The thrill of first exploring Skyrim is unforgettable. From the moment you escape the execution at Helgen and step into its vast, untamed wilderness, you're drawn into an adventure that offers unparalleled freedom. This sense of limitless exploration has kept millions of players coming back to Skyrim's cold landscapes for over a decade.

After years of delving into various editions of Skyrim, many of us are eager for new experiences that capture that same sense of fantasy and adventure. While we wait for the much-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, here's a curated list of games that offer a similar thrill and can keep you engaged in the meantime.

1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

A natural choice for Skyrim fans, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is a precursor that shares the same expansive world and freedom. As a prisoner embroiled in a conflict with demonic gods and the murder of Tamriel's emperor, you'll journey through Cyrodil, exploring freely, completing quests, and building your character with new skills, weapons, and spells. It's an excellent way to continue your Elder Scrolls adventure on PC, Xbox Series X | S, and Xbox One via backwards compatibility.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch, is a masterpiece in open-world exploration. Its vast, secret-filled Hyrule is yours to explore with complete freedom. Whether you're climbing mountains, battling enemies with innovative physics, or uncovering lore, this game captures the essence of Skyrim's unguided exploration. Available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, offers a similar experience.

3. Dragon's Dogma 2

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a newer RPG that prioritizes exploration across two expansive realms, Vermund and Battahl. As The Arisen, you're on a quest to reclaim your heart from an ancient dragon. The game's focus on uncovering secrets and surviving intense encounters mirrors Skyrim's appeal. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, it's a great choice for those seeking a vast fantasy RPG.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a landmark RPG set in a richly detailed world inspired by Slavic mythology. As Geralt, you'll navigate a morally complex landscape, facing mythical monsters and making choices that shape your journey. Its open world and freedom to explore or follow the main storyline echo Skyrim's appeal. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a must-play for fans of deep, engaging RPGs.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a realistic medieval experience set in 15th-century Bohemia. As Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking vengeance, you'll explore a vast, immersive world filled with authentic locations and open-ended quests. The game's focus on survival and detailed combat systems provides a grounded alternative to Skyrim. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, its sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, further refines this experience.

6. Elden Ring

Elden Ring challenges players with its demanding gameplay but rewards them with a deeply satisfying experience. Its world, The Lands Between, is a masterpiece of exploration, filled with hidden paths and rewards. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign, now is an excellent time to dive into this challenging yet rewarding RPG. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's perfect for those seeking a new world to explore.

7. Fallout 4

Though not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares many design elements with Skyrim. Set in a post-apocalyptic Boston, you'll explore a vast world, build your character, and tackle numerous quests as the Sole Survivor. Its open-world exploration and freedom to choose your path make it a great alternative for Skyrim fans. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's a testament to Bethesda's knack for immersive RPGs.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age: Inquisition offers a sprawling fantasy RPG experience set in Thedas. As you lead the Inquisition to save the realm from mysterious rifts, you'll explore vast open-world maps, build your character, and make choices that impact the story. It's a rich, engaging experience that echoes Skyrim's depth and freedom. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's the perfect prelude to 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

9. Baldur's Gate 3

Though different in gameplay style, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a vast, immersive fantasy experience. Its top-down perspective and strategic combat are unique, but its expansive world, deep storylines, and freedom to experiment with character builds make it a compelling choice for Skyrim fans. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's an outstanding entry into the world of CRPGs.

10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a remastered cult classic that offers a fun, expansive fantasy RPG experience. As the Fateless One, you'll explore the Faelands, build your character, and tackle numerous quests. Its engaging combat and vast world make it a great follow-up for Skyrim fans. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a solid pick for those seeking a new adventure.

11. The Forgotten City

The Forgotten City started as a Skyrim mod but evolved into a full game. Set in a time-looping ancient Roman city, it's a unique detective game where you solve mysteries and navigate the "Golden Rule." Its focus on narrative and exploration, without much combat, offers a fresh twist on the Skyrim formula. Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, it's a fascinating departure for fans of the genre.

12. Outward: Definitive Edition

Outward is a hardcore RPG that emphasizes realism and consequence. As an everyday person, you'll navigate the land of Aurai, facing survival challenges and no fast travel. Its unique systems and focus on exploration make it an intriguing alternative for those who enjoy Skyrim's open-world feel. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, it's a challenging yet rewarding experience.

13. The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online extends the series into an MMO format, allowing you to explore Tamriel with friends. With numerous realms to visit, including Skyrim and Cyrodil, and a wealth of quests and updates, it's a natural extension for fans looking for more Elder Scrolls content. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, it's an excellent way to continue your journey in Tamriel.

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And that's our pick of games Skyrim fans will love! Agree with our list or are 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!