Few games have left an indelible mark on the open-world RPG landscape quite like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Its vast, snowy peaks, deep lore, flexible character progression, and sheer sense of freedom created a template that countless developers have aimed for since its 2011 release.
If you’ve scoured every inch of Tamriel and crave that same potent mix of exploration, adventure, and role-playing freedom, you’re asking the essential question: “What games are like Skyrim?” Fear not, Dragonborn, for there exists a pantheon of worthy successors ready to swallow your hours. Here are the best games like Skyrim to dive into next.
The Skyrim Appeal: What Makes These Games Tick
Finding truly satisfying games like Skyrim means understanding its core pillars:
- Massive, Seamless Open Worlds: Environments begging to be explored, filled with hidden dungeons, dynamic encounters, and breathtaking vistas.
- Deep Role-Playing Systems: Character customization, skill trees that evolve through use, and meaningful choices impacting the world or narrative.
- Freedom of Approach: Tackling quests, combat, and exploration in multiple ways – stealth, magic, brute force, or dialogue.
- Rich Lore & Atmosphere: Worlds that feel lived-in, steeped in history and mystery, encouraging immersion.
- First-Person Perspective (Often): While not universal, Skyrim’s immersive first-person view is a hallmark many seek to replicate.
The best games like Skyrim successfully capture several, if not all, of these elements, offering their unique twists and settings.
Top Contenders: Your Next Epic Adventure Awaits
Based on these criteria, here are the best games like Skyrim currently available:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Switch)
- Why it’s similar: Boasts arguably the most detailed and atmospheric open world in gaming, filled with meaningful side quests that rival the main story. Deep lore, impactful choices, and a mature narrative.
- Key Difference: You play as a defined character (Geralt), not a blank-slate avatar. Combat is more action-oriented and skill-based.
- Download/Info: Available on all major platforms. Often on sale with all DLC (essential). A true masterpiece of storytelling and world-building.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
- Why it’s similar: Offers an incredibly immersive, historically accurate (medieval Bohemia) open world focused on realism. Deep RPG systems where skills improve through practice. Freedom in quest solutions.
- Key Difference: Extreme focus on realism (combat is challenging, no magic, survival elements). A true “zero to hero” progression starting as a blacksmith’s son.
- Download/Info: Available on PC and last-gen consoles. Requires patience but delivers unparalleled immersion for history buffs.
- Elden Ring (PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S)
- Why it’s similar: Features a vast, stunningly beautiful, and utterly mysterious open world (The Lands Between) ripe for non-linear exploration. Minimal hand-holding, rewarding discovery. Deep character builds and combat.
- Key Difference: Significantly higher difficulty curve, opaque storytelling, and less emphasis on traditional quests/NPC interaction. More action-RPG focused.
- Download/Info: Multi-platform. A landmark title redefining open-world design with its sense of wonder and challenge.
- Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
- Why it’s similar: Offers a large, adventurous open world filled with dangerous creatures and dungeons. Exceptional, visceral combat with climbing large monsters. Flexible class (vocation) system allowing for significant build diversity.
- Key Difference: More combat-centric than lore-heavy. Unique “Pawn” companion system where you create a main helper and borrow others online.
- Download/Info: Available widely. Known for its dynamic combat and memorable end-game content.
- Fallout 4 / Fallout: New Vegas (PC, PS4/Xbox One – F4; PC, PS3/360 – FNV)
- Why they’re similar: Made by Bethesda Game Studios (Skyrim’s devs), sharing the same engine and core DNA: vast open worlds (post-apocalyptic Boston/Mojave Desert), deep RPG mechanics, extensive crafting/settlement building (F4), freedom of choice, and exploration focus.
- Key Difference: Sci-fi/post-apocalyptic setting instead of fantasy. Gunplay-focused combat with VATS system. Stronger emphasis on player-driven narratives and factions (especially New Vegas).
- Download/Info: Fallout 4 on modern platforms; New Vegas on PC/older consoles (highly recommended with mods on PC). The closest structurally to Skyrim, just reskinned.
- The Elder Scrolls Online (PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S)
- Why it’s similar: Explores the entire continent of Tamriel, offering massive zones packed with quests, lore, dungeons, and familiar locations/races. Deep crafting and character progression systems.
- Key Difference: It’s an MMORPG. Designed for multiplayer, though much content is solo-friendly. Combat and quest structure follow MMO conventions more than single-player TES games.
- Download/Info: Free base game to start (Buy-to-Play with optional subscription/expansions). The ultimate Tamriel tourism sim for lore hounds.
- Enderal: Forgotten Stories (PC – Skyrim Total Conversion Mod)
- Why it’s similar: Built entirely within Skyrim’s engine (requires owning Skyrim), but offers a completely new, self-contained world (Enderal) with its lore, continents, story, skill systems, and overhauled mechanics. Feels like a brand-new, professional-quality RPG.
- Key Difference: It’s free (but requires Skyrim). Features a darker, more complex narrative and challenging gameplay balance. A testament to modding passion.
- Download/Info: Downloadable for free via Steam Workshop or Nexus Mods (requires original Skyrim). A must-play for Skyrim veterans seeking something completely fresh yet familiar.
Finding and Starting Your Journey
Downloading these games like Skyrim is straightforward:
- Digital Storefronts: Steam (PC), Epic Games Store (PC), GOG (PC – DRM-free), PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store/Xbox Marketplace, Nintendo eShop (where applicable).
- Retail: Physical copies often available for consoles at major retailers.
- Considerations: Check platform compatibility (PC specs, console generation), pricing (sales are frequent!), and whether DLC/expansions are included or recommended. Reading recent player reviews can also help gauge current performance and enjoyment.
Beyond the Horizon
While not all open-world RPGs capture the exact magic formula, exploring these games like Skyrim offers diverse and enriching experiences. Whether you crave the narrative depth of The Witcher 3, the brutal realism of Kingdom Come, the awe-inspiring mystery of Elden Ring, or the familiar-yet-fresh world of Enderal, there’s a vast realm waiting to capture your imagination.
So, when you next wonder, “What games are like Skyrim?” know that the adventure doesn’t end in Tamriel – countless other worlds stand ready for you to forge your legend. The hunt for the next great open-world saga continues!
