14 Best Games Like Skyrim for Die-Hard Fantasy RPG Fans

So I put together this list for you. It goes way beyond Bethesda’s own catalogue, and every pick captures a piece of what made Skyrim special, whether that’s the open world, the lore, or just the freedom to do whatever you want.

Top Picks: Games Like Skyrim

Skyrim is a hard title to measure up to, but if I were to choose three games like Skyrim that came the closest in giving me that same immersive and fantastical vibe as this Elder Scrolls game, these would be my top picks:

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

ACTION RPG

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.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

ACTION RPG

A more action and combat-focused open-world fantasy RPG that shares the same “dragon, blades, and magic” theme that Skyrim has.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

RPG

The iconic prequel to Skyrim, updated with modern visuals and a streamlined leveling system, offering the most similar gameplay experience.

That’s my shortlist, but the best part of hunting for games similar to Skyrim is how deep the rabbit hole goes. Stick around – I’ve got eleven more Skyrim -like games below that are well worth your time.

14 Best Games Like Skyrim for Fantasy RPG Addicts

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 like Skyrim 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 like Skyrim, making it easy to get any Skyrim fan hooked!

Now, let’s scratch that Skyrim itch of yours, shall we?

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Best Story-Driven Open-World RPG

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Creator(s)

CD Projekt RED / CD Projekt Genre Open-world Action RPG, Fantasy Average Playtime 103 hours 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 the gold standard among Skyrim -like games for anyone who wants a richer story alongside their open-world adventure.

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. It stands as a pinnacle among games like Skyrim on PS5. This title is frequently cited in lists of Skyrim -like games for its sheer scale.

Although there are other games like The Witcher 3 I’d say this is an impressive title that you should play at least once, as it’s simply one of the top RPGs ever released that are considered games like Skyrim.

My Verdict:

The Witcher 3 is an essential narrative-heavy RPG masterpiece that rivals Skyrim with its huge, explorable world and deeply engrossing side missions. It offers outstanding replay value due to its branching storylines and solid visuals that still hold up today.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Best for Action-Focused Combat

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Creator(s)

Capcom
Genre
Open-World Action RPG
Average Playtime
40-50 hours
If you ask me,

Dragon’s Dogma 2

is
the closest thing to a non-Bethesda game like
Skyrim
out there

. Both revolve around dragons and the chaos they unleash on the world, and the character creation, customization, and free-roaming exploration will feel instantly familiar if you’ve spent any time in Tamriel.

You build a character from a handful of human and demihuman races, kit them out with weapons and armor, then loose them on a huge open world full of monsters to cut down. That sense of scale is exactly what players of games like Elder Scrolls are after, which lands it comfortably among the best Skyrim -like games you can play today.

It’s also one of the freshest games like Skyrim on PS5 right now. And yeah, there’s a big, bad dragon waiting for you at the end. Sound familiar? If it isn’t obvious by now, this is one of the best open-world games like Skyrim any Elder Scrolls fan could ask for, especially if you love dragons, magic, and a classic “Chosen One” story.

My Verdict:

This title is a thematic cousin to Skyrim, offering a high-fantasy world centered around dragons and a customizable “Chosen One” adventure. Its deep character creation and expansive world exploration make it a must-play for Elder Scrolls fans craving action.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Most Authentic Elder Scrolls Experience

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ PC, PS5, Xbox Series X Creator(s)

Bethesda and Virtuos Genre Fantasy Action RPG Average Playtime 40 hours The original Oblivion was an award-winning classic that paved the way for Skyrim’s success, and now it has been officially remastered for modern consoles. Released in 2025, this new version brings the iconic RPG experience – set after the assassination of the Emperor and the opening of the Oblivion gates – into today’s technology, including updated character locomotion and models. The remaster maintains the high bar set by other core games like Elder Scrolls.

While marketed as a remaster, Bethesda and Virtuos have completely redone many elements, including every piece of art, animation, and special effects using Unreal Engine 5. Game systems, such as the leveling mechanics, have been modified for smoother progression and balance, offering the best of both Oblivion and Skyrim.

As with all Elder Scrolls games, the remaster retains the core principle of near-complete freedom, allowing you to ignore the main quest to stop the Oblivion gates and instead join the Thieves Guild or simply explore the outer reaches of Cyrodiil. This modern update ensures the classic “Live another life, in another world” motto is experienced better than ever before.

My Verdict:

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

is the essential modern update to the game that directly inspired Skyrim, featuring updated graphics and improved leveling systems. It successfully blends the iconic freedom of the original with quality-of-life changes expected of a modern high-fantasy RPG.

Elden Ring

Best Open-World Soulslike RPG

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Creator(s)

FromSoftware / Bandai Namco Entertainment Genre Open-World Soulslike Action RPG Average Playtime 100 hours If you’ve been craving a tougher open-world fantasy RPG with a much bigger roster of mobs and bosses to take down,

Elden Ring

is it. Fair warning though: this is a soulslike, so “getting good” isn’t optional. It’s easily one of the most punishing games like Skyrim out there, and that challenge is the whole point.

What makes it click for Skyrim fans is the familiar stuff.

Elden Ring

has gorgeous medieval fantasy visuals and a customization system deep enough to support wildly different playstyles.

And the dragons? Still absolute menaces in need of a good stomping, so your Dragonborn instincts will feel right at home among these Skyrim -like games.

The big difference is the combat, which runs far deeper and hits a lot harder. Honestly, Skyrim and

Elden Ring

are so alike outside of difficulty that I’d happily slot Skyrim onto a list of games like

Elden Ring

too. If you want games similar to Skyrim that really push your skills, this is one of the few that stands shoulder to shoulder with the best games like Elder Scrolls.

My Verdict:

Elden Ring

delivers a more punishing, soulslike take on the open-world fantasy genre with breathtaking medieval visuals and massive boss encounters. Despite its difficulty, it shares Skyrim’s deep character customization and sense of grand exploration.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Best for Narrative Choice & Story

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, macOS

Creator(s)

Larian Studios Genre CRPG, High-Fantasy Average Playtime 72 hours Skyrim has fantastic lore and a storyline I still think about, but honestly?

Baldur’s Gate 3

might have it beat on pure storytelling, and it clears most other top-tier RPGs too. It’s a DnD-based world, so it’s pulling from decades of rich mythos and lorebooks, and you feel that depth in every conversation.

If lore is the main thing keeping you hooked on games similar to Skyrim, this one’s a goldmine.

It’s not just the writing, either. You get gorgeous visuals, phenomenal voice acting, genuinely fun RPG mechanics, and a turn-based combat system that makes casting magic way more satisfying than the usual first or third-person hack-and-slash.

As far as games like
Skyrim
go,

Baldur’s Gate 3

is a slower burn, but it’s easily one of the best CRPGs ever made. If it clicks with you, there are plenty more
games like

Baldur’s Gate 3

worth diving into next, especially if you came here as an
Elder Scrolls

fan.

My Verdict:

Baldur’s Gate 3

offers unparalleled, DnD-based storytelling and narrative depth for high-fantasy fans. While not fast-paced, its strategic turn-based combat and fun RPG mechanics make it an interactive and stimulating adventure.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Best for Historical Realism

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Creator(s)

Warhorse Studios Genre Realistic Medieval RPG Average Playtime 60 hours Tired of the usual fantasy RPGs? Well then, I definitely recommend picking up

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

by Warhorse Studios, as it offers that same old-school medieval charm that games like Skyrim have without all sorts of fantasy-related shenanigans.

Simply put,

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

is a perfect sequel that takes the prequel’s commitment to a more grounded, historically accurate role-playing experience and makes it even better. The level of realism is high, with a combat system that is challenging and rewarding, demanding skill and training to succeed as a knight.

It’s hard not to be impressed by the improvements Warhorse Studios made. Despite the series’ humble origins as a Kickstarter project, the game now boasts stunning graphics and a more detailed open world, cementing its place as one of the best medieval games out there. It features an engaging and historically accurate narrative and classic RPG mechanics. Nuff said. This is one of the most realistic games like Skyrim.

My Verdict:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

offers a historically accurate, grounded medieval RPG experience that captures the charm of Skyrim without relying on fantasy elements. The game boasts impressive realism, a challenging combat system, and a deeply engaging narrative.s a highly anticipated sequel that promises an enhanced combat system and a larger, more detailed open world? Nuff said.

Avowed

Best First-Person Fantasy ARPG

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 Creator(s)

Obsidian Entertainment
Genre
First-person fantasy ARPG
Average Playtime
22 hours

Avowed

hit
PS5
on February 17, 2026, a year after its
Xbox Series X/S
and
PC
debut, making it one of the freshest games like
Skyrim
on
PS5

right now. This Obsidian first-person RPG drops you into the Living Lands of Eora as an envoy of the Aedyr Empire, hunting down a creeping plague called the Dreamscourge.

Combat is what won me over. You get two hands and near-total freedom over what fills them, so I ran a sword-and-wand build one playthrough and went full mage the next. The recent Anniversary Update piled on New Game Plus, a photo mode, three new races, and a quarterstaff weapon type, and the DualSense triggers give every swing real weight.

It’s no sprawling open world like Skyrim, though.

Avowed

is tighter and far more focused on your choices and the factions you annoy. That makes it one of the best games similar to Skyrim for anyone who values reactive storytelling, and one of the smartest Skyrim -like games in years.

My Verdict:

Avowed

trades Skyrim ‘s endless map for a sharper, choice-heavy adventure where your decisions actually stick. If you want a fresh fantasy RPG on PS5 that rewards how you play over how far you roam, this one’s a must.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Best for Open-World Exploration

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Nintendo Switch, Wii U Creator(s)

Nintendo EPD / Nintendo Genre Open-World Action-Adventure Average Playtime 80 hours Next up is a genuine console banger:

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

. If you’re a Skyrim fan hunting for games like Skyrim, this one and its sequel Tears of the Kingdom belong near the top of your list. The short version?

It has everything you want from an open-world fantasy adventure, and then some.

I’ll admit I’m a long-time Nintendo fan, but I’m a picky one, and both Zelda titles still floored me. They’re not RPGs in the strict sense, but they scratch the exact same itch Skyrim does: climb that mountain, chase that ruin on the horizon, get gloriously sidetracked for three hours. That’s why so many players file them under games similar to Skyrim.

I usually steer clear of console exclusives on principle, but Breath of the Wild and the Switch Zelda games that followed are good enough to break my own rule. That’s about the highest praise I can give.

My Verdict:

Breath of the Wild is the rare console exclusive worth buying the hardware for, offering the same open-world freedom and sense of wonder that makes Skyrim so addictive. If you love wandering, experimenting, and discovering, it’s one of the best games like Skyrim you can play.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

Best for Dark Fantasy Survival RPG

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S 2023 (Early Access)

Creator(s)

Questline / Awaken Realms Genre Dark Fantasy Survival RPG, Open-World Average Playtime 50+ hours

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

is one of the darkest games like Skyrim you can play. Set in a cursed, re-imagined Arthurian world where the island of Avalon is being eaten alive by a corrupting force called the Wyrdness, it swaps Skyrim ‘s bright heroics for survival mechanics like hunger, thirst, and sanity. You’ll explore a sprawling, non-linear world and think hard about every fight, since the environment is out to kill you.

What sets it apart is its relentless dark fantasy atmosphere. Corrupted knights, scarce hope, and a constant sense of dread make every small discovery feel like a real win. If you want a grittier, more punishing, story-rich alternative to the usual games like Skyrim, this one delivers it in spades.

My Verdict:

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

is a grim, challenging survival RPG set in a rich Arthurian world. It is a compelling dark fantasy alternative for Skyrim fans who desire deeper lore and a more punishing, atmospheric open-world experience.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Best for Arcade-Style Combat

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2020 (Remaster)

Creator(s)

KAIKO / THQ Nordic Genre Action RPG, Fantasy Average Playtime 40 hours

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as the other games like Skyrim on this list, and that’s a genuine shame. This is a cult classic with an outstanding story, deep lore, a cast of characters you’ll actually remember, and a fast, punchy arcade-style combat system that feels great to mess around with.

If you usually skip older RPGs because the graphics haven’t aged well, don’t write this one off.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

is a remaster of the 2012 original, so it’s been cleaned up for modern tastes. Honestly, if you love sinking hours into content-rich worlds, it’s one of the more rewarding Skyrim -like games you’ve probably never played.

My Verdict:

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

is an underrated cult classic action-RPG with extensive lore, a compelling story, and combat that’s pure fun. The remaster’s enhanced visuals make it one of the easiest games similar to Skyrim to recommend to anyone craving a packed, lore-rich adventure.

The Elder Scrolls Online

Best MMORPG Experience

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ PC, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S Creator(s)

ZeniMax Online Studios / Bethesda Softworks Genre MMORPG, High-Fantasy Average Playtime 80+ hours If you still love Skyrim but want company this time, Bethesda already made the answer.

The Elder Scrolls Online

is about as close as you’ll get to an online Skyrim, and it sits comfortably among the best games like Skyrim for anyone who wants other players in their Tamriel.

What sells me on it is how well it treats solo players.

TESO is one of the friendliest MMORPGs around for going it alone, which is rare for games similar to Skyrim in this space. You can play every story quest by yourself, and the writing across the chapters and DLC genuinely holds up.

The Elder Scrolls DNA is all over it, from Oblivion to Skyrim and beyond. That’s why it’s my number-one pick when you want a lore-rich, fantasy-heavy game like Skyrim that you can share with friends.

My Verdict:

The Elder Scrolls Online

is the definitive multiplayer version of Skyrim, opening up the vast Elder Scrolls mythos to play with others. It’s also one of the most single-player-friendly MMORPGs available, so you can finish the entire story on your own.

Choosing the Best Game Like Skyrim for Your Playstyle

To help you choose your next epic adventure, we’ve broken down the best Skyrim -like games in this list based on what made Skyrim so enjoyable.

Open-World RPGs Like Skyrim for Pure Exploration

When looking for games like Skyrim, the best alternatives are those with massive, richly detailed worlds. For players who prioritize boundless adventure, the best alternatives are those with massive, richly detailed worlds. Consider games like

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

for its masterfully written, explorable areas,

Elden Ring

for its unmatched sense of scale and hidden discoveries, and

Starfield

for its uninhibited freedom across over 1,000 planets. These open-world RPGs are defined by the thrill of discovering what lies just over the next horizon.

Games Like Skyrim for Deep RPG Systems and Builds

If you’d rather fine-tune your character build and master complex mechanics, zero in on games like Skyrim with seriously deep RPG systems.

Elden Ring

offers vast customization for combat playstyles and builds, while

Baldur’s Gate 3

leverages complex DnD mechanics for unparalleled strategic choice. Additionally,

Dragon’s Dogma 2

features deep character customization and the Pawn system for unique party dynamics. These are the games similar to Skyrim that hand you a massive amount of freedom in how you approach combat and challenges.

Games Like Skyrim With a Grounded, Realistic Edge

For a break from high-fantasy tropes, look for games similar to Skyrim that root their worlds in realism or a grittier atmosphere.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

offers a historically accurate medieval experience without magic, focusing on challenging, realistic combat.

Fallout 4

provides a grounded post-apocalyptic setting with settlement building, and

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

immerses you in a dark, survival-focused Arthurian world that emphasizes managing hunger and sanity. These games like Skyrim swap grand heroics for a more immediate, punishing sense of reality.

Upcoming Games Like Skyrim Worth Waiting For

The future of open-world RPGs looks seriously promising, with a wave of upcoming games like Skyrim following in Bethesda’s footsteps by promising vast worlds, deep choices, and stories you’ll actually remember. While you wait for fresh details on these high-fantasy successors, here are the most anticipated Skyrim -like games aiming to set the next golden standard for the genre.

The Elder Scrolls VI This is the big one. As the direct successor to Skyrim, the game that basically defined the modern open-world RPG, it’s the title everyone hunting for games like Skyrim is really holding out for. Fans are eager to see how Bethesda evolves the franchise’s signature freedom and lore, though there’s still no confirmed release window.

The Blood of Dawnwalker
This dark fantasy RPG from new studio Rebel Wolves is generating buzz due to its development team, which includes veterans from
The Witcher
and
Cyberpunk 2077

. It’s promoted as a “Narrative Sandbox” where player choices have significant ripple effects, placing you as Coen, a “Dawnwalker” grappling with vampire powers during the 14th Century Black Death. For anyone after games similar to Skyrim with heavy player agency, it’s well worth watching, and it’s due for release in 2026.

Fable (reboot)

This highly anticipated revival promises a return to the fantasy land of Albion, retaining the series’ signature British humor, the ability to buy property, marry, and “kick chickens”. Developed by Playground Games, the reboot aims for a more realistic look while holding onto a true open-world feel, making it one of the more charming games like Skyrim on the horizon. It’s set for release in February 2027.

My Overall Verdict

After diving into this list of incredible games, it’s clear that finding your next fantasy RPG adventure among games like Skyrim comes down to prioritizing what you loved most about Skyrim. Whether you crave deep narrative choices, punishing combat, or just pure open-world exploration, there is a perfect alternative waiting for you, including many excellent games like Skyrim on PS5.

Best for Story-Driven Open-World RPG → The Witcher III: Wild Hunt Best for Narrative Choice & Story →

Baldur’s Gate 3

Best for Most Authentic Elder Scrolls Experience →

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Best for Open-World Soulslike RPG →

Elden Ring

Best for Historical Realism →

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Ultimately, the longevity of Skyrim proves that the hunger for vast, immersive fantasy worlds will never fade. Hopefully, this guide has given you a clear path to starting your next epic journey.

FAQs Which game is most similar to Skyrim?

Our top pick among games like Skyrim is

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

, which matches its huge open world and rich lore.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

is the closest on combat and dragons, while

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

gives the most authentic Elder Scrolls feel.

Is Oblivion bigger than Skyrim?

Yes.

Oblivion ‘s Cyrodiil is roughly 41 sq. km versus Skyrim ‘s 37 sq. km, and with the Shivering Isles DLC it climbs to about 51 sq. km. Both feel similar in play thanks to Skyrim ‘s heavy verticality.

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, which is a feature shared across many great games like Skyrim.

Is The Witcher 3 bigger than Skyrim?

Yes,

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

is roughly 3.5 times the size of Skyrim.

Witcher 3 ‘s map measures approximately 136 sq. km, while Skyrim ‘s sits at around 37 sq. km.