There's something undeniably special about that first moment you step into Skyrim’s vast, icy wilderness. The feeling of freedom as you escape your execution in Helgen and venture into the unknown is unmatched—an open world with no boundaries, where every mountain peak, ancient ruin, and winding forest path feels like a personal discovery. It’s this limitless sense of adventure that has kept players coming back for over a decade.
But after countless hours exploring every corner of Tamriel across multiple versions of Skyrim, even the most dedicated fans may find themselves craving something new. Until *The Elder Scrolls 6* finally arrives, here are some of the best games that offer a similar sense of exploration, immersion, and epic fantasy adventure to keep you engaged and entertained.
1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2006
Before Skyrim took the RPG world by storm, there was Oblivion, its legendary predecessor. Set in the province of Cyrodiil, this entry in the Elder Scrolls series offers a richly detailed world filled with political intrigue, demonic invasions, and an emperor’s mysterious death.
As a prisoner who becomes entangled in a cosmic battle against hellish Daedric forces, you’ll travel across a massive open world, completing quests, joining factions, and shaping your character through a deep skill-based system. Like Skyrim, Oblivion gives you total freedom to play how you want—whether as a warrior, mage, thief, or any combination.
Available on PC and playable via backward compatibility on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 3, 2017
A masterpiece of open-world design, Breath of the Wild redefines what it means to explore freely. As Link, you’re dropped onto the Great Plateau with little direction but full freedom—you can climb, glide, cook, and experiment with physics-based puzzles from the very start.
With no hand-holding, you're free to tackle challenges creatively, uncover hidden shrines, scale mountains, and even challenge the final boss early if you dare. Its beautiful art style, immersive world, and emphasis on player-driven exploration make it one of the closest experiences to Skyrim’s spirit.
Exclusive to Nintendo Switch. A sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, continues the trend.
3. Dragon's Dogma 2

Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 22, 2024
Capcom’s ambitious follow-up expands on everything that made the original Dragon's Dogma unique. Set across two vast regions—Vermund and Battahl—you play as the Arisen, a hero whose heart has been stolen by a dragon. Your journey to reclaim it leads you through a dangerous world teeming with mythical beasts and hidden secrets.
What makes Dragon's Dogma 2 stand out is its focus on exploration, dynamic combat, and a robust pawn system that lets you recruit AI companions created by other players. With deep class customization and a sprawling world begging to be explored, it’s a perfect choice for fans of Skyrim’s epic scale and freedom.
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
Few RPGs match the narrative depth and emotional weight of The Witcher 3. Playing as Geralt of Rivia, you'll traverse a hauntingly beautiful world shaped by war, magic, and moral ambiguity. From hunting monsters to navigating political conspiracies, every quest tells a story worth remembering.
Freedom reigns supreme—you can chase down contracts, romance companions, or dive headfirst into the main plot. With massive expansions like Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, this game offers hundreds of hours of content.
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Developer: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018
For those seeking realism, Kingdom Come: Deliverance delivers a grounded medieval experience unlike any other. Set during the Hussite Wars in 15th-century Bohemia, the game follows Henry, a blacksmith's son turned reluctant hero after his family is killed in an invasion.
This isn’t a typical fantasy RPG—it emphasizes survival mechanics, realistic combat, and historical accuracy. Every action matters, and the world reacts accordingly. If you’re looking for a deeply immersive experience that challenges you to think and adapt, this is the game for you.
Sequel Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (February 2025) builds on everything great about the original.
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.
6. Elden Ring

Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco | Release Date: February 25, 2022
From the minds behind Dark Souls comes Elden Ring, a breathtaking blend of punishing difficulty and rewarding exploration. As a Tarnished, you return to the Lands Between to seek the power of the Elden Ring and become the next ruler.
Unlike many linear Soulsborne titles, Elden Ring opens up vast landscapes filled with hidden dungeons, secret bosses, and optional paths. Exploration is key, and every detour feels meaningful. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and upcoming Nightreign, there’s more to discover than ever.
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
7. Fallout 4

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: November 10, 2015
While not a fantasy game, Fallout 4 shares Skyrim’s DNA in terms of open-world structure, player freedom, and deep customization. Set in post-apocalyptic Boston, you play as the Sole Survivor searching for your kidnapped child while rebuilding settlements and surviving a world gone mad.
Like Skyrim, you’re free to craft your own story—join factions, build weapons, and shape the wasteland however you see fit. It’s a post-nuclear playground packed with lore, side quests, and endless opportunities for experimentation.
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Developer: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014
An epic fantasy RPG with strong storytelling and party-based gameplay, Dragon Age: Inquisition puts you at the center of a divine crisis threatening all of Thedas. You lead the Inquisition, gather allies, and choose how to save—or destroy—the world.
With over 80 hours of gameplay, branching dialogue choices, and impactful decisions, this game captures the essence of role-playing in a way few others do. If you loved building your character and shaping a world in Skyrim, this is a must-play.
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
9. Baldur's Gate 3

Developer: Larian Studios | Publisher: Larian Studios | Release Date: July 29, 2023
Though different in gameplay style, Baldur’s Gate 3 shares Skyrim’s core appeal: freedom of choice. Based on D&D mechanics, it allows you to create your own character, join a party, and approach every situation through strategy, dialogue, or brute force.
Every decision affects the story, and quests are designed to respond dynamically to your actions. With deep customization and a non-linear world, it’s ideal for players who enjoyed crafting their own path in Skyrim.
Available on PlayStation, Xbox,