12 Best Games Like Skyrim for Die-Hard RPG Fans
Almost every gamer searches for games like Skyrim at least once after playing it. That’s a given, of course, considering just how much of a generational masterpiece Skyrim is, at least for all open-world RPG fans out there. Simply put, nothing scratched the itch of immersing yourself completely in a magical fantasy world quite like this game.
Even the most devout Bethesda critics these days will tell you that Skyrim was way ahead of its time and has set the golden standard on what modern AAA open-world RPGs should be like. It’s so iconic and timeless that tens of thousands of gamers in Steam alone are still playing to this day – more than a decade later. That’s more players than even some ongoing live-service games!
Now, for those of you who are still looking for games like Skyrim to start a new epic adventure in, consider your search over.
Here, I’ll show you the best titles that I’ve come across and played over the years while I was on that journey myself, being a huge Skyrim fan who’s always on the lookout for great alternatives to the game I basically grew up on.
Our Top Picks for Games Like Skyrim
Skyrim is a hard title to measure up to, but if I were to choose seven games that came the closest in giving me that same immersive and fantastical vibe as this Elder Scrolls game, these would be my top picks:
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) – features phenomenal open-world exploration, an engaging storyline, and tons of side quests that are rivaled only by the likes of Skyrim in terms of depth.
2. Dragon’s Dogma 2 (2024) – a more action and combat-focused open-world fantasy RPG that shares the same “dragon, blades, and magic” theme that Skyrim has.
3. Fallout 4 (2015) – basically a post-apocalyptic Skyrim that’s made by the same developer, with classic Bethesda-style questing and exploration systems.
4. Elden Ring (2020) – a soulslike, open-world masterpiece that rivals even Skyrim in customization options, monster design, and overall immersiveness.
5. Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023) – a narrative-heavy CRPG that’ll hit perfect if you’re both a Skyrim fan and an enjoyer of high-fantasy, DnD-esque elements.
With that, you now know my must-play titles for all Skyrim fans looking for similar games. However, if you don’t think any of these are good enough, then just stick around – I have five more games further below that might just blow you away!
12 Best Games Like Skyrim
Skyrim is undoubtedly one of the best games of all time, and sure enough, all the titles you’ll see in this section are incredible games in their own right, with each game sharing several elements that made Skyrim the legendary RPG powerhouse it is today.
A massive open world, fun gameplay mechanics, engaging side quests, memorable NPCs, tons of unique foes to fight, and a gripping narrative. These are what gave Skyrim that certain irresistible charm that keeps you playing for hours on end. Rest assured, you’ll find that this same charm is present in the following games, making it easy to get any Skyrim fan hooked!
Now, let’s scratch that Skyrim itch of yours, shall we?
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 10/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2015 |
Kicking off our list is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – an open-world RPG masterpiece comparable to only the greatest titles in the genre. It’s a narrative-heavy, action-packed experience from beginning to end, and is an absolute must-play for any Skyrim fans out there.
This magnum opus by CD Projekt RED shares many similarities with Skyrim, such as a huge world map that you can explore freely, tons of in-depth side missions to keep you occupied, solid visuals that hold up even against some modern titles, and a branching storyline that adds to its replay value.
Even if you’re not a fan of Skyrim, I’d say Witcher 3 is one impressive title that you should play at least once, as it’s simply one of the best RPG games ever released.
Grab your copy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt >
2. Dragon’s Dogma 2
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8/10 | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2024 |
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is perhaps the closest non-Bethesda game to Skyrim thematically, as they both revolve around dragons and their heavy impact on both games’ narratives. Not only that but Dragon’s Dogma 2’s character creation, customization, and exploration system are also quite reminiscent of Skyrim’s.
Here, you can choose from a variety of human and demihuman races when creating a new character, equip them with all sorts of cool weapons and armor, then send them off to complete story missions in a wide, open world whilst slaughtering monsters, demihumans, and humans alike throughout your adventure.
Of course, let’s not forget the big, bad dragon you have to slay at the end of the game. Sound familiar? If it isn’t already obvious, Dragon’s Dogma 2 should be included in the best open-world games any Skyrim or Elder Scrolls enthusiast could get their hands on, especially if you’re craving a high-fantasy game setting centered around dragons, magic, and the classic “Chosen One” trope.
Grab your copy of Dragon’s Dogma 2 >
3. Fallout 4
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8/10 | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now | 2015 |
If we’re talking about games like Skyrim, we of course can’t leave out Fallout 4, which is another iconic RPG by Bethesda Game Studios that’s set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear fallout.
Sure, Fallout 4 isn’t a medieval fantasy that takes place in a world with dragons, wizards, and trolls, but it’s still one of the best best FPS games I’d recommend for fans of Elder Scrolls games who don’t mind trying a different “flavor” of Skyrim.
Since it was made by Bethesda using the same engine used to build Skyrim (Creation Engine), Fallout 4 shares a similar world design, customization system, combat mechanics, and questing system.
And while I personally prefer the story of Fallout: New Vegas the most out of every Fallout title, there’s no denying that Fallout 4 is an all-around improvement compared to every single title in the series that came before it. It’s certainly a go-to title for gamers who are into engaging narratives set in a high-stakes, post-apocalyptic world, so don’t miss out on it – Skyrim fan or not.
4. Elden Ring
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 10/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2022 |
Want a more challenging open-world fantasy RPG that boasts an even larger roster of mobs and bosses to defeat? Elden Ring is the answer to your problem, or maybe the start of your nightmares if you’re not a fan of soulslike games where getting good is a necessity.
Elden Ring has breathtaking medieval fantasy-style visuals like Skyrim has, not to mention tons of customization options that allow for different combat playstyles. To add to all that, most dragons in Elden Ring lore have also been absolute menaces in need of a good stomping, so you basically keep your Dragonborn status if you cross over to this game.
Do note that the biggest difference between the two is that Elden Ring features a more in-depth combat system that can often be punishing. Still, I’d be recommending Skyrim if I were making a list of games like Elden Ring instead, considering just how similar the two games are aside from their difficulty levels.
Grab your copy of Elden Ring >
5. Baldur’s Gate 3
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 10/10 | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2023 |
Skyrim has fantastic lore and a magnificent overarching storyline, but in my opinion, Baldur’s Gate 3 has got it, and a lot of other top-tier RPGs beat when it comes to pure, storytelling prowess. It is, after all, a DnD-based IP that takes a lot from the franchise’s rich mythos and lorebooks.
A great narrative isn’t all that Baldur’s Gate 3 has going for it though. It also has stunning graphics, phenomenal voice acting, fun RPG mechanics, and a strategic turn-based combat system that somehow makes magic more fun to play with compared to your usual third or first-person hack-and-slash RPGs.
Like some of the best strategy games, Baldur’s Gate 3 may not be as fast-paced as Skyrim, but it is still a must-play for Elder Scrolls fans thanks to its highly interactive combat and engaging puzzles.
Grab your copy of Baldur’s Gate 3 >
6. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 9/10 | PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna | 2018 |
Tired of the usual fantasy RPGs? Well then, I definitely recommend picking up Kingdom Come: Deliverance by Warhorse Studios, as it offers that same old-school medieval charm that Skyrim has without all sorts of fantasy-related shenanigans.
Simply put, Kingdom Come: Deliverance will give you a more grounded role-playing experience that’s based on real history. In this game, you’ll get to live the life of a simple commoner from a small village as he goes on a journey to become a badass knight during the Middle Ages.
Despite its humble origins as a Kickstarter project, I consider it one of the best medieval games out there, and I’ve played a lot. It has great graphics, an engaging and historically accurate narrative, classic RPG mechanics, and a challenging, yet also rewarding combat system.
Oh, and did I also mention that it has a highly anticipated sequel that promises an enhanced combat system and a larger, more detailed open world? Nuff said.
Grab your copy of Kingdom Come: Deliverance >
7. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8.5/10 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming | 2006 |
Skyrim wouldn’t be the heavy-hitter that it is today without Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which is a timeless classic and a massively successful addition to the Elder Scrolls series in its own right. In fact, part of the reason why Skyrim was so hyped up way back before its initial release is because of how good this game is.
Now, if you’re searching for the closest game to Skyrim, then look no further, Oblivion is the title you want to play ASAP. After all, it’s not only made by the same developer, but it also takes place in the same universe that Skyrim is set in, with both games being part of the Elder Scrolls series and all.
Also, don’t let the outdated graphics turn you off from trying this out. Being Skyrim’s predecessor (i.e. one of the most modded games of all time), there are tons of graphics enhancement mods out there that you can use to make Oblivion’s visuals more palatable if that’s an issue for you.
Grab your copy of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion >
8. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 10/10 | Nintendo Switch, Wii U | 2017 |
Next up, we have a console-exclusive banger that is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which I highly recommend to all Skyrim addicts along with its sequel The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. In a nutshell, this game series has everything you want out of an open-world fantasy adventure game and more.
As a long-time Nintendo fan (and critic), I consider Breath of the Wild an absolute must-play – not just because it captures the same RPG magic as Skyrim but also because it offers a breathtaking open world filled with adventure, discovery, and freedom.
I usually avoid console-exclusive titles on principle, but Breath of the Wild was so good it made me break that rule. It’s just that exceptional.
Grab your copy of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild >
9. Dragon Age: Inquisition
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8/10 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2014 |
There’s no way this list would be complete without a Dragon Age title being mentioned, and here we have Dragon Age: Inquisition to remedy that. Just like its predecessors, it’s a lore-rich, narrative-driven RPG where you can complete quests at your leisure whilst you explore the vast world and slaughter all kinds of monsters with your party along the way.
Of course, as is the case for most Bioware games, my favorite thing about Dragon Age: Inquisition is how well done most of the dialogue and story are. Personally, this is the last Bioware game that made me see glimpses of the golden days of the Dragon Age and Mass Effect series.
If you fancy yourself a dialogue-heavy fantasy RPG where some choices you make have lasting consequences, then putting this game in your backlog is a no-brainer!
Grab your copy of Dragon Age: Inquisition >
10. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8/10 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows | 2012 |
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning might not be as well-known as most of the games listed here, but don’t be fooled – this is an underrated yet beloved cult classic that has an outstanding story, extensive lore, great characters, and an engaging arcade-esque combat system.
Again, if you’re not a fan of older games simply because of their outdated graphics, then don’t worry – Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is actually a remastered version of the original game and has enhanced graphics fit for more “modern” tastes.
Seriously, give this game a chance if you love to explore content-rich RPGs like Skyrim. You won’t regret it!
Grab your copy of Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning >
11. Starfield
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 7.5/10 | Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2023 |
Ever wondered what Skyrim would be like in space? Well, Bethesda gave us the answer by releasing Starfield, which is a sci-fi RPG set in the distant future where space travel is commonplace. Here, there be no dragons, but aliens both colossal and microscopic roam the universe your adventure is set in.
In Starfield, you can roam not just one map, but explore over 1,000 planets and moons by landing your fully customizable spaceship on them. Granted, most of these explorable celestial bodies are barren and devoid of any meaningful player interaction except for gathering resources, but it’s a pretty impressive feature nonetheless.
If you value being free out in a vast, open world and actually enjoy getting sidetracked by all sorts of weird monsters and random events while you complete quests for the main story, then give Starfield (a.k.a. Skyrim: Space Edition) a try.
12. The Elder Scrolls Online
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8.5/10 | Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | 2014 |
If you’ve had it with single-player games but still find Skyrim irresistible, then how about an MMO made by Bethesda that follows the same mythos, themes, story, and gameplay style as Skyrim? Enter The Elder Scrolls Online, which is the number one title to play if you want to experience an online, multiplayer version of Skyrim.
Even if you’re more into single-player games, I would still recommend TESO simply because it’s also one of the most single-player-friendly MMORPGs in the market. You can play through the story quests completely solo in this game, which is a treat considering how awesome most of the story chapters are, DLC content or otherwise.
It’s obvious that Oblivion, Skyrim, and all other Elder Scrolls titles contributed a lot to this game thematically, which makes it my number-one pick if you’re craving a lore-rich, fantasy-heavy game like Skyrim that you can also enjoy with other players.
Grab your copy of The Elder Scrolls Online >
FAQs
Which game is most similar to Skyrim?
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is the most similar game to Skyrim in terms of overall gameplay and lore. However, outside Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls titles, Dragon’s Dogma 2 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt both stand out as the best Skyrim alternatives.
Is Oblivion bigger than Skyrim?
Oblivion is bigger than Skyrim in terms of map size, allowing players to explore a 51 sq. km map compared to Skyrim’s 37 sq. km, with all DLC maps also accounted for in both games.
Is the Elden Ring inspired by Skyrim?
None of the creative minds behind Elden Ring has explicitly stated that it was inspired by Skyrim. Despite this, Elden Ring does share several qualities that made Skyrim so iconic, such as fantastic map designs, a memorable cast of NPCs, and outstanding character customization.
Is The Witcher 3 bigger than Skyrim?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is around 350% bigger than Skyrim. Witcher 3’s map is measured at approximately 136 sq. km, while Skyrim’s is at 37 sq. km.
