15 Games Like Skyrim That Deserve a Spot on Your Playlist

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Since its release in 2011, Skyrim has set the standard for open-world role-playing games, and it remains incredibly enjoyable today. The game offers amazing freedom – you can explore a huge fantasy world, create any character you imagine, and constantly discover new quests. It’s a truly unique experience. However, even after playing for hundreds of hours, even the most devoted players eventually crave something fresh.

Okay, so if you were like me and totally lost yourself in Skyrim – wandering around, getting sucked into all the history, loving the way it felt to actually be the character fighting, and spending hours perfecting your build – then trust me, these games give you that same awesome feeling, just in different ways. They really hit those same sweet spots!

Here are the best games like Skyrim you can play right now.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Many players move on to The Witcher 3 after finishing Skyrim, and for good reason. It features a huge open world, incredibly well-made side quests – some of the best ever – and a story that’s far more detailed than most RPGs. Unlike Skyrim, where you create your own character, The Witcher 3 puts you in the role of Geralt of Rivia, but this allows for a more focused and impactful story where your choices truly matter. If you enjoyed discovering unexpected stories while exploring Skyrim, The Witcher 3 offers a similar experience, but with even more emotional resonance. It’s easily one of the best games out there for players who love exploring a rich narrative world.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Remastered)

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

For Elder Scrolls fans, especially those who loved Skyrim, Oblivion Remastered is the natural next step. It retains everything that made the original Oblivion so good – the engaging guild quests, the freedom to create any character you want, and the vast world of Cyrodiil – while looking beautifully updated. Many still consider the questlines for the Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild to be the best faction content Bethesda has ever created; the Dark Brotherhood storyline in Oblivion, in particular, is a storytelling masterpiece that even Skyrim couldn’t quite replicate. If you’re looking for more of the Elder Scrolls experience, or specifically a game similar to Oblivion, this is the perfect place to start – it is Oblivion, just with improved graphics.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Mac

Baldur’s Gate 3 takes the idea of player freedom – doing things your own way – and goes even further than games like Skyrim. Based on the rules of Dungeons & Dragons, almost any situation can be solved through fighting, sneaking, talking, or using the environment in clever ways. While the game world isn’t as large as Skyrim’s, it’s packed with things that react to your choices. Skyrim offers a wide-open experience, but Baldur’s Gate 3 focuses on a much deeper, more detailed one. This incredible level of freedom is a key reason why it’s often compared to and considered one of the best games like Skyrim.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Dragon’s Dogma 2 combines the expansive fantasy world of Skyrim with much more thrilling, action-packed battles. Imagine riding a griffin in the air or battling a cyclops with fireballs while your AI teammates strategically fight alongside you – it’s a level of excitement Skyrim’s combat doesn’t offer. The game also features a cool system where you create AI companions and share them with other players online. If you ever found yourself tired of the same old fights in Skyrim, you should definitely check this out.

Fallout 4

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Fallout 4 shares a lot with Skyrim, but trades swords for guns and a medieval setting for a world after a nuclear war. Like Skyrim, you’ll spend your time exploring a vast open world – you set off in one direction, stumble upon a place to explore, clear it out, and then find even more interesting things along the way. Fallout 4 adds a unique building element where you can create and customize settlements using salvaged materials, turning junk into structures like walls, defenses, and power generators. If you enjoyed the freedom of Skyrim and want a similar experience in a new setting, the world of Fallout 4, known as the Commonwealth, is definitely worth checking out.

Elden Ring

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Elden Ring combines the vast, open world of games like Skyrim with the famously difficult combat of FromSoftware titles. The game’s world, called the Lands Between, is huge, full of secrets, and incredibly satisfying to explore – you’ll discover things naturally, without being guided by quest markers. It’s definitely a challenging game, but overcoming a tough boss like the one in Stormveil Castle after a long struggle is incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy open-world games like Skyrim but want a much more intense experience, Elden Ring is a great place to start.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S 

If you enjoyed getting lost in the world of Skyrim but wanted a more realistic experience rooted in history, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a great option. Instead of fantasy elements like dragons and magic, this game plunges you into 15th-century Bohemia with gritty medieval realism, challenging sword fights, and a compelling story about a blacksmith’s son caught up in political turmoil. The game world feels incredibly alive, with people going about their daily lives and an economy that changes based on your choices. It’s easily one of the most immersive open-world games out there for fans of Skyrim.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

BioWare’s newest fantasy RPG offers a different experience than Skyrim, focusing more on story. In The Veilguard, you create your own character and lead a team of companions through a beautifully crafted world. The game truly stands out with its companions – each one has unique storylines, potential romances, and will react to the choices you make. If you enjoyed gathering followers in Skyrim but wanted them to feel more developed, The Veilguard delivers.

Hogwarts Legacy

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Hogwarts Legacy successfully blends the immersive exploration of games like Skyrim with the enchanting world of Harry Potter. The game features a vast open world around Hogwarts, brimming with secrets, hidden locations, and rewarding side quests. Combat feels smooth and powerful, and you can personalize your own space in the Room of Requirement. If you enjoyed Skyrim on PS5 and are looking for a similar experience with a more upbeat atmosphere and a familiar fantasy setting, Hogwarts Legacy is an excellent choice.

Starfield

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S

Starfield brings Bethesda’s classic open-world RPG style to the vastness of space. Unlike Skyrim, it doesn’t have one continuous world – instead, planets are divided into separate areas. However, the familiar gameplay of exploration, collecting items, character development, and completing quests for different groups is still very much present. The game also offers extra features like building spaceships and bases, and a New Game+ mode for added replayability. If you enjoy Bethesda’s RPG design and were hoping for a similar experience to Elder Scrolls but set in space, Starfield delivers.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch

Kingdoms of Amalur is a fantastic, but often overlooked, RPG. It offers the expansive open-world exploration of games like Skyrim, but with a faster, more action-oriented combat system. A unique feature lets you completely change your character’s skills and playstyle whenever you want, making it easy to try out different approaches. The game world, created with help from renowned fantasy and comic book artists, is vibrant and full of content – you can easily spend hundreds of hours exploring it. If you enjoy Skyrim and want more exciting combat without losing the depth of an RPG, this is a great choice.

Outward

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Outward takes the survival aspects briefly seen in Skyrim and builds an entire game around them. You’ll need to worry about basic needs like hunger, thirst, warmth, and sleep as you explore a challenging open world. Unlike many similar games, there’s no quick travel, and failure doesn’t simply restart the game—your actions have lasting consequences. Playing with a friend in split-screen co-op enhances the experience. If you’re looking for a more realistic and difficult adventure similar to Skyrim, Outward offers a satisfyingly tough challenge.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, iPad

Divinity: Original Sin 2 plays very differently than Skyrim. Instead of real-time action, it features strategic, turn-based battles where you can use the environment to your advantage – like shocking wet ground or igniting flammable surfaces. The game also includes a unique ‘Game Master’ mode, allowing one player to create and run a Dungeons & Dragons-style campaign for their friends. It’s a fantastic choice for players who enjoy the open-ended exploration of Skyrim but prefer a more tactical combat system.

Greedfall

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Unlike many role-playing games where joining factions doesn’t matter much, Greedfall makes your choices count. The five groups on the island of Teer Fradee are constantly at odds, and choosing to support one can close off opportunities with others. The game revolves around managing these relationships through conversation, combat, or stealth. While not as expansive as Skyrim’s world, Greedfall is much more tightly focused, with every quest tied to the island’s complex political landscape. If you enjoy games similar to Skyrim but want a deeper focus on faction politics, this one is worth a look.

Gothic II

Platforms: PC (with modern mods), Nintendo Switch (Classic port)

Gothic II is an older, but highly influential RPG that feels like a precursor to games like Skyrim. From the beginning, the game’s world is challenging and doesn’t hold your hand – you have to work for everything you achieve. The characters react to your decisions, your choices impact what you can access, and exploring the world is truly risky. While the combat and menus are a bit outdated, the world itself is incredibly well-designed and the feeling of accomplishment is strong. It’s fascinating to see how much of Skyrim’s open-world style originated in Gothic II, making it worth playing despite its age. It rightfully deserves to be considered one of the best RPGs on PC, even with its flaws.

Multiplayer Alternatives: ESO and Valheim

Looking for multiplayer games like Skyrim? Two options worth your time.

The Elder Scrolls Online essentially brings the world of Skyrim to a massive multiplayer online game. You can team up with friends to explore the vast land of Tamriel, brave challenging dungeons, participate in large-scale PvP battles, and enjoy engaging, fully-voiced quests in every region. If you’ve always wanted to play Skyrim with others, this is it – and there’s a huge amount of content to experience.

As a huge fan, I can tell you that Valheim is amazing! It throws you into a beautiful, randomly generated world inspired by Norse mythology, and you basically have to survive by building, crafting, and exploring. What really grabbed me, though, is how well it lets you play with your friends – building a massive Viking hall together, sailing the seas, and taking on epic bosses. It’s something the Skyrim modding community has always strived for, but Valheim nails it right out of the box. And be warned: it looks simple at first, but before you know it, you’ll be 80 hours in, still tweaking your base layout at ridiculous o’clock!

FAQ

What is the closest game to Skyrim?

If you enjoy the way Elder Scrolls games are made, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Remastered) is the most similar, as it was created by the same team with the same approach to game design. If you’re looking for something different from the Elder Scrolls series, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt provides a comparable experience when it comes to exploring a large open world and enjoying a rich, detailed story.

Are there any games like Skyrim on PS5?

There’s no shortage of great options. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Dragon’s Dogma 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and The Witcher 3 – all playable on PS5 – offer similar kinds of immersive experiences to Skyrim, each with its own unique style.

What should I play after Skyrim?

If you’re looking for more games like The Elder Scrolls and haven’t tried it, start with Oblivion Remastered. For a different experience with similar open-world freedom, Elden Ring offers a tough challenge, while Baldur’s Gate 3 lets you really shape your character and story. All three are incredibly immersive and will provide hours of gameplay.

Will there be a Skyrim 2?

Bethesda is currently working on The Elder Scrolls VI. Todd Howard revealed in February 2026 that most of the team is dedicated to the game and they’ve reached a significant point in development. However, there’s no confirmed release date yet, and Howard indicated it will still take a considerable amount of time before it’s ready.

Are there open-world games like Skyrim with multiplayer?

If you’re looking for a multiplayer RPG similar to this game, The Elder Scrolls Online is the closest match. Other good options with RPG elements include Valheim, Outward (which has split-screen co-op), and Divinity: Original Sin 2 (which lets you play the entire campaign with friends).

Find Your Next Adventure

Skyrim was incredibly influential in shaping modern open-world RPGs, but the games that followed have continued to improve the genre. These titles offer something fresh while still appealing to fans of Skyrim, with options for more refined combat, compelling stories, historically accurate settings, and even the ability to play with friends.

Choose something that interests you and start exploring! The most memorable experiences often happen unexpectedly, especially when you’re distracted from your original plans. And that’s exactly how it should be.

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2026-04-29 11:24