of Cyrodil, complete with its own quests, factions, and character-building options, provides a compelling adventure. You can explore, side with factions, master skills, and gather powerful equipment. Its availability on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One via backwards compatibility makes it accessible for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Breath of the Wild, a revolutionary entry in the Zelda series, provides a unique but equally immersive experience. The game embraces a vast, interconnected world of Hyrule, encouraging exploration and discovery. Its physics-based systems, allowing for imaginative traversal, and its open-ended design create a sense of freedom akin to Skyrim. Players are not guided; they chart their own path, uncover secrets, and confront challenges. Available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, it offers a refreshing take on open-world RPGs.

3. Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2, a recent release, offers a substantial open-world adventure with a distinct twist. Players assume the role of “The Arisen,” a warrior embroiled in a quest across Vermund and Battahl. The focus on exploration is evident, with secrets hidden throughout the realms. Combat encounters are challenging, and the recruitment of other players’ characters enhances the party dynamic. Its unique approach to a massive fantasy RPG is worth checking out. Enjoyable across platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and PC.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, widely acclaimed, presents a captivating and complex world steeped in Slavic mythology. Players follow Geralt, a monster hunter, on a dangerous quest. The game offers a large open world and moral dilemmas to face. Like Skyrim, it grants the player considerable freedom to approach missions and side quests. The game’s two expansive DLCs add even more depth to the overall experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance shifts the focus from high fantasy to a realistic medieval world. Players step into the shoes of Henry, a blacksmith’s son seeking revenge. The game highlights immersion, incorporating survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, and health. Its authentic medieval setting, coupled with open-ended gameplay choices, provides an engaging and thought-provoking experience. The game is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

6. Elden Ring

Elden Ring, a challenging but rewarding game, offers a brutal but rewarding open-world experience set in The Lands Between. Players navigate a treacherous world, facing difficult bosses and puzzles. This game excels in exploration, with hidden paths and rewards for those who seek them out. Its complex narrative, coupled with the challenging combat, provides a richly rewarding experience. The game is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

7. Fallout 4

Fallout 4, a Bethesda title, offers a post-apocalyptic twist on Skyrim’s open-world design. Players take on the role of the Sole Survivor in a world ravaged by nuclear war. The game emphasizes character building and exploration in a unique and varied environment. While not strictly fantasy, its open-world and character-building elements echo Skyrim’s structure. Fallout 4 is playable on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition, a BioWare creation, presents a large-scale fantasy adventure. Players lead The Inquisition, an organization set on saving Thedas from perilous threats. Inquisitors can shape their characters and choose party members. It encourages exploration, mission completion, and impactful choices that influence the narrative. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

9. Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3, a contemporary CRPG, emphasizes tactical combat and player choice. While Baldur’s Gate 3 is different from Skyrim in gameplay style, it is an exceptional introduction to CRPGs. The world’s depth is apparent, with detailed storylines and quests that evolve with your choices. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a well-regarded remaster of a cult classic RPG. Players embark on a quest across the realm of Amalur. Its focus on combat, world exploration, and diverse quests creates a compelling experience. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

11. The Forgotten City

The Forgotten City stands apart with its unique take on the open-world genre. The game is deeply narrative-driven, focused on exploration and discovery. The game is set in an eternal time loop in Ancient Rome. Players are immersed in a story of mystery and intrigue with limited combat elements, and is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

Outward focuses on realistic survival mechanics. Players undertake a journey across a harsh, unforgiving world in Aurai. The game emphasizes resource management, exploration, and consequences. Players must contend with the environment, weather, and resource limitations. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

13. The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online offers an MMO experience in Tamriel. Players journey across diverse regions with various quests. The game’s online features, including character customization and player interactions, offer a compelling community-driven alternative. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.