The first time you stepped into Skyrim's world—a narrow escape from execution in Helgen, followed by the breathtaking freedom of its vast wilderness—was unforgettable. That unparalleled sense of adventure and boundless exploration has captivated millions for over a decade. But after countless hours in Skyrim's various iterations, the yearning for new fantasy adventures is natural. While we eagerly await *Elder Scrolls VI*, here are some fantastic games to scratch that same itch.

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 choice, but a superb one. *Oblivion*, Skyrim's predecessor, shares the same captivating elements that made its successor so popular. As a prisoner thrust into a conflict involving demonic gods and the emperor's murder, you journey across Cyrodil, exploring, questing, and building your character with skills, weapons, armor, spells, and more. It's classic *Elder Scrolls*, a perfect bridge to *Elder Scrolls VI*. 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 greatest fantasy RPGs ever created. *Breath of the Wild* offers a secret-laden open world, physics-based combat, phenomenal quests, and stunning visuals. The game throws you into Hyrule with minimal guidance, allowing you to explore at your own pace—climb mountains, uncover lore, or challenge the final boss immediately. The freedom and unguided exploration mirror Skyrim's appeal. 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

A recent release, *Dragon's Dogma 2* delivers a vast RPG focused on exploration across two realms, Vermund and Battahl. As the Arisen, you quest to slay a dragon that stole your heart, uncovering secrets and facing formidable monsters. The game features deep RPG mechanics, including various classes, weapons, armor, and a unique party system with recruitable allies. 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 with over 100 hours of gameplay. Geralt's quest to stop the Wild Hunt in this Slavic-inspired world is filled with challenging battles, moral dilemmas, and a gripping narrative. The game offers immense freedom, allowing you to pursue contracts, explore the lore-rich world, or tackle the main storyline at your own pace. The base game and its expansive DLCs are highly recommended. 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

A grounded medieval epic offering the same sense of freedom as Skyrim. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge, you explore 15th-century Bohemia, completing quests and mastering a realistic combat system. The game emphasizes immersion through its survival mechanics, managing hunger, sleep, hygiene, and equipment degradation. *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* (released February 2025) is even better. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

6. Elden Ring

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

A challenging yet rewarding RPG. *Elden Ring* masters exploration, hiding paths and rewards for those who thoroughly investigate. Every area is meaningful, rewarding curiosity. With the *Shadow of the Erdtree* expansion and *Elden Ring Nightreign* (coming in May), it's the perfect time to explore The Lands Between. 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 post-apocalyptic RPG, *Fallout 4* shares design philosophies with Skyrim. It features a massive open world, character customization, exploration, and quests, but with a post-apocalyptic twist. The freedom to explore and complete objectives at your own pace makes it a great alternative. 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 with over 80 hours of gameplay. Lead the Inquisition to save Thedas from rifts opening in the sky, exploring vast open worlds, battling monsters, and shaping the story. Character creation, class selection, and impactful choices provide a rich experience. Jump into 2024's *Dragon Age: The Veilguard* afterward. 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. The freedom to customize your character and approach quests mirrors Skyrim's open-ended nature. 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* provides fun combat, a large world, and numerous quests. As the Fateless One, you explore Amalur, building your character and facing 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, where you unravel a mystery within a time loop. It's almost entirely devoid of combat, offering a fresh experience while retaining some of Skyrim's DNA. 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 adventure where you play as an ordinary person, not a prophesied hero. *Outward* focuses on realism and consequence, featuring survival mechanics and a unique death system. The lack of fast travel and emphasis on survival create a distinctive experience. 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, completing quests and building your character. Numerous DLC updates enhance the experience. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

This is our selection of games for Skyrim fans! Do you agree, or are some of your favorites missing? Share your picks via IGN Playlist—a tool to manage your game library, create and rank lists, and discover what others are playing.